Secure Your Tele-Shopping Mobile IVR Credit Card Transactions Using 3D Secure OTP(One Time Password)

In an earlier post, I had mentioned about an RBI guideline about enforcing an additional password validation step for Credit-Card Transactions, done over Mobile/IVR Systems. This is now being called as IVR 3D Secure OTP (One Time Password). Here are the other relevant details regarding IVR 3D Secure OTP (One Time Password), which helps you secure your Mobile/IVR Transactions.

Q : What is OTP ?
Ans : An OTP (One Time Password) is a 6-digit numeric key to make your IVR/Mobile payments more secure.

Q : Is the OTP mandatory ??
Ans : Yes, RBI has made OTP mandatory for the successful completion of any credit-card transaction, done over Tele-Shopping/Mobile/IVR.

Q : How do I generate the OTP ??
Ans : You need to send a specific SMS to a bank’s designated number. Here are the numbers and message, that you need to be in SMS, for some of the popular banks.

• ICICI SMS ‘IOTP XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX’ to 5676766, where XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX is your 16 digit card number.
• HDFC SMS ‘PWD XXXX’ to 9717465555, where XXXX are the last 4 digits of your credit card.
• Citibank SMS ‘OTP XXXX’ to 52484 or 9880752484, where XXXX are the last 4 digits of your credit card.
• SBI SMS ‘OTP XXXX’ to 5676791, where XXXX are the last 4 digits of your credit card.
• AXIS Every time you initiate an IVR-based transaction, the bank will automatically send you a one time password.

Q : I had generated the OTP, but forgot my mobile at home, how do I get my OTP  ??
Ans : Apart from your mobile number, OTP is also sent to the registered email address. So if you can get hold of your email account, you can get your OTP.

Q : I forgot to generate an OTP, but I have to complete an urgent transaction,  I am half way through, how do I get my OTP and complete my transaction ??
Ans : You can immediately call up customer service to request for your IVR OTP and an OTP will be triggered to your registered mobile number and email ID, while the transaction is in process.

Q: Is there any validity period for the IVR 3D Secure OTP?
Ans : IVR 3D Secure OTP is valid only for a period of 2 hours from the time of its generation(Some banks are allowing 12 hours limit, check with your bank, how much they offer). If not used within this period, it would get expired and a new IVR 3D Secure OTP has to be generated.

Q : Can I use the same OTP for performing more than one transactions?
Ans : No, You can’t. Each OTP can be used only once.

Q : Will this affect my online password and transactions?
Ans : No, it won’t. This OTP is only for IVR or mobile based payments – the payments made through a call center. Online transactions will continue to function as they currently do.

Update : As lot of banks were not yet ready, Implementation of additional password for Tele-Shopping/ Mobile/IVR(Interactive Voice Response) Transactions has now been revised to 1st Feb 2011. So existing process will continue till 31st Jan 2011.

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Reserve Bank Of India Introduces New Guidelines For Tele-Shopping Mobile IVR Transactions

Reserve Bank Of India has introduced a new guideline for Tele-Shopping/ Mobile/IVR(Interactive Voice Response) Transactions, done using your credit card. As per this mandate, starting from 1st January 2011 onwards, all such transactions will require an additional password validation.

This  has been done in order to avoid credit-card abuses and frauds, due to stolen/misplaced credit cards and secure all such transactions, done over Mobile or an IVR System. In its present form, a credit-card transaction over an IVR System requires Credit Card Number, Card Expiry Date and CVV Number for successful completion.  So, if you lose your credit-card and it falls into wrong hands, they can easily use it to make any transactions over IVR System, as they have all the details relevant to your account, right on the credit-card itself  !!

After this guideline is in place, apart from the aforementioned three things(Credit Card Number, Card Expiry Date and CVV Number), two other things that are required for performing a secure IVR transaction is Mobile Number and an IVR 3D Secure OTP (One Time Password). Without this OTP(One Time Password), you cannot complete your transaction. So even if you lose your credit-card, you don’t need to worry as the person will not be able to generate the OTP for his fraudulent transaction !!

After doing the same in Securing Online Transactions done over internet, this move by RBI will definitely go a long way in Securing IVR/Mobile Transactions, thereby reducing credit-card misuses and fraud from stolen/misplaced credit-cards.

Update : As lot of banks were not yet ready, Implementation of additional password for Tele-Shopping/ Mobile/IVR(Interactive Voice Response) Transactions has now been revised to 1st Feb 2011. So existing process will continue till 31st Jan 2011.

Reserve Bank Of India Introduces New Guidelines For ATM Transactions

For cash-withdrawals, we generally get to see two types of ATM Machines around us. First type of ATMs allows just one transaction for every swipe. If you are to make multiple transactions, you have to insert your card and enter your PIN as many times. The other second type of ATMs requires just one swipe and an ATM PIN entry just once(and it swallows the card inside :-), irrespective of the number of transactions you are going to make in that session. At times, punching your ATM PIN multiple times can get annoying, so for obvious reasons, we prefer the 2nd type of ATMs, as its more convenient. But, this is soon going to change in the new year 2011.

Starting from 1st January 2011, RBI(Reserve Bank Of India) has introduced a new guidelines for all banks, offering ATM services to its customers. As per this new mandate, you will need to re-enter your ATM PIN for every additional ATM transaction in a single session. So even at these 2nd type of ATM Machines, you have to enter the correct ATM PIN for every transaction, that you are going to make in that session.

Do you think, this will help us in any way ?? Here is a hypothetical scenario, where this rule will save you from disaster. Say you are in a hurry. You just made a transaction and left the ATM, without realizing that your ATM Card is still retained inside the Machine. The next person, who is in the queue, will utilize this opportunity and can cause all sorts to damage to you, he can withdraw your hard-earned money. But with this new guideline in place, even if you forgot to collect your ATM card, you will be saved :-). Simply because, its expecting your correct PIN for every transaction !!

Difference Between Fixed Deposit(FD) And Recurring Deposit(RD)

When it comes to saving money in deposit-schemes, often people get confused as to what saving-instrument to choose ?? Should they go for Fixed Deposits (FD) or should they park their money in Recurring Deposits (RD) ?? This tutorial attempts to answer those questions and doubts, which people may be having in their mind with respect to these deposit-schemes.

FD(Fixed Deposit) is suitable for someone, who has some lump-some amount and want to invest it for a specific time interval. Interest rate depends upon the maturity period, longer the period greater the interest rate.  You can opt either for periodical returns, say monthly/quarterly/half yearly or annually, or simply opt to get the amount with accumulated interest at the end of the prescribed term. Premature  and partial withdrawal facilities are available, but not without some penalty, that you have to pay at the time of withdrawal. This penalty amount varies across banks, so you may want to check this out with individual banks, before opting for opening an FD(Fixed Deposit).  There will be a TDS (Tax Deductible at Source) applicable to your maturity amount, if the interest paid on your deposit exceeds Rs.10000/- per year.  This is fixed by government to be 10% of interest amount plus 3% Education Cess.

But if you don’t have a lump-sum amount, that you could possibly invest in one-shot, FD(Fixed Deposit) is a no-no. But if you have a regular income every month (say a salaried individual) and want to save a certain fixed amount for a specific time interval, then RD(Recurring Deposit) is a better option for you. But you need to be sure of the fact that you will be able to pay that fixed amount every month. One of the major drawbacks with Recurring Deposits is non-flexibility of the amount-of-deposit. Partial payment is not allowed nor you can pay more than the decided amount. Here again, interest rate depends upon the maturity period, longer the period greater the interest rate. FD(Fixed Deposit) generally gives more returns,when compared to RD(Recurring Deposit). Premature withdrawal is applicable but some penalty you have to pay. Partial withdrawal is not applicable.  As per Income Tax Rules,  there is no TDS (Tax Deductible at Source) applicable on RD(Recurring Deposits).

Both of them have their pros and cons and it solely depends on your requirements and your financial planning, to identify which one is better for you ?? After all its your money, is not it 😉

Book Tickets For Half Day One Day Bangalore City Sight Seeing Trip Organized By KSTDC

Here is how to go about booking ticket for Half Day/One Day Bangalore City Sight Seeing Trip Organized by KSTDC  (Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation)

• Go to KSTDC website and register yourself for an account.
• Login into the website,look for Package Tours -> City Tours -> New Bangalore Sight Seeing section. Click on booking, you will end up with a page similar to following one

• Click on “Book Now” link, this will take you to Login page, login with your username and password and click Submit.
• Next page will show up the the status of seats available in the bus, with an image describing the seating-arrangements.
• Put  the right choice of date ,trip type & seat (My recommendation would be to always prefer the left window side seat, even if it happens to be in the rows at the back)

• After selecting the seats, you will be taken to the payment page. You can pay using credit-cards/debit-cards or by internet banking.
• Once you are done with payment, your ticket is right in front of you. A copy of the same will also be sent out to your email address, registered at the time of creating your account.

If you looking for what all places are covered by these sight-seeing trips, please refer to my other blogs on Half Day and One Day Tour.

Food and Drug Administration(FDA) Issues Warning Against Buying Breast Milk Online

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an official warning against buying breast milk online via the internet or through individuals, saying that this may not be the safest of decisions for their baby’s health. Breast milk is available for sale on some online forums like OnlytheBreast.com and EatsonFeets.org. This milk is usually made available from lactating mothers, who make more breast milk than required for their nursing babies. These sites allow you to choose the age range for the babies, whose generous mothers have decided to sell their breast milk on the site.

International Board Certified Lactation Consultant Sam Doak lists out the order in which various modes of feeding rank

1. Mother’s milk is still the best option for the baby
2. Milk expressed by the mother
3. Human milk from another lactating mother
4. Last but not the least, formula feeds

However government agencies have warned,”The donor is unlikely to have been adequately screened for infectious diseases or contamination risk.” So next time, you go online and make a decision to buy breast milk for your baby, be doubly sure of the donor and if possible, get them screened, for any genetic or infectious  disease before accepting their milk !!

‘Tees Maar Khan’ Movie Review

Tees Maar Khan, one of the most anticipated movie of year 2010, has hit the box-office. The movie is a let down in terms of entertainment and comedy, but  the only good thing about this movie is Katrina Kaif’s “Sheila Ki Jawaani“. If you are interested in purchasing a ticket just for an item song featuring  seductress Katrina Kaif at her sexiest, then you should go, Otherwise it’s a full wastage of your money.

After watching Main Hoon Naa and Om Shanti Om, the last thing that we can expect from Farah Khan is a thought provoking movie. It’s a heist film, a typical Bollywood masala movie. The plot for the movie is very old and time-worn that I am sure you must have seen N number of times already. Some of us may even go to the extent of calling this a plotless flick !! What else we can expect from Farah ?? Through her unique style, she has tried changing the simple plot of movie to a full package, consisting of action, thriller, romance and wit. She succeeds in creating a magic during the first half, but fails miserably in doing so during the second half. In fact, the audience may feel disconnected in the latter half.

Even though this has been billed as a family-entertainer, too many fringe-characters, number of sub plots and overused one-liner likes ‘You Dirty Dog’  do anything but to entertain the audience. If the drama fails to touch you, the music (Vishal-Shekhar) doesn’t remain with you too long, either. Of course, Sheela Ki Jawani is an eye-popping item number and frankly speaking, that is only value for your time and money.

Here are some of other reviews for this movie across the media-space

TOI http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/hindi/Tees-Maar-Khan/moviereview/7149954.cms (2.5)

glamsham http://www.glamsham.com/movies/reviews/23-tees-maar-khan-movie-review-121006.asp (2.5)

Sify http://www.sify.com/movies/bollywood/review.php?id=14959578&ctid=5&cid=2425 (3)

Rediff http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/review-tees-maar-khan-is-a-letdown/20101224.htm (2)

IBNLive http://ibnlive.in.com/news/masand-tees-maar-khan-has-puerile-humour/138540-47-84.html (2)

DNA http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/review_review-even-sheila-can-t-make-tees-maar-khan-watchable_1485706 (2)

Half Day Bangalore City Sight Seeing Trip Organized By KSTDC

KSTDC(Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation) organizes a half-day Bangalore Sight-Seeing Trip every day, Monday to Sunday. This quick half-day sight seeing tour of Bangalore’s covers following important destinations: Tipu’s Palace, Bull Temple, Lalbagh, Vidhana Soudha (Outside view), Museum, Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple.

Its organized twice a day, once in the morning and other in the afternoon. So you can choose the slot, which are you are comfortable with.
Morning Slot
Departure time : 7.30 am
Arrival Time : 1.30 pm
Afternoon Slot
Departure time : 2 pm
Arrival Time : 7.30 pm

Fare: Rs.170/- (Non AC), Rs.190/- (Volvo AC)
(Children above the age of 5 years will be charged full fare. No seats will be given to children below 5 years.)

Detailed Itinerary

Bangalore Half-Day Sightseeing (Morning)

• 07.15 am Departure from Badami House, Bangalore
• 07.45 am – 08.15 am Visit Bull Temple (Basavangudi)
• 08.30 am – 09.00 am Visit Tippu’s Palace
• 09.15 am – 09.45 am Breakfast at Hotel Kamat
• 10.00 am – 10.45 am Visit Lalbagh Botanical Garden
• 10.45 am – 11.15 am Shopping near Lalbagh
• 11.30 am – 11.45 am Outside view of Vidhana Soudha
• 12.00 pm – 01.15 pm Visit Vishweshwaraiah Technological Museum
• 1.30 pm Tour ends at Badami House

Bangalore Half-Day Sightseeing (Afternoon)

• 02.00 pm Departure from Badami House, Bangalore
• 02.15 pm – 03.15 pm Visit Vishweshwaraiah Technological Museum
• 03.25 pm – 03.45 pm Outside view of Vidhana Soudha
• 04.15 pm – 04.45 pm Visit Tippu’s Palace
• 05.15 pm – 06.00 pm Visit Lalbagh Botanical Garden
• 06.00 pm – 06.30 pm Shopping near Lalbagh
• 06.45 pm – 07.00 pm Visit Bull Temple (Basavangudi)
• 07.15 pm – 07.30 pm Visit Gavigangadhareshwara Temple
• 08.00 pm Tour ends at Badami House, Bangalore

More information regarding this tour is available on KSTDC website www.karnatakaholidays.net

 

Review For One Day Bangalore City Sight Seeing Trip Organized By KSTDC

Before going on a One-Day Bangalore City Sight-Seeing Trip Organized by KSTDC , I didn’t now much about Bangalore’s tourist places. So I was very happy, when I get to know that such options do exist and I would be able to cover most of things, if not everything, in and around bangalore and that too in a single day.

Here is how to go about planning your one-day bangalore city sight-seeing trip

• Take a printout of your booked-ticket(a copy of which is already sent to your email address) and also carry a valid identity proof(Voter ID, Pan Card, Driving License, Passport, Any type of i-cards issued by school/college/company) during the trip.
• Go to Badami House for pick up (preferably by 7:00am. Trip starts by 7.15 am and you should plan to be there 15 minutes in advance) .
• Enquire about the timing and vehicle-number of the bus, you are going to board, from the enquiry counter .
• Do carry some snacks items along side a bottle of water. Since breakfast and lunch are not included in the trip, its better to make your own arrangements.
• Remember, all entrance fees, if applicable, at the tourist places, will have to be borne by travelers booked on this tour. So do carry some cash with you :-). You should try to take about five-hundred to one-thousand rupees per head.
• If you are a student, do carry your identity card. At some-places, you will be surprised to see a discount of 50-75% on entry-fees !!
• Last but not the least enjoy the trip 🙂

Here are the pros and cons for this one-day sight-seeing tour.
Pros

1. Save your time and money compared to other means of transport, say cars.
2. For safety purposes, very good, especially for foreign-nationals and people who are new to this city
3. You don’t have to worry about where to go 😉 You will go around the city, wherever the bus takes you !!

Cons

1. You will not be able to spend much time at tourist-places, even if want to, because there are too many places to be covered in a single-day.
2. Not all tourist places are included as part of this trip
3. Far too many temples (as many as 3 of them). You wish at least one of them should not have been there and in stead, you would have been taken to other good places like Vidhana Soudha, Vishveshwarya science and technology museum.

Overall, a very good value-for-money not-too-tiring-and-taxing-on-pockets trip. Do share with me your experiences, if you happen to go for this trip !!

One Day Bangalore City Sight Seeing Trip Organized By KSTDC

Every Wednesday to Sunday, KSTDC(Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation) organizes a full-day Bangalore Sight-Seeing trip. The tour covers following places : Rajarajeshwari Temple, Bannerghatta Biological Park, HAL Museum, Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, ISKCON Temple, Prasanna Anjaneya Temple, Musical Fountain & Kamataka Chitrakala Parishat. Its a VOLVO bus(A/C or non-A/C, you can choose), which will take you around the city. Here are other relevant details for the tour.

Departure time : 7.15 am
Arrival Time : 8.00 pm

Fare: Rs.290/- (Non AC), Rs.300/- (39 seat AC Coach), Rs.360/- (Volvo AC)
(Children above the age of 5 years will be charged full fare. No seats will be given to children below 5 years.)

Detailed Itinerary

• 07.15 am Departure from Badami House, Bangalore
• 07.45 am – 09.00 am Visit ISKCON Temple & Breakfast
• 09.15 am – 09.45 Visit Anjaneya Temple
• 10.15 am – 10.45 am Visit Rajarajeshwari Temple
• 11.45 am – 01.15 pm Visit Bannerghatta Safari
• 02.00 pm – 02.30 pm Lunch
• 03.15 pm – 03.45 pm Visit HAL Museum
• 04.30 pm – 05.30 pm Visit Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium
• 05.45 pm – 06.30 pm Visit the Chitrakala Parishad Art Gallery
• 06.45 pm – 07.45 pm Visit Musical fountain
• 08.15 pm Tour ends at Badami House

More information regarding this tour is available on KSTDC website www.karnatakaholidays.net