UPSC Prelims 2018 · GS Paper I
Question 17: Science and Technology
The identity platform ‘Aadhaar’ provides open “Application Programming Interfaces (APIs)”. What does it imply ?
- 1.It can be integrated into any electronic device.
- 2.Online authentication using iris is possible.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).
Open APIs mean that Aadhaar's authentication and e-KYC services can be plugged into any application or device by approved agencies, so statement 1 holds. Aadhaar authentication supports several modes, such as fingerprint, iris, one-time password and demographic matching, so online iris authentication is possible. Together these allow banks, telecom firms and government departments to verify identity digitally. Remember: open API means interoperable with third-party apps and devices.
- 1. Open APIs let Aadhaar services be built into any compatible device or app.
- 2. Iris authentication is one of the supported modes.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 1 is correct, (b) and (d) go: each of them leaves 1 out.
What you needed to know: Open APIs let Aadhaar services be built into any compatible device or app.
- Then, if you were sure statement 2 is correct, (a) goes: it leaves 2 out.
What you needed to know: Iris authentication is one of the supported modes.
Only (c) is left. This one needs every statement.
Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incomplete: iris authentication is also possible.
- (b) Incomplete: integration into devices is also implied.
- (c) Right: both statements hold.
- (d) Wrong: both statements are correct.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2018, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.