Aadhaar Quiz

Notes:
The Haryana government introduced Aadhaar-based biometric verification for crop procurement at mandis. Farmers or authorised representatives must verify identity via biometric scans before selling produce. Crop arrivals are cross-checked with the ‘Meri Fasal-Mera Byora’ portal (farmer registration database for land and crop details). The e-Kharid app (digital procurement platform) records vehicle number and captures load photographs before issuing gate passes. The system aims to prevent fraud (illegal sale of crops from other states under fake identities).

Notes:
The correct answer is [B] 2 and 4 only. This question pertains to the landmark Supreme Court judgement in the K.S. Puttaswamy vs Union of India (2018) case regarding the constitutional validity of Aadhaar.

• Statement 1 (Incorrect): The Supreme Court struck down the provision that allowed Aadhaar metadata to be stored for five years. However, it ruled that such data cannot be stored for more than six months, not three months.
• Statement 2 (Correct): The Court struck down Section 57 of the Aadhaar Act, which allowed private entities or corporations to use Aadhaar for establishing identity. Consequently, the State cannot enter into contracts with private corporations to share Aadhaar data.
• Statement 3 (Incorrect): Based on the ruling, the IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) clarified that Aadhaar is not mandatory for purchasing insurance policies. It is a voluntary document for KYC.
• Statement 4 (Correct): Section 7 of the Aadhaar Act was upheld. It states that Aadhaar is mandatory for availing subsidies, benefits, and services for which the expenditure is incurred from the Consolidated Fund of India.

The verdict balanced the right to privacy with the legitimate aim of the State to ensure targeted delivery of subsidies, while significantly limiting the scope of Aadhaar usage by private players.

Notes:
The correct answer is [D] Neither 1 nor 2. This question clarifies the legal status and administrative control of the Aadhaar ecosystem under the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).

• Statement 1 (Incorrect): According to the Aadhaar Act, 2016, and various clarifications by the UIDAI and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Aadhaar is a proof of identity and proof of address/residence, but it is not a proof of citizenship or domicile. The Supreme Court and various High Courts have reiterated that Aadhaar is only an authentication tool for residents who have stayed in India for 182 days or more in the preceding year.
• Statement 2 (Incorrect): The Issuing Authority (UIDAI) has the power to deactivate or omit an Aadhaar number. Under the Aadhaar (Enrolment and Update) Regulations, 2016, an Aadhaar can be deactivated if multiple Aadhaars are found for the same person, if there are discrepancies in the core biometric/demographic information, or if the holder is found to be ineligible at the time of enrollment.

The Aadhaar project was designed primarily to ensure the targeted delivery of subsidies and services (Direct Benefit Transfer) and to eliminate “ghost” beneficiaries from the system, rather than acting as a nationality document like a Passport or Voter ID.

Notes:
The correct answer is [C] Both 1 and 2. The Aadhaar project, managed by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), is designed as a digital infrastructure layer for various service deliveries.

• Open APIs and Integration (Statement 1 – Correct): Aadhaar is built on an open architecture. It provides Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) that allow various government and private entities to integrate Aadhaar authentication into their own applications and electronic devices (like Point of Sale machines or micro-ATMs). This “plug-and-play” nature allows for seamless digital identity verification across different platforms.
• Iris Authentication (Statement 2 – Correct): Aadhaar uses multiple biometric identifiers for authentication, including fingerprints and iris scans. Online authentication using the iris is not only possible but is considered more accurate and less prone to wear-and-tear issues compared to fingerprints. Many specialized tablets and handheld devices are equipped with iris scanners specifically for Aadhaar-based verification.

Key Features of Aadhaar Authentication:

• Multi-modal Biometrics: It supports fingerprints, iris, and OTP (One-Time Password) based authentication.
• e-KYC: Allows for “Electronic Know Your Customer” verification, significantly reducing paperwork for opening bank accounts or getting mobile connections.
• Security: UIDAI uses encryption to ensure that biometric data is not shared with the requesting agency during the authentication process; they only receive a “Yes/No” response.

Notes:
mAadhaar ಅಪ್ಲಿಕೇಶನ್ ಅನ್ನು UIDAI ಅಭಿವೃದ್ಧಿಪಡಿಸಿದ್ದು, ಬಳಕೆದಾರರು ತಮ್ಮ ಆಧಾರ್ ವಿವರಗಳನ್ನು ಡಿಜಿಟಲ್ ರೂಪದಲ್ಲಿ ಸುರಕ್ಷಿತವಾಗಿ ನಿರ್ವಹಿಸಲು ಇದು ಸಹಾಯ ಮಾಡುತ್ತದೆ.

Notes:
Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) launched its first structured Bug Bounty Programme to strengthen Aadhaar system security. The programme invites cybersecurity experts and ethical hackers to identify vulnerabilities in key UIDAI platforms, including the UIDAI official website, myAadhaar portal, and Secure QR Code application. A panel of 20 experienced researchers has been selected to examine systems for Critical, High, Medium, and Low risk vulnerabilities. UIDAI already uses security audits, vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and continuous monitoring, and the Bug Bounty adds an independent layer of protection.

Notes:
Delhi has become the 29th State/Union Territory to implement Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN), also known as Bhu-Aadhaar. The aim is to ensure clear land ownership records and reduce land disputes. ULPIN was started in 2021 under Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme (DILRMP). DILRMP means Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme of the Central Government. New digital land maps will be created using drone surveys and high-resolution imaging.

Notes:
The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is proposing a mandatory identification system for electric vehicle (EV) batteries using a unique 21-character “Battery Pack Aadhaar Number” (BPAN). BPAN will be assigned to every EV battery introduced in the market or used for self-consumption. The primary aim of BPAN is to ensure end-to-end traceability of batteries throughout their lifecycle—from raw material sourcing and manufacturing to usage, repurposing, and final disposal. This initiative was proposed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).

Notes:
Uttar Pradesh (UP) government directed that Aadhaar cards cannot be used as proof of date of birth (DOB). On November 24, 2025, the Planning Department issued the notification to all department heads. The directive is based on a letter from Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) dated October 31, 2025, stating Aadhaar is not a birth proof. Planning Department is the nodal agency for implementing Aadhaar-related directions. Valid proofs include birth certificates, high-school mark sheets, and other prescribed documents. Directive is crucial for age-sensitive processes like recruitment and educational admissions.

Notes:
Recently, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) launched the Scheme for Innovation and Technology Association with Aadhaar (SITAA). SITAA aims to strengthen India’s digital identity ecosystem and tackle security threats like deepfakes, spoofing, and presentation attacks. It brings together startups, academic institutions, and industry players to co-develop secure, scalable, and globally benchmarked solutions for Aadhaar authentication. The pilot phase has three challenges: Face Liveness Detection, Presentation Attack Detection (PAD), and Contactless Fingerprint Authentication. Solutions must prevent spoofing, be privacy-compliant, scalable, and compatible with Aadhaar systems.