The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has partnered with the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-Bombay) to develop a touchless biometric capture system. This system is expected to revolutionize the Aadhaar ecosystem by enabling users to authenticate their identity with fingerprint scans from the comfort of their homes, similar to the current face authentication process.

What are Biometrics?

Biometrics refers to the process of measuring and analyzing unique physical characteristics of individuals, such as fingerprints, facial recognition, voice recognition, and iris scans, to establish their identity. Biometrics technology has become increasingly popular over the years, especially in the security and identification sectors.

About UIDAI

The UIDAI is a statutory authority that was established in 2016 under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). Its main responsibility is to issue Aadhaar numbers, which are unique identification numbers, to all residents of India. The UIDAI is also responsible for the enrolment and authentication processes involved in the issuance of Aadhaar numbers.

Significance of the Touchless Biometric System

The touchless biometric capture system is expected to capture multiple fingerprints at once, thereby increasing the success rate of authentication. The system will utilize signal and image processing, as well as machine and deep learning, to provide a seamless user experience. Additionally, the use of a mobile phone as the main tool for the system will make it easily accessible to most citizens.

The collaboration between the UIDAI and IIT-Bombay’s National Centre of Excellence in Technology for Internal Security (NCETIS) will lead to joint engagement in research and development (R&D) for the development of the new system. This partnership is expected to result in the creation of an indigenous technology solution for the UIDAI.

About NCETIS

The NCETIS is a joint initiative by IIT Bombay and the MeitY, under the Digital India Programme. The center is focused on developing indigenous technology solutions for internal security forces in the areas of electronic system design and manufacturing.

Why In News

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has announced a collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-Bombay) to develop a touchless biometric capture system. The new system aims to improve the authentication process for Aadhaar users and increase the success rate of identity verification. This partnership is expected to bring forth cutting-edge technology to the Aadhaar ecosystem, making it more secure and efficient for millions of Indians.

MCQs about UIDAI and NCETIS

  1. What is UIDAI?
    A. Unique Identification Authority of India
    B. University of India
    C. Unique Identification Agency of India
    D. Union of Indian Authorities
    Correct Answer: A. Unique Identification Authority of India
    Explanation: UIDAI stands for Unique Identification Authority of India, which is responsible for issuing Aadhaar numbers to all residents of India.
  2. What is the touchless biometric capture system developed by UIDAI and IIT-Bombay?
    A. A system for fingerprint and face authentication
    B. A system for iris and voice authentication
    C. A system for signature and photo authentication
    D. A system for DNA and blood type authentication
    Correct Answer: A. A system for fingerprint and face authentication
    Explanation: The touchless biometric capture system developed by UIDAI and IIT-Bombay will allow fingerprint authentication from home, similar to face authentication, making it more convenient and accessible for individuals to authenticate their identity.
  3. What is NCETIS?
    A. A joint initiative by IIT Bombay and MeitY
    B. A government agency responsible for issuing Aadhaar numbers
    C. A private company specializing in biometric technology
    D. A research institute focused on agriculture
    Correct Answer: A. A joint initiative by IIT Bombay and MeitY
    Explanation: NCETIS is a joint initiative by IIT Bombay and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) under its Digital India Programme. Its goal is to develop indigenous technology solutions for internal security forces in the areas of electronic system design and manufacturing.
  4. What is the expected outcome of the touchless biometric capture system developed by UIDAI and IIT-Bombay?
    A. To capture multiple fingerprints at one go and improve authentication success rate
    B. To capture only one fingerprint at a time for improved accuracy
    C. To capture facial recognition data for marketing purposes
    D. To capture voice prints for improved customer service
    Correct Answer: A. To capture multiple fingerprints at one go and improve authentication success rate
    Explanation: The touchless biometric capture system is expected to capture multiple fingerprints at one go and aid authentication success rate further. This will be an addition to the existing facilities available in the Aadhaar ecosystem.

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