Emerging Information Technologies

A core banking solution is a centralized system that integrates various banking functions across a bank's branches. It allows for:
- Networked branches: Customers can access their accounts and conduct transactions from any branch within the bank's network, regardless of where they originally opened their account.
- Improved efficiency: CBS automates many manual processes, leading to faster transactions and better customer service.
- Centralized data management: All customer information and account data are stored in a central location, facilitating easier access and record keeping. Therefore, the correct answer is 1 only.

Statement 1 is incorrect: Bitcoins are not tracked by central banks in the same way as traditional fiat currencies. Instead of a centralized tracking system, Bitcoin transactions are recorded on a decentralized public ledger called the blockchain. However, this ledger does not inherently link transactions to individual users, as Bitcoin addresses function pseudonymously rather than being tied directly to identities. Statement 2 is correct: Anyone with a Bitcoin address can send and receive Bitcoins from another Bitcoin address. These addresses function similarly to account numbers but do not necessarily require identity verification, making transactions more accessible and less dependent on traditional banking systems. Statement 3 is correct: Bitcoin enables online payments with a degree of anonymity. While all transactions are permanently recorded on the blockchain, the identities of the sender and receiver are not explicitly revealed, only their Bitcoin addresses appear. However, absolute anonymity is not guaranteed, as advanced blockchain analysis can sometimes trace transactions back to individuals. Hence the correct answer is option B. 2 and 3 only.

Statement 1 is correct: Li-Fi (Light Fidelity) utilizes light waves for data transmission. It uses rapid flickering of light, invisible to the human eye, to carry information. Statement 2 is correct: Li-Fi is a wireless technology and has the potential to be significantly faster than Wi-Fi. While actual speeds depend on various factors, Li-Fi boasts theoretical speeds exceeding 100 Gbps compared to the current Wi-Fi standards offering up to 11 Gbps. Hence, option C is the correct answer.

Project Loon was an ambitious initiative by Loon LLC, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc. (Google's parent company), aimed at providing internet connectivity to remote and underserved regions worldwide. The project deployed high-altitude balloons in the stratosphere, equipped with networking technology to create an aerial wireless network, functioning like floating cell towers. These balloons were designed to deliver internet access in disaster-hit areas and regions with poor infrastructure. However, despite its technological success, Project Loon was discontinued in January 2021 due to difficulties in achieving commercial sustainability. Hence, the correct answer is option B.

Statement 1 is correct: DigiLocker is a cloud-based digital locker system launched by the Government of India under the Digital India Programme. Its primary objective is to reduce reliance on physical documents by providing secure digital storage and access to e-documents issued by government departments, educational institutions, and other entities. Statement 2 is correct: DigiLocker enables users to access their electronic documents (e-documents) anytime, anywhere, provided they have an internet connection. This enhances convenience, eliminates the need to carry physical documents, and ensures secure and verifiable digital storage. Therefore, both statements are correct.

Greased Lightning-10 (GL-10) is an experimental, hybrid-electric aircraft developed and tested by NASA as part of its research into advanced aeronautics. Key Features of GL-10:
1. Hybrid-electric Design: The GL-10 is a subscale, remotely-piloted aircraft that integrates both electric and conventional propulsion for efficiency and flexibility.
2. VTOL Capability: It is a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft, meaning it can take off and land like a helicopter but transition into fixed-wing flight for greater range and efficiency.
3. Potential Applications: NASA is testing the GL-10 as a future unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), with potential applications in cargo transport, surveillance, and scientific research.
4. Distributed Electric Propulsion: The aircraft showcases distributed electric propulsion technology, which uses multiple electric motors and propellers to enhance thrust, control, and efficiency, paving the way for more advanced electric aircraft in the future.

Statement 1 is correct. Near Field Communication (NFC) is indeed a contactless communication technology that relies on electromagnetic radio fields to transmit data between devices in close proximity. Statement 2 is incorrect. NFC operates over a very short range, typically requiring devices to be within a few centimetres of each other for successful communication. A meter is far too large a distance for NFC to function effectively. Statement 3 is correct. NFC can employ encryption to safeguard sensitive information during transmission. This is an important security feature for applications like contactless payments.

Biometric verification is any means by which a person can be uniquely identified by evaluating one or more distinguishing biological traits. Unique identifiers include:
- Fingerprints - Hand geometry - Earlobe geometry - Retina and iris patterns - Voice waves - DNA - Signatures