Resident-facing communication companion. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has unveiled an Aadhaar mascot called Udai (उदय) to help people easily understand the services offered by Aadhaar. Udai will be designed to make Aadhaar information more relatable and user-friendly, providing clarification on key concepts, including updates, authentication, offline verification, selective sharing of information, the introduction of new technology, and responsible use. The mascot was chosen as a result of a national competition to design and name it on the MyGov site, which received 875 entries from all over India. UIDAI Chairman Neelkanth Mishra launched Udai and handed prizes to the winners of the competition at an event held in Thiruvananthapuram.
Why UIDAI Introduced the Aadhaar Mascot ‘Udai’
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UIDAI introduced the Aadhaar mascot, Aadhaar, who became known as Udai, the resident-facing communication companion. As a result, Aadhaar services have become easier for people to comprehend.
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Updates, authentication, offline verification, selective data sharing, adoption of new technology, and well-intended use of Aadhaar are some of the issues that are explained through the mascot.
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In order to inspire the confidence of users, Udai has a mission of wanting to display Aadhaar information in a manner that is relatable and user-friendly as opposed to the technical language.
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The design and naming were decided on by way of a nationwide design and naming competition on the MyGov platform, such that the people would be inclined to accept it.
| Exam | Year | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPSC Prelims | 2018 | Consider the statements: (1) An Aadhaar card can be used as proof of citizenship or domicile, and (2) Once issued, the Aadhaar number cannot be deactivated/omitted by UIDAI. Which are correct? | Neither statement 1 nor 2 is correct – Aadhaar is not proof of citizenship; Aadhaar can be deactivated/rejected under provisions. |
| SSC CPO | 2020 | The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is a statutory authority under the Ministry of ___? | Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology |
| UPSC Prelims (Polity MCQ) | Various | Which of the following statements about Aadhaar? (1) It is a 12-digit unique ID for residents, (2) It includes biometric information, (3) It is a national identity and citizenship card. | Only statements (1) and (2) are correct – Aadhaar is not a national identity or citizenship card. |
Expected Questions and Answers for UIDAI
Q1. Consider the following statements regarding Aadhaar:
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Aadhaar is proof of identity and residence for Indian residents.
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Aadhaar is proof of citizenship of India.
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Aadhaar authentication can be performed using biometric or OTP methods.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 1 and 3 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: B
Explanation: Aadhaar establishes identity and residency, not citizenship. Authentication can be done using biometrics or OTP.
Q2. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is:
A) A constitutional authority under Article 324
B) A statutory authority under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
C) An autonomous organisation under NITI Aayog
D) A department of the Ministry of Home Affairs
Answer: B
Explanation: UIDAI was established as a statutory authority under the Aadhaar Act, 2016, under MeitY.
Q3. With reference to Aadhaar, conider the following statements:
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It can be voluntarily deactivated by residents.
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Aadhaar is mandatory for opening a bank account.
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Aadhaar can be used to access welfare benefits through Direct Benefit Transfer.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1 and 3 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1, 2, and 3
D) 1 only
Answer: A
Explanation: Aadhaar can be deactivated under certain provisions. While it is widely used for DBT, it is not mandatory for bank accounts (Supreme Court judgment 2018 clarified this).
Q4. “Udai,” the Aadhaar mascot, was introduced to:
A) Replace Aadhaar enrollment centers
B) Increase public awareness and simplify communication about Aadhaar services
C) Issue Aadhaar numbers offline
D) Monitor biometric authentication centrally
Answer: B
Explanation: Udai was introduced to make Aadhaar communication user-friendly and relatable, increasing adoption and awareness.
Q5. Consider the following regarding UIDAI and the Aadhaar Act:
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UIDAI can share Aadhaar data with private companies for commercial purposes.
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The Act allows for Aadhaar authentication to access subsidies and welfare schemes.
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The Supreme Court ruled that Aadhaar is not mandatory for services like mobile connections.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1, 2, and 3
D) 3 only
Answer: B
Explanation: UIDAI cannot share Aadhaar data for commercial purposes. The Act allows Aadhaar for subsidies, and the SC judgment ruled it is not mandatory for mobile connections.
Q6. Which of the following statements regarding Aadhaar authentication is correct?
A) Biometric authentication is mandatory for all services.
B) OTP-based authentication can be used as an alternative to biometrics.
C) Authentication can only be performed at government offices.
D) Aadhaar numbers can be used as proof of citizenship during authentication.
Answer: B
Explanation: Aadhaar allows both biometric and OTP authentication; it is not proof of citizenship.
Conclusion (UIDAI launches Aadhaar Mascot Udai)
The introduction of Aadhaar mascot Udai by UIDAI also enhances the interaction and awareness regarding Aadhaar services among the people. It makes complex procedures such as authentication, updates and data privacy work in a friendly manner that fosters trust in India and globally through the digital inclusion of everyone in India and prudent utilisation of the unique identification system in the country.
