UPSC Prelims SEE Snapshot: Exploring VitalID, Non-Deliverable Derivatives, and Galactic Cosmic Rays
UPSC Prelims S.E.E. Snapshot: VitalID, Non-deliverable derivative, Galactic cosmic raysβ quick look
The Indian Express
Image: The Indian Express
The UPSC Prelims SEE Snapshot highlights three key concepts: VitalID, a new authentication technology using body vibrations; Non-Deliverable Derivatives (NDD), which allow currency trading without physical delivery; and Galactic Cosmic Rays, high-energy particles from space that impact Earth's atmosphere. Understanding these topics is crucial for UPSC aspirants.
- 01VitalID uses vibrations from heartbeats and breathing for secure authentication, enhancing user experience in digital environments.
- 02Non-Deliverable Derivatives (NDD) allow investors to speculate on currency movements without direct access to the Indian rupee market.
- 03Galactic Cosmic Rays are high-energy particles from space that interact with Earth's atmosphere, creating secondary particle showers.
- 04The Reserve Bank of India has recently eased restrictions on NDD to stabilize the rupee.
- 05These concepts are increasingly relevant for UPSC Prelims, focusing on Science, Economy, and Environment.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The UPSC Prelims SEE Snapshot introduces three significant topics for aspirants: VitalID, a groundbreaking authentication technology that uses vibrations from heartbeats and breathing to log into apps, enhancing security without requiring additional hardware. This technology, presented at the 2025 ACM Conference on Computer and Communications Security, emphasizes the shift towards more immersive digital experiences. In the economic realm, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has partially lifted restrictions on Non-Deliverable Derivatives (NDD), allowing offshore trading in rupee derivatives without physical currency exchange. This change aims to provide more flexibility for foreign investors and hedge funds. Lastly, Galactic Cosmic Rays, high-energy particles from supernovae, continuously bombard Earth, creating secondary particle showers in the atmosphere. Understanding these phenomena is essential for UPSC candidates, as they reflect the intersection of technology, finance, and environmental science.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The easing of restrictions on NDD allows foreign investors to hedge currency risks more effectively, potentially stabilizing the Indian rupee and impacting market dynamics.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
How important do you think it is for UPSC aspirants to understand emerging technologies like VitalID?
Connecting to poll...
More about Reserve Bank of India

Essential Steps to Take After Unauthorized Credit Card Transactions
Business Standard β’ Apr 22, 2026
RBI Eases Payment Process for SIPs, Insurance, and Credit Cards with New E-Mandate Framework
The Economic Times β’ Apr 22, 2026
RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra Discusses FDI Outflows and India's Economic Resilience
The Economic Times β’ Apr 22, 2026
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.

