Topic: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.
5) The idea of providing Biometric Seafarer Identity Document (BSID) by Government of India is an accomplishment in the field of science and technology and is valuable on multiple fronts. Discuss.(250 words)
Why this question:
India recently became the first country to launch world’s first facial biometric-based ID for seafarers.
Key demand of the question:
One must discuss in detail the achievement India has made through the launch of such a technology that can have positive impacts in multiple dimensions.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
First explain the importance of identification to Indian seafarers.
Body:
Explain that in a move to boost employment in the coastal shipping sector, India has become the first country in the world to issue a Biometric Seafarer Identity Document (BSID) to its seafarers.
Discuss the key features of BSID – The BSID has the dimensions of a smart ID card. It introduces modern security features like an embedded biometric chip, as well as optical security features such as micro prints/micro texts and Unique Guilloche pattern. The security of the BSID card is ensured at various levels and through different methods. At the time of data capturing the live face is cross matched through passport photo using a face matching software. A software has been developed for capturing the facial biometrics and its authentication through the public key infrastructure.
Explain how the technology is a major boost in various ways to the seafarers.
Conclusion:
Conclude with significance.
