Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution
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Correct Answer: Option (B) — 2 and 4 only
Concept & Option Breakdown
Standard Reference VerifiedStatement 1 is incorrect: The Supreme Court held that authentication records/metadata could not be retained beyond six months (previously regulated for longer periods, not three months).
Statement 2 is correct: The Supreme Court struck down portions of Section 57 of the Aadhaar Act, holding that private corporations cannot demand Aadhaar data through commercial contracts.
Statement 3 is incorrect: IRDAI clarified that Aadhaar is not mandatory for buying insurance policies.
Statement 4 is correct: Under Section 7 of the Aadhaar Act, 2016, the government can mandate Aadhaar authentication for receiving subsidies, benefits, and services funded from the Consolidated Fund of India.
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