Correct option is C
The correct answer is
(c) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
The banking landscape has shifted dramatically toward a digital-first approach.
Assertion (A) is true because the globalization of finance and the need for instantaneous settlements require robust satellite and fiber-optic networking to handle "electronic money" (digital currency, RTGS, NEFT, and UPI).
Reasoning (R) is also true and directly explains (A); the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) actively promotes e-banking and digital payment ecosystems to reduce the dependency on physical cash, improve transparency, and lower transaction costs.
Information Booster
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Infrastructure: Systems like
SFMS (Structured Financial Messaging System) in India use satellite communication (VSATs) to link bank branches for secure messaging.
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Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): India's "India Stack" (Aadhaar, UPI, etc.) is a global benchmark for how a central bank-led initiative can drive electronic money clearance.
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CBDC: The RBI is currently piloting the
Digital Rupee (Central Bank Digital Currency), which represents the next phase of electronic money beyond traditional net banking.
Additional Knowledge
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E-banking Benefits: It provides 24/7/365 access to banking services, reduces the physical "brick-and-mortar" overhead for banks, and allows for real-time monitoring of systemic risk by the RBI.
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Security: As the future moves toward satellite-based clearance, the focus has shifted heavily toward
Cybersecurity and
Encryption to protect the integrity of electronic money.