NPCI Drunix: Open-Source Blockchain Built on Hyperledger Fabric
Why in the news
NPCI released a new open-source distributed-ledger platform meant for firms and public systems that want to build tokenised or multi-party networks at scale.
Key facts
- Name: Drunix; type: open-source, enterprise-grade blockchain platform.
- Base: an enhanced fork of Hyperledger Fabric, so it stays compatible with existing Fabric ecosystems.
- Uses: tokenisation platforms, digital asset ecosystems, multi-organisation networks and public infrastructure.
- Promises higher throughput, scalability and efficiency while keeping privacy, governance and interoperability.
- Spokesperson: NPCI CTO Vishal Kanvaty.
NPCI’s open-source work
| Project | Role |
|---|---|
| Falcon | First contribution; production-grade blockchain network management and orchestration |
| Drunix | Second contribution; core blockchain runtime and transaction processing layer |
Background
- Blockchain: distributed ledger with cryptographically chained blocks; features are decentralisation, immutability, transparency and consensus methods.
- Hyperledger Fabric: open-source permissioned platform hosted by the Linux Foundation, released 2016, with modular design and channel-based privacy.
- Tokenisation: turning rights in an asset into a digital token, e.g. fractional property, gold-backed tokens, equity tokens, stablecoins, NFTs; gains include faster settlement and lower cost.
- NPCI: non-profit under the Ministry of Finance, founded 2008, promoted by RBI and IBA, based in Mumbai; runs UPI, RuPay, IMPS, BHIM, AEPS, BBPS and NETC (FASTag); its arm NIPL handles global UPI expansion.
Exam angle
- Drunix is derived from Hyperledger Fabric; Falcon came first.
- Fabric host: Linux Foundation.
- NPCI founded 2008; HQ Mumbai.