In the questions given below, a part of the sentence is given in bold. Below each sentence, some phrases are given which can substitute the bold part of the sentence. Identify the phrase which can correctly substitute the bold part of the sentence. If the sentence is correct as it is, the answer should be ‘no improvement is required’. The prodigy of digital payments has increased significantly in the past decade, reducing the reliance on cash transactions.

Explanation: The word "prodigy" refers to a person, especially a young one, with exceptional abilities or talents, which does not fit the context of the sentence. The correct word should be "prevalence," which means the widespread occurrence or commonness of something. Perseverance refers to persistence in doing something despite difficulties, which is incorrect here. Pacification means bringing peace or calming a situation, which is also incorrect in this context. No improvement is required is incorrect because "prodigy" does not fit the meaning intended in the sentence. Thus, the correct choice is "prevalence.