UPSC Prelims 2020 Q46: Science & Technology – Computer & Information Technology
- (a) Digital security infrastructure
- (b) Food security infrastructure
- (c) Health care and educational infrastructure
- (d) Telecommunication and transportation infrastructure
Answer: (a) Digital security infrastructure
Explanation
Public Key Infrastructure (PKI): Digital Security Context
| Option | Context for PKI? |
|---|---|
| Digital security infrastructure | CORRECT |
| Food security infrastructure | No |
| Healthcare + educational infrastructure | No |
| Telecom + transportation infrastructure | No |
Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) is a digital security framework providing:
- Digital certificates (identity verification)
- Cryptographic keys (encryption/decryption)
- Certificate Authorities (CAs - trusted issuers)
- Trust infrastructure for digital transactions
Used for e-commerce, e-governance (aadhaar), digital signatures, SSL/TLS (HTTPS websites). India's PKI framework governs DigiLocker, e-Sign, digital payment systems.
Answer: (a) Digital security infrastructure.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. PKI is digital security infrastructure - cryptographic framework for secure digital communication.
- (b) Incorrect. Food security is agriculture/nutrition-related.
- (c) Incorrect. PKI has no direct link to healthcare/education infrastructure.
- (d) Incorrect. While PKI enables secure telecom, it's not telecom infrastructure itself.
Key point
PKI = Digital security. Core elements: Private/public keys, digital certificates, CAs. Used for: e-commerce, e-governance, digital signatures, SSL/TLS.
Remember
In India, the term 'Public Key Infrastructure' is used in the context of DIGITAL SECURITY INFRASTRUCTURE - it is the cryptographic framework that enables secure digital communication, authentication, and electronic transactions.
Common mistakes
- Confusing PKI (security framework) with telecom infrastructure.
- Assuming PKI only for banking. Actually used in healthcare (patient records), government (e-filing), education (digital credentials).
- Missing India's PKI role in Aadhaar (biometric + digital security), e-Sign (digital signatures), Digital India initiative.
Exam tip
PKI in India: CERT-in manages cybersecurity. DigiLocker uses PKI for document storage. e-Sign uses digital certificates for signatures. Aadhaar integrates PKI for identity verification.
Sources
- Ministry of Electronics and IT - PKI Guidelines
- CERT-in - Information Security Standards