Question map
In India, the term "Public Key Infrastructure" is used in the context of
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 1: Digital security infrastructure.
Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) is a foundational framework for managing digital certificates and public-key encryption. It ensures secure data exchange by establishing the identity of users and devices over insecure networks like the internet.
Key components of PKI include:
- Encryption: Protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access.
- Digital Signatures: Ensuring the authenticity and integrity of digital documents (e.g., e-filing of taxes or e-procurement).
- Certificate Authorities (CA): Trusted entities that issue digital certificates to verify identities.
In India, PKI is governed under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and is essential for secure e-governance, online banking, and digital transactions. Options 2, 3, and 4 are incorrect because they refer to physical or social infrastructure, whereas PKI is strictly a technical framework for cybersecurity and data protection.
PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
Guest previewThis is a classic 'Term-Context' question from the Science & Tech (ICT) module. It is not a random trivia question but a fundamental concept underpinning the IT Act, 2000 and the Digital India ecosystem. If you studied how 'Digital Signatures' work, you would inevitably encounter PKI.
This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.
- Statement 1: In India, the term "Public Key Infrastructure" is used in the context of digital security infrastructure.
- Statement 2: In India, the term "Public Key Infrastructure" is used in the context of food security infrastructure.
- Statement 3: In India, the term "Public Key Infrastructure" is used in the context of health care and education infrastructure.
- Statement 4: In India, the term "Public Key Infrastructure" is used in the context of telecommunication and transportation infrastructure.
- Explicitly defines Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) as being adopted to ensure secure data transmission, authentication, and identity management — core elements of digital security infrastructure.
- Specifically mentions sectors such as banking, healthcare, and government where PKI is used, tying the term to institutional digital security contexts.
- Includes PKI in a market analysis by application and industry verticals (e.g., Authentication; Government & Defense), framing PKI as part of digital security infrastructure offerings.
- Positions PKI alongside security-related components and deployments, supporting the claim that the term is used in security infrastructure contexts.
- Describes India's digital infrastructure evolution and emphasizes accessibility, scalability, and security in delivering government services — the environment in which terms like PKI are applied.
- Connects the national digital infrastructure context to the need for security measures, indirectly supporting use of security terms (such as PKI) in India.
Mentions 'Digital Public Infrastructure' built around digital identity (Aadhaar) and financial inclusion (JAM Trinity), implying complex digital systems that require authentication and trust mechanisms.
A student could check technical/administrative documents for Aadhaar and related identity systems (e.g., authentication/signature mechanisms) to see whether they reference PKI.
Describes UPI and BHIM payment systems — national digital payment rails that inherently require secure transaction authentication and integrity.
A student might examine RBI/UPI technical specifications or operator documentation to look for references to PKI or certificates used for transaction security.
States digital public infrastructure will be 'open source, open standard and interoperable' — implying use of common security standards and cryptographic frameworks.
One could review standards/implementation guidelines for such open digital public goods to see if PKI is listed as an interoperability/security standard.
Refers to Gati Shakti as a national digital platform integrating multiple ministries — a cross-departmental system where secure identity, access control and trust are likely required.
A student could inspect Gati Shakti technical/security guidelines or ministry IT policies to find explicit mentions of PKI for authentication or data integrity.
Lists e-governance, safety and security as part of 'institutional infrastructure' for smart cities, indicating government digital services include security considerations.
A student might consult smart city technical frameworks or municipal e-governance security standards to test whether PKI is recommended or used.
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