UPSC Mains 2015 GS3 Q20 — Cyber Security
Considering the threats cyberspace poses for the country, India needs a “Digital Armed Force” to prevent crimes. Critically evaluate the National Cyber Security Policy, 2013 outlining the challenges perceived in its effective implementation. (Answer in 200 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- Critically evaluate
- Scope keywords
- threats cyberspace posesDigital Armed Forceprevent crimesNational Cyber Security Policy, 2013challenges perceived in its effective implementation
- Implicit sub-parts
- What is the rationale and feasibility of a dedicated 'Digital Armed Force' versus existing civilian-military frameworks?
- Has the 2013 Policy become obsolete in the face of modern threats like Ransomware-as-a-Service and state-sponsored APTs?
- How do structural gaps in the 2013 policy (like lack of legislative backing) hinder actual enforcement?
- What specific implementation hurdles prevent the synergy between CERT-In, NCIIPC, and state-level agencies?
- Common pitfalls
- Spending too much time defining cybercrime instead of evaluating the specific 2013 Policy document.
- Ignoring the 'Digital Armed Force' keyword and treating it as a generic essay on cyber security.
- Failing to mention that the 2013 policy predates major developments like the DPDP Act 2023 or the National Cyber Security Strategy 2020 (draft).
- Overlooking the 'Critically' aspect by only listing policy features without discussing why they failed or are insufficient.
- Dimensions required
- Institutional/StructuralLegal/RegulatoryTechnological/InfrastructuralHuman Capital (Skill Gap)Security-Development Linkage
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate 40-50 words to discuss the 'Digital Armed Force' concept and the evolving threat landscape. Devote 100 words to the critical evaluation of the 2013 Policy, balancing its vision with its shortcomings. Use the remaining 50 words to highlight specific implementation challenges and suggest a forward-looking conclusion.
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