In India, the term "Public Key Infrastructure" is used in the context of
- (a) Digital security infrastructure ✓ UPSC's answer
- (b) Food security infrastructure
- (c) Health care and education infrastructure
- (d) Telecommunication and transportation infrastructure
Why the answer is (a)
• Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) is the system of digital certificates, certifying authorities and public–private key pairs that enables secure encryption and digital signatures — option (a).
• In India the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA) under the IT Act, 2000 heads the PKI; licensed CAs issue Digital Signature Certificates used for e-filing, GST, e-tendering and Aadhaar e-Sign.
• PKI has nothing to do with food (b), health/education (c) or transport (d) infrastructure.
• Hence option (a).
Why the other options are wrong
- (b) Food security infrastructure
- PKI is unrelated to food security.
- (c) Health care and education infrastructure
- PKI is not a health or education infrastructure.
- (d) Telecommunication and transportation infrastructure
- PKI is a cryptographic, not physical, infrastructure.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2020, held on 4 October 2020. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.