Topic– internal security
7) India might lose the cyber space face offs unless IT infrastructure of the military is indigenise soon. Examine.(250 words)
Why this question
The article brings out the problem of India’s lack of capability to indigenise the IT and digital infra in the military etc and the impact of this. Considering that several reports and books have talked about how countries like US, China etc are gearing themselves for a cyber space face off, India still is walking on the first step of the ladder. Examining this issue would be important for GS3 – Internal Security.
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to discuss the status of digital infrastructure in India and compare it vis a vis other countries to understand our shortcomings. Next we need to discuss the reasons why we need to upgrade and highlight that other countries are fast taking lead. Next, we discuss the steps taken by government and military in India to modernize the cyber space and examine issues in it. Finally, we need to provide a way forward.
Directive word
Examine – When you are asked to examine, you have to probe deeper into the topic, get into details, and find out the causes or implications if any .
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Discuss some of the recent incidents of cyber space face offs such as the report that indicated that China placed microchips on electronics supplied to US, which indicates the kind of importance that must be given to such issues.
Body – Explain with the help of examples how the capability of other digital armed forces and espionage techniques are much more sophisticated than what we have. Discuss the steps taken by India to improve its current position such as the incorporation of BOSS OS in military etc through which India is trying to take baby steps in modernizing and indigenization. Highlight the lacunae in Indian approach and while discussing global best practices, mention the way forward for India.
Conclusion – Emphasize on the urgency of taking action and discuss way forward.
