Digitalisation of financial markets has enhanced efficiency but increased systemic vulnerabilities. Substantiate the statement. Bring out the key regulatory challenges arising from such transformation.

Topic: Challenges to internal security through communication networks, Q5. Digitalisation of financial markets has enhanced efficiency but increased systemic vulnerabilities. Substantiate the statement. Bring out the key regulatory challenges arising from such transformation. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: TH Why the question The emerging trade-off between technological efficiency and systemic risk in financial markets, …

Examine the concept of Zero Trust Architecture in cybersecurity. Analyse its relevance in protecting critical digital infrastructure. Outline measures for its effective implementation in India.

Topic: Science & Technology Q6. Examine the concept of Zero Trust Architecture in cybersecurity. Analyse its relevance in protecting critical digital infrastructure. Outline measures for its effective implementation in India. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: InsightsIAS Why the question Rising cyber threats to critical infrastructure and India’s push towards digital public infrastructure make advanced …

The Tianjin Declaration

Source: DD News Subject: International Organisation Context: At the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, India joined other SCO members in endorsing the Tianjin Declaration, committing to deepen cooperation in Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance and capacity building. About The Tianjin Declaration: What it is? The Tianjin Declaration is the outcome document adopted by …

National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID)

Source:  TH Subject:  Polity Context: The National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) is receiving around 45,000 data requests per month, as Central agencies and State police increasingly use the platform for real-time intelligence access. About National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID): What it is? NATGRID is a real-time integrated intelligence platform under the Ministry of Home Affairs that links …

 Framework for the U.S.–India Major Defence Partnership:

Source:  TH Context: India and the United States have unveiled a 10-year Defence Partnership Framework, marking a new phase in their strategic cooperation to advance peace, security, and stability in the Indo-Pacific. About Framework for the U.S.–India Major Defence Partnership A comprehensive 10-year framework to deepen collaboration across all defence domains — land, maritime, air, …

UIDAI launches Aadhaar Vision 2032 Framework

Source:  IE Context: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has launched the ‘Aadhaar Vision 2032’ framework — a decade-long strategic roadmap to modernize India’s digital identity system using AI, Blockchain, Quantum Computing, and Advanced Encryption. About UIDAI launches Aadhaar Vision 2032 Framework: What it is? ‘Aadhaar Vision 2032’ is a technological and strategic roadmap …

Deepfakes represent the new frontier of online harm. Identify the technological challenges involved in detecting synthetic media and assess India’s preparedness to counter such threats.

Topic: Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social networking sites Q6. Deepfakes represent the new frontier of online harm. Identify the technological challenges involved in detecting synthetic media and assess India’s preparedness to counter such threats. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: NIE Why the question: Due to the rapid …

The Dangerous Blind Spot in Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity

Syllabus: Cyber Security Source:  WEF Context: The World Economic Forum highlighted a major “blind spot” in cybersecurity — the vulnerability of critical infrastructure’s operational technology (OT) systems — following repeated global power outages such as the Spain–Portugal blackout. About The Dangerous Blind Spot in Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity: What is Operational Technology (OT)? Operational Technology refers …

The rise of AI-generated financial frauds challenges the resilience of India’s digital payment ecosystem. Assess the scale of the challenge. Suggest mechanisms for balancing innovation with security.

Topic: Challenges to internal security through communication networks. Q6. The rise of AI-generated financial frauds challenges the resilience of India’s digital payment ecosystem. Assess the scale of the challenge. Suggest mechanisms for balancing innovation with security. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: NIE Why the question AI-generated frauds are rising alongside India’s digital payment surge, …

Microsoft SharePoint – Cyber Espionage

Context: Microsoft has revealed that hackers exploiting unpatched vulnerabilities in its SharePoint server software—previously used for cyber-espionage—have escalated their attacks to include ransomware deployment. About Microsoft SharePoint – Cyber Espionage: What is Cyber Espionage? Cyber espionage refers to the unauthorized and covert digital infiltration of systems, networks, or devices to steal sensitive information, often by …

Quantum Technology in Defense

Syllabus: Technology and Defence Source:  News on Air Context: Niti Aayog has released a strategic paper on the rapid evolution of quantum computing and its implications on national security in New Delhi. What is Quantum Computing? Quantum computing leverages quantum bits (qubits), which exist in multiple states simultaneously due to superposition and entanglement. Unlike classical …

Spam Regulations

Context: Spam, officially referred to as Unsolicited Commercial Communications (UCC), has become a persistent issue in India’s telecom industry, leading to increasing public frustration and security risks. About Government Measures to Tackle Spam: Do-Not-Disturb (DND) Registry: Introduced by TRAI in 2007, it allows customers to block commercial calls/messages. Telemarketers violating it face warnings and blacklisting. …

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 December 2024

  UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 December 2024 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles   InstaLinks :  Insta Links help you think beyond the  current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. …

MuleHunter.AI

Source:  IE Context: Digital fraud in India’s financial sector is rising, with mule accounts aiding cybercrime. To combat this, the RBI has launched MuleHunter.AI, an AI-powered tool developed by its Innovation Hub in Bengaluru. About RBI MuleHunter.AI: What is MuleHunter.AI? Definition: MuleHunter.AI is an AI-driven solution designed to detect and mitigate mule bank accounts effectively. …

UPI: Revolutionizing Digital Payment

Syllabus: Economy Source:  PIB  Context: Launched in 2016 by NPCI, India’s UPI has revolutionized digital payments, achieving record usage in October 2024 and showcasing India’s digital financial leadership. UPI and Its Unique Features: Round-the-Clock Transactions: Operates 24/7, including holidays, for seamless fund transfers. Single Interface: Integrates multiple bank accounts in one mobile application. Secure Authentication: …

Bharat National Cyber Security Exercise

Source:  PIB Context: The Bharat National Cyber Security Exercise (Bharat NCX 2024), aimed at strengthening India’s cybersecurity resilience, was inaugurated by the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) in collaboration with Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU). About Bharat National Cyber Security Exercise (Bharat NCX 2024): Ministry/Organization: Organized by National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) in collaboration with Rashtriya …

India’s First Joint Doctrine for Cyberspace Operation

Syllabus: Internal Security: Source: TH  Context: India’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, has released the country’s first joint doctrine for cyberspace operations.   What is Cyberspace?   In military terms, cyberspace refers to the domain where operations involving computers, networks, and electronic systems occur. It encompasses activities such as cyber warfare, cyber defence, …