The challenge of India’s digital sovereignty

Consider the following statements :
Statement-I: Recently, the United States of America (USA) and the European Union (EU) have launched the 'Trade and Technology Council'
Statement-II: The USA and the EU claim that through this they are trying to begin technological progress and physical productivity under their control.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statement?

1. A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
2. B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
3. C. Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
4. D. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

In India, why are some nuclear reactors kept under “IAEA Safeguards” while others are not?

1. A. Some use uranium and other use thorium
2. B. Some use imported uranium and others use domestic supplies
3. C. Some are operated by foreign enterprises and other are operated by domestic enterprises
4. D. Some are State-owned and others are privately-owned

Consider the following statements regarding AI Action Summit held in Grand Palais, Paris in February 2025:

I. Co-chaired with India, the event builds on the advances made at the Bletchley Park Summit held in 2023 and the Seoul Summit held in 2024.
II. Along with other countries, US and UK also signed the declaration on inclusive and sustainable AI.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A. I only
2. B. II only
3. C. Both I and II
4. D. Neither I nor II

Consider the following statements about G-20:
1. The G-20 group was originally established as a platform for the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors to discuss the international economic and financial issues.
2. Digital public infrastructure is one of India's G-20 priorities.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A. 1 only
2. B. 2 only
3. C. Both 1 and 2
4. D. Neither 1 nor 2

Consider the following statements about Mission Sudarshan Chakra of India:

1. It aims to enhance India's air defence, ballistic missile defence and aerial offensive capabilities.
2. This Mission is being designed to enhance rapid, precise, and powerful defence responses, reinforcing India's strategic autonomy.
3. One of the aims of this Mission is to cover all public places of India by an expanded nationwide security shield by 2035.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A. 1, 2 and 3
2. B. 1 and 2 only
3. C. 2 and 3 only
4. D. 1 only

In which of the following areas can GPS technology be used?
1. Mobile phone operations
2. Banking operations
3. Controlling the power grids

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. A. 1 only
2. B. 2 and 3 only
3. C. 1 and 3 only
4. D. 1, 2 and 3

Which of the following statements about Rare Earth Elements (REEs) and Critical Minerals is/are correct ?

1. Modern technological innovations including Artificial Intelligence, robotics and space exploration extensively utilise Rare Earth Elements (REEs).
2. China has the highest share in mining of REEs followed by India.
3. The Government of India launched the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) in 2025 to establish a robust framework for self-reliance in the critical mineral sector.
4. Rare Earth Elements are a set of 13 metallic elements.

Select the answer using the code given below :

1. A. 1 and 3 only
2. B. 3 only
3. C. 1, 3 and 4
4. D. 1, 2 and 4

Consider the following statements regarding the India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS):
1. The summit held in 2015 marked the third edition of the IAFS.
2. The IAFS mechanism was instituted under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru in 1951.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A. 1 only
2. B. 2 only
3. C. Both 1 and 2
4. D. Neither 1 nor 2

Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: Recently, Venezuela has achieved a rapid recovery from its economic crisis and succeeded in preventing its people from fleeing/emigrating to other countries.
Statement-II: Venezuela has the world's largest oil reserves.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
2. B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
3. C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
4. D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

In the Indian context, what is the implication of ratifying the 'Additional Protocol' with the `International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)'?

1. A. The civilian nuclear reactors come under IAEA safeguards.
2. B. The military nuclear installations come under the inspection of IAEA.
3. C. The country will have the privilege to buy uranium from the Nuclear Suppliers Group NSG.
4. D. The country automatically becomes a member of the NSG.

Does tribal development in India centre around two axes, those of displacement and of rehabilitation? Give your opinion.

Achieving sustainable growth with emphasis on environmental protection could come into conflict with poor people’s needs in a country like India – Comment.

How do you account for the growing fast food industries given that there are increased health concerns in modern society? Illustrate your answer with the Indian experience.

Mahatma Jotirao Phule’s writings and efforts of social reforms touched issues of almost all subaltern classes. Discuss.

Do you think that globalization results in only an aggressive consumer culture? Justify your answer.

The ethos of civil service in India stand for the combination of professionalism with nationalistic consciousness – Elucidate.

According to the article, which of the following incidents primarily highlighted India's vulnerability to foreign entities denying access to critical digital services due to international sanctions?

1. A. The compromise of Indian CCTV networks by hostile entities using Chinese software.
2. B. The denial of precise GPS support to India during the 1999 Kargil conflict.
3. C. Nayara Energy being denied access to its corporate email and cloud data by Microsoft.
4. D. The absence of an indigenous modern fighter aircraft despite a long-running programme.

The article mentions a theory that explains the tendency of an established hegemon to constrain a rising power approaching strategic autonomy. What is this theory called?

1. A. Dependency Theory
2. B. Hegemonic Stability Theory
3. C. Power Transition Theory
4. D. Clash of Civilizations

Which of the following initiatives are cited in the article as examples of India's efforts towards achieving digital and technological sovereignty?

1. A. 1, 2 and 3 only
2. B. 2, 3 and 4 only
3. C. 1 and 4 only
4. D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

"India's critical digital infrastructures operate on technology platforms owned and operated by foreign technology giants." In light of this statement, discuss the multifaceted challenges India faces in achieving digital sovereignty and its implications for national security and economic autonomy.

Introduce digital sovereignty, elaborate on challenges (dependence, foreign control, data governance, software-defined warfare), discuss implications (national security, economic, governance), and conclude with the need for a comprehensive strategy.

India is pursuing a multi-pronged strategy to address the challenge of digital and technological sovereignty. Examine the key components of this strategy as outlined in the article and suggest further measures to strengthen India's strategic autonomy in the digital realm.

Begin by defining digital sovereignty, outline the existing strategies mentioned (indigenous development, fostering private sector, R&D), analyze their effectiveness, and propose additional steps for a robust framework.