Context:
International Telecommunication Union (ITU) releases Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) 2024.
Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) 2024:
- Assesses country-level cybersecurity commitments across 5 pillars –
- Legal
- Technical
- Organizational
- Capacity Development
- Cooperation
- Assessment Method – Uses a 5-tier analysis (Tier 1 to Tier 5) to evaluate each country’s progress and impact in cybersecurity.
Key Highlights:
- India Among Role Model Countries – India is in Tier 1, indicating it is a “role modelling” country.
- 46 countries, including India, are in Tier 1.
- Global Improvement in Cybersecurity – Since the last GCI publication in 2021, all regions have shown improvement.
- Africa has made the most significant advancements in cybersecurity.
- Expansion of Digital Services – Most countries are in Tier 3 (“establishing”) or Tier 4 (“evolving”).
- These countries have expanded digital services and connectivity.
- However, need to integrate cybersecurity measures to enhance security.
International Telecommunication Union (ITU):
- United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs).
- ITU is the oldest agency in the UN family, predating the UN itself.
- Established on – 17 May 1865 as the International Telegraph Union.
- Headquarters – Geneva, Switzerland.
- Key Functions –
- Facilitates international connectivity in communication networks.
- Allocates global radio spectrum and satellite orbits.
- Develops technical standards to ensure seamless connectivity of networks and technologies.
- Works to improve access to ICTs in underserved communities worldwide.
- Member States – 193 countries (including India)
Source: ITU
Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: According to the United Nations World Water Development Report, 2022, India extracts more than a quarter of the world’s groundwater withdrawal each year.
Statement-II: India needs to extract more than a quarter of the world’s groundwater each year to satisfy the drinking water and sanitation needs of almost 18% of world’s population living in its territory.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2023 Prelims]
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.
(b) Both Statement-1 and Statement-II are correct and Statement- II is not the correct explanation for Statement I.
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect.
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct.
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Statement 2 is incorrect. India uses about 89% of this groundwater for irrigation. Major share of total groundwater extracted by India is utilized for irrigation purposes and not for drinking and sanitation purposes.
