2019 GS Paper I, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2019 · GS Paper I

Question 94: Science and Technology

Consider the following statements : A digital signature is

  1. 1.an electronic record that identifies the certifying authority issuing it
  2. 2.used to serve as a proof of identity of an individual to access information or server on Internet
  3. 3.an electronic method of signing an electronic document and ensuring that the original content is unchanged

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a1 only
b2 and 3 only
c3 only
d1, 2 and 3

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).

Only statement 3 is correct. A digital signature is an electronic method of signing an electronic document that also shows that the content has not been altered since it was signed. Statements 1 and 2 describe a digital certificate, which is an electronic record issued by a certifying authority that identifies its holder and serves as proof of identity on the Internet, and not the signature itself.

  • 1. A record identifying the certifying authority describes a digital certificate.
  • 2. Proof of identity on the Internet is the role of a digital certificate.
  • 3. A digital signature signs the document and shows the content is unchanged.

How you could have got this

  1. If you were sure statement 1 is not correct, (a) and (d) go: each of them includes 1.

    What you needed to know: A record identifying the certifying authority describes a digital certificate.

  2. Then, if you were sure statement 2 is not correct, (b) goes: it includes 2.

    What you needed to know: Proof of identity on the Internet is the role of a digital certificate.

Only (c) is left. You didn’t need statement 3.

Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Statement 1 describes a digital certificate, not the signature.
  • (b) Statement 2 describes a digital certificate, not the signature.
  • (c) Correct: only the description of signing and integrity of content fits a digital signature.
  • (d) Statements 1 and 2 describe a digital certificate.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2019, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.