Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: CERT-In, RTI
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The Centre has included the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) in the list of organizations exempted from the Right to Information Act (RTI), 2005.
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There are 26 other intelligence and security organisations established by the Central government such as the Intelligence Bureau, Research and Analysis Wing, Directorate of Enforcement, and National Technical Research Organisation that are exempt under RTI.
About Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In)
| Details | |
| Nodal Agency | Part of India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology |
| Establishment | Formed in 2004 under the Information Technology Act, 2000 Section (70B) |
| Inter-agency Coordination | Works with NCIIPC (under NTRO and PMO) and NDMA (under Ministry of Home Affairs) |
| Functions | Monitors cyber-attacks, issues security guidelines, liaises with national cybersecurity bodies |
| Recent Activities | Hosted ‘Synergy’ exercise in 2022 with international participation |
| International Agreements | MoUs with UK, Korea, Canada, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Uzbekistan; cooperation with Shanghai Cooperation Organisation |
| Notable Incidents | Reported Android Jelly Bean flaw (2014), Chrome vulnerabilities (2020), WhatsApp vulnerability (2021); investigated AIIMS cyber-attack (2022) |
| Cyberattack Statistics (2021) | Faced 11.5 million cyberattack incidents including attacks on infrastructure and government |
Back2Basics: Right to Information (RTI) Act
| Enactment | June 15, 2005 |
| Objective | Promote transparency and accountability |
| Applicability | All public authorities at central, state, local levels |
| Scope | Access to information on matters of public interest, government policies, budgets, etc. |
| RTI Application | Filed in writing with the concerned public authority |
| Response Time | Within 30 days (48 hours for life or liberty issues) |
| Exemptions | Some information exempted to protect national security, privacy, etc.
Judiciary |
| Fees | Nominal fee varies based on state and information requested |
| First Appellate Authority | Filed if dissatisfied with the response |
| Second Appeal | Filed with the relevant Information Commission |
| Whistleblower Protection | Safeguards against victimization for exposing corruption |
| Impact | Promotes transparency, accountability, and good governance |
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