UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Securing India against the threat of a ‘Mythocalypse’

Q1. Which one of the following is the nodal agency in India for responding to cyber security incidents and coordinating defensive action against AI-enabled cyber threats such as those discussed in the context of Claude Mythos?

  • A. Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
  • B. National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) under the Prime Minister's Office
  • C. National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO) under the Cabinet Secretariat
  • D. National Cyber Security Coordinator (NCSC) under the National Security Council Secretariat

Q2. With reference to the India–AI Impact Summit 2026 held at Bharat Mandapam, consider the following as its declared 'Sutras' (foundational pillars): 1. People 2. Planet 3. Prosperity 4. Progress Which of the above is/are correctly identified as a foundational Sutra of the Summit?

  1. People
  2. Planet
  3. Prosperity
  4. Progress
  • A. 1, 2 and 3 only
  • B. 1, 2 and 4 only
  • C. 2, 3 and 4 only
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q3. With reference to the access regime for 'Claude Mythos Preview' before and after its 2026 international expansion, consider the following statements: 1. Upon its unveiling in April 2026, Claude Mythos Preview was made publicly downloadable by Anthropic for general commercial use. 2. Initial Project Glasswing access was limited to roughly 50 predominantly US-based organisations before being expanded in mid-2026 to over 15 countries, including India. 3. Even after the expansion, access is restricted to organisations defending critical infrastructure such as power, water, healthcare, communications and financial services. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Upon its unveiling in April 2026, Claude Mythos Preview was made publicly downloadable by Anthropic for general commercial use.
  2. Initial Project Glasswing access was limited to roughly 50 predominantly US-based organisations before being expanded in mid-2026 to over 15 countries, including India.
  3. Even after the expansion, access is restricted to organisations defending critical infrastructure such as power, water, healthcare, communications and financial services.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q4. Under which one of the following statutory provisions is the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) designated as the national agency for responding to cyber security incidents — a mandate central to India's posture against AI-enabled cyber threats?

  • A. Section 66A of the Information Technology Act, 2000
  • B. Section 69 of the Information Technology Act, 2000
  • C. Section 70A of the Information Technology Act, 2000
  • D. Section 70B of the Information Technology Act, 2000