2018 GS Paper I, all questions
UPSC Prelims 2018 · GS Paper I
Question 64: Science and Technology
Consider the following pairs :
| Terms sometimes seen in news | Context / Topic | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Belle II experiment | Artificial Intelligence |
| 2. | Blockchain technology | Digital/ Cryptocurrency |
| 3. | CRISPR – Cas9 | Particle Physics |
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched ?
a1 and 3 only
b2 only
c2 and 3 only
d1, 2 and 3
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (b).
Blockchain is the distributed ledger technology behind digital currencies such as Bitcoin, so pair 2 is correct. The Belle II experiment is a particle physics experiment at KEK in Japan, studying B mesons and the difference between matter and antimatter, not artificial intelligence. CRISPR-Cas9 is a gene-editing tool from biotechnology, not particle physics.
- 1. Belle II is a particle physics experiment.
- 2. Blockchain underpins cryptocurrency.
- 3. CRISPR-Cas9 is a gene-editing technology.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong: Belle II is particle physics and CRISPR is gene editing.
- (b) Right: only blockchain with digital currency matches.
- (c) Wrong: CRISPR is gene editing.
- (d) Wrong: pairs 1 and 3 are mismatched.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2018, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.