Question 75 from UPSC CSE 2018 - Current Affairs

Question

Consider the following pairs:
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?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. 2 only

Strategy: The strategy is to identify the core domain of each term to determine the correct pairings:
*   **Belle II:** Related to experimental particle physics, not artificial intelligence. Pair 1 is incorrect.
*   **Blockchain technology:** Underpins cryptocurrencies and digital assets. Pair 2 is correct.
*   **CRISPR-Cas9:** A gene-editing technique, not particle physics. Pair 3 is incorrect.
Therefore, the task is to identify the option that correctly states only Pair 2.

Key Info: ## Belle II Experiment
An international particle physics experiment located at the SuperKEKB accelerator in KEK, Japan. It focuses on precision studies of B mesons, charge-parity violation, and rare decays in search of physics beyond the Standard Model. Belle II is not related to artificial intelligence in its primary research goals.

## Blockchain Technology
A distributed ledger technology that ensures secure, transparent, and tamper-proof recording of transactions. Its foundational application is in cryptocurrencies (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum), where it maintains decentralized transaction records. Blockchain is also used for smart contracts, supply chain management, and digital identity verification. Central banks worldwide are exploring blockchain for Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC).

## CRISPR-Cas9
A revolutionary genome-editing tool that allows precise, efficient modification of DNA within living organisms. CRISPR stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats, with Cas9 being the associated endonuclease protein. It is widely applied in genetics, biotechnology, agriculture, and medical research for gene therapy, and is unrelated to particle physics.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: 1 and 3 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: 2 and 3 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: 1, 2, and 3

Consider the following pairs: Belle II experiment - Artificial Intelligence Blockchain technology - Digital/Cryptocurrency CRISPR-Cas9 - Particle Physics Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

Consider the following pairs:

Belle II experiment - Artificial Intelligence

Blockchain technology - Digital/Cryptocurrency

CRISPR-Cas9 - Particle Physics
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?