📘 Q.5 IAS Prelims 2025 — Science & Technology (Quantum Computing & AI)🧷 Authentic Classroom Explanation by IAS Monk
📌 The Question:
Consider the following statements:
I. It is expected that Majorana-1 chip will enable quantum computing.
II. Majorana-1 chip has been introduced by Amazon Web Services (AWS).
III. Deep learning is a subset of machine learning.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) I and II only
(b) II and III only
(c) I and III only
(d) I, II and III
✅ Correct Answer: (c) I and III only
🧠 Classroom Explanation (Exam-oriented):
Let us test each statement carefully, one by one 👇
🔹 Statement I
✔ Correct
The Majorana-1 chip refers to a Majorana-based quantum computing approach, which uses Majorana fermions (exotic quasiparticles) for topological quantum computing.
Why it matters:
• Majorana-based qubits are more stable
• They are less prone to decoherence and errors
• Hence, they are considered a promising pathway for scalable quantum computing
👉 Therefore, Statement I is correct.
🔹 Statement II
✘ Incorrect
• Amazon Web Services (AWS) works on quantum computing through Amazon Braket
• However, the Majorana-based chip initiative is led by Microsoft, not AWS
• Microsoft’s work is closely associated with Station Q and topological qubits
👉 Therefore, Statement II is incorrect.
🔹 Statement III
✔ Correct
• Machine Learning (ML) → broad field of algorithms that learn from data
• Deep Learning (DL) → a subset of ML
• Uses multi-layered neural networks (deep neural networks)
Applications include:
• Image recognition
• Natural language processing
• Speech recognition
• Autonomous systems
👉 Therefore, Statement III is correct.
📌 Final Logic:
✔ Statement I — Correct
✘ Statement II — Incorrect
✔ Statement III — Correct
➡ Answer: (c) I and III only
🔍 Curiosity Raiser:
🧲 Why are Majorana particles called “exotic”?
Because a Majorana fermion is its own antiparticle — a rare property that makes it extremely valuable for fault-tolerant quantum computing.
📚 Enrich Notes (UPSC Value-Add):
• Quantum Computing Approaches:
- Superconducting qubits (Google, IBM)
- Trapped ions (IonQ)
- Topological qubits (Microsoft – Majorana)
• AI Hierarchy (Favourite UPSC Trap):
- Artificial Intelligence
↳ Machine Learning
↳ Deep Learning
• Keyword to remember:
Majorana → Topological → Stability → Error-resistant qubits
🪶 IAS Monk Whisper:
When UPSC mixes Quantum Computing and AI in one question, verify the developer name and hierarchy relationships very carefully.
