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 ✓ UPSC's answer
(d) I, II and III

Why the answer is (c)

• Majorana 1, unveiled in February 2025, is a quantum processor built on a 'topological core' using Majorana quasiparticles, intended to make qubits more stable and scalable — statement I is correct.

• Statement II is wrong: Majorana 1 was introduced by Microsoft, not Amazon Web Services (AWS's quantum chip is 'Ocelot').

• Statement III is correct: deep learning is a subset of machine learning that uses multi-layered neural networks, and machine learning is in turn a subset of artificial intelligence.

• The nesting AI ⊃ machine learning ⊃ deep learning is a standard definition worth remembering.

• Hence I and III only, option (c).

Why the other options are wrong

(a) I and II only: Statement II is wrong: Majorana 1 is Microsoft's chip, not AWS's.
(b) II and III only: Statement II is wrong, while statement I is correct.
(d) I, II and III: Statement II is wrong, so all three cannot be correct.

Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2025, held on 25 May 2025. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.