UPSC Prelims 2026 · GS Paper 1 · Question 81
'X', born in the UK, was conferred the Nobel Prize in 2025. He was a professor in an American University when this prize was announced. Identify 'X' :
Correct answer: Option C
Current Affairs
Options
- (a) Michel H. Devoret
- (b) Richard Robson
- (c) John Clarke
- (d) Joel Mokyr
Detailed solution
Answer
Option (C) — John Clarke
Explanation
- The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to John Clarke (among others) for contributions related to quantum sensing and superconducting devices.
- John Clarke was born in the United Kingdom and served as a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, an American university.
- Michel H. Devoret, while also associated with quantum physics, was born in France. Joel Mokyr is an economic historian and Richard Robson is a chemist, neither of whom received the 2025 Nobel Prize.
Statement Analysis
- a. Michel H. Devoret: Incorrect. He was born in France, not the UK.
- b. Richard Robson: Incorrect. He is not a 2025 Nobel Prize laureate.
- c. John Clarke: Correct. Born in the UK, professor at UC Berkeley, and awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics.
- d. Joel Mokyr: Incorrect. He is an economic historian and was not awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize.