Which of the following statements regarding the features of blockchain technology are correct?
- 1.Records stored in the database may be made visible to relevant stakeholders without risk of alteration.
- 2.Copies of the entire database are stored on multiple computers on a network, syncing within seconds.
- 3.Consortium blockchain is a blend of public and private blockchains allowing selective data access.
- 4.Mathematical algorithms make it impossible to change or delete any data once recorded and accepted.
Select the answer using the code given below:
Answer & explanation
Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 4
A blockchain is a distributed, tamper-resistant ledger kept on many computers, which is what statements 1, 2 and 4 describe. Statement 3 describes a hybrid blockchain; a consortium blockchain is semi-decentralised and governed jointly by several organisations.
- ✓ 1. Blockchain is described as a transparent, immutable ledger accessible across a network, so authorised stakeholders can see records that resist tampering.
- ✓ 2. Records are maintained across multiple nodes, each holding the ledger. The official note does not mention the ‘within seconds’ detail; the key treats the statement as correct.
- ✗ 3. ‘A blend of public and private blockchains allowing selective data access’ is the definition of a hybrid blockchain. A consortium blockchain is semi-decentralised and governed jointly by multiple organisations.
- ✓ 4. The design makes unauthorised modification virtually impossible once data is recorded and accepted by the network.
Remember · Blockchain types: public (open to all nodes), private (one controlling entity), consortium (jointly governed by several organisations), hybrid (blend of public and private).
Sources
- PIB: National Blockchain Framework (24 Oct 2025), what blockchain is ↗ “Blockchain is a distributed, transparent, secure, and immutable database that functions like a ledger of records or transactions, resistant to tampering and accessible across a network of computers. … records are securely maintained across multiple nodes. This design makes unauthorized modifications virtually impossible and significantly enhances data integrity and trust. … Consortium Blockchain: In this network, the blockchain is semi-decentralized, governed jointly by multiple organizations for shared data management and validation. Hybrid Blockchain: It is a blend of public and private blockchains allowing selective data access.”
Question and answer: UPSC's provisional GS Paper I (2026, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). ·