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With reference to Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), consider the following statements : 1. They enable the digital representation of physical assets. 2. They are unique cryptographic tokens that exist on a blockchain. 3. They can be traded or exchanged a equivalency and therefore can be used as a medium of commercial transactions. Which of the statements given above are correct ?
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 1 (1 and 2 only). This is based on the fundamental characteristics of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) and their distinction from fungible cryptocurrencies.
- Statement 1 is correct: NFTs act as digital certificates of authenticity. They enable the digital representation of physical assets (like artwork or real estate) or digital-native assets, allowing them to be bought, sold, and tracked securely via blockchain.
- Statement 2 is correct: By definition, NFTs are unique cryptographic tokens. Unlike Bitcoin, each NFT has distinct identification codes and metadata that prevent them from being identical to one another.
- Statement 3 is incorrect: The term "non-fungible" means they cannot be exchanged at equivalency. While they are traded, one NFT does not equal another in value (unlike two 100-rupee notes). Therefore, they lack the "fungibility" required to serve as a standard medium of commercial transactions or a unit of account.
PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
Guest previewThis question masquerades as high-tech but is actually a vocabulary test on the word 'Fungible'. While books cover Blockchain basics, the specific application (NFT) was a dominant Current Affairs theme. The key to solving was spotting the contradiction in Statement 3.
This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.
- Statement 1: Can Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) represent physical assets in digital form?
- Statement 2: Are Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) unique cryptographic tokens recorded on a blockchain?
- Statement 3: Are Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) interchangeable one-for-one (fungible) with other tokens?
- Statement 4: Can Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) be bought, sold, or otherwise used in commercial transactions?
- Industry 4.0 explicitly aims for end-to-end digitisation of all physical assets and their integration into digital ecosystems.
- Digitisation is described as enabling a virtual world that can 'steer' the physical world, which supports the idea of digital representations of physical items.
- Digitization of land records is given as a concrete example where a physical asset (land) is represented and authenticated online.
- The example shows digitised records replacing physical papers for transactions like loans, illustrating practical digital representation of physical assets.
- Depository receipts are described as negotiable instruments that represent underlying securities, demonstrating the concept of one instrument standing for an asset.
- This financial representation principle is analogous to tokens that represent ownership of underlying assets.
- Explicitly calls NFTs 'unique cryptographic tokens'.
- States they 'exist on a blockchain', directly tying NFTs to blockchain recording.
- Describes NFTs as 'unique cryptographic tokens' that exist on a blockchain.
- Notes NFTs have unique identification codes and metadata distinguishing them, supporting non-fungibility.
- Defines NFTs as 'unique and non-interchangeable units of data', i.e., non-fungible.
- States token 'ownership' is 'recorded and tracked on a blockchain', confirming blockchain recording.
Describes blockchain as a public ledger that everyone can inspect and is decentralised — establishes blockchain as a place where digital records can be stored transparently.
A student could combine this with the idea that a recordable ledger can hold token records to see if NFTs (as tokens) plausibly live on such ledgers.
Explains cryptocurrencies are based on decentralized ledger/blockchain technology and are digital money transferred over the internet — links digital assets/tokens to blockchain.
One can generalise from cryptocurrencies being blockchain-based to other digital tokens (like NFTs) also being stored on similar ledgers and then check if NFTs are described as tokens elsewhere.
Notes that transactions and issuance (mining) happen 'at the backend' on blockchain and that crypto assets are limited/uniquely generated — gives a pattern of digitally creating scarce assets via blockchain.
A student could infer that unique digital items (non-fungible) might similarly rely on blockchain-backed issuance to guarantee scarcity/ownership.
Mentions blockchain platforms combined with smart contracts used to create secure, transparent transfers — indicates blockchain can record and enforce programmable asset transfers.
A student could extend this to the idea that NFTs use smart contracts to encode uniqueness/ownership on-chain and then look for explicit NFT examples.
Defines ICO (Initial Coin Offering) as a means of raising funds using cryptocurrencies/coins — demonstrates the concept of issuing new digital tokens via blockchain-related projects.
From token issuance in ICOs, one might infer the existence of other token types (including unique tokens) issued and tracked via blockchain and seek confirmation.
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- Defines the distinction between fungible and non-fungible crypto assets.
- Explicitly states non-fungible crypto assets are unique and non-divisible, implying they are not interchangeable one-for-one.
- Provides a plain-language definition of NFTs.
- States that non-fungible means these tokens cannot be exchanged for one another; each one is unique.
- Summarizes NFTs as unique and non-interchangeable units of data.
- Directly indicates NFTs are not interchangeable like fungible tokens.
Explains 'token currency' as coins declared to represent value of other metal coins, showing that the word 'token' can mean a representative unit whose value depends on rules rather than intrinsic sameness.
A student could relate this to NFTs by asking whether an NFT's value is intrinsic or assigned by rules/metadata and therefore whether different NFTs could be legally declared interchangeable.
Describes barter as direct exchange 'without the use of tokens,' highlighting that tokens are used to standardize value and enable interchangeability in transactions.
One could use that distinction to probe whether NFTs function as standardized interchangeable tokens or as unique items preventing one-for-one substitution.
Lists financial instruments that are 'convertible' versus 'non-convertible', illustrating a formal distinction between assets that can be changed into other forms and those that cannot.
A student could analogize 'non-fungible' to 'non-convertible' (unique, not interchangeable) and ask if NFTs are described or regulated as convertible/interchangeable instruments.
Notes that payment systems and access are regulated and that different classes of providers and instruments exist for facilitating payments, implying token-types and their uses may be governed differently.
Use this to check whether NFTs are treated within payment/settlement frameworks as interchangeable payment tokens or as distinct digital assets with separate rules.
Uses 'Token Grant' to mean a symbolic/small sum, showing 'token' can imply symbolic uniqueness rather than fungible equivalence.
From this, a student might question whether 'token' in 'NFT' implies symbolic/unique status (supporting non‑fungibility) rather than one-for-one interchangeability.
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- Defines NFTs as unique units that 'signify ownership' of digital items, which is the basis for commercial transfer.
- Mentions an 'NFT Transaction Process' and that token ownership is 'recorded and tracked on a blockchain', indicating they can be transacted.
- States NFTs signify ownership of digital items and are recorded on a blockchain, supporting their use as transferable property.
- Notes supporters believe NFTs will be used as digital representations of physical items (e.g., a deed to a house or title to a car), implying commercial uses.
- Describes NFTs as tokens that 'record ownership of a unique tangible or intangible object', which supports their commercial transferability.
- Refers to the 'regulatory scheme and marketplace', indicating NFTs are traded in markets.
Explains that crypto‑currencies (digital tokens) are not illegal to transact in and can be accepted for transactions, establishing that novel digital tokens can circulate as means of exchange.
A student could extend this by noting that NFTs are another kind of digital token and therefore might likewise be offered and accepted in exchange on markets or between parties.
Says CBDCs benefit from blockchain/Distributed Ledger Technology like cryptocurrencies and are usable for payments, linking blockchain‑based assets to payment/transaction uses.
One could infer that blockchain‑based tokens (including NFTs) can leverage similar infrastructure to enable transfers/payments between parties.
Describes that digital creations (films, music, software, online services) are bought and sold because of their informational value, and rights can be used to negotiate payment.
A student could treat NFTs as digital certificates tied to creative works and therefore plausibly tradable as a way to buy/sell rights or ownership interests in such creations.
Notes digital wallets and person‑to‑merchant transactions (e‑rupee) enabling digital transfers and merchant payments via mobile devices.
Combine this with knowledge that NFTs are digital items stored/managed electronically to hypothesize that wallets/marketplaces could support NFT transactions with merchants or individuals.
Discusses e‑commerce marketplace rules and online selling, showing that online platforms facilitate commercial exchange of goods.
A student could extend this to suggest that online marketplaces could host listings for NFTs, enabling commercial sale and resale under platform rules.
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- [THE VERDICT]: Buzzword Sitter. Solvable purely by linguistic logic (Non-Fungible vs Equivalency) even without deep tech knowledge.
- [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: Science & Tech > Digital Awareness > Blockchain Applications (Crypto, NFT, Web 3.0).
- [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Fungible (Fiat, Bitcoin) vs Non-Fungible (Land, Art, NFT); Smart Contracts (Ethereum); Web 3.0 (Token-based economy); Metaverse; DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Org); Proof of Work vs Proof of Stake.
- [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: When a new tech term appears (e.g., NFT), dissect the name. 'Non-Fungible' is the defining feature. UPSC will almost always create a trap statement that contradicts this core definition.
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Industry 4.0 focuses on end-to-end digitisation and digital integration of physical assets, which underpins the concept of digital tokens representing physical items.
High-yield for UPSC because it links technology policy to manufacturing, digital governance, and economic transformation. Mastering this clarifies questions on digitalization, supply chains, and policy measures to digitise assets and services.
- Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 7: Indian Economy after 2014 > Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0): Present > p. 232
Digitized land records convert physical property documentation into online records, showing how real-world assets can be represented digitally for transactions.
Important for questions on land reforms, credit delivery and governance; it connects rural finance, fraud reduction, and public administration reforms. Understanding this helps answer policy and scheme-related prompts.
- Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 5: Land Reforms > 5.6 Digitization of land records > p. 200
Depository receipts exemplify how an instrument can represent underlying securities, a principle relevant to digital tokenization of assets.
Useful for topics on capital markets, foreign investment and balance of payments; it helps bridge traditional financial instruments with newer concepts like tokenization and digital ownership.
- Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 16: Balance of Payments > b. Depository Receipt > p. 478
Understanding that blockchain is a decentralized, publicly inspectable ledger is essential to evaluating claims about any token being recorded on it.
High-yield for UPSC: blockchain fundamentals appear in questions on digital payments, fintech policy and regulation. Mastering this helps link technology to topics like cryptocurrencies, CBDC design, transparency and decentralisation in finance; it enables answering questions about legitimacy, recording and control of digital assets.
- Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 7: Money and Banking > CRYPTOCURRENCIES > p. 160
- Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 2: Money and Banking- Part I > What are Crypto currencies? > p. 77
Knowing how blockchain underpins cryptocurrencies and may be used in central bank digital currencies clarifies where token-like assets are likely to be recorded and governed.
Important for policy and economy sections: connects monetary policy, digital currency design and financial stability debates. Helps tackle questions on regulatory responses, comparative features of private crypto vs state-backed digital money, and implications for payments infrastructure.
- Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 7: Money and Banking > CRYPTOCURRENCIES > p. 160
- Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 2: Money and Banking- Part I > Advantages of CBDC > p. 79
Smart contracts and platform use-cases show how unique digital items or records can be managed on blockchain platforms, a necessary technical mechanism behind many token-based assets.
Practically useful for UPSC mains and interview: links technology to real-world applications in supply chains, lending and fintech. Enables argumentation on efficiency, transparency and risks of blockchain deployments in governance and finance.
- Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 12: Supply Chain and Food Processing Industry > Use of Blockchain technology in Warehouse Receipt Finance > p. 373
Token currency is money whose face value exceeds its intrinsic material value, highlighting that 'tokens' can represent value rather than embody it.
High-yield for economics and monetary history questions: it clarifies types of money, links to issues of counterfeiting and public confidence, and helps analyse questions about currency reform and inflation. Mastery enables answering comparative questions on monetary instruments and their economic effects.
- Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science, Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 2: Reshaping India’s Political Map > LET US EXPLORE > p. 27
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Web 3.0 & DAOs. Since NFTs are the assets of the Web 3.0 ecosystem, the next logical question targets the governance structure (DAO) or the internet architecture (Web 3.0 vs Web 2.0) that hosts them.
The 'Etymological Checkmate'. The topic is 'NON-Fungible'. Statement 3 describes 'Fungibility' (exchanged at equivalency like a 10 Rupee note). The statement contradicts the name of the topic. S3 is false. Eliminate B, C, D. Answer is A.
Mains GS-3 (IPR & Economy): NFTs represent a shift from 'Copyright Law' (legal protection) to 'Code-based Scarcity' (technological protection). Use this in answers about Digital Rights Management or the Creative Economy.
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