National Quantum Mission (NQM)
India's National Quantum Mission, launched in 2023 with Rs 6,000 crore, aims to make India a global leader in quantum technologies by 2031. It focuses on dev...
The quantum computing age will only begin when we silence the noise
The article delves into the foundational principles, current challenges, and future potential of quantum computing. It explains core concepts like quantum mechanics, qubits, superposition, and entanglement, contrasting them with classical computing. Key challenges such as decoherence, noise, and high error rates are discussed, alongside recent breakthroughs in error correction, notably by Google Quantum AI. The article also highlights India's National Quantum Mission (NQM) and its objectives, emphasizing the long-term vision for quantum technologies despite current limitations in practical utility.
Mains syllabus topics
International Institutions
Science Technology Everyday Life
Achievements Indians Science
Border Security Terrorism
Prelims takeaways
- Understand the National Quantum Mission (NQM) its objectives, funding (Rs 6,000 crore), and timeline (by 2031) to make India a leader in Quantum Technologies.
- Grasp the fundamental principles of quantum computing qubits as the basic unit, superposition (existing in multiple states simultaneously), and entanglement (linked states regardless of distance).
- Differentiate between classical bits (0 or 1) and quantum qubits (0, 1, and states in between).
- Identify major challenges in quantum computing decoherence (loss of quantum states due to environmental interaction), noise, and high error rates.
- Recognize the importance of error correction techniques, such as forcing multiple physical qubits to act as a single 'logical qubit', to overcome these challenges.
- Be aware of different types of qubits superconducting qubits (Josephson junction), quantum dot qubits (semiconductors), trapped ion qubits, photonic qubits, and NMR qubits.
- Know the potential applications of quantum computers simulating molecules, securing digital lives (cryptography), optimizing logistics, and climate modeling.
- Understand the concept of 'quantum advantage' or 'quantum supremacy' where quantum computers solve problems classical computers cannot in a practical timeframe.
- Familiarize with the term 'Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum Computing' (NISQ) to describe current quantum processors.
Elimination traps
- Confusing the current practical utility of quantum computers with their theoretical potential; the article stresses they are still years away from widespread practical use.
- Misinterpreting the concepts of superposition and entanglement, which are distinct from classical computing principles.
- Overlooking the specific challenges (decoherence, error rates) that make building practical quantum computers difficult, as these are key areas of research.
Static concepts
- Quantum mechanics
- Quantum Turing machine
- Qubit
- Superposition
- Entanglement
- Decoherence
- Error correction
- Josephson junction
- Quantum dot qubits
- Trapped ion qubits
- Photonic qubits
- Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) qubits
- Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum Computing (NISQ)
Probable question areas
Question areas
- What are the key features and objectives of India's National Quantum Mission?
Question areas
- Explain the fundamental differences between classical bits and quantum qubits, including the concepts of superposition and entanglement.
Question areas
- What are the primary challenges hindering the development of fault-tolerant quantum computers, and how are scientists addressing them?
Question areas
- Discuss the potential applications of quantum computing across various sectors.
Question areas
- Match the following types of qubits with their underlying physical principles or materials: Superconducting, Quantum Dot, Trapped Ion, Photonic.
UPSC concepts in this story
Durable syllabus ideas for revision — not article memory.
Quantum Computing
Quantum computing uses quantum mechanics principles (superposition, entanglement) with qubits to solve complex problems beyond classical computers. Key appli...
Previous year Prelims questions on overlapping themes and topics.
Consider the following statements:
Statement I:
Some rare earth elements are used in the manufacture of flat television screens and computer monitors.
Statement II:
Some rare earth elements have phosphorescent properties.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Explanation
Correct answer
A. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I
✅ Statement I: Correct
Rare earth elements like europium, terbium, and yttrium are essential in flat TV screens and monitors due to their role in producing vibrant colors and enhancing display quality. ✅ Statement II: Correct
These elements exhibit phosphorescence—absorbing energy and slowly emitting light—which is key to their use in color reproduction and brightness in displays. Relationship:
Statement II explains why rare earth elements are crucial in displays, confirming the reason behind Statement I. Therefore, both statements are correct and related.
Science & Technology
Physics & Materials Science
Emerging Information Technologies
Which one of the following-is the context in which the term "qubit" is mentioned?
Explanation
Correct answer
B. Quantum Computing
- A qubit is the fundamental unit of information in quantum computing, analogous to the bit in classical computing. - However, unlike a bit that can only be either 0 or 1, a qubit can exist in a superposition of both states simultaneously. - This property of qubits allows quantum computers to perform certain calculations much faster than traditional computers.
Science & Technology
Emerging Information Technologies
Consider the following statements about Mission Sudarshan Chakra of India:
1. It aims to enhance India's air defence, ballistic missile defence and aerial offensive capabilities.
2. This Mission is being designed to enhance rapid, precise, and powerful defence responses, reinforcing India's strategic autonomy.
3. One of the aims of this Mission is to cover all public places of India by an expanded nationwide security shield by 2035.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Correct answer
A. 1, 2 and 3
Statement 1 is Correct: Mission Sudarshan Chakra is designed as a multi-domain security umbrella. It explicitly aims to enhance India's air defence, ballistic missile defence, and aerial offensive capabilities, acting as both a defensive shield and an offensive sword. Statement 2 is Correct: The mission integrates advanced technologies like AI, space-based sensors, and directed energy weapons to ensure rapid, precise, and powerful defence responses. This indigenous development (incorporating projects like Project Kusha) is specifically aimed at reinforcing India's strategic autonomy and self-reliance in the defence sector. Statement 3 is Correct: A major distinguishing feature of this initiative is its expanded scope. Announced as a 10-year national security initiative, a stated goal of the mission is to bring all public places (including hospitals, railways, and religious/cultural sites) under an expanded nationwide security shield by 2035, moving beyond the conventional protection of just military and strategic installations. Therefore, the correct option is A.
Science & Technology
Current Affairs
Emerging Information Technologies
Space Science & Exploration
Which of the following statements with regard to the National Quantum Mission (NQM) is/are correct?
1. It aims at developing intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits.
2. Its implementation includes setting up of four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) in academic and national R&D institutes across India.
Select the answer using the code given below:
Explanation
Correct answer
C. Both 1 and 2
Statement 1 is Correct: The National Quantum Mission (NQM) aims to develop intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50 to 1000 physical qubits within 8 years. Specifically, it targets 50–100 physical qubits in 5 years and scales up to 50–1000 physical qubits in 8 years using platforms like superconducting and photonic technology. Statement 2 is Correct: The implementation of the mission explicitly includes the establishment of four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) in top academic and national R&D institutes across India. These hubs focus on distinct technology verticals: Quantum Computing (led by IISc Bengaluru), Quantum Communication (led by IIT Madras), Quantum Sensing & Metrology (led by IIT Bombay), and Quantum Materials & Devices (led by IIT Delhi). Therefore, both statements are correct.
Science & Technology
Current Affairs
Emerging Information Technologies
GPS-Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) uses a system of ground stations to provide necessary augmentation. Which of the following statements is/are correct in respect of GAGAN?
I. It is designed to provide additional accuracy and integrity.
II. It will allow more uniform and high quality air traffic management.
III. It will provide benefits only in aviation but not in other modes of transportation.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Explanation
Correct answer
D. I and II only
✅ Statement I: Correct
*GAGAN is an Indian SBAS developed by ISRO and AAI to enhance GPS accuracy and integrity, crucial for aviation safety.* ✅ Statement II: Correct
*It improves GPS reliability and accuracy, enabling better air traffic management and safer, efficient navigation.* ❌ Statement III: Incorrect
*GAGAN’s benefits extend beyond aviation to railways, roadways, maritime, agriculture, and disaster management.* Correct Answer: Only Statements I and II are correct.
Science & Technology
Space Science & Exploration
Emerging Information Technologies
In which of the following areas can GPS technology be used?
1. Mobile phone operations
2. Banking operations
3. Controlling the power grids
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Explanation
Correct answer
D. 1, 2 and 3
GPS, or Global Positioning System, is a satellite-based navigation system that provides geolocation and time information to a GPS receiver anywhere on or near the Earth. It has a wide range of applications. Statement 1 is correct. GPS is used in mobile phones for various purposes such as location tracking, navigation, and location-based services. Statement 2 is correct. GPS is used in banking operations for ATM location services and for time-stamping transactions, which is crucial for maintaining accurate records. Statement 3 is correct. GPS is used for time-stamping power system measurements, which is vital for grid stability and synchronization. Therefore, GPS technology can be used in all the three areas mentioned.
Science & Technology
Space Science & Exploration
Emerging Information Technologies
Which of the following statements about Rare Earth Elements (REEs) and Critical Minerals is/are correct ?
1. Modern technological innovations including Artificial Intelligence, robotics and space exploration extensively utilise Rare Earth Elements (REEs).
2. China has the highest share in mining of REEs followed by India.
3. The Government of India launched the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) in 2025 to establish a robust framework for self-reliance in the critical mineral sector.
4. Rare Earth Elements are a set of 13 metallic elements.
Select the answer using the code given below :
Explanation
Correct answer
A. 1 and 3 only
Statement 1 is Correct: Rare Earth Elements (REEs) are indispensable for modern technological innovations. Their unique magnetic, luminescent, and electrochemical properties make them critical for artificial intelligence hardware, robotics, space exploration, electric vehicles, and advanced defense systems. Statement 2 is Incorrect: While China dominates global REE mining, accounting for roughly 69% of global production, the second-largest producer is the United States, followed by Myanmar and Australia. India ranks much lower globally and is not the second-largest producer. Statement 3 is Correct: The Government of India officially launched the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) in January 2025. The mission is a strategic blueprint designed to secure domestic and global supply chains, reduce import dependence, and establish a robust framework for self-reliance in critical minerals essential for clean energy and technology. Statement 4 is Incorrect: Rare Earth Elements are a set of 17 metallic elements, not 13. This group comprises the 15 lanthanides on the periodic table, along with scandium and yttrium, which share similar chemical properties and are typically found in the same ore deposits. Therefore, the correct option is A.
Science & Technology
Current Affairs
Geography
Emerging Information Technologies
Space Science & Exploration
Which one of the following pairs of semiconductor plants in India and their locations is **not** correctly matched?
| Semiconductor Plant | Location |
|---|---|
| (a) CG Power and Industrial Solutions Pvt. Ltd. in partnership with Renesas Electronics and STARS Microelectronics | Gujarat |
| (b) Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test Pvt. Ltd. | Assam |
| (c) HCL-Foxconn Joint Venture India Chip Ltd. | Madhya Pradesh |
| (d) SicSem Pvt. Ltd. | Odisha |
Explanation
Correct answer
C. HCL-Foxconn Joint Venture India Chip Ltd. : Madhya Pradesh
Option A is correctly matched: The Union Cabinet approved the Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) facility by CG Power and Industrial Solutions (in partnership with Renesas Electronics and STARS Microelectronics) to be set up in Sanand, Gujarat. Option B is correctly matched: Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test Pvt. Ltd. (TSAT) is establishing a greenfield semiconductor assembly and test facility in Jagiroad, Assam. It marks a major industrial investment in Northeast India. Option C is incorrectly matched: The OSAT facility by the HCL-Foxconn Joint Venture (India Chip Pvt. Ltd.) is being established in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh (in the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority region), not Madhya Pradesh. It will manufacture display driver chips. Option D is correctly matched: SicSem Pvt. Ltd. is setting up a Silicon Carbide (SiC) semiconductor manufacturing plant in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. It is designed to be India's first commercial compound semiconductor fab. Therefore, Option C is the correct answer.
Science & Technology
Indian Economy
Emerging Information Technologies
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?
Explanation
Correct answer
C. I and III only
Majorana 1 chip is linked to quantum computing and deep learning is part of machine learning, but AWS did not introduce the Majorana 1 chip. * ✅ I. Majorana 1 chip – Expected to advance quantum computing. * ❌ II. AWS introducing Majorana 1 – Incorrect, it’s a Microsoft project. * ✅III. Deep learning – A subset of machine learning. Only statements I and III are correct.
Science & Technology
Emerging Information Technologies
Consider the following activities:
1. Identification of narcotics on passengers at airports or in aircraft
2. Monitoring of precipitation
3. Tracking the migration of animals
In how many of the above activities can the radars be used?
Explanation
Correct answer
B. Only two
* Statement 1 is incorrect: This is typically done using X-ray scanners or advanced imaging technologies like millimeter wave scanners, not traditional radar. * Statement 2 is correct: Radars, specifically weather radars, are commonly used to monitor precipitation. They can detect rain, snow, and other weather conditions by bouncing radio waves off precipitation particles. * Statement 3 is correct: Radars can be used to track the migration of birds and other animals. They are often used in ornithological studies to monitor bird migration patterns.
Science & Technology
Physics & Materials Science
Biogeography & Ecosystems
Previous year Mains questions mapped to overlapping GS syllabus topics.
"The reform process in the United Nations remains unresolved, because of the delicate imbalance of East and West and entanglement of the USA vs. Russo-Chinese alliance." Examine and critically evaluate the East-West policy confrontations in this regard.
Bilateral, regional and global groupings involving India
Policies of developed/developing countries and Indian diaspora
Important International institutions, agencies and fora
View Mains PYQ
Why is maritime security vital to protect India’s sea trade? Discuss maritime and coastal security challenges and the way forward.
Internal security — external and non-state actors
Border security, organized crime and terrorism
Indian Economy — planning, resources, growth, development, employment
View Mains PYQ
"Energy security constitutes the dominant kingpin of India's foreign policy, and is linked with India's overarching influence in Middle Eastern countries." How would you integrate energy security with India's foreign policy trajectories in the coming years?
Bilateral, regional and global groupings involving India
Important International institutions, agencies and fora
View Mains PYQ
India aims to become a semiconductor manufacturing hub. What are the challenges faced by the semiconductor industry in India? Mention the salient features of the India Semiconductor Mission.
Science and Technology developments and everyday applications
Investment models
IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-tech, bio-tech and IPR
View Mains PYQ
"With the waning of globalization, post-Cold War world is becoming a site of sovereign nationalism." Elucidate.
Bilateral, regional and global groupings involving India
Policies of developed/developing countries and Indian diaspora
Important International institutions, agencies and fora
View Mains PYQ
Terrorism is a global scourge. How has it manifested in India? Elaborate with contemporary examples. What are the counter measures adopted by the State? Explain.
Internal security — external and non-state actors
Border security, organized crime and terrorism
View Mains PYQ
Consider the following statements regarding India's National Quantum Mission (NQM): 1. It aims to build intermediate-scale quantum computers by 2031. 2. The mission was sanctioned with a budget of over Rs 6,000 crore in April 2023. 3. One of its primary goals is to replace classical computing infrastructure in India by 2035. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Statements 1 and 2 are correct as per the article. The NQM aims to build 'intermediate-scale quantum computers' by 2031 and was sanctioned over Rs 6,000 crore in April 2023. Statement 3 is incorrect; the article explicitly mentions that 'there is no reason to believe that the classical computing that we know as of today is going to go away in any form'.
With reference to quantum computing, which of the following statements correctly describes the concept of 'superposition'?
Explanation
The article states, 'Unlike a bit, which can be either in the 0 or 1 states at any point of time, a qubit can exist in multiple states simultaneously: 0, 1, and any of the infinite states between them. This property is called superposition.' Option B describes entanglement.
Which of the following pairs correctly matches the type of qubit with its underlying physical principle or material?
Explanation
Pair 1 is correct: 'Superconducting qubits are made from a device called the Josephson junction.' Pair 2 is incorrect: Quantum dot qubits use 'tiny particles of semiconductors like silicon, gallium arsenide, or germanium', while 'trapped ion qubits' involve 'trapping and manipulating individual ions'. Pair 3 is incorrect: Photonic qubits manipulate 'particles of light', while 'nuclear magnetic resonance, or NMR, qubits' use 'the angular momentum of nuclei within molecules'.
India's National Quantum Mission (NQM) aims to position the country as a leader in quantum technologies. Discuss the key objectives of the NQM and critically evaluate the challenges India might face in achieving these ambitious goals, considering the current global landscape of quantum computing.
Introduce NQM, detail its objectives, then analyze challenges like hardware, noise, commercial relevance, and global competition, concluding with a balanced perspective.
Explain the fundamental principles of quantum computing, specifically 'superposition' and 'entanglement', and elaborate on how these principles enable quantum computers to potentially solve problems beyond the capabilities of classical supercomputers.
Define quantum computing, explain superposition and entanglement with analogies, then discuss their combined effect on processing power and list potential applications.