Therefore, both statements are correct.
| Thematic Hub | Broad Focus Area | Importance |
|---|
| Quantum Computing | Quantum processors, algorithms and computing platforms | Builds quantum computers and related software ecosystem |
| Quantum Communication | Secure quantum communication and quantum key distribution | Enables high-security communication networks |
| Quantum Sensing and Metrology | Precision sensors and measurement systems | Useful in defence, navigation, healthcare and geology |
| Quantum Materials and Devices | Materials and devices for quantum technologies | Provides hardware foundation for quantum systems |
| Term | Meaning | Relevance |
|---|
| Qubit | Basic unit of quantum information | Unlike classical bits, it can exist in superposition of states |
| Physical qubit | Actual hardware-level qubit | NQM target refers to physical qubits |
| Quantum computer | Computer using quantum principles for computation | Can solve certain complex problems faster than classical computers |
| Superposition | Ability of a quantum system to be in multiple states at once | Enables quantum computational advantage |
| Entanglement | Quantum correlation between particles | Important for quantum computing and communication |
| Quantum key distribution | Secure communication method using quantum principles | Important part of quantum communication |
| Quantum sensing | Use of quantum effects for high-precision measurement | Useful in defence, navigation and medical technologies |
| Term | Meaning | Why It Matters |
|---|
| Qubit | Basic unit of quantum information | Unlike a classical bit, it can represent multiple states through superposition |
| Physical qubit | Actual hardware-level qubit | NQM target of 50–1000 refers to physical qubits |
| Logical qubit | Error-corrected qubit made using multiple physical qubits | More reliable for practical quantum computing |
| Superposition | Quantum state where a particle can exist in multiple states simultaneously | Enables quantum parallelism |
| Entanglement | Strong quantum correlation between particles | Useful in quantum computing and secure communication |
| Quantum Key Distribution | Secure key-sharing method based on quantum principles | Helps detect eavesdropping |
| Quantum sensing | Use of quantum effects for highly precise measurement | Useful in navigation, defence and scientific research |
| Quantum metrology | Science of ultra-precise measurement using quantum systems | Improves accuracy of clocks, sensors and instruments |
| Point | Explanation |
|---|
| Both statements are correct | NQM includes both the 50–1000 physical-qubit target and four T-Hubs. |
| NQM is India’s flagship quantum technology mission | It aims to build domestic capability in quantum computing, communication, sensing and materials. |
| T-Hubs are domain-specific | Each hub focuses on a major vertical of quantum technology. |
| Physical qubits matter | The Mission target refers to hardware-level qubits, not merely theoretical quantum capacity. |
| Quantum technology has strategic value | It is relevant for secure communication, computing, defence, finance, healthcare and advanced manufacturing. |
| Point | Explanation |
|---|
| NQM = India’s flagship quantum mission | It aims to build domestic capability in quantum technologies. |
| 50–1000 physical qubits is the key target | This is one of the most important factual points. |
| Four T-Hubs are central to implementation | They cover computing, communication, sensing/metrology and materials/devices. |
| Quantum technology is not only computing | It includes communication, sensors, metrology, devices and materials. |
| Qubit is the basic unit | It differs from a classical bit because of quantum properties like superposition. |
| Strategic value is high | Quantum technologies are important for cybersecurity, defence, advanced computing and precision measurement. |
| Parameter | Details |
|---|
| Mission name | National Quantum Mission |
| Country | India |
| Approved in | 2023 |
| Mission period | 2023–24 to 2030–31 |
| Implementing department | Department of Science and Technology |
| Total outlay | ₹6,003.65 crore |
| Core objective | Develop India’s quantum technology ecosystem |
| Quantum computer target | Intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50–1000 physical qubits |
| Implementation structure | Four Thematic Hubs |
| Major focus areas | Quantum Computing, Quantum Communication, Quantum Sensing and Metrology, Quantum Materials and Devices |
| Strategic relevance | Cybersecurity, secure communication, advanced computing, defence, healthcare, finance and precision sensing |
| Thematic Hub | Focus Area | Possible Applications |
|---|
| Quantum Computing | Quantum processors, algorithms, hardware and software | Complex simulations, cryptography, drug discovery, optimisation problems |
| Quantum Communication | Secure communication using quantum principles | Quantum Key Distribution, secure defence communication, financial data protection |
| Quantum Sensing and Metrology | High-precision measurement systems | Navigation, geology, healthcare imaging, defence sensors |
| Quantum Materials and Devices | Materials and components needed for quantum technologies | Qubit devices, superconducting materials, photonic devices, quantum chips |
| Basis | Classical Computing | Quantum Computing |
|---|
| Basic unit | Bit | Qubit |
| State | 0 or 1 | Can be in superposition of 0 and 1 |
| Processing logic | Classical logic gates | Quantum gates |
| Strength | General-purpose computing and everyday applications | Certain complex computations, simulations and optimisation |
| Error handling | Mature and reliable | Error correction is still a major challenge |
| Technology stage | Highly developed | Emerging and research-intensive |
| Example use | Banking systems, phones, normal computers | Molecular simulation, cryptography, quantum chemistry, optimisation |
| Mission / Programme | Main Focus | Nodal / Associated Ministry or Department | Keyword to Remember |
|---|
| National Quantum Mission | Quantum computing, communication, sensing and materials | Department of Science and Technology | Quantum technology |
| National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems | AI, robotics, IoT, cyber-physical systems | Department of Science and Technology | Cyber-physical systems |
| IndiaAI Mission | AI ecosystem, compute capacity, datasets and innovation | Ministry of Electronics and IT | Artificial Intelligence |
| Semicon India Programme | Semiconductor and display manufacturing | Ministry of Electronics and IT | Chips and semiconductors |
| National Supercomputing Mission | High-performance computing infrastructure | DST and MeitY | Supercomputers |
| National Mission on High Performance Computing | Advanced computing capacity | Government science and technology ecosystem | Computing infrastructure |
| National Green Hydrogen Mission | Green hydrogen production and use | Ministry of New and Renewable Energy | Clean fuel |
| Statement / Theme | Correct Understanding | Common Trap |
|---|
| NQM aims to develop 50–1000 physical-qubit quantum computers | Correct | Confusing physical qubits with logical qubits |
| NQM has four Thematic Hubs | Correct | Assuming there is only one central institute |
| NQM is implemented by DST | Correct | Confusing it with MeitY or ISRO |
| Quantum communication means ordinary encrypted internet | Incorrect | It uses quantum principles such as Quantum Key Distribution |
| Qubit is same as classical bit | Incorrect | Qubit can exist in superposition |
| Quantum computers will replace all classical computers immediately | Incorrect | They are useful for specific complex problems |
| Quantum sensing is only for laboratories | Incorrect | It has applications in defence, navigation, medicine and geology |
| Quantum technology is only about computing | Incorrect | It also includes communication, sensing, metrology, materials and devices |