Why in News?  

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has announced that a Quantum Computing Centre will be made operational in Amaravati by January 1, 2026.  

What is Quantum Computing?  

Quantum Computing is an advanced technology that uses the principles of quantum mechanics to solve complex problems that normal computers cannot handle.  

What is Quantum Mechanics?  

Quantum mechanics is a branch of physics that studies the behaviour of tiny particles like atoms and electrons. It includes unique ideas like:  

• Superposition: A qubit (quantum bit) can be 0, 1, or both at the same time, unlike classical bits which are only 0 or 1.  
• Entanglement: Two qubits can be linked so that changing one instantly affects the other, even if they are far apart.  

Key Features  

• Qubits vs Bits: Classical computers use bits (0 or 1), while quantum computers use qubits that can hold multiple states at once.  
• Speed & Power: Quantum computers can perform calculations much faster and solve problems in cryptography, simulations, and optimization that classical computers cannot.  

Milestones  

• 1982: Richard Feynman proposed quantum computers to handle quantum-level problems.  
• 1994: Shor’s Algorithm showed quantum computers could break codes much faster.  
• 2019: IBM launched Q System One; Google’s Sycamore processor achieved quantum supremacy.  
• 2023: Google’s Willow chip completed tasks in minutes that would take classical computers billions of years.