<h4>Designation of the International Year</h4><p>The <strong>United Nations (UN)</strong> has officially designated the year <strong>2025</strong> as the <strong>'International Year of Quantum Science and Technology'</strong>.</p><p>This initiative aims to significantly increase public awareness regarding the profound importance of <strong>quantum science</strong> and its diverse applications across various fields.</p><div class='info-box'><p><strong>Purpose:</strong> To enhance global understanding and appreciation of quantum science and technology's impact on society.</p></div><h4>Resolution and Global Adoption</h4><p>The resolution for this international designation was spearheaded by <strong>Mexico</strong> at the <strong>UNESCO General Conference</strong> in <strong>May 2023</strong>.</p><p>The proposal garnered substantial international support, being adopted by nearly <strong>60 countries</strong>, underscoring the global recognition of quantum science's significance.</p><div class='key-point-box'><p><strong>Key Players:</strong> Initiated by <strong>Mexico</strong>, adopted at <strong>UNESCO General Conference</strong>, supported by ~<strong>60 nations</strong>.</p></div><h4>Centenary of Quantum Mechanics: Werner Heisenberg</h4><p>The year <strong>2025</strong> holds additional historical significance as it marks a century since the renowned German physicist, <strong>Werner Heisenberg</strong>, published his foundational paper.</p><p>This pivotal publication, released in <strong>1925</strong>, laid the bedrock for modern <strong>quantum mechanics</strong>, revolutionizing our understanding of the subatomic world.</p><div class='info-box'><p><strong>Historical Milestone:</strong> <strong>100 years</strong> since <strong>Werner Heisenberg's</strong> paper on <strong>quantum mechanics</strong> in <strong>1925</strong>.</p></div><p><strong>Heisenberg</strong> was later awarded the prestigious <strong>Nobel Prize in Physics</strong> in <strong>1932</strong> for his groundbreaking creation of <strong>quantum mechanics</strong>.</p><h4>India's National Quantum Mission (NQM)</h4><p>Demonstrating its commitment to advancing quantum technology, <strong>India</strong> launched the ambitious <strong>National Quantum Mission (NQM)</strong> in <strong>April 2023</strong>.</p><p>This mission is designed for implementation over an eight-year period, from <strong>2023 to 2031</strong>, under the aegis of the <strong>Department of Science & Technology (DST)</strong>.</p><div class='exam-tip-box'><p><strong>UPSC Insight:</strong> The <strong>National Quantum Mission (NQM)</strong> is a crucial topic for <strong>GS Paper 3 (Science & Technology)</strong>. Be prepared for questions on its objectives, verticals, and significance.</p></div><p>The <strong>NQM</strong> is structured around four critical verticals, ensuring a comprehensive approach to quantum development:</p><ul><li><strong>Quantum Computing</strong></li><li><strong>Quantum Communication</strong></li><li><strong>Quantum Sensing and Metrology</strong></li><li><strong>Quantum Materials and Devices</strong></li></ul>