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India’s Quantum Mission Set to Launch

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• GS Paper 3 Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology; Indigenization of Technology and Developing New Technology.
• Tags: #QuantumMission #NationalQuantumMission #UPSC #CurrentAffairs.

Why in the News?

India’s ₹6,000-crore Quantum Mission, set to launch soon, aims to advance quantum technologies. Principal Scientific Advisor Ajay Kumar Sood stressed its geopolitical significance, highlighting quantum computing’s potential impact on encryption and global economies.

National Quantum Mission

• The NQM was approved by the Union Cabinet on April 19, 2023, with a total budget of 6003.65 crore allocated from 2023-24 to 2030-31.
• The mission aims to establish, nurture, and expand scientific and industrial research and development (R&D) in Quantum Technology (QT).
• It seeks to create an innovative ecosystem and position India as a leader in Quantum Technologies & Applications (QTA).
• Global Investment: India commits $800 million to $1 billion, part of the global investment of $30 billion in quantum computing.
• Quantum Computers in India: Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) has developed 5-qubit and 7-qubit quantum computers.
• Quantum key distribution (QKD) link between Sanchar Bhavan and NIC headquarters in Delhi already live.

Key Mission Objectives

Intermediate-Scale Quantum Computers

• Develop intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits in 8 years, employing various platforms like superconducting and photonic technology.

Secure Quantum Communications

• Establish satellite-based secure quantum communications between ground stations within India, long-distance secure quantum communications with other countries, and inter-city quantum key distribution over 2000 km.
• Develop multi-node Quantum networks with quantum memories.

Quantum Sensors

• Focus on developing highly sensitive magnetometers in atomic systems and Atomic Clocks for precision timing, communications, and navigation.

Quantum Materials

• Support the design and synthesis of quantum materials such as superconductors, novel semiconductor structures, and topological materials for quantum device fabrication.

Quantum Photonics

• Develop single photon sources/detectors and entangled photon sources for quantum communications, sensing, and metrological applications.

Mission Implementation

Four Thematic Hubs (T- Hubs) will be established in top academic and National R&D institutes, focusing on:

• Quantum Computing,
• Quantum Communication,
• Quantum Sensing & Metrology, and
• Quantum Materials & Devices.

These hubs will conduct basic and applied research, as well as promote R&D in their respective domains.

GOI’s efforts to promote quantum technologies

• Establishment of the Quantum Technologies and Applications Centre (QTAC) at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB). QTAC is a state-of-the-art facility for research and development in quantum technologies.
• Launch of the Quantum Technology Innovation Hub (QTih) at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM). QTih is a public-private partnership that is focused on developing and commercializing quantum technologies.
• The announcement of a new quantum computing center at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). The center is expected to be operational by 2023.
• Launch of the Quantum Technology Fellowship Program: In 2023, the GOI launched the Quantum Technology Fellowship Program to train PhD students in quantum technologies.

Applications of Quantum Technology in Everyday Life

• Secure Communication: Quantum key distribution (QKD) ensures secure communication by transmitting quantum keys. It’s employed in online banking to protect financial transactions.
• Medical Imaging: Quantum-enhanced MRI techniques provide higher-resolution medical images, aiding in more accurate diagnoses and treatment planning.
• Efficient Energy Storage: Quantum dots can improve the efficiency of solar panels by capturing and converting sunlight more effectively, making clean energy production more efficient.
• Quantum Computing: Quantum computers can solve complex problems faster than classical computers. They’re used in drug discovery, optimizing supply chains, and cryptography.
• Navigation and GPS Improvement: Quantum sensors enhance the accuracy of GPS systems, benefiting navigation in urban areas and remote locations.
• Enhanced Data Security: Quantum-resistant cryptography safeguards sensitive data from future quantum attacks, ensuring long-term cybersecurity.
• Weather Forecasting: Quantum computers can process vast data sets and complex simulations, leading to more precise weather predictions, improving disaster preparedness.
• Alignment with National Priorities: The NQM aligns with national initiatives including Digital India, Make in India, Skill India, Stand-up India, Start-up India, Self-reliant India, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

Challenges and Concerns Regarding National Quantum Mission (NQM)

Funding Challenges

• Sustainability: The ambitious budget allocation of Rs. 6003.65 crore over eight years may face budgetary constraints and require consistent funding.

Infrastructure and Talent

• Infrastructure Gap: Developing cutting-edge quantum research infrastructure and skilled workforce may pose challenges.
• Brain Drain: The potential exodus of quantum experts to foreign countries offering lucrative opportunities could hinder mission progress.

Technological Risks

• Technological Uncertainties: Quantum technologies are still evolving, and the mission may face unforeseen technical hurdles.
• Rapid Advancements: Fast-paced developments in quantum tech may render ongoing projects outdated.

Global Competition

• Competing Nations: Other countries, such as the S., China, and the EU, are also investing heavily in quantum technology, intensifying global competition.

Security Concerns

• Quantum Threats: Quantum technologies, if misused, could pose cybersecurity threats, demanding robust safeguards.

Return on Investment

• Economic Impact: Measuring the mission’s economic benefits and return on investment may be challenging.

Regulatory Framework

• Legal Framework: Evolving laws and regulations for quantum technologies, including data security and privacy, need to be addressed.

International Collaboration

• Global Cooperation: Ensuring fruitful international collaborations without compromising national interests.

Ethical Considerations

• Ethical Dilemmas: The mission may face ethical dilemmas, such as quantum computing’s potential impact on cryptography and privacy.

International Achievements in Quantum Computing

Hardware

• 2019: Google AI announces the development of a quantum processor Sycamore that can outperform the world’s most powerful supercomputer on a specific task.
• 2020: IBM unveils a 72-qubit quantum chip, the largest and most advanced of its kind at the time.
• 2021: China launches the world’s first quantum satellite, which is capable of distributing quantum keys to users on the ground.

Software

• 2019: Google AI publishes Cirq, an open-source quantum computing framework.
• 2020: Microsoft releases Quantum Development Kit, a suite of tools for developing and running quantum programs.

Algorithms

• 2021: Researchers at IBM Research develop a quantum algorithm for chemistry that can simulate the behavior of molecules with unprecedented accuracy.

Way Forward

India’s National Mission on Quantum Computing is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s technological landscape and global standing. To ensure its success and relevance.

• Research and Development: Continual investment in research, development, and innovation in quantum technologies is imperative to stay competitive globally.
• Collaboration: Foster international collaborations and partnerships to access global expertise and share knowledge.
• Skill Development: Promote quantum education and training programs to cultivate a skilled workforce capable of contributing to quantum advancements.
• Industrial Integration: Encourage industries to integrate quantum computing into their operations, fostering innovation and economic growth.
• Security Focus: Prioritize quantum-safe cryptography to protect critical infrastructure and data.
• Policy Framework: Develop a robust policy framework addressing ethical, legal, and regulatory aspects of quantum technologies.

National Quantum Mission holds immense potential not only for technological advancement but also for bolstering India’s geopolitical standing. By fostering innovation, collaboration, and a skilled workforce, India can harness the transformative power of quantum computing to drive economic growth and secure its position in the global technology landscape.

Source: Livemint, DST.gov.in, PSA.gov.in.

Mains Question

Assess the significance of the National Quantum Mission in the context of India’s technological and geopolitical ambitions. What are the key objectives and potential challenges associated with the mission?