Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Quantum Computing, National Quantum Mission (NQM)
Mains level: National Quantum Mission (NQM)
Central idea: The Union Cabinet has approved the National Quantum Mission (NQM) with a budget of ₹6,003 crore. The mission aims to fund research and development in quantum computing technology and associated applications.
What is Quantum Computing?
| Explanation | |
| What is it? | A type of computing that uses quantum-mechanical phenomena to perform operations on data. |
| Qubits | Quantum bits, which can be 0, 1, or both simultaneously (a superposition of 0 and 1). |
| Computational speed | It can perform certain calculations much faster than traditional computing, especially for complex algorithms and large amounts of data. |
| Entanglement | The use of entanglement allows quantum computing to process multiple pieces of data simultaneously, further increasing computational power. |
| Research | Governments, universities, and private companies around the world are researching quantum computing. |
| Challenges | Building practical quantum computers is a major challenge due to the fragility of qubits and the difficulty of controlling and measuring them accurately. |
| Development stage | Quantum computing is still in its early stages of development. |
National Quantum Mission (NQM)
| Mission duration | 2023-2031 |
| Total cost | Rs. 6,003.65 crore |
| Leading Department | Department of Science and Technology (DST) |
| Supporting departments | Other government departments |
| Focus | Development of physical qubit-based quantum computers |
| Applications | Healthcare and diagnostics, defense, energy, and data security |
| India’s positioning | Among the top six nations involved in quantum research and development |
Key focus areas
(1) Thematic Hubs
- The mission will be structured around four broad themes:
- Quantum Computing,
- Quantum Communication,
- Quantum Sensing and Metrology, and
- Quantum Material and Devices.
- Thematic hubs will be established at research institutes and R&D centres already working in the field.
- The effort is to create an ecosystem that favours quantum technology development in the country.
(2) Satellite-based Communication
- One of the key areas of focus for the NQM will be the development of satellite-based secure communication between ground stations and receivers located within a 3,000 km range over the first three years.
- NQM will lay communication lines using Quantum Key Distribution over 2,000 km for satellite-based communication within Indian cities.
- Tests will be conducted in the coming years for long-distance quantum communication, especially with other countries.
(3) Quantum Computing
- The mission will focus on developing quantum computers (qubit) with physical qubit capacities ranging between 50 – 1000 qubits, developed over the next eight years.
- The development of computers up to 50 physical qubits will take three years.
- 50 – 100 physical qubits will be developed in five years, and computers up to 1000 physical qubits will be developed in eight years.
Applications
- The mission would have a wide range of applications, including in healthcare and diagnostics, defense, energy, and data security.
- Quantum technologies are expected to be far more powerful than traditional computing systems and capable of performing the most complex problems in a highly secure manner.
Various challenges
- Sub-zero temperatures: Current prototype systems require extremely cold (close to -273 C) conditions to work, along with developing the materials capable of such computations.
- Still evolving: Quantum computers are still a work in progress globally, and no one has built a practical computer that can actually work and solve meaningful problems.
- No global breakthrough: IBM, D-Wave of Canada or China’s Zuchongzhi 2.1, all of whom have prototype systems, have not built a quantum computer that can solve a problem that anybody cares about.
Conclusion
- The NQM represents a significant step forward for India’s research and development efforts in the quantum technology sector.
- By focusing on the development of quantum computers and related technologies, the country is positioning itself as a key player in this field, with wide-ranging applications across multiple sectors.
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