National Quantum Mission

  • April 20, 2023
  • Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
  • Category: DPN Topics
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National Quantum Mission

Subject: Science and technology

Section: Computer

Context: The Union Cabinet approved the National Quantum Mission with an allocation of ₹6,003.65 crore.

Details:

  • The mission puts India among the top six leading nations that have begun research and development in quantum technologies.
  • The six other nations which are currently carrying out research and development in the segment include the US, Canada, China, Austria, Finland and Scotland.
  • The Union Cabinet also approved the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill 2023 that include provisions to curb transmission of pirated film content on the internet.

About The National Quantum Mission:

  • The mission aims to make India a leading nation in the quantum technology sector and promote economic growth.
  • The total cost of the mission is over six thousand crore rupees.
  • The mission will run from 2023-24 to 2030-31.
  • Union Minister for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh said that the mission will give India a quantum jump in the world arena.
  • The National Quantum Mission will develop four broad themes — Quantum Computing, Quantum Communication, Quantum Sensing and Metrology and Quantum Material and Devices.

Scope of the mission:

  • The mission will look at development of satellite-based secure communications between a ground station and a receiver located with 3,000 km during the first three years.
  • For satellite-based communication within Indian cities, the National Quantum Mission will lay communication lines using Quantum Key Distribution for over 2,000 km.
  • For long distances quantum communication, especially with other countries, tests will be conducted in the coming years.
  • The mission will focus on developing quantum computers (qubit) with physical qubit capacities ranging between 50 and 1,000 qubits developed over the next eight years.
  • Computers up to 50 physical qubits will be developed over three years, 50 – 100 physical qubits in five years and computers up to 1,000 physical qubits in eight years.

Significance of the National Quantum Mission:

  • The National Quantum Mission will have a positive impact on several industries, including communication, health, finance, energy, drug design, and space applications.
  • The mission aligns with national priorities such as Digital India, Make in India, Skill India, Stand-up India, Start-up India, Self-reliant India, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
  • The mission seeks to promote scientific and industrial research and development in Quantum Technology.
  • It aims to create a dynamic and innovative ecosystem in the field of quantum technology.
  • The mission will facilitate the growth and expansion of quantum technology in India.

Quantum Technology

  • About: Quantum Technology is based on the principles of Quantum mechanics that was developed in the early 20th century to describe nature at the scale of atoms and elementary particles.
  • The first phase of this revolutionary technology has provided the foundations of understanding of the physical world and led to ubiquitous inventions such as lasers and semiconductor transistors.
  • The second revolution is currently underway with the goal of putting properties of quantum mechanics in the realms of computing.

A Comparison between India and China:

  • R&D in China: China started its research and development (R&D) in the field of quantum technology in 2008.
    • In 2022, China boasts of developing the world’s first quantum satellite, creating a quantum communication line between Beijing and Shanghai, and owning two of the world’s fastest quantum computers.
    • This was a result of decade-long research carried out in the hope of achieving critical breakthroughs.
  • India: Quantum Technology remains a field highly concentrated in long-term R&D in India.
    • Just a few hundred researchers, industry professionals, academicians, and entrepreneurs are in the field right now without a constant focus on R&D.

Quantum Tech and Private Sector: Large Technology Corporations such as Google, Microsoft, and IBM have dedicated programmes for quantum computing and its applications.

  • Similarly, several Indian startups such as QNu Labs, BosonQ, and Qulabs.ai are also doing remarkable work in developing quantum-based applications for cryptography, computing, and cybersecurity.
National Quantum Mission Science and tech