The Indian government has given the green light to the ambitious NQM to advance research and development in quantum technology. This will be implemented between 2023 and 2031 by the DST under the Ministry of Science & Technology, enabling India to find a place among a select few countries like the US, Austria, Finland, France, Canada, and China, which have dedicated quantum missions.
The National Quantum Mission aims to develop intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-100 physical qubits within five years and 50-1000 physical qubits in eight years. It also focuses on creating magnetometers for precision timing, secure quantum communications, and the design of quantum materials. Furthermore, the mission plans to establish four thematic hubs in top academic and national R&D institutes. It covers various domains of quantum technology.
Quantum technology, which deals with the principles of quantum mechanics, promises significant advancements in computing power, security, communication, AI, and sensing. However, it also faces challenges such as high costs, limited applications, sensitivity to environmental changes, and difficulties in controlling quantum systems. Despite these challenges, the National Quantum Mission is a critical step towards making India a global leader in quantum technology and its applications.
National Quantum Mission
The union cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, has approved the National Quantum Mission (NQM) to enhance scientific and industrial research in quantum technology. The mission will be implemented by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) and aims to establish India as a leader in quantum technology research and development.
The NQM, spanning from 2023 to 2031, is designed to seed, nurture, and scale up scientific and industrial R&D in quantum technology. This initiative positions India as the seventh country with a dedicated quantum mission, following the footsteps of nations like the US and China. The Department of Science & Technology under the Ministry of Science & Technology will oversee its implementation.
What is Quantum Technology?
Quantum technology is an emerging field based on the principles of quantum mechanics, which studies the behavior of matter and energy at the smallest scale. It promises to revolutionize technology through its unique properties.
Quantum Mechanics
Quantum mechanics is a branch of physics that describes the behavior of matter and energy at the atomic and subatomic levels. It provides the foundational principles for quantum technology, enabling advancements in various scientific and technological fields.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Quantum Technology
| Category | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Computing Power | Quantum computers can solve complex problems quickly, revolutionizing fields like cryptography and drug discovery. | High costs of specialized equipment and materials limit widespread adoption. |
| Security | Quantum encryption techniques enhance security against hacking and data breaches. | Quantum technology’s applications are currently limited to specific areas like cryptography. |
| Communication | Quantum communication networks provide faster and more secure transmission, offering unhackable channels. | Quantum systems are highly sensitive to environmental interference, affecting stability and accuracy. |
| Artificial Intelligence | Quantum machine learning algorithms improve the efficiency and accuracy of AI model training. | Controlling and manipulating quantum systems is challenging and can yield unpredictable outcomes. |
| Sensing and Measurement | Quantum sensors detect minute changes, valuable in fields like medical diagnostics and environmental monitoring. | – |
Salient Features of National Mission on Quantum
The National Quantum Mission has several key features aimed at advancing quantum technology. These include the development of quantum computers, magnetometers, quantum materials, secure quantum communications, and thematic hubs for focused research.
Development of Quantum Computers
The mission targets the development of intermediate-scale quantum computers. It aims to achieve 50-100 physical qubits within five years and 50-1000 physical qubits within eight years. Quantum computers, which use quantum bits (qubits), promise to revolutionize computing by solving problems beyond the reach of classical computers.
Development of Magnetometers
One of the mission’s goals is to develop highly sensitive magnetometers. These devices will be crucial for precision timing, communications, and navigation. Such advancements are expected to enhance the accuracy and reliability of various technological applications.
Design and Synthesis of Quantum Materials
The mission will support the design and synthesis of quantum materials, including superconductors, novel semiconductor structures, and topological materials. These materials are essential for the fabrication of advanced quantum devices, paving the way for significant technological breakthroughs.
Development of Secure Quantum Communications
The mission aims to develop secure quantum communications, including satellite-based communications over 2000 km, long-distance communications with other countries, inter-city quantum key distribution, and multi-node quantum networks. These advancements will ensure highly secure data transmission.
Establishment of Thematic Hubs
Four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) will be established in top academic and National R&D institutes. These hubs will focus on domains such as Quantum Computation, Quantum Communication, Quantum Sensing & Metrology, and Quantum Materials & Devices, fostering specialized research and development.
Significance of NQM
The National Quantum Mission is poised to accelerate quantum technology-led economic growth, positioning India as a leading nation in Quantum Technologies & Applications (QTA). The mission’s advancements are expected to impact sectors ranging from healthcare to data security.
Economic Growth
The mission is expected to drive economic growth by harnessing quantum technology. By fostering innovation and development in this cutting-edge field, India aims to become a global leader in quantum technologies, unlocking new economic opportunities.
Technological Advancements
The mission will play a crucial role in building powerful quantum-based computers capable of solving complex problems securely. These advancements will have far-reaching implications for various industries, enhancing computational power and security.
Conclusion
The National Quantum Mission marks a huge step towards positioning India at the forefront of quantum technology. This mission not only promises advancements in computing, security, and communication but also presents challenges that require innovative solutions. For civil services aspirants, understanding the nuances of this mission is crucial. It embodies the intersection of science, technology, and national progress.
| National Mission on Quantum UPSC Notes |
| 1. The Indian government has given its nod to the NQM for giving a fillip to quantum technology R&D, spearheaded by the DST under the Ministry of Science & Technology between 2023 and 2031. 2. With the mission, India has joined the league of countries like the US and China, with the country becoming the seventh nation to have a quantum mission. 3. Targets to develop quantum computers with 50-100 qubits within five years and up to 1000 qubits in eight years. 4. It also intends to establish four hubs in premier academic and R&D institutes, focusing on different aspects of quantum technology. 5. It also takes into account the high cost, environmental sensitivity, and very few initial applications that quantum technologies have. 6. Quantum communications can provide leak-proof security structures required for national and international data security. 7. This will help establish India among the front-ranking nations in quantum technology, with implications for healthcare, security, AI, and many more. |
