NATIONAL QUANTUM MISSION - SCI & TECH
News: Union
Cabinet gives nod for ₹6,003 crore Quantum Mission
What's in the news?
● The
Union Cabinet approved the ₹6,003 crore National Quantum Mission (NQM) that
will fund research and development of quantum computing technology and
associated applications.
Key takeaways:
● Quantum
computers are a work-in-progress globally and exploit properties of the atom, which are only explainable by the
principles of quantum mechanics.
● The
promise is a reliable class of computers that work several times faster than
the speediest machines of today and also facilitate exponentially secure
communication networks, with wide applications. The mission was budgeted for
₹8,000 crore in the Union Budget of 2023.
National Quantum Mission:
● The
plan involves developing “intermediate scale” quantum computers with 20-50 physical ‘qubits’ in three years,
50-100 physical qubits in five years and 50-1,000 physical qubits in eight
years.
● Just
like bits (1 and 0) are the basic units by which computers process information,
‘qubits’ or ‘quantum bits’ are the units of process by quantum computers.
Nodal Ministry: Union
Ministry of Science and Technology
Features of the Mission:
● Satellite
based secure quantum communications between ground stations over a range of 2,000 kilometers within India.
● Long distance secure
quantum communications with other countries.
● Inter-city quantum key
distribution over 2000 km as well as multi-node
quantum network with quantum memories.
● The
mission will help develop magnetometers with high sensitivity in atomic
systems, atomic clocks for precision timing, communications and navigation.
● Fabrication
of quantum materials such as superconductors, novel semiconductor structures,
and topological materials for fabrication of quantum devices.
● Four Thematic Hubs
(T-Hubs) would be set up in top academic and
National R&D institutes on the domains of ‘Quantum Computing’, ‘Quantum
Communication’, ‘Quantum Sensing & Metrology’ and ‘Quantum Materials &
Devices’.
○ The
hubs, which will focus on the generation of new knowledge through basic and
applied research as well as promote R&D in areas that are mandated to them.
Significance:
● The
mission will bring India to the forefront along with the six countries who so far have some capability in this domain and
can make India - a world leader.
Further Reference: Quantum Computing -
Basics and Advantages