UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 March 2025

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National Quantum Mission: India's Quantum Leap

Why in News:

The National Quantum Mission (NQM) is a transformative initiative by the Government of India aimed at advancing quantum technologies in the country. Approved by the Union Cabinet on April 19, 2023, the mission will span from 2023–24 to 2030–31 with a budget allocation of ₹6,003.65 crore. By leveraging quantum computing, cryptography, communication, and sensing technologies, India aspires to position itself as a global leader in this cutting-edge domain.

Introduction

The National Quantum Mission (NQM) is a transformative initiative by the Government of India aimed at advancing quantum technologies in the country. Approved by the Union Cabinet on April 19, 2023, the mission will span from 2023–24 to 2030–31 with a budget allocation of ₹6,003.65 crore. By leveraging quantum computing, cryptography, communication, and sensing technologies, India aspires to position itself as a global leader in this cutting-edge domain.

Objectives of the National Quantum Mission

The mission aims to develop indigenous quantum technologies to bolster multiple sectors such as communication, computing, cryptography, defense, and healthcare. The key objectives include:

Quantum Computing Evolution
- Development of intermediate-scale quantum computers with 20–50 physical qubits (3 years), 50–100 qubits (5 years), and 50–1000 qubits (8 years).
- Platforms such as superconducting and photonic technologies will be explored to enhance computational capabilities.
Satellite-Based Quantum Communication
- Establishing quantum-secured communication between two ground stations over a 2000 km range within India.
- Enabling secure quantum communication with other nations.

Inter-City Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)
- Implementing QKD over a 2000 km span using trusted nodes and wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) on optical fiber infrastructure.
Advanced Quantum Sensing & Clocks
- Designing high-sensitivity magnetometers, gravity sensors, and atomic clocks for secure communication, precision navigation, and metrology applications.
Quantum Materials & Devices
- Research on next-generation superconductors, novel semiconductor structures, and topological materials to fabricate qubits and quantum sensors.

Implementation Strategy: Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs)

The mission will be implemented through four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) set up across premier institutions in India. These hubs will drive research, skill development, entrepreneurship, and international collaborations. The institutions hosting these T-Hubs include:

Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras (in collaboration with the Centre for Development of Telematics, New Delhi)
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi

Each T-Hub will specialize in a key domain:

Quantum Computing
Quantum Communication
Quantum Sensing & Metrology
Quantum Materials & Devices

These hubs will operate under a Hub-Spoke-Spike Model, wherein research projects (Spokes) and individual research groups (Spikes) will collaborate under a central hub.

Key Initiatives Under NQM

Quantum-Safe Ecosystem Framework: Development of post-quantum cryptography (PQC) frameworks to secure India’s critical database systems against quantum-era threats.
DRDO Initiatives: The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is leading projects to design and test quantum-resilient encryption techniques.
SETS Contributions: The Society for Electronic Transactions and Security (SETS) is researching PQC algorithms for applications such as FIDO authentication and IoT security.
C-DoT Innovations: The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT) has developed solutions including Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), PQC, and Quantum Secure Video IP Phones.

Strategic Impact and Global Competitiveness

The NQM is set to revolutionize multiple sectors, including:

Telecommunications – Enhanced secure data transmission.
Defense & Security – Strengthened cryptographic systems.
Finance – Safer banking and financial transactions.
Healthcare – Improved drug discovery through quantum simulations.
Energy – Development of quantum-based clean energy solutions.

Furthermore, the mission aligns with India’s national initiatives such as Digital India, Make in India, Skill India, Start-up India, and Self-Reliant India, contributing to global competitiveness and economic resilience.

Conclusion

The National Quantum Mission (NQM) is a landmark initiative that underscores India’s commitment to becoming a global leader in quantum technology. By fostering cutting-edge research, securing digital infrastructure, and promoting industry collaborations, the mission is poised to reshape India’s technological landscape. With significant investments and strategic planning, the NQM will not only bolster national security and economic growth but also pave the way for scientific breakthroughs with far-reaching societal impacts.