News Highlight
Union Cabinet nods for ₹6,003 crore National Quantum Mission.
Key Takeaway
- The Union Cabinet approved the 6,003 crore National Quantum Mission (NQM) on April 19, 2023.
- It is to fund research and development of quantum computing technologies and associated applications.
- Quantum computers are a global work-in-progress that harnesses atomic features.
- Quantum mechanics concepts can only explain them.
- The promise is a dependable computer class that runs many times faster than today’s fastest machines.
- It enables exponentially secure communication networks with a wide range of applications.
- The Union Budget for 2023 allotted 8,000 crores to the mission.
National Quantum Mission (NQM)
- About
- The mission aims to make India a quantum technology leader while promoting economic prosperity.
- The mission’s entire cost exceeds six thousand crore rupees.
- The mission will occur between 2023-24 and 2030-31.
- Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister for Science and Technology, said the mission would give India a quantum leap globally.
- The National Quantum Mission will focus on four major areas:
- Quantum computing
- Quantum communication
- Quantum sensing and metrology
- Quantum materials and devices.
- Significance
- The NQM will benefit various industries, including communication, health, finance, energy, drug design, and space applications.
- The mission aligns with national initiatives, including:
- Digital India, Make in India, Skill India, Stand-up India, Start-up India, Self-reliance India, and the SDG.
- The mission encourages scientific and industrial research and development in quantum technology.
- It intends to establish a vibrant and inventive ecosystem in the field of quantum technology.
- The expedition will aid in developing and spreading quantum technologies in India.
Quantum Technology
- About
- Quantum technology is founded on the principles of quantum mechanics.
- They were developed in the early twentieth century to describe nature at the atomic and elementary particle scales.
- The first phase of this breakthrough technology laid the groundwork for understanding the physical universe and gave rise to commonplace innovations such as lasers and semiconductor transistors.
- The second revolution is presently ongoing to bring quantum physics properties into computing.
Advantages of Quantum Technology
- Increased Computing Power
- Quantum computers are significantly quicker than today’s computers.
- They are also capable of solving complex challenges that are currently out of our reach.
- Improved Security
- Quantum encryption systems are far more secure than regular encryption methods since they rely on quantum physics principles.
- Faster Communication
- Quantum communication networks can carry data quicker and more securely than traditional networks, and they have the potential to be fully unhackable.
- Enhanced AI
- Quantum machine learning methods can potentially make AI model training more efficient and accurate.
- Better Sensing and Measurement
- Quantum sensors can detect extremely minute changes in their surroundings, making them valuable in fields such as;
- Medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and geological research.
- Quantum sensors can detect extremely minute changes in their surroundings, making them valuable in fields such as;
Disadvantages of Quantum Technology
- Expensive
- Because the method necessitates specialised equipment and materials, it is more expensive than standard technologies.
- Limited Applications
- Quantum technology only applies to a few applications, such as encryption, quantum computing, and quantum communication.
- Sensitivity to Environment
- Environmental interference, such as temperature variations, magnetic fields, and vibrations, substantially impacts quantum technology.
- Their surroundings quickly disrupt Qubits, causing them to lose their quantum capabilities and produce computation errors.
- Limited Control
- Controlling and manipulating quantum systems is tough.
- AI fueled by quantum mechanics may have unexpected repercussions.
Conclusion
- The NQM is a big step forward in India’s quantum technology research and development activities.
- The government is positioned as a prominent player in this industry by focusing on developing quantum computers and related technologies.
- They have wide-ranging applications across numerous sectors.
Pic Courtesy: Physics World
Content Source: The Hindu