National Quantum Mission (NQM)

Why in news?

• The Union Cabinet has approved Rs.6,003 crore for National Quantum Mission (NQM).

About National Quantum Mission (NQM):

• NQM aims to seed, nurture and scale up scientific and industrial R&D and create a vibrant & innovative ecosystem in Quantum Technology.
• It will be implemented from 2023 to 2031.
• Department of Science and Technology is the Nodal Agency for the mission

Significance of the mission:

• The mission would greatly benefit communication, health, financial and energy sectors as well as drug design, and space applications.
• It will provide a huge boost to National priorities like digital India, Make in India, Skill India and Stand-up India, Start-up India, Self-reliant India and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

Targets under the mission:

• The mission will entail the development of satellite-based secure communications between a ground station and a receiver located at 3,000 km during the first three years.
  • For satellite-based communication within Indian cities, NQM will lay communication lines using Quantum Key Distribution over 2,000kms.
  • For long-distance quantum communication, especially with other countries, tests will be conducted in the coming years.
  • The mission will also focus on developing quantum computers (qubit) with physical qubit capacities ranging between 50 – 1000 qubits developed over the next eight years.

Thematic Hubs:

• Four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) will be set up in top academic and National R&D institutes on the domains
  • Quantum Computing
  • Quantum Communication
  • Quantum Sensing
  • Metrology and Quantum Materials & Devices.
• The hubs 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.

Secretariat:

• The Governing Body of the mission will be chaired by a renowned scientist or an entrepreneur from the technology, industry or research sector.
• The Mission Technology Research Council will be headed by the Principal Scientific Advisor and will be the scientific advisory mechanism for the Governing Body.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Which one of the following is the context in which the term “qubit” is mentioned ?

(a) Cloud Services

(b) Quantum Computing

(c) Visible Light Communication Technologies

(d) Wireless Communication Technologies

Answer