National Quantum Mission: India’s Leap into Quantum Technology

Context:

This analysis is, titled "National Quantum Mission: India's Quantum Leap," under the Ministry of Science and Technology. It details the National Quantum Mission (NQM), approved on April 19, 2023, with a budget of ₹6,003.65 crore, spanning 2023-24 to 2030-31. For UPSC aspirants, this is crucial under GS Paper III (Science & Technology and Economy) and GS Paper II (Governance), as it highlights India’s push for technological innovation, economic growth, and national security—key areas for prelims, mains, and essay preparation.

1. Mission Overview: Launched on April 19, 2023, the National Quantum Mission (NQM) aims to position India as a global leader in quantum technology with a ₹6,003.65 crore budget over 8 years (2023-24 to 2030-31).
2. Quantum Computing Basics: Unlike traditional bits (0 or 1), quantum computers use qubits, which can be 0 and 1 simultaneously, offering superior computational power.
3. Strategic Vision: NQM seeks to harness quantum technology for innovation, security, and industrial growth, impacting healthcare, energy, climate change, and job creation.
4. Objectives:
5. • Quantum Computing: Develop 20-50 qubit computers in 3 years, 50-100 qubits in 5 years, and 50-1000 qubits in 8 years using superconducting and photonic platforms.
   • Satellite-Based Communication: Establish secure quantum communication over 2000 km within India and extend it internationally.
   • Quantum Key Distribution (QKD): Implement secure data transmission over 2000 km using optical fiber and wavelength division multiplexing.
   • Multi-Node Networks: Build 2-3 node quantum networks with quantum memories and repeaters for scalable communication.
   • Quantum Sensing & Clocks: Create sensitive devices like magnetometers (1 femto-Tesla/sqrt(Hz)), gravity sensors (100 nano-meter/second²), and atomic clocks (10⁻¹⁹ instability) for precision applications.
   • Quantum Materials: Develop advanced materials (superconductors, semiconductors, topological materials) for qubits, photon sources, and sensing devices.
5. PMSTIAC Initiative: NQM is one of nine missions under the Prime Minister’s Science Technology Innovation Advisory Council (PMSTIAC) to advance India’s technological edge.
6. Sectoral Impact: Aims to transform telecommunications, defense, finance, and healthcare through secure communication, computing, and sensing advancements.
7. Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs):
8. • Four T-Hubs established at IISc Bengaluru, IIT Madras (with C-DoT), IIT Bombay, and IIT Delhi.
   • Focus areas: Quantum Computing (IISc), Quantum Communication (IIT Madras/C-DoT), Quantum Sensing & Metrology (IIT Bombay), and Quantum Materials & Devices (IIT Delhi).
8. Hub-Spoke-Spike Model: T-Hubs operate as central hubs with research projects (spokes) and individual groups (spikes), fostering collaboration across 14 technical groups in 17 states and 2 UTs.
9. Nationwide Reach: Involves 152 researchers from 43 institutions, promoting technology development, skill-building, entrepreneurship, industry ties, and global partnerships.
10. Gender Inclusion: Encourages women scientists’ participation in NQM programs.
11. Key Initiatives:
12. • Quantum-Safe Framework: Concept paper developed for quantum-resilient digital infrastructure.
    • DRDO Efforts: Focus on quantum-safe encryption and security schemes.
    • SETS Projects: Implements Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) for FIDO tokens and IoT security.
    • C-DoT Innovations: Develops QKD, PQC, and Quantum Secure Video IP Phones.
12. Cybersecurity Focus: Aims to secure critical databases against quantum-era threats using quantum-resilient encryption and PQC frameworks.
13. Global Competitiveness: NQM enhances India’s tech ecosystem, boosting sectors like communication, healthcare, finance, energy, drug discovery, space exploration, and banking.
14. National Alignment: Supports Digital India, Make in India, Skill India, Stand-up India, Start-up India, Self-Reliant India, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
15. Conclusion: NQM is a strategic move to secure India’s future, blending scientific excellence, economic resilience, and national security in the quantum era.