July 12, 2024

11 July 2024 The Indian Prime Minister met Nobel Laureate for Physics in 2022, Shri Anton Zeilinger, a renowned Austrian physicist is known for his work on quantum mechanics. He received the Nobel Prize 2022 in Physics, jointly with Alain Aspect and John Clauser for their work involving experiments with entangled photons, establishing the violation of Bell inequalities, and pioneering quantum information science. Their work has proved the extremely strange quantum nature of reality. Their experiments have collectively established the existence quantum entanglement, also known as bizarre quantum phenomenon. What is quantum entanglement? Two widely separated particles appear to share information despite having no conceivable way of communicating called entanglement (several particles behave like a single unit even when they are separated). Zeilinger’s work involved entangled light particles, known as photons. Entanglement is a unique property of quantum mechanics that allows two or more particles to exist in a connected state, where the behaviour of one particle directly influences the other, regardless of the distance between them. These experiments, along with others, have confirmed the accuracy of quantum mechanics and have laid the foundation for the development of quantum computers, quantum networks, and quantum encrypted communication. During his visit to Australia Prime Minister meet and shared his thoughts on India’s National Quantum Mission with the physicist. He and Mr. Zeilinger exchanged views on the role of Quantum Computing and Quantum Tech on contemporary society and the promise it holds for the future possibilities of Quantum Information and Quantum technologies. National Quantum Mission (NQM) The National Quantum Mission (NQM), conceptualized by the Prime Minister Science Technology Advisory Council (PM-STIAC) received Cabinet approval on April 19, 2023 with a total outlay of Rs 6003.65 Crore for a period of eight years (2023-24 to 2030-31), aiming to seed, nurture and scale up scientific and industrial R&D and create a vibrant & innovative ecosystem in Quantum Technology (QT). This will accelerate QT led economic growth, nurture the ecosystem in the country and make India one of the leading nations in the development of Quantum Technologies & Applications (QTA). The Mission objectives include developing intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits in 8 years in various platforms like superconducting and photonic technology. Satellite-based secure quantum communications between ground stations over a range of 2000 km within India, long-distance secure quantum communications with other countries, inter-city quantum key distribution over 2000 km as well as multi-node Quantum networks with quantum memories are also some of the deliverables of the Mission. The National Quantum Mission will focus on developing magnetometers with high sensitivity in atomic systems and Atomic Clocks for precision timing, communications, and navigation. It will also support the design and synthesis of quantum materials such as superconductors, novel semiconductor structures, and topological materials for the fabrication of quantum devices. Single photon sources/detectors, and entangled photon sources will also be developed for quantum communications, sensing, and metrological applications. Mission Implementation includes setting up of four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) in top academic and National R&D institutes in the domains. The hubs which will focus on generation of new knowledge through basic and applied research as well as promote R&D in areas that are mandated to them. NQM has the potential to elevate the country’s Technology Development ecosystem to a level of global competitiveness. The Mission would greatly benefit various sectors including communication, health, financial, energy with applications in drug design, space, banking, security etc. The Mission will also 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).