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Knowledge Nugget: Quantum Computing
Subject: Science & Technology
(Relevance: In the 2022 UPSC Prelims examination, a question was asked on ‘qubit.’ Similarly, questions can be asked on superposition, entanglement, and interference. As the potential of quantum computing expands and the government launches schemes to harness it, it is necessary for UPSC aspirants to understand the topic from different dimensions, especially when reports or insights are published by NITI Aayog.)
Why in the news?
To accelerate India’s transition into a frontier Tech nation, NITI Aayog has, recently, established the NITI Frontier Tech Hub (NITI-FTH). In partnership with the Data Security Council of India, NITI-FTH has released a strategic paper on the rapid evolution of Quantum Computing, and its implications on National Security and provides strategic perspectives to help India navigate and lead in a transformative era.
Key Takeaways:
1. Quantum Technology is often used as an umbrella term for the technological advancements that are specifically governed by the principles of quantum mechanics at its core. It involves developing necessary hardware, software, algorithms, and protocols for design and development of quantum computing devices like quantum computers.
2. This technology exploits the principles of quantum mechanics, which include superposition, quantum entanglement, and interference to achieve greater efficiency in large-scale computations.
3. Superposition: Quantum computing uses ‘qubit’ (or quantum bit) as its fundamental unit and their stability is crucial for harnessing quantum states for computation. Superposition refers to the ability of these particles to exist in multiple locations simultaneously. This phenomenon persists only until the particle is observed. Once observed, the particle appears at one location and ceases to exist in the others.
4. Entanglement: It is another unusual property where particles that have previously interacted can instantaneously influence each other’s behavior, regardless of the distance separating them. When one entangled particle is measured, the state of the other particle is immediately determined, even if they are far apart. This intriguing property can help in preventing security breaches in quantum communication by entangling qubits of sender and receiver.
5. Interference: It is a wavelike superposition of subatomic particles’ states that affect the probabilities of states of these particles when measured. While entanglement is a phenomenon between two particles, interference is an effect of many particles surrounding each other. Interference can be constructive as well as destructive which makes it suitable for use in quantum algorithms for improving accuracies by suppressing less probabilistic outcomes and amplifying high probabilistic outcomes.
| Majorana 1 |
| Majorana 1 has been mentioned in the report. It is a new quantum computing chip of Microsoft. Microsoft has said the qubits created through its novel process are more resilient, and make significant advances over alternative platforms in terms of scalability, error generation and error correction. It has also said this opens up the pathway for creating a million-qubit system within a few years. |
Role of Quantum computing in reshaping National Security
The NITI Frontier Tech Hub’s Quarterly Insight, Future Front points out five ways that quantum technologies reshape national security priorities across multiple domains.
1. Cryptography and Cybersecurity: One of the threats facing the public-key encryption algorithm that can impact modern internet security and online banking is fault-tolerant quantum computer (CRQC). The report suggests that countries implement Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), cryptographic algorithms designed to withstand attacks from quantum computers, to ensure improved data security.
2. Intelligence Gathering: Quantum computing would enhance signals intelligence (SIGINT), allowing nations to intercept, analyze, and decode communications at an unprecedented scale. This would give a country unparalleled intelligence advantages, and reshape espionage and counterintelligence operations.
3. Military Applications: Quantum technologies will optimize logistics, resource allocation, and battlefield strategy, making defense operations more efficient. Autonomous military drones and robotic systems will be enhanced through Quantum-enabled AI (Quantum AI). Topology qubit which promises the scalability of qubit systems to a million would take weaponization to a new level allowing the detection of next-gen stealth aircraft and building robust and resilient control systems for autonomous weapons.
4. Economic Warfare: “The ability to break current encryption could destabilize financial markets, compromise banking systems, and endanger digital payment infrastructures. Quantum computers could also be used to steal sensitive intellectual property from corporations and governments, leading to a new era of economic espionage”, the release said.
5. Geopolitical Power: The report points out that the dominance of a country in quantum technology will give it an edge to shape global technology standards and norms, thus shaping international regulations. As topology qubit promises enhancement of stability and scalability, it will also solidify the dominance of leading quantum nations.
BEYOND THE NUGGET: National Quantum Mission
1. The National Quantum Mission was announced by the government in 2023 to enhance the country’s capabilities in quantum-related science and technology. It focuses on four key domains or verticals, i.e. Quantum Computing, Quantum Communication, Quantum Sensing & Metrology, and Quantum Materials & Devices.
2. The Mission has an outlay of Rs 6,003.65 crore, which is used to fund scientific and industrial research projects for eight years (2023-2031). It includes the establishment of four thematic hubs (T-Hubs) dedicated to the four domains or verticals. The latest Union Budget has reduced the estimated expenditure for the ongoing financial year from Rs 427 crore to Rs 86 crore. For 2025-26, it is projected to rise to Rs 600 crore.
(Source: NITI Aayog)
Post Read Question
Which one of the following is the context in which the term “qubit” is mentioned? (UPSC CSE 2022)
(a) Cloud Services
(b) Quantum Computing
(c) Visible Light Communication Technologies
(d) Wireless Communication Technologies
MUST READ: UPSC Special articles
National Quantum Mission: How Quantum Technologies can benefit different sectors
National Quantum Mission: How does India seek to harness the potential of quantum technology
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The NITI Frontier Tech Hub’s Quarterly Insight, Future Front points out five ways that quantum technologies reshape national security priorities across multiple domains. (X/@NITIAayog) 
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