National Quantum Mission laboratories and technology development
Source:The Hindu ↗
Why It Matters
Quantum technology is a critical emerging domain with disruptive potential in cryptography, advanced computing, and communications. The National Quantum Mission is vital for India's strategic autonomy and tech leadership. The development of dedicated space assets, such as the Indian Navy's navigation satellite, underscores the increasing integration of space capabilities into national defense and maritime security.
Summary
The Government of India has authorized 23 academic institutions to set up teaching laboratories for quantum technology under the National Quantum Mission (NQM). The ₹6,003 crore mission seeks to foster research in intermediate-scale quantum computers (50-1000 qubits), secure satellite-based communication, and quantum sensors. In the space sector, ISRO plans to launch a dedicated navigation satellite for the Indian Navy using a PSLV rocket later this year, addressing the capability gaps left by previous launch failures involving EOS-9 and EOS-N1 satellites. Furthermore, the Department of Science and Technology is updating research manpower guidelines to align with the framework of the recently established Anusandhan National Research Foundation.
Key Points
- 23 academic institutions have been approved to establish teaching laboratories for quantum technology under the ₹6,003 crore National Quantum Mission.
- The National Quantum Mission aims to develop 50-1000 qubit quantum computers and build satellite-based secure quantum communication capabilities.
- ISRO is preparing to launch a dedicated navigation satellite for the Indian Navy using a PSLV rocket around May.
- Previous ISRO missions carrying the EOS-9 (RISAT-1B) and EOS-N1 satellites experienced setbacks due to a PSLV rocket malfunction.
- The Department of Science and Technology is reviewing and updating guidelines for project staff to align with the new Anusandhan National Research Foundation framework.
Important Terms
National Quantum Mission (NQM)
A ₹6,003 crore initiative (2023–2031) to develop intermediate-scale quantum computers (50-1000 qubits), secure satellite-based communications, and high-sensitivity sensors, establishing India as a global leader in quantum technology.
UPSC context
GS III (Science & Tech); tests knowledge of emerging technologies, indigenous R&D targets, and strategic technology missions.
Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)
A statutory apex body established in 2023 to provide high-level strategic direction for scientific research. It replaces the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) and emphasizes private sector R&D funding.
UPSC context
GS III (Science & Tech/Economy); tests awareness of institutional reforms in research funding and industry-academia collaboration frameworks.
Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)
ISRO's third-generation, four-stage workhorse rocket. It utilizes alternating solid and liquid stages to place satellites into Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbits (SSPO) and Geostationary Transfer Orbits (GTO).
UPSC context
GS III (Space Technology); tests understanding of launch vehicle mechanics, stage-configurations, and India's satellite delivery capabilities.
Earth Observation Satellites (EOS)
Remote sensing satellites designed for Earth resource monitoring. Recent missions like EOS-09 (RISAT-1B) utilize Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) for all-weather, day-and-night imaging for agriculture and disaster management.
UPSC context
GS III (Space/Disaster Management); tests knowledge of satellite applications in land mapping, security, and climate monitoring.
Department of Science and Technology (DST)
A nodal department under the Ministry of Science and Technology responsible for policy formulation, promoting new R&D areas, and coordinating scientific activities across various institutions in India.
UPSC context
GS II (Governance/S&T); tests familiarity with administrative bodies responsible for national science policy and institutional capacity building.
Prelims Trap
"The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) subsumes CSIR to centrally fund all R&D."
ANRF actually repeals and replaces the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), not CSIR. It functions under the DST, though the Prime Minister is its President.
Static Concepts Connected
What are the foundational principles of Quantum Technology?
- Superposition: Ability of qubits to exist in multiple states (0 and 1) simultaneously, allowing quantum computers to process massive possibilities at once.
- Entanglement: Particles remain inherently connected regardless of distance. Altering one instantly affects the other, forming the basis for secure quantum communication (QKD).
How does NavIC categorize its navigation services?
- Standard Service (SPS): An open-access positioning service provided to all civilian users with a positional accuracy of about 20 meters over the Indian landmass.
- Restricted Service (RS): A highly secure, encrypted service reserved exclusively for authorized strategic, defense, and military users like the Indian Navy.
Cross-Topic Patterns
Space Tech + Maritime Security
The Navy's dedicated navigation satellite highlights the transition of India's space program from pure socio-economic applications to strategic military assets (like the GSAT-7 series).
ANRF + NEP 2020 Mandate
The ANRF operationalizes the National Education Policy 2020 vision to democratize R&D funding, shifting the research monopoly from elite institutes to state universities.
Quantum Tech + Cybersecurity
The NQM's push for satellite-based secure quantum communication relies on Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), addressing future cybersecurity threats posed to traditional RSA encryption.
Expect a Prelims 2026 multi-statement question pairing NQM’s specific qubit targets (50-1000) with ANRF’s statutory status.
Linked PYQs · 2
Linked PYQs · 2
- 2022PrelimsGS1
Which one of the following is the context in which the term "qubit" is mentioned ?
- 2015MainsGS3
What do you understand by 'Standard Positioning Systems' and 'Precision Positioning Systems' in the GPS era? Discuss the advantages India perceives from its ambitious IRNSS programme employing just seven satellites.
