4. National Quantum Mission (NQM)

Context:

India to Launch Quantum Satellite for Quantum Communications: NQM is a Department of Science & Technology program aimed at accelerating the use of quantum physics for advanced communications and sensing systems.

Highlights:

• The National Quantum Mission (NQM) is a government of India initiative to develop quantum technologies and make India a leader in quantum research and innovation.
• The NQM was approved by the Union Cabinet in April 2023 at ₹6,000 crore, with the planned quantum satellite as part of this package.

Quantum Satellite

• Quantum satellite is a communication satellite which utilizes quantum physics in its security.
• Quantum computers can easily destroy the prevailing techniques that protect messages; however, quantum physics also gave a path to protection.

Security of Messages

• Encryption:
  • Encryption task conceals the information behind a term, called a cipher.
    Cryptographic Security works on a principle hiding secret code behind a complicated mathematical problem.
• The most advanced encryption standards in current use may be broken with future quantum computers.