Q-Shield

Context

QNu Labs, one of the startups selected by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) underneath the National Quantum Mission, has released the sector’s first and particular platform, Q-Shield.

Key Highlights

• Q-Shield empowers enterprises to protect their vital infrastructure. 
• It also allows seamless cryptography control across any environment, including cloud, on-premises, or hybrid.
• QShield gives an end-to-stop answer for securing sensitive information in transit and at relaxation.
• Significance: QNu Labs is revolutionizing cybersecurity with quantum-secure solutions, positioning India as a global leader in quantum cryptography.
  • The release of this platform provides one greater step in India’s journey towards international leadership in quantum technology. 

World Quantum Day

• Q-Shield was launched at the occasion of World Quantum Day.
  • World Quantum Day was first celebrated in 2021 and was at the beginning began as a decentralised initiative by scientists around the world.
  • The date ‘4.14’ (April 14) was selected as a connection with 4.14, that is the rounded first digits of Planck’s regular— 4.13567×10-15 eV·s.
• The year 2025 has been targeted as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQST) by the United Nations.
  • It commemorates a century since foundational traits of quantum mechanics. 

Critical Infrastructure

• It refers back to the systems, facilities and property which might be vital for the functioning of society and the economy.
• These infrastructures are considered crucial due to the fact their disruption would impact public protection, safety and health or financial stability. 
• Critical infrastructure includes both physical and digital components which are interconnected and interdependent.
• Most countries and governing bodies preserve guidelines around how important infrastructure should be controlled.

Quantum Mechanics

• It is the fundamental study of physical theory that deals with the behaviour of matter and light on the atomic and sub-atomic levels.
• The area of quantum mechanics started out in the early 20th century with the contribution of scientists including Max Planck, Albert Einstein, Niels Bohr, and Erwin Schrodinger. 
• Quantum mechanics laid the foundation for several technological advancements. 

National Quantum Mission

• The government approved the NQM in 2023 from 2023-24 to 2030-31.
• Aim: To seed, nurture and scale up scientific and industrial R&D and create a vibrant & modern atmosphere in Quantum Technology (QT).
  • This will accelerate the QT led economic growth, nurture the environment in the country And make India one of the leading countries in the development of Quantum Technologies & Applications (QTA).
  • The Mission targets encompass developing intermediate-scale quantum computer systems with 50-1000 physical qubits in 8 years in various systems like superconducting and photonic technology. 
• Significance: NQM has the ability to elevate the country’s Technology Development atmosphere to a level of global competitiveness.
  • The Mission might significantly gain diverse sectors including communication, health, monetary, energy with applications in drug layout, space, banking, safety and so forth. 
  • The Mission can even provide a huge increase 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).

Source: The News on AIR

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Q. Give an account of the growth and development of nuclear science and technology in India. What is the advantage of fast breeder reactor programme in India? (2017)

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