Context: Quantum computing is one of the most attractive investment avenues, both from the public and private sectors, reaching about US$35.5 billion globally in 2022.

More on News:

• India is currently at the forefront of tapping the second quantum revolution through massive investments in the field. 
• Union Budget 2020-21 proposed to spend ₹8,000 crore ($ 1.2 billion) on the newly launched National Mission on Quantum Technologies and Applications (NMQTA) and ₹ 3660 Crore for National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems (NM-ICPS). 

About Quantum Computing:

• Quantum computing is a rapidly-emerging technology that harnesses the laws of quantum mechanics to solve problems too complex for classical computers. 
• Classical computers encode information in binary “bits” that can either be 0s or 1s. In a quantum computer, the basic unit of memory is a quantum bit or qubit.

Application of Quantum Computing:

• Finance: Financial institutions may be able to use quantum computing to design more effective and efficient investment portfolios for retail and institutional clients. 
  • They could focus on creating better trading simulators and improve fraud detection.
• Healthcare: The healthcare industry could use quantum computing to develop new drugs and genetically-targeted medical care.
• Enhancing Security: For stronger online security, quantum computing can help design better data encryption and ways to use light signals to detect intruders in the system.
• Traffic Planning: Quantum computing can be used to design more efficient, safer aircraft and traffic planning systems.
• High Privacy: A Quantum computer is highly confidential and secure. It uses the phenomenon of superposition to form the supercomputer that makes hacking impossible.

Government Initiatives:

• Quantum Computing Applications Lab (QCAL): It was launched by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in collaboration with AWS. 

• • It aims to accelerate the adoption of quantum computing in India by providing access to quantum computers, tools, and resources to researchers and developers.
• The National Mission on Quantum Technologies and Applications (NM-QTA): It  was launched in 2020 with the goal of creating a strong quantum technology ecosystem in India.
• National Quantum Mission:  With a total cost of Rs.6003.65 crore from 2023-24 to 2030-31, it aims to nurture and scale up scientific and industrial R&D and create a vibrant & innovative ecosystem in Quantum Technology (QT).

Limitations:

• Algorithm Creation: Quantum computers can’t work like traditional computers, they need special algorithms to do tasks in their environment.
• Low Temperature Needed: Quantum computers require extreme temperatures ( -460°F.) that are hard to maintain.
• Low Precision: Quantum computers have a low level of precision. Scientists have to create their own qubits, which is difficult. 
• Software: The field of creating quantum algorithms and software is still developing, and qualified professionals are in short supply. 
• Cost: Building and maintaining quantum computers is currently relatively expensive, and this may prevent widespread deployment
• Interoperability: Due to the lack of standards in the realm of quantum computing, it might be challenging to compare and combine various quantum computers.

Way Forward:

• Establishing centers of excellence: The government should create specialized centers of excellence dedicated to quantum science and technology within both academic institutions and government research institutes.
• Technology development: India must harness the power of startups and Big Tech corporations involved in developing quantum technology and applications.
• Indigenization: Prioritizing the development of quantum computational capabilities is imperative for our nation, as obtaining this technology from foreign sources would pose significant challenges and cost hurdles. 
• Effective Roadmap: To effectively monitor global advancements in quantum computing and evaluate and guide India’s efforts in this domain, the establishment of an Indian Quantum Computing Roadmap Group is essential.