India's First Free-Space Quantum Communication Trial
Why focus: GS3 Sci-Tech — Tests quantum entanglement and QKD fundamentals. Classic tech proxy setup for 'Assertion-Reason' questions.
In News
What Happened
Why It Matters
Background
History & Context
What Changed
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BEFORE: Secure quantum communication in India relied entirely on laying commercial underground dark optical fibers. NOW: Free-space Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) bypasses physical cables, transmitting entangled photons through the open air over distances exceeding 1 km.
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BEFORE: Extending secure military and strategic communication networks in mountainous or dense urban terrains was highly disruptive, expensive, and limited by infrastructure. NOW: Free-space optical links can be deployed flexibly in difficult terrains, establishing the foundation for future satellite-based quantum internet.
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BEFORE: Classical encryption methods used mathematical complexity, which could potentially be cracked by advanced supercomputers or future quantum computers. NOW: Quantum entanglement ensures device-independent security, where any interception attempt instantly alters the photon state and alerts the authorized users.
Prelims Angle
NCERT Connection
Practice Questions
Q1
With Reference ToWith reference to the National Quantum Mission and recent free-space quantum communication trials in India, consider the following statements: 1. Free-space Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) requires the installation of specialized underground dark optical fibers to maintain the entangled state of photons. 2. The National Quantum Mission was approved by the Union Cabinet in 2023 with the objective of developing intermediate-scale quantum computers and satellite-based secure quantum communications. 3. In quantum entanglement-based communication, any attempt by an eavesdropper to measure the photons instantly alters their quantum state, alerting the users. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?