"India Demonstrates First Free-Space Quantum Key Distribution Link"
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)
secure key generation and sharing using quantum mechanical principles, interception is detectable
Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC)
classical encryption algorithms designed to resist future quantum computer attacks
Classical encryption systems such as RSA and ECC rely on mathematical problems that are hard for ordinary computers to solve but could be broken by a sufficiently powerful quantum computer. This looming risk, sometimes called the 'harvest now, decrypt later' threat, means data encrypted today could be stored and decrypted once quantum computers mature. This concern is driving countries, including India, to build quantum-safe communication systems in advance.
India's dedicated response is the National Quantum Mission, approved for the period 2023-2031. It covers four verticals: quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing and quantum materials. It aims to develop quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits and to set up four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) in leading academic and national R&D institutions to anchor this research ecosystem.
Within the quantum communication vertical, two complementary approaches are being developed in parallel by different institutions. Government R&D bodies such as C-DOT have already showcased indigenous Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) solutions. The recent field trial adds a private-sector and academic dimension to this effort, bringing together a deep-tech company, an autonomous government scientific society, and an IIT.
Quantum Key Distribution uses the behaviour of individual photons, rather than mathematical complexity, to generate and share an encryption key. A fundamental property of quantum mechanics, often summarised as the no-cloning principle, means any attempt to intercept or measure a photon's quantum state disturbs it. This disturbance shows up as a rise in the Quantum Bit Error Rate (QBER), the fraction of key bits that do not match between sender and receiver. If the QBER stays below an acceptable threshold, the two sides can be confident the key was not intercepted and can use it for encryption; if it rises too high, the key is discarded.
Post-Quantum Cryptography, by contrast, is a software-based approach. …
Which of the following statements with regard to the National Quantum Mission (NQM) is/are correct?
1.It aims at developing intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits.
2.Its implementation includes setting up of four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) in academic and national R&D institutes across India.
Select the answer using the code given below:
Which one of the following is the context in which the term "qubit" is mentioned?
With reference to India's National Quantum Mission, consider the following statements:
1.It aims to develop quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits.
2.It envisages setting up of four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) in academic and national R&D institutions.
3.Quantum Key Distribution and Post-Quantum Cryptography fall under its quantum communication vertical.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Which of the following best explains why Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is considered theoretically secure against eavesdropping?
Which one of the following statements correctly distinguishes Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) from Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)?
Consider the following statements regarding the recent free-space Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) demonstration in India:
1.It was conducted between BISAG-N and IIT Gandhinagar.
2.It achieved a secure key generation rate of more than 1 megabit per second.
3.The generated keys were integrated with a post-quantum cryptography platform.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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