Quantum (IT & Emerging Tech).
Syllabus: UPSC Pre GS1: General Science; Mains GS3: S&T developments
Quantum computing for UPSC: qubits, superposition, entanglement, quantum supremacy, uses, quantum key distribution and the National Quantum Mission.
QNu Labs, with BISAG-N and IIT Gandhinagar, demonstrated India's first free-space quantum key distribution (QKD) link over 5.56 km on the night of 27-28 September 2026. The quantum bit error rate stayed below 5 per cent and secure keys were made at 230-260 bps, then used with BISAG-N's Vedic Kavach post-quantum cryptography platform.
UPSC angle: Prelims: QKD vs post-quantum cryptography; free-space vs fibre.
3 Oct 2026
On 31 August 2026, its 43rd Foundation Day, C-DOT unveiled 14 indigenous quantum products in Quantum Key Distribution and Post-Quantum Cryptography. They range from fibre-based QKD systems and single-photon detectors to quantum-safe encryptors of up to 200 Gbps, IP phones and wireless links, for telecom, enterprise and defence networks.
UPSC angle: Prelims: QKD vs PQC.
31 Aug 2026
The roadmap stresses that states and private investors must share the work. Talent and fabrication capacity are the real bottlenecks.
UPSC angle: Prelims: National Quantum Mission, NITI Frontier Tech Hub. · Mains: frontier technology policy.
4 Dec 2025
Fabs are needed to make quantum chips at home instead of relying on foreign labs.
UPSC angle: Prelims: NQM.
24 Nov 2025
Indigenous CAR-T at a fraction of global cost is a strong example of science serving public health.
UPSC angle: Prelims: CAR-T, qubit.
5 Nov 2025
Quantum keys resist future decryption.
UPSC angle: Prelims: QKD.
16 Jun 2025