MAINS DAILY QUESTIONS & MODEL ANSWERS
Q1. Discuss the National Quantum Mission’s key components. What possible applications does quantum technology offer across different fields?
GS III – Science and Technology
Introduction:
- A National Quantum Mission (NQM) was approved by the government and given a budget of Rs 6000 crores. The goal of the mission is to build quantum-based computers in India and to support the country’s research and development in the field of quantum technology. A branch of computer science known as “quantum computing” makes use of the ideas of quantum theory, which describes how matter and energy behave at the atomic and subatomic levels. These qubit computers are better capable of handling even the trickiest tasks in an extremely safe way.
Key elements of the National Quantum Mission include:
- Quantum communication: Over the first three years of the programme, the development of secure satellite-based communications between a ground station and a receiver situated within 3,000 kilometres will be examined.
- The mission will lay communication links employing Quantum Key Distribution for over 2,000 km of satellite-based connectivity within Indian cities.
- Creating Quantum Computers: Over the course of the next eight years, the mission will be focused on creating quantum computers, or qubits, with physical qubit capacities ranging from 50 to 1,000 qubits.
- Establishment of Thematic Hubs: Four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) in the following domains: Quantum Computing, Quantum Communication, Quantum Sensing & Metrology, and Quantum Materials & Devices will be established in prestigious academic and national R&D facilities.
- Magnetometer development: The mission will contribute to the development of atomic clocks and magnetometers with great sensitivity in atomic systems for precise time, communication, and navigation.
- Creating additional quantum materials: It will also aid in the creation of new semiconductor structures, topological materials for the construction of quantum devices, and superconductors.
- Under the eight-year plan, which runs from 2023 to 2031, the Department of Science and Technology will carry out the purpose.
Potential uses of quantum technologies in a range of fields:
- Cybersecurity: There is a lot of promise for safe and impenetrable communication channels with quantum technology. Single-photon emitters and detectors can be created using quantum technology, perhaps helping to prevent cyberattacks that harm the nation’s vital infrastructure.
- Communication and cryptography: Protecting information channels from eavesdropping is the most fascinating use of quantum cryptography. For example, the most established and well-known application of quantum cryptography is quantum key distribution (QKD).
- Disaster management: Better forecasting of tsunamis, droughts, earthquakes, and floods may be possible with the use of quantum applications. Moreover, accurate quantum hardware known as quantum sensing can be utilised to detect geological occurrences such as earthquakes.
- Health sector: Chemical simulations and drug discovery can benefit from the application of quantum machine learning. It can also be used in the field of genome sequencing and for the timely, accurate, and effective diagnosis of diseases.
- Energy sector: Using quantum computing in this sector could help lower costs and risks, conduct effective simulations, and minimise emissions.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and quantum computing: AI systems need a tremendous amount of processing power to handle the massive volumes of data they handle. That power could be provided by quantum computers, opening the door for AI to realise its full potential.
- Consequently, NQM has the potential to propel the nation’s ecosystem for technology development to a level of global competitiveness. The energy, finance, health, and communication industries would all profit immensely from the mission. Additionally, it will significantly advance national initiatives including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), Made in India, Digital India, Skill India, and Stand-up India.
Q2. Though it has decreased in some areas of the nation, Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) and the violence it is associated with have not disappeared. Analyse why LWE is still effective in some areas. Describe the government’s strategy for handling LWE.
GS III – Internal Security of India
Introduction:
- With violence as their main tool and mass mobilisation and strategically organised fronts as supplementary components, Left Wing Extremism (LWE) or the Naxal insurgency seeks to topple the current democratic state structure in India in order to bring about the so-called “New Democratic Revolution.” The government claims that since 2010, Maoist violence in the nation has decreased by 77%. Nonetheless, the Maoist insurgency remains strong in certain regions of Jharkhand, the border between Andhra and Odisha, and the districts of Chhattisgarh’s Bastar and Dantewada.
The persistence of left-wing extremism in some parts of the nation is due to the following factors:
- Inaccurate perception of the nature of the state: Maoists have persisted in using violence and armed struggle in place of organising opposition to the government and guaranteeing inclusion and welfare. They refuse to acknowledge that the impoverished individuals they purport to speak for aspire for increased participation in the political and social welfare systems.
- Maoist objective is skillfully advanced by means of state structures and legal procedures, which also serve to erode the authority of the enforcement regime. The hiring of “professional revolutionaries,” gathering money for the insurgency, constructing urban havens for underground cadres, and offering legal support to detained cadres are some of the crucial roles.
- Unfair development: Tribal unrest was first stoked by socioeconomic disparities and the failure of land reforms. But now that the Maoist insurgency has advanced to this point, the rebels have a stake in these areas’ continued underdevelopment. They especially want to stop infrastructure from entering challenging jungle regions.
- State governments’ and law enforcement’s response: States like Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha, and Jharkhand were able to resolve their Maoist issues by actively involving local police in a leading capacity. But in Chhattisgarh, this process began later than expected, and as a result, Maoists from nearby states were forced into the state.
- Front organisations: In Maoist-ruled areas, the lack of governance becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy as the channels of distribution are eliminated through intimidation and murders. Many Front Organisations are established in the interim to aid in mass mobilisation in urban and semi-urban areas. The organisations serve as fronts for the violent aspects of the CPI (Maoist) ideology and are run by intelligent, well-educated intellectuals who firmly believe in the Maoist insurgency philosophy.
The way the government handles left-wing extremism:
- For the majority of LWE-affected districts, Special Central Assistance (SCA) is provided. The primary goal of the programme is to close vital gaps in emergent public infrastructure and services.
- Plan for Fortified Police Stations: In ten states affected by LWE, 400 fortified police stations have been built as part of this plan.
- The Civic Action Programme (CAP) attempts to show the local public the human side of security forces and close the gaps that exist between them and the community through direct communication.
- Aspirational Districts programme: In 35 districts impacted by LWE, the Ministry of Home Affairs is in charge of overseeing the Aspirational Districts programme.
- Special Infrastructure Programme: States receive funding under this programme to improve their security-related infrastructure.
- Measures for skill development: Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in 47 districts and Skill Development Centres (SDCs) in 34 districts have been approved to support the skill development of the young in these areas.
- Enhancing educational access: 234 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) for LWE-affected districts have been approved by the government. Additionally, in every district most hit by LWE, Kendriya Vidyalas (KVs) and Navodaya Vidyalas (JNVs) have been approved and put into operation.
- Additionally, the government has announced a comprehensive plan to fully and competently combat the LWE. This new approach, known as SAMADHAN, combines short- and long-term plans that were created at several levels.
- Maoist presence in the region has shrunk dramatically, from 96 districts in 2010 to just 39 districts in 2022. A comprehensive strategy emphasising development and security-related initiatives should be taken into consideration in order to address the remaining strongholds. To increase the pressure on Left-Wing Extremists to give up violence and blend in with society, civil society and the media should be involved.
