National Quantum Mission
- Context: Under the National Quantum Mission, India has successfully demonstrated a 1,000 km-long quantum communication network in less than two years.
- This constitutes one of the longest networks in the world. Furthermore, it signifies rapid progress toward achieving the Mission’s eight-year target of establishing a 2,000 km-long network.
- This milestone achievement was realized using indigenous technology developed by QNu Labs, an Indian quantum cybersecurity startup.
- This network not only strengthens secure communication across the defense sector, financial systems, and critical infrastructure but also operates effectively in challenging terrains, including underwater and underground environments.
About the National Quantum Mission
- It is a flagship program of the Department of Science and Technology. A financial outlay of ₹6,003 crore has been allocated for this Mission for the period spanning 2023–24 to 2030–31.
- It aims to position India as a global leader in quantum technology by fostering scientific and industrial research and development.
- The Mission focuses on enhancing indigenous capabilities and accelerating technology-led economic growth.
It encompasses four key verticals
Quantum Computing
- Aims to develop medium-scale quantum computers with 50 to 1,000 ‘qubit’ capacity within eight years.
Quantum Communication
- Targets satellite-based secure communication and long-distance Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technology over a range of 2,000 km.
Quantum Sensing
- Focuses on the development of highly precise magnetometers and atomic clocks.
Quantum Materials
- Aims to strengthen manufacturing capabilities for the production of indigenous hardware.
Thematic Hubs
- The National Quantum Mission is implemented through thematic hubs established across India.
- Four T-Hub centers have been established at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), IIT Madras (in collaboration with the Centre for Development of Telematics), IIT Bombay, and IIT Delhi.
- Each hub focuses on a specific domain: Quantum Computing, Communication, Sensing and Metrology, and Materials and Devices.
Hub-Spoke-Spike Model
- The Mission adopts a Hub-Spoke-Spike model, wherein the hubs serve to coordinate research networks.
- “Spokes” represent collaborative research projects, while “Spikes” denote individual research groups.
- This model facilitates resource sharing among institutions and fosters greater coordination and research collaboration.
Nobel Prize – Quantum
- In 2023, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Moungi G. Bawendi, Louis E. Brus, and Alexei I. Ekimov for the discovery and synthesis of Quantum Dots.
- The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to John Clarke, Michael H. Devoret, and John M. Martinis for their discovery of macroscopic quantum mechanical tunneling and the quantization of energy in electrical circuits.
Production Linked Incentive Scheme for the Food Processing Industry (PLISFPI)
- Context: The Production Linked Incentive Scheme for the Food Processing Industry (PLISFPI) has shown encouraging results, with cumulative investment exceeding nine thousand crore rupees against a committed investment of around seven thousand crore rupees.
About PLISFPI (Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Industry)
- Scheme Type: Central Sector Scheme
- Implementing Ministry: Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI)
- Duration: 6 years (2021–22 to 2026–27)
- It is a significant program focused on boosting India’s food processing industry, enhancing the international presence of Indian food brands, and developing world-class leaders in food manufacturing.
Key Objectives
- Develop global leaders in food manufacturing
- Promote Indian food brands in international markets
- Create off-farm employment opportunities
- Ensure better prices for farmers and enhance their income levels
Poshan Pakhwada 2026
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- Context: The Ministry of Women and Child Development will celebrate the 8th edition of Poshan Pakhwada from April 9–23, 2026.
- It aims to improve nutritional outcomes and strengthen India’s fight against malnutrition.
- Theme 2026: “Maximizing Brain Development in the First Six Years of Life”
Highlights
- First 1,000 days are critical
- 85% of brain development occurs before age 6
- Focus on nutrition, caregiving, and early learning
The key focus areas under this year’s theme include
- Maternal and Child Nutrition – Promoting optimal nutrition during pregnancy, exclusive breastfeeding, and age-appropriate complementary feeding.
- Early Stimulation for Brain Development (0–3 years) – Encouraging responsive caregiving and early learning interactions.
- Play-Based Education in Early Years (3–6 years) – Supporting holistic development and school readiness.
- Role of Parents and Community in Minimising Screen Time – Promoting healthy habits and active engagement.
- Strengthening Anganwadi Centres through Community Participation – Enhancing infrastructure and service delivery through Jan Bhagidari and CSR.
- Implementation & Activities: Activities conducted nationwide through Anganwadi Centres.
- Through Poshan Pakhwada 2026, the Ministry aims to further strengthen the Jan Andolan by reinforcing that nutrition, care, early learning, and community participation together
Types of Activities
- Poshan Panchayats to promote community dialogue on nutrition
- Awareness sessions on health and nutrition
- Early stimulation activities for child development
- Play-based learning initiatives for young children
- Campaigns encouraging: Healthy lifestyles, Reduced screen time among children
POSHAN Abhiyaan (Prime Minister’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nutrition)
- POSHAN Abhiyaan is a flagship initiative designed to enhance nutritional status among women, children, and adolescent girls.
- Launch: Introduced in 2018
- Implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development
- It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, executed by States and Union Territories.
- Mission POSHAN 2.0: Initiated in 2021 as a comprehensive and integrated nutrition programme.
Brings together multiple initiatives, including the Supplementary Nutrition Programme and POSHAN Abhiyaan, under a single unified framework to improve efficiency and impact.
