Why it is in the news
On 30 September 2026, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh, speaking at Pragati Q-Foundry 2026 at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, reported that India has achieved 1,000 km of quantum-secure communication in about three years under the National Quantum Mission (NQM) — half the mission's eight-year target of 2,000 km. Quantum startups supported under the mission have grown from 17 to 26.
The exam angle
Thesis: India's quantum mission is delivering fastest where it is closest to deployment — secure communication — but long-term strategic payoff depends on computing, talent and a domestic hardware supply chain.