QUANTUM FOR A DUMMY LIKE ME

Pic Courtesy: The diplomatist

 

Quantum Science

 

Quantum refers to the branch of physics that studies the behaviour of matter and energy at the smallest scales, where the laws of classical physics no longer apply.

 

At the quantum level, particles such as electrons and photons behave differently from what we observe in our everyday world. They exhibit strange phenomena such as wave-particle duality, superposition, and entanglement, which have important implications for fields such as computing, cryptography, and sensing.

 

Quantum mechanics has revolutionised our understanding of the fundamental nature of matter and energy and has important practical applications in fields such as computing, cryptography, and sensing.

 

Quantum Technology & Application

 

Quantum technology is based on the fact that at the quantum level, particles can exist in multiple states simultaneously, and can also be entangled with each other. These properties can be used to perform tasks that are difficult or impossible with classical technology.

 

Quantum technology refers to the practical applications of the principles of quantum mechanics. Quantum technology includes a range of fields, such as quantum computing, quantum cryptography, quantum communication, quantum sensing, and quantum metrology.

 

Quantum Computing. Quantum computing is a type of computing that uses the principles of quantum mechanics to process information. Quantum computers use quantum bits, or qubits, to perform calculations much faster than classical computers. Quantum computers are capable of performing certain calculations exponentially faster than classical computers, which could have significant implications for fields such as drug discovery, materials science, financial modeling, cryptography, etc.

 

Quantum Cryptography & Communication. Quantum cryptography and quantum communication use the principles of quantum mechanics to secure communication channels. Quantum cryptography is a form of secure communication that uses the principles of quantum mechanics to ensure the security of the communication channel. Quantum cryptography is resistant to eavesdropping, as any attempt to intercept the message will change its quantum state and alert the sender and receiver to the presence of an intruder.

 

Quantum sensing and quantum metrology. These applications use quantum technology to improve the precision and sensitivity of sensors. For example, quantum sensors can be used to detect very weak magnetic or gravitational fields, which have important applications in fields such as geology, medicine, and defense.

 

Quantum Proofing

Quantum proofing is known as quantum-resistant cryptography. It refers to the development of cryptographic algorithms and protocols that can resist attacks from quantum computers.

 

To “quantum proof” cryptographic systems, researchers are developing new algorithms and protocols that are resistant to quantum attacks. This includes post-quantum cryptography, which uses mathematical problems that are believed to be difficult for both classical and quantum computers to solve. Examples of post-quantum cryptographic algorithms include lattice-based cryptography, code-based cryptography, and hash-based cryptography.

 

Quantum proofing is important because the widespread adoption of quantum computers could potentially compromise the security of many of the cryptographic protocols that are currently in use, including those used to protect sensitive information such as financial transactions and personal data.

 

Quantum in India

 

India, like many other countries, is investing in research and development of quantum technologies, including quantum proofing.

 

The Indian government has set up the Quantum Technology Mission with an initial budget of Rs 8,000 crore (approximately $1.1 billion) to support research and development in quantum technologies over a period of five years. The mission aims to develop technologies for secure communication, quantum computing, quantum sensing, quantum cryptography, and quantum networking.

 

As part of the mission, the Indian government has also set up the Quantum Computing Applications Lab at the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) in Pune. The lab aims to develop and test quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms that can be used in various applications.

 

In addition, Indian researchers are also actively involved in the development of post-quantum cryptographic algorithms. For example, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay is conducting research on lattice-based cryptography, which is one of the leading candidates for post-quantum cryptography.

 

Overall, India is taking steps to develop and implement quantum-proof cryptographic protocols to ensure the security of its critical infrastructure and sensitive data in the era of quantum computing.

 

Quantum: Military Applications

 

Quantum technologies have the potential to revolutionise the field of defence and security. Some of the potential military applications of quantum technologies are:

 

Quantum Computing: Quantum computers can perform certain types of calculations exponentially faster than classical computers. This technology can be used to simulate complex chemical reactions, optimize logistics and resource allocation, and break classical cryptographic codes.

 

Quantum Communication : Quantum entanglement can be used to create highly secure communication channels that are resistant to hacking and eavesdropping.

 

Quantum Cryptography: Quantum key distribution (QKD) can be used to transmit highly secure cryptographic keys between two parties, which cannot be intercepted or eavesdropped upon. This technology can be used to secure military and government communication networks.

 

Quantum Sensing: Quantum sensors can be used to detect and track stealth aircraft, submarines, and other stealthy objects that are difficult to detect using traditional radar and sonar technologies. Quantum sensors can also be used for precision navigation, timing, and metrology.

 

Quantum Imaging: Quantum cameras can capture images with extremely low levels of light, making them useful for night vision and other low-light applications. Quantum imaging can also be used to see through obstacles like walls and camouflage.

 

Quantum Radar: Quantum radar can detect stealth aircraft, which are designed to evade traditional radar systems. This technology uses entangled photons to detect stealth aircraft, making it much more difficult to evade detection.

 

Quantum & Weather forecasting. Weather forecasting is essential for campaign planning (especially air campaign). It requires analysis of vast data, including various dynamic factors such as air temperature, pressure and density, all of which interact in complex ways. Quantum computing can enhance weather forecasting both at local and larger area level. 

 

Overall, quantum technologies have the potential to greatly enhance the capabilities of defence and security systems and are likely to play an increasingly important role in the future of defence.

 

Bottom Line

This technology has the potential to change the way wars are fought.

 

Question

Are we doing enough to harness this potential?

 

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References and credits

To all the online sites and channels.

Disclaimer:

Information and data included in the blog are for educational & non-commercial purposes only and have been carefully adapted, excerpted, or edited from sources deemed reliable and accurate. All copyrighted material belongs to respective owners and is provided only for purposes of wider dissemination.

Remembering Balakot

pic courtesy: myvoice.opindia.com

Due to some some vague reason, last night I got up at 3 AM and remembered this day four years back. Memories of Feb 2019  are still very vivid in the mind as if the events are unfolding just now. 

 

I might forget my own name in old age due to dementia, but I don’t think the memories of the days from 14 Feb (Pulwama terrorist attack) to 26 Feb 2019 (Balakot Strike) will ever get erased.

 

On morning of 26 Feb 2019, the media came alive and the word “Balakot” became the talk of the world. Balakot is a small place in Manshera district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. The place is about 231 kilometers away from the Line of Control (LoC) with India.

 

Balakot made international headlines, due to the early morning airstrikes by the Indian Air Force which destroyed the terrorists camp located there.

 

Remembering Balakot  Strike

 

  1. Link to interview with Jugal Purohit on BBC Feb 2020.

https://55nda.com/blogs/anil-khosla/2020/09/14/balakot-inter-view-with-bbc-jugal-purohit/

 

2. Link to discussion on India TV (Hindi) on 30 Oct 2020.

राज को राज रहने दो

https://55nda.com/blogs/anil-khosla/2020/10/30/%e0%a4%b0%e0%a4%be%e0%a4%9c-%e0%a4%95%e0%a5%8b-%e0%a4%b0%e0%a4%be%e0%a4%9c-%e0%a4%b9%e0%a5%80-%e0%a4%b0%e0%a4%b9%e0%a4%a8%e0%a5%87-%e0%a4%a6%e0%a5%8b/

 

3. Link to discussion on Sansad TV (English) on 26 Feb 22.

Balakot Revisited

https://55nda.com/blogs/anil-khosla/2022/02/27/balakot-revisited-26-feb-22/

 

4. Link to discussion on Sansad TV (Hindi) on 26 Feb 22.

आपका मुद्दा बालाकोट स्ट्राइक

https://55nda.com/blogs/anil-khosla/2022/02/28/%e0%a4%86%e0%a4%aa%e0%a4%95%e0%a4%be-%e0%a4%ae%e0%a5%81%e0%a4%a6%e0%a5%8d%e0%a4%a6%e0%a4%be-%e0%a4%ac%e0%a4%be%e0%a4%b2%e0%a4%be%e0%a4%95%e0%a5%8b%e0%a4%9f-%e0%a4%b8%e0%a5%8d%e0%a4%9f%e0%a5%8d/

 

In the News Today

 

Links to some of the news reports today (With credits and thanks to these news channels and reports.):- 

 

  1. https://www.wionews.com/india-news/balakot-airstrikes-how-india-air-force-carried-out-a-successful-retaliation-four-years-back-565895

 

2.https://bharat.republicworld.com/india-news/general-news/indian-air-force-jets-wreaked-havoc-on-terrorists-know-todays-history

 

3.https://www.ibc24.in/country/balakot-air-strike-4-years-ago-india-attacked-terrorists-of-pakistan-1426190.html

 

4.https://marathi.abplive.com/news/india/balakot-airstrike-fourth-anniversary-jammu-kashmir-pulwama-attack-surgical-strike-indian-army-indian-air-force-1155012

 

5.https://www.freepressjournal.in/viral/balakot-air-strike-jai-hind-trends-on-twitter-as-netizens-mark-the-4th-anniversary-of-indias-response-to-the-pulwama-terror-attack

 

6.https://www.jagran.com/news/national-balakot-air-strike-day-script-of-iaf-strike-written-after-pulwama-attack-pak-vs-indian-army-surgical-strike-jagran-special-23341236.html

 

7.https://odishatv.in/news/trending/4-years-of-balakot-air-strike-netizens-remember-how-india-avenged-pulwama-terror-attack-197927

 

Did Balakot strike have the desired effect?

My answer is Yes

 

 

Suggestions and value additions are most welcome

 

For regular updates, please register here

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References and credits

To all the online sites and channels.

 

Disclaimer:

Information and data included in the blog are for educational & non-commercial purposes only and have been carefully adapted, excerpted, or edited from sources deemed reliable and accurate. All copyrighted material belongs to respective owners and is provided only for purposes of wider dissemination.

 

AEROSPACE POWER STRATEGIES TO DEAL WITH MULTIPLE THREATS WITH LIMITED RESOURCES

 

 

Article published in the inaugural issue of “Blue Yonder”, a Journal published by the Centre for Air Power Studies.

 

Peculiarity: There are no references (except from the quote below), and it has been written drawing from own experiences and impressions.

 

“Strategy is a broad concept, embracing an objective, resources, and a plan for using those resources to achieve the objective”.

 William P. Snyder

 

Introduction

 

Aerospace power is a decisive factor and a game-changer in any war. The application of aerospace power, although looks simple but is a complex process. Major roles of Aerospace power during war include shaping the environment, offensive force application, and synergising the operations with surface forces.

 

Resources influence strategy, especially at the strategic and operational levels. Air Resources are costly and generally limited. The availability of resources depends upon factors like cost, affordability, and national objectives and priorities. A superpower like the USA has adequate air resources to distribute them among all the services (Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marines) and all the theatres (covering the entire Globe). Others have to manage with whatever they have and can afford.

 

The problem becomes accentuated when a nation faces more than one enemy, individually or collusively, and on multiple fronts. In such a scenario one does not have the luxury of keeping the air assets idle, and they have to be utilised optimally to achieve the desired objectives. Innovative strategies need to be devised for the effective utilisation of assets in such situations.

 

Aerospace Power Strategies.

 

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