Quantum Mechanics

Why in news?

• India celebrated World Quantum Day 2024 on April 14.

About

• The World Quantum Day aims at engaging the general public in the understanding and discussion of Quantum Science and Technology.
• It is a decentralized and bottom-up initiative launched in 2021 and first celebrated in 2022.

What is Quantum Mechanics?

• Quantum mechanics is a subfield of physics that describes the behavior of particles- atoms, electrons, photons and almost everything in the molecular and submolecular realm.
• It explains how extremely small objects simultaneously have the characteristics of both particles (tiny pieces of matter) and waves (a disturbance or variation that transfers energy).
• This phenomenon is also known as the “wave-particle duality.”
• In classical mechanics, objects exist in a specific place at a specific time. In quantum mechanics, objects instead exist in a haze of probability; they have a certain chance of being at point A, another chance of being at point B and so on.
• Quantum Technology exploits the principles of superposition, entanglement, and measurement.

Applications

• Quantum computers use the quantized nature of particles to store and transfer information.
• Quantum Cryptography: Quantum mechanics enables secure communication through methods like quantum key distribution (QKD).
• Quantum Sensors: Quantum mechanics can develop sensors, such as atomic clocks, magnetometers, and gyroscopes having applications in navigation, mineral exploration, and medical imaging.
• Quantum Mechanics principles are being utilized to develop technologies such as LEDs, lasers, and ultra-precise atomic clocks used in the Global Positioning System.

Challenges of Quantum Mechanics

• Decoherence: Quantum systems are susceptible to decoherence, which occurs when a system interacts with its environment, leading to the loss of quantum coherence.
• Quantum Measurement and Control: Making precise measurements and controlling quantum systems at the individual quantum level is challenging due to noise, imperfections in experimental setups, and the delicate nature of quantum states.
• Practical Implementation: Building reliable quantum computers, quantum communication networks, and other quantum technologies requires overcoming issues related to scalability, error correction, and compatibility with existing infrastructure.
• Cost and Accessibility: Quantum technologies are expensive and resource-intensive.

Way Ahead

• The emergence of quantum computers poses a threat to conventional encryption algorithms, necessitating the development of Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) to ensure quantum-safe encryption.
• Robust quantum error correction codes are essential to address errors caused by decoherence and imperfections in quantum hardware.
• Investment in research and development of new technologies, including novel qubit architectures, quantum memory devices, and quantum communication protocols, is vital to accelerate the practical application of quantum technologies and overcome current limitations.

National Quantum Mission (NQM)

• It was conceptualized by the Prime Minister Science Technology Advisory Council (PM-STIAC) with a total outlay of Rs 6003.65 Crore for a period of eight years.
• The Mission aims to seed, nurture, and scale up scientific and industrial R&D and create a vibrant & innovative ecosystem in Quantum Technology (QT).
• The Mission aims to establish four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) in domains such as,
• Quantum Computing,
• Quantum Communication,
• Quantum Sensing & Metrology, and
• Quantum Materials & Devices.

Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS) – 2024

Why in news?

• Recently, the Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS), 2024 came into effect to push for development of an electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing ecosystem in the country.

Overview of the Scheme:

• It aims to provide further impetus to green mobility and promote electric vehicle manufacturing in the country.
• Components of the scheme:
• Subsidies: Demand incentives for electric two-wheelers & electric three-wheelers;
• Administration of Scheme including IEC (Information, Education & Communication) activities and fee for project management agency.

Key Features:

• It is a fund-limited scheme with a total outlay of INR 500 crore, offering an incentive of INR 5,000 per kilowatt-hour of battery capacity.
• It aims to support the adoption of 3,72,215 EVs, including 3,33,387 electric two-wheelers and 38,828 electric three-wheelers.
• It will be implemented for a period of four months, from April 1, 2024, to July 31, 2024.

Two and Three Wheelers at the Core:

• Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme – 2024 does well to maintain focus on the segments which have led the electric vehicle revolution in India.
• Since the FAME I, electric two-wheeler and three-wheeler segments have attracted the highest demand among consumers compared to cars and other commercial segments due to lower acquisition costs, lower running costs, ease of charging and parking, among other reasons.
• FAME II (2019-2024) refined its approach by emphasising on advanced battery technologies.
• States came up with electric vehicle policies across the country during the same period, playing a vital role for high two-wheeler and three-wheeler demand, with additional incentives and manufacturing support.

Analysis of EMPS 2024:

• Reduction in Financial Support: The total incentive allocation under EMPS has been reduced to INR 500 crore for a period of four months, from April 1-July 31, 2024.
• It is a significant reduction compared to the INR 11,500 crore outlay of its predecessor, FAME II.
• Multiple Caps, Fewer Benefits: EMPS offers an incentive of INR 5,000 per kilo-watt hour of battery capacity. However, the amount cannot exceed 15% of the ex-factory cost or INR 10,000 for two-wheelers / INR 25,000 for e-rickshaws and e-carts / INR 50,000 for e-autos, whichever is lower for each segment.
• It has led to a substantial reduction in monetary support, increasing the price of vehicles.
• Reduction in Incentives: It is expected to lead to an average incentive reduction by 63% for two-wheelers, 37% for e-autos, and 38% for e-rickshaws.
• Re-registration Roadblock: EMPS asks for re-registration of original equipment manufacturers (OEM), their dealers, and vehicles on an online portal to be eligible for subsidies.
• It could potentially create a roadblock for manufacturers and consumers.

Conclusion:

The Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024 is a significant step towards promoting electric mobility in India. Despite the reduction in financial incentives compared to its predecessor, FAME II, the scheme focuses on key aspects such as the development of an EV manufacturing ecosystem and the promotion of green mobility.

As India continues to grapple with environmental challenges, initiatives like EMPS 2024 play a crucial role in steering the country towards a sustainable future.