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Which of the following is NOT one of the four pillars of the quantum programme supported by TDB?

  1. A.Identity security
  2. B.Location integrity
  3. C.Time integrity
  4. D.Climate resilience

Correct answer

D. Climate resilience

Explanation

The correct answer is climate resilience, which is not part of this programme at all. The four pillars are identity security, location integrity, network security and time integrity. Under identity security the project develops quantum-secure physical unclonable functions and quantum-safe trusted platform modules so that device identity is anchored in hardware. Location integrity covers compact quantum magnetometers for detecting electromagnetic tampering and for navigation when satellite positioning is denied or spoofed. Network security covers chip-based and satellite-based quantum key distribution along with quantum-secure communication modules and encryption systems. Time integrity covers indigenous atomic clock technology and secure time synchronisation authenticated through quantum key distribution, which telecom networks, financial systems, critical infrastructure and defence all rely on. Options A, B and C are therefore all genuine pillars, which leaves climate resilience as the odd one out in this question.

Read the full article: TDB Signs Rs 150 Crore Quantum Security Deal With QNu Labs

Q1.Science & TechnologyMedium

The Technology Development Board signed an agreement for quantum-secure technology support with which company?

  1. A.QNu Labs Private Limited, Bengaluru
  2. B.QpiAI India Private Limited, Pune
  3. C.BosonQ Psi Private Limited, Bhopal
  4. D.Quantum Ecosystems Technology Council of India
Show answer
Correct answer: A. QNu Labs Private Limited, Bengaluru

The Technology Development Board, which functions under the Department of Science and Technology, signed the agreement with this Karnataka-based company for financial support from the Research Development and Innovation Fund.

Q2.Science & TechnologyMedium

What is the amount of TDB support and the total cost of the QNu Labs quantum project?

  1. A.Support of Rs 100 crore in a project of Rs 250 crore
  2. B.Support of Rs 150 crore in a project of Rs 300 crore
  3. C.Support of Rs 200 crore in a project of Rs 400 crore
  4. D.Support of Rs 250 crore in a project of Rs 500 crore
Show answer
Correct answer: B. Support of Rs 150 crore in a project of Rs 300 crore

The Technology Development Board is contributing half the project's cost from the Research Development and Innovation Fund, and the support is routed through Optionally Convertible Debt.

Q3.Science & TechnologyEasy

Which desert, identified as a gypsum-bearing Martian analogue site in this study, lies outside India?

  1. A.Atacama Desert, Chile
  2. B.Sahara Desert, Africa
  3. C.Gobi Desert, Mongolia
  4. D.Kalahari Desert, Botswana
Show answer
Correct answer: A. Atacama Desert, Chile

Gypsum was identified there and also in the Tiruchirappalli Badlands, a semi-arid geological and palaeoclimatic terrain in Tamil Nadu, and both places therefore qualify as Martian analogue sites for the study of past water activity.

Q4.Science & TechnologyMedium

Which institution's research team identified the Martian analogue sites using a laser Raman spectrometer?

  1. A.Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad
  2. B.University of Kerala, Department of Geology
  3. C.Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru
  4. D.National Centre for Earth Science Studies
Show answer
Correct answer: B. University of Kerala, Department of Geology

The laser Raman spectrometer used for the work is supported under the DST-FIST programme at that department, and the research team was led by Dr. Sajin Kumar K. S., who is the Project Coordinator of DST-FIST.