Relevance: GS-III – Science & Technology (Cybersecurity, Quantum Tech)

Indian researchers (Bengaluru’s Raman Research Institute team led by physicist Urbasi Sinha) have shown that a general-purpose quantum computer can generate and certify true random numbers. 

This matters because all modern digital security—passwords, encryption keys, authentication tokens—rests on randomness.

 Computers usually make pseudorandom numbers by running algorithms; skilled attackers can sometimes predict them. Quantum physics gives naturally random outcomes that cannot be predicted—even in principle.

What is new

• Device-independent approach: the output is certified as random without having to trust the hardware.
  
• Uses entanglement and statistical tests such as Bell-type inequality checks to prove that the randomness comes from quantum behaviour, not from device noise or programming tricks.
  
• Shown on an available quantum machine, which points to practical, near-term use in secure key generation and identity systems.
  
• Next steps: scaling, standardisation and integration with India’s National Quantum Mission and public digital systems.
  

Key terms – made simple

• True random number: an outcome produced by an inherently random physical process.
  
• Pseudorandom number: looks random but comes from a deterministic algorithm.
  
• Entanglement: quantum link between particles that produces correlations impossible in ordinary physics.
  
• Device-independent: a method that verifies security from observed statistics, not from trusting the box.
  

Exam hook

UPSC Prelims question
Q. With reference to quantum security, consider the following statements:

1. Device-independent random number generation can certify randomness without trusting the hardware.
   
2. Bell-type inequality tests are used to verify that the randomness is quantum in origin.
   
3. Pseudorandom numbers are always adequate for high-security encryption.
   
4. Demonstrations on general-purpose quantum computers point to near-term, practical use.
   Which of the statements given above are correct?
   

One-line wrap: By proving device-independent, quantum-grade randomness, India moves closer to hack-resistant keys for the entire digital stack.