QUANTUM PHYSICS
Quantum could solve AI energy drain, says tech founder
Quantum computers could curb the vast energy demands of artificial intelligence data centres with their ability to run complex calculations, one of the tech's pioneers told AFP. Australian startup Diraq is conducting the first field test worldwide putting a small quantum computer based on a silicon chip in a commercial data centre in Sydney. Diraq's computer installed in Equinix's Sydney data centre has eight quantum bits, or qubits, on a silicon chip.
Gold vs silver ETFs: Where should investors put their money this Dhanteras? Experts share their strategies
Gold vs silver ETFs: Dhanteras marks a crucial day in the Diwali festivities, traditionally inspiring purchases of gold and silver. Financial experts suggest a diverse approach, prioritizing gold while also incorporating silver ETFs into investment strategies. Notably, gold has shown stable returns since the last Dhanteras, making it an attractive option for new investors looking to build their portfolios gradually. Despite market ups and downs, the long-term potential for both metals is encouraging.
ETMarkets Smart Talk| Gold, silver or copper? Tata MF fund manager suggests a 50:30:20 commodity allocation: Tapan Patel
In this edition of ETMarkets Smart Talk, we speak with Tapan Patel, Fund Manager – Commodities at Tata Asset Management, who shares his outlook on gold, silver, copper and crude oil, explains the changing dynamics driving commodity prices, and suggests a 50:30:20 allocation to gold, copper and silver, respectively, for investors looking to build a commodity portfolio for the long term.
Is Sabrina Pasterski the next Einstein? Meet the physicist who built her own aircraft at 12 and is exploring Einstein’s biggest unanswered questions about gravity
Sabrina Pasterski's journey from building an aircraft as a teenager to studying Einstein's biggest unanswered questions has drawn attention to her work in physics. The MIT graduate now researches quantum gravity, black holes and space-time at Canada's Perimeter Institute. She also leads an $8 million research initiative exploring how gravity and quantum mechanics could fit together.
DRDO showcases indigenous chips for advanced radar, electronic warfare and missile systems
At the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2026, held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from October 27 to 29, DRDO displayed Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits (MMICs) and Infrared Focal Plane Arrays (IRFPAs), developed by its Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL), Delhi.
German startup NVision shows new path to quantum computing chips in Nature paper
Startups and tech giants such as Microsoft and IBM alike are racing to build quantum computers that hold the promise of solving problems that would take conventional machines thousands of years. But NVision, which has raised more than $155 million in funding from firms such as Abbott Laboratories, made the discovery published on Wednesday while working in an entirely different field: improving medical devices.
QClairvoyance's quantum chemistry bet: Transitioning from research to pharma partnerships
QClairvoyance Quantum Labs has performed chemically precise simulations of eight small molecules on an actual quantum computer, marking progress towards drug discovery applications.
AI models have produced proofs challenging major theories in maths, computing, physics: OpenAI
OpenAI has claimed its AI models have disproved the Exponential Time Hypothesis, which impacts computer science research. The findings include proofs related to harmonic analysis and quantum field theory, influencing various scientific domains. Researchers will verify these claims, and OpenAI plans to share the results for independent examination. The company is also funding a conference to discuss the implications of these discoveries.
BITS Pilani revamps UG curriculum to prepare students for AI era: Vice Chancellor
BITS Pilani has revamped its undergraduate curriculum to prepare students for a future dominated by artificial intelligence. This innovative approach prioritizes academic flexibility while integrating research and real-world industry applications. Students will engage in various activities that promote both physical and mental well-being, earning a total of 30 Points of Experience. The curriculum now also highlights crucial areas like AI and data science, enhancing practical learning and encouraging interdisciplinary collaborations.
He is first Indian scientist to win Oskar Klein Medal: Meet physicist Ashoke Sen, who found new ways to understand black holes, gravity & string theory
Indian physicist Ashoke Sen has become the first Indian to receive the 2026 Oskar Klein Medal for his pioneering contributions to string theory, black-hole physics and quantum gravity. The ICTS-TIFR professor delivered the memorial lecture, ‘Gravity from strings and strings from gravity’, in Stockholm on October 22. Sen has also received the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and the 2012 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics.
Physicists trap a single antimatter particle for months to understand how matter began to dominate the universe after big bang
Northwestern University scientists have trapped a single positron, the antimatter counterpart of an electron, for months while cooling it to nearly absolute zero and controlling its quantum states. The breakthrough could enable an unprecedentedly precise comparison of the magnetic properties of matter and antimatter, potentially revealing gaps in the Standard Model of particle physics and offering clues to why the universe contains far more matter than antimatter.
Army invites applications for 75-day internship programme in defence technologies
According to programme details shared by Northern Command, the 75-day internship will comprise 15 days of online learning and 60 days of physical internship, they said.
India to take a leap in quantum, NM-ICPS 2.0 in works: DST Secy Waghmare
India aims to become a leader in quantum technology among Global South countries. The Centre is preparing for NM-ICPS 2.0, building on the first phase ending December 2027. Efforts include developing quantum-resilient encryption techniques for critical database systems. Research and development spending has increased significantly, with a target of reaching 2% of GDP by 2035. The government is focusing on partnerships with industries to further support technological advancements.
Samsung Semiconductor, IISc set up quantum research lab
The lab, established with funding from Samsung Semiconductor India's corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme, will support research in qubit characterisation, cryogenic electronics, quantum-device reliability, single-photon sources and detectors, and the integration of advanced semiconductor materials with quantum systems.
IBM executive warns of risk of quantum computing hacks
Organisations are unprepared for the risks posed by quantum computing, IBM's Europe and Africa vice-Wednesday, referring to the high-speed technology that could crack security encryptions and enable large-scale cyberattacks. I would say less than 10 percent today," Curioni said on the sidelines of a London conference organised by the American technology pioneer.
DRDO successfully tests Quantum Key Distribution(QKD) platform in live network
The DRDO has successfully tested a Quantum Key Distribution platform in a live network environment. This advancement enhances India's capabilities in quantum-secured communications for critical military applications. The technology ensures secure communication for artillery and armored weapon tests while providing eavesdropping detection capabilities. Additionally, free-space QKD technology is being developed to facilitate communication in challenging terrains without optical fibers.
ISM 2.0 to catalyse investments, boost self reliance: NITI Aayog's Abhay Karandikar
India's recently unveiled India Semiconductor Mission phase 2 or ISM 2.0 which focuses on design and Intellectual Property (IP) creation, helping complete the value chain and making the country Atmanirbhar (self-reliant). The new phase is focused on producing semiconductor equipment and materials in India as well as designing full-stack semiconductor intellectual property. The Union Cabinet had also approved the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme, aiming to boost private sector investment.
Meet Laurent Simons, 16-year-old Belgian prodigy who completed PhD in quantum physics at 15, now pursuing second doctorate in medical science
The academic journey of Laurent Simons did not begin with his PhD. Simons started moving through education at an extraordinary pace when he was still a young child. Today, his interests have expanded from quantum physics to medicine, AI, and research connecting physics with the human body. He started primary school when was four years old. He then progressed through secondary education much faster than the usual academic path.
2026 Nobel Prize: Who is Francis Halzen and what is the IceCube Observatory?
Francis Halzen has been awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics for his work with the IceCube Neutrino Observatory. His contributions helped in the discovery of high-energy neutrinos from astrophysical sources. Halzen, a prominent physicist, is affiliated with the University of Wisconsin–Madison. The IceCube Observatory has played a crucial role in understanding cosmic neutrinos and their origins. The award adds to Halzen's distinguished reputation in the field of physics.
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