News Article 24-8-2020

Tilte: Microsoft to impart quantum computing skills to 900 ICT teachers across India

Background: In February, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman had announced the National Mission
on Quantum Technologies & Applications (NM-QTA) with a budget outlay of ₹8,000 crore to be
implemented by Department of Science & Technology

Summary:

1. Microsoft has started training 900 faculty members from top Indian institutes in quantum
computing skills and capabilities

2. cover basics of quantum computing including superposition and entanglement, processing of

information using qubits and quantum gates, and quantum machine learning and programming.

3. in quantum computing, the qubits (quantum version of bits used by quantum computers) can be
both 0 and 1 simultaneously. This process is known as superposition and it allows quantum
computers to solve problems which are beyond the capabilities of a modern day computer.

4.

Future Implications:

1 initiative to help teachers learn next level technological skills which they can teach to future
generations.

2. Through this initiative in India, aim is to develop skills in quantum at scale, which has the potential
to trigger the new frontier of innovation, shaping the future of the IT industry in this part of the
world

Link: https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/microsoft-to-impart-quantum-computing-skills-
to-900-ict-teachers-across-india-11598269523625.html

Tilte: Apple begins assembling iPhone SE (2020) in India, to go on sale soon

Background:

Summary:

1. Apple has started assembling its affordable second-generation iPhone SE (2020) in India that will
reach authorised retail stores and online channels very soon.
2. Targeting Android mid-segment users as well as aspirational iPhone seekers, Apple brought the
new iPhone SE to India, that looks like Apple iPhone 8 with the power of iPhone 11, to the India
market for just Rs 42,500.

3. The new iPhone SE is being assembled by Apple supplier Wistron at its Bengaluru facility.

4.now assembling four high-selling iPhones in India: iPhone 11, iPhone XR, iPhone 7 and new iPhone
SE.

Future Implications:

1. the new iPhone SE is finding good traction in the India market, primarily because it is a new
iPhone from Apple at an attractive price point.

Link: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/cons-products/electronics/apple-begins-
assembling-iphone-se-in-india-to-go-on-sale-soon/articleshow/77720723.cms