India Unveils 14 Indigenous Quantum Products to Fortify India's Communication Security

India’s telecom research body, C-DOT, has launched 14 new quantum technology products to make communication networks safer in the future. These products use advanced methods like Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) to protect phone calls, internet connections, and data from cyber threats that could come with powerful quantum computers.

The products include secure systems for mobile phones, video calls, wireless networks, enterprise networks, and defence communications. Some are designed for everyday use, like quantum-safe IP phones, while others are built for high-speed internet and defence-grade security.

In simple terms, this means India is preparing its communication systems to stay safe even when future computers become strong enough to break today’s encryption. It’s a big step towards self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) and protecting citizens, businesses, and national security in the digital age.

Strengthening India’s Communication Security

The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), under the Department of Telecommunications, unveiled 14 indigenous quantum products during its 43rd Foundation Day celebrations in New Delhi. These innovations aim to secure India’s communication networks against emerging quantum-era threats.

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) Systems

• Q-AKSHAY CD: Compact fibre-based QKD system using Coherent One Way (COW) and Differential Phase Shift (DPS) protocols.
• Q-AKSHAY MD: Next-gen fibre-based QKD system based on Measurement Device Independent (MDI) protocol for enhanced security.

Critical Quantum Components

• C-SPD: Single-Photon Detector for quantum communication systems.
• C-RD: Wideband RF driver for modulators in quantum communication.

Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) Solutions

• Q-SETU: Quantum-safe encryptor for Layer 3 communications, throughput up to 80 Mbps.
• Q-MAHASETU: Commercial-grade encryptor for Layer 2/3 networks, throughput up to 40 Gbps.
• Q-VIKRAM: Defence-grade encryptor with 1 Gbps throughput for sensitive communications.
• Q-AMOGH: Optical encryptor securing high-capacity links at 200 Gbps.
• Q-DARSHAN: Quantum-safe video IP phone.
• Q-VACHAN: In-line node upgrading existing IP phones with quantum security.
• Q-RAQSHAK: Enterprise network solution for quantum-safe communications.
• Q-VAAYU: Wireless point-to-point quantum-safe solution.
• Q-VAJRA1000: Quantum-safe access node for GPON and wireless radios.
• Q-PARAKRAM: Defence-grade encryptor with proprietary algorithms for strategic communications.

Strategic Significance

These products combine QKD technologies and NIST PQC algorithms to protect India’s communication infrastructure against threats posed by future quantum computers. They span enterprise, telecom, wireless, optical, and defence applications, reflecting India’s push for Atmanirbhar Bharat in secure communications.

Leadership and Vision

The launch was presided over by Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Hon’ble Union Minister of Communications, alongside other dignitaries. A booklet consolidating C-DOT’s indigenous quantum solutions was also released, showcasing India’s commitment to building future-ready communication technologies.

Mukesh Ambani’s ₹10 Ice Cream Brand Shakes Up Market

Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Consumer Products has launched a new ice cream brand called Bombay Creamery, with products starting at just ₹10 (10.53 cents), making it one of the most affordable entries in India’s premium dairy ice cream market. The rollout begins in western India and will expand nationwide soon, directly challenging established players like Amul, Kwality Wall’s, and Baskin-Robbins.

The brand is launched under Reliance Consumer Products Limited (RCPL), the FMCG arm of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), marking Reliance's dedicated foray into the country’s burgeoning ice cream market.

The Bombay Creamery ice cream range includes an array of real ice creams across popular formats such as cones, cups, tubs, bars and sticks, with prices starting at Rs 10. Starting with immediate availability in Western India, Bombay Creamery Ice Creams will soon be rolled out pan-India.

Bombay Creamery: Key Highlights

• Brand name: Bombay Creamery
• Launch date: September 1, 2026
• Starting price: ₹10 (lowest among major brands)
• Formats available: Cones, cups, tubs, bars, sticks
• Positioning: “Accessible premium dairy ice cream” made with real dairy cream
• Initial rollout: Western India, with pan-India expansion planned soon
• Parent company: Reliance Consumer Products Limited (RCPL)

Market Impact

• Competitive pricing: Amul’s cheapest stick is ₹20, Reliance undercuts rivals by 50%
• Retail reach: Reliance can leverage its nationwide distribution network and retail presence
• Consumer strategy: Low entry price could convert first-time buyers into repeat customers
• Freezer network: Reliance expected to supply branded freezers to retailers

Bombay Creamery Vs Competitors

Brand	Cheapest Product Price	Positioning	Distribution Strength
Bombay Creamery	₹10	Accessible premium, real dairy	Reliance’s retail + JioMart
Amul	₹20	Mass-market, trusted dairy	Strong nationwide
Kwality Wall’s	₹25+	Global Unilever brand	Urban + semi-urban
Baskin-Robbins	₹60+	Premium international	Limited urban outlets
Mother Dairy	₹20+	Dairy cooperative	Delhi-NCR stronghold

Strategic Context

• Campa Cola relaunch: Sparked a price war in soft drinks
• FMCG push: Adds to packaged foods, beverages, personal care portfolio
• Analyst view: Pricing + distribution + consumer data ecosystem gives Reliance an edge

Risks & Challenges

• Brand loyalty: Amul and Kwality Wall’s enjoy strong consumer trust
• Cold chain logistics: Scaling nationwide requires reliable freezer networks
• Premium perception: Must balance affordability with premium dairy positioning

India and Nepal Unite to Build Multilingual Future with BHASHINI Language AI

The Digital India BHASHINI Division (DIBD), under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, recently organised an interactive BHASHINI शिल्पी session in Kathmandu, Nepal. Hosted at the Embassy of India, the event brought together developers, students, and innovators to explore how Language AI can be harnessed to build inclusive, multilingual digital solutions.

BHASHINI शिल्पी was conceived as a dynamic, interactive forum for developers, students, and innovators—moving beyond a typical tech session to create a collaborative space where participants can explore, experiment, solve, and build with Language AI.

A Platform for Builders and Innovators

The session was designed as more than a conventional technology meet—it was an engaging platform where participants could learn, experiment, solve, and build with BHASHINI. Developers were introduced to BHASHINI APIs and resources, and guided through the journey of:

• Develop with BHASHINI
• Solve with BHASHINI
• Scale with BHASHINI
• Innovate with BHASHINI

Live demonstrations, practical discussions, and an open Q&A allowed participants to directly interact with the BHASHINI team, clarify queries, and brainstorm real-world applications. A highlight was the “Innovate with BHASHINI” segment, where participants shared ideas on turning challenges into prototypes and scalable solutions.

Language AI becomes truly meaningful when people can build with it to solve problems that matter. BHASHINI Right is about bringing developers, students and innovators into that journey. — Shri Amitabh Nag, CEO, Digital India BHASHINI Division

Strengthening India-Nepal Collaboration

The enthusiastic participation reflected Nepal’s growing interest in leveraging Language AI to address diverse linguistic needs. The initiative also reinforced India-Nepal collaboration in language technology, creating opportunities for academia, developers, and innovators to co-create solutions for a more inclusive digital future.

About BHASHINI

The Digital India BHASHINI Division (DIBD) is India’s national platform for AI-powered multilingual digital inclusion. Currently, BHASHINI:

• Powers over 800 government websites
• Has enabled more than 9 billion cumulative AI inferences
• Processes 24 million AI inferences daily
• Supports 36 Indian text languages, 23 Indian voice languages, and 35 international languages

By bridging linguistic divides, BHASHINI is making Digital Public Infrastructure more accessible and fostering a community of builders who can innovate across languages and cultures.

DoT Warns: IMEI Tampering Can Lead to Jail & ₹50 Lakh Fine

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued a strong caution to citizens against IMEI tampering and misuse of telecommunication identifiers, warning that such actions can attract up to three years’ imprisonment and fines of ₹50 lakh. This announcement underscores the government’s determination to safeguard India’s rapidly expanding digital ecosystem.

India has seen several alarming incidents recently. Earlier in 2026, Delhi Police uncovered a syndicate that defrauded citizens of nearly ₹100 crore by rotating IMEIs and using SIM boxes to impersonate officials. The government also reported blocking over 15 lakh SIM cards and nearly 6 lakh IMEIs linked to cyber fraud, preventing scams worth more than ₹11,000 crore.

Why IMEI Tampering Matters

An IMEI number is essentially the fingerprint of your mobile phone. It’s a 15‑digit code that uniquely identifies your handset, no matter which SIM card is inside. Think of it like a car’s chassis number — it tells the network exactly which device is being used. Alongside IMEI, there are other telecommunication identifiers such as SIM card numbers and Calling Line Identity (CLI), which help telecom networks trace calls, messages, and data back to the right subscriber and device.

Tampering happens when fraudsters overwrite or change the IMEI using illegal software or hardware tools, making one phone appear as another. In some cases, criminals use SIM boxes that hold dozens of SIM cards and rotate IMEIs to disguise international calls as local ones. Others procure SIM cards with fake documents or manipulate CLI so scam calls look genuine. These tricks allow cybercriminals to bypass security, impersonate legitimate users, and carry out fraud undetected.

For everyday users, the takeaway is simple: your phone’s IMEI and your SIM are your responsibility. Verifying your device on the Sanchar Saathi portal, avoiding second‑hand phones without IMEI checks, and never sharing SIM cards are crucial steps to stay safe in India’s digital ecosystem.

International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) is a unique identifier for every mobile device. Tampering with it or misusing SIM cards compromises:

• Citizen safety by enabling fraud and cybercrime.
• Network integrity by allowing unauthorized devices to operate.
• National security by creating loopholes for malicious actors.

“Tampering with IMEI numbers or using devices with unauthorised or tampered telecommunication identifiers is a punishable offence under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.”

Legal Provisions Under the Telecommunications Act, 2023

• Section 42(3)(c): Prohibits tampering with telecommunication identifiers.
• Section 42(3)(e): Prohibits obtaining SIMs or identifiers through fraud, cheating, or impersonation.
• Section 42(7): Makes violations cognizable and non-bailable.
• Section 42(6): Punishes abettors and promoters of such offences equally.

What Citizens Should Avoid

• Tampered devices: Using modems, SIM boxes, or equipment with configurable IMEIs.
• Fraudulent SIMs: Procuring SIM cards with fake documents or impersonation.
• SIM misuse: Selling, transferring, or loaning SIMs to others for unlawful activity.
• Identifier manipulation: Using apps or websites to alter Calling Line Identity (CLI).

Note: Even loaning a SIM card that is later misused can make the original subscriber legally liable.

Sanchar Saathi: Your Digital Shield

The government urges citizens to use the Sanchar Saathi portal and mobile app to:

• Verify IMEI details (brand, model, manufacturer).
• Secure mobile connections against fraud.
• Report suspicious activity.

Download the app:

• Android
• iOS

Building a Safer Telecom Ecosystem

This initiative is part of India’s broader effort to strengthen telecom security and protect citizens from cyber fraud. Compliance with the Telecommunications Act, 2023 is not just a legal requirement—it is essential for ensuring a safe, trusted, and resilient digital environment.

Avantel Secures ₹117.88 Crore DRDO Contract to Build Indigenous Satellite Communication Hub for Defence

Representative Image 

Avantel Limited, a leading provider of technology solutions for the defence and communication sectors, has secured a contract worth ₹117.88 crore (inclusive of applicable taxes) from the Defence Electronics Applications Laboratory (DEAL), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, Government of India, for the development, installation and commissioning of a Ground Segment Hub for voice and data communication using an Indian geostationary satellite.

The project further adds to Avantel's engagement in developing communication infrastructure for strategic and defence applications.

Commenting on the development, Siddhartha Abburi, Director, Avantel Limited, said, “We are pleased to receive this contract from DRDO for the development, installation and commissioning of a Ground Segment Hub for voice and data communication. The order reflects confidence in our technological and execution capabilities. We remain focused on delivering indigenous communication solutions that support India's strategic and defence requirements.”

This win strengthens Avantel's position as a technology partner in India's defence communication ecosystem and highlights its continued engagement in supporting indigenous communication capabilities for strategic applications.

Avantel remains focused on developing and delivering communication technologies that support India's evolving defence requirements and contribute to the country's broader objective of strengthening domestic capabilities in critical technologies.

About Avantel Limited

Founded by Dr. Abburi Vidyasagar, Avantel Limited has been a pioneer in strategic communication technologies for over three decades. The company specialises in advanced communication products, satellite communication systems (SATCOM), radar subsystems, Software-Defined Radios (SDRs), electronic warfare components, and network management software. Avantel’s innovation-driven approach is rooted in strengthening national security and enhancing India’s technological self-reliance across critical defence domains.