DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 2nd September 2023

Syllabus

• Prelims –Environment and Ecology

Context: The recently released Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) report suggests that air pollution shortens the lives of the residents of Delhi by around 11.9 years.

Key Highlights of the report:-

• On account of the number of people that high particulate matter levels affect in India, the country faces the greatest health burden from air pollution among all the countries in the world.
• In South Asia, particulate pollution has increased by 9.7 percent from 2013 to 2021.
• In India, 5 levels rose 9.5 percent.
  • Particulate matter( PM): particles found in the air, including dust, dirt, soot, smoke, and liquid droplets that remain suspended in the air for long periods of time.
• According to PM2.5 data for 2021 derived from satellites, pollution in India has increased from 56.2 µg/m3 in 2020 to 58.7 µg/m3 in 2021.
  • This is more than 10 times the WHO guideline of 5 µg/m3.
• Delhi’s annual average PM2.5 level in 2021 was found to be 126.5 µg/m3, which is more than 25 times the World Health Organization (WHO) ( Delhi and Air Pollution)
• The report said particulate matter pollution is also the biggest threat to human health in India in terms of lowering life expectancy, beating cardiovascular diseases, and child and maternal malnutrition.
• The average Indian resident is set to lose 5.3 years of life expectancy if the WHO guideline is not met.

About Air Quality Life Index (AQLI):-

• Produced by: Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC).
• Published: Annually.
• The Air Quality Life Index ( AQLI), provides details of impact of air pollution on life expectancy.

Special Features of AQLI:-

• The research underlying the AQLI is based on pollution data at the very high concentrations that prevail in many parts of the world today.
• The causal nature of the AQLI’s underlying research allows it to isolate the effect of air pollution from other factors that impact health.
• The AQLI delivers estimates of the loss of life expectancy for the average person.
• The AQLI uses highly localized satellite data, making it possible to report life expectancy that impacts at the county or similar level.

MUST READ: India’s uphill battle to bring down air pollution

SOURCE: THE INDIAN EXPRESS

 PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following: (2023)

1. Aerosols
2. Foam agents
3. Fire retardants
4. Lubricants

In the making of how many of the above are hydrofluorocarbons used?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. Only three
4. All four

Q.2) In the context of WHO Air Quality Guidelines, consider the following statements: (2022)

1. The 24-hour mean of PM2.5 should not exceed 15 ug/m3 and the annual mean of PM2.5 should not exceed 5 ug/m3.
2. In a year, the highest levels of ozone pollution occur during periods of inclement weather.
3. PM10 can penetrate the lung barrier and enter the bloodstream.
4. Excessive ozone in the air can trigger asthma.

Which of the statements given above is correct?

1. 1, 3 and 4
2. 1 and 4 only
3. 2, 3 and 4
4. 1 and 2 only

Syllabus

• Prelims – Government Initiatives

Context: The Jal Shakti Ministry has released the sixth census on minor irrigation schemes report.

Key Highlights of the report:-

• As per the report, 14 million minor irrigation (MI) schemes have been reported in the country.
• The report also revealed that there has been an increase of about 1.42 million in MI schemes as compared to the previous census.
  • Minor Irrigation Schemes(MI): those structures either in groundwater or in the surface water category having culturable command areas up to 2,000 hectares.
• Out of these 93 million are Ground Water (GW) and 1.21 million are Surface Water (SW) schemes.
  • Ground Water (GW) schemes: provide irrigation throughout the year.
  • Surface Water (SW) scheme: comprises surface flow schemes and surface lift irrigation schemes.
• For the first time, the information about the gender of the owner of the MI scheme was also collected in the case of individual ownership.
• Out of all the individually owned schemes, 1 percent are owned by women.
• Minor irrigation (MI) schemes: Uttar Pradesh possesses the largest number of MI schemes in the country.
  • It was followed by Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
• Ground Water (GW) ranking: The same ranking of states as MI follows for the Ground Water (GW)
• Surface Water (SW) ranking: Maharashtra leads in SW schemes followed by Karnataka, Telangana, Odisha, and Jharkhand.

About the 6th census on minor irrigation:-

IMAGE SOURCE: PIB

• Published in 2023.
• Published by: Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation.
• Ministry: Ministry of Jal Shakti.
• Past censuses: 1986-87, 1993-94, 2000-01, 2006-07 and 2013-14.
• Objective: to gather a sound and reliable database for minor irrigation schemes for effective planning and policy making in this sector.
• The census was conducted under the centrally sponsored scheme “Irrigation Census”.
• The 6th MI census work was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
• It was executed in 32 States/ UTs across the country.
• Detailed information on various parameters of Irrigation sources, irrigation potential created (IPC), potential utilized, ownership, holding size of land by owner, windmills, etc. were collected.
  • Irrigation sources: dug well, shallow tube well, medium tube well, deep tube well, surface flow, and surface lift schemes. (‘Per Drop More Crop’)

Significance of report:-

• This report will be useful for planners, policy makers, researcher scholars, agricultural and groundwater scientists, and administrators & all concerned with the development of irrigation and the agricultural economy of the country. ( Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY))

MUST READ: Precision Agriculture

SOURCE: AIR

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following statements: (2023)

1. The Government of India provides Minimum Support Price for niger (Guizotia aoyssinica) seeds.
2. Niger is cultivated as a Kharif crop.
3. Some tribal people in India use niger seed oil for cooking.

How many of the above statements are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Q.2) Consider the following statements: The nationwide ‘Soil Health Card Scheme’ aims at (2017)

1. Expanding the cultivable area under irrigation.
2. enabling the banks to assess the quantum of loans to be granted to farmers on the basis of soil quality.
3. Checking the overuse of fertilizers in farmlands.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 3 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Syllabus

• Prelims –Art and Culture

Context: The World Sanskrit Day 2023 was celebrated in Colombo recently.

About World Sanskrit Day 2023:-

• Venue: Colombo.
• Celebrated on: 31^st August,2023.
• The event was organized by the cultural arm of the High Commission of India, Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC) in collaboration with 12 universities and institutes of Sri Lanka.
• The event marked the silver jubilee of SVCC.
• It featured a collaborative effort with several prestigious Sri Lankan universities.

Significance:-

• This celebration of Sanskrit underscores the profound cultural and linguistic ties between India and Sri Lanka.
• It emphasizes the importance of Sanskrit as a shared heritage.

World Sanskrit Day:-

• It is an annual celebration observed on the day of Shravan Poornima. ( Sanskrit Grams Programme: Uttarakhand)
  • Shravan Poornima: This is considered to be one of the most sacred days in the month of Shravan and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Historical Background: The Ministry of Education declared World Sanskrit Day back in 1969 on the occasion of Shraavana Poornima.
• On the day of World Sanskrit Day in India, Panini is remembered and honoured for his contribution to this ancient language.
  • Panini: a Sanskrit linguist, who wrote the Sanskrit grammar guide named the

About Sanskrit:-

• Sanskrit is among the oldest surviving languages. (What is ‘Sanskritisation)
• It is said that Sanskrit belongs to the Indo-Germanic or Indo-Aryan family of languages.
• It is around 3,500 years old.
• This makes the Sanskrit language one of the oldest in the world.
• It is a sacred language in several traditions.
• It is a repository of ancient knowledge including the Vedas and other renowned literary works such as the Yoga Shastra.
• It is also known as the mother of many present-day languages such as Hindi and Sinhala.

MUST READ: International Mother Language Day

SOURCE: AIR

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Which one of the following statements about Sangam literature in ancient South India is correct? (2022)

1. Sangam poems are devoid of any reference to material culture.
2. The social classification of Varna was known to Sangam poets.
3. Sangam poems have no reference to warrior ethics.
4. Sangam literature refers to magical forces as irrational.

Q.2) With reference to India, the terms ‘Halbi, Ho, and Kui’ pertain to (2021)

1. dance forms of Northwest India
2. musical instruments
3. pre-historic cave paintings
4. tribal languages

Syllabus

• Prelims –Environment and Ecology

Context: Recently, the Chhattisgarh High Court dismissed a petition that aimed to designate the Bhoramdeo Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS) as a tiger reserve.

Background of the issue:-

• Former Chhattisgarh chief minister Raman Singh had cleared the proposal for notifying the Bhoramdeo Wildlife Sanctuary as a tiger reserve in 2017 following a recommendation of India’s National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) as it was argued that it forms a critical part of the tiger habitat in the central Indian landscape.
• However, the idea was dropped in 2018.
• One of the reasons that was reportedly behind shelving the decision is that the local population living in and around the sanctuary area mainly has Baiga tribals who are not interested in relocating elsewhere.
• As a result, the government is also not keen on displacing them ultimately resulting in the government ignoring the NTCA’s request.
• Subsequently, in 2019, a wildlife activist filed public interest litigation in the Chhattisgarh High Court, which states that non-compliance with the NTCA’s recommendation is illegal as it is mandatory under the provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 for the state to comply with the tiger authority to declare any area as a tiger reserve. ( National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) on Tribal Rights)

About Bhoramdeo Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS):-

• Location: Kawardha district, Chhattisgarh.
• Naming: It is named after the famous 11th-century, Bhoramdeo Temple which is situated near the Sanctuary.
• Area: The sanctuary covers an area of approximately 325 square kilometres (125 square miles).
• Rivers: This wildlife sanctuary is the origin of the Fen and Sankari rivers.
• Important Landscape: It is characterized by its lush green forests, rolling hills, and the Maikal Range of the Satpura Hills.
• Vegetation: It offers a mix of dense forests and open grasslands.
• Flora: sal, saja, tinsa, kara and haldu etc.
• Fauna: tigers, leopards, wild dogs, sloth bears, sambar deer, barking deer, chital (spotted deer), gaur (Indian bison), and various species of birds and reptiles. (Wildlife Protection)
• Significance: It shares a border with Kanha National Park (Madhya Pradesh), making it an important tiger habitat in central India.

MUST READ: Wildlife Institute of India (WII)

SOURCE: TIMES OF INDIA

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following animals (2021)

1. Hedgehog
2. Marmot
3. Pangolin

To reduce the chance of being captured by predators, which of the above organisms rolls up/roll up and protects/protects its/their vulnerable parts?

1. 1 and 2
2. 2 only
3. 3 only
4. 1 and 3

Q.2) Recently, there was a proposal to translocate some of the lions from their natural habitat in Gujarat to one of the following sites (2017)

1. Corbett National Park
2. Kuno Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary
3. Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
4. Sariska National Park

Syllabus

• Prelims –Important Awards

Context: Recently, an Assam-based oncologist was among the winners of the Ramon Magsaysay Award 2023.

Background:-

• Oncologist Ravi Kannan, a recipient of India’s fourth-highest civilian award Padma Shri, and the director of Assam’s Cachar Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (CCHRC), has been named one of the four winners of the 2023 Ramon Magsaysay Award.
• His pioneering efforts have revolutionized cancer treatment in Assam by prioritizing people-centric and pro-poor healthcare solutions.

About Ramon Magsaysay Award:-

• Established: 1957.
• Naming: It is named after Ramon Magsaysay.
  • Ramon Magsaysay: the third president of the Republic of the Philippines.
• It recognizes and honours individuals and organizations in Asia, regardless of race, creed, gender, or nationality, who have achieved distinction and have helped others generously without aiming for public recognition.
• It is Asia’s equivalent of the Nobel Prize.

Award Categories:-

• Till 2009: awards were traditionally given in five categories:-
  • These include Government service; public service; community leadership; journalism, literature and creative communication arts; and peace and international understanding.
• Post-2009: The Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation annually selects the awardees for the field of Emergent Leadership.

Award Decoration:-

• Awardees are presented with a certificate, a medallion with an embossed image of Ramon Magsaysay, and a cash prize.

Important Indian Awardees: –

• Till date, India has received a total of 59 awards, while the Philippines has received 65 awards, making it the highest among all countries.
• Vinoba Bhave (1958)
• Mother Teresa (1962)
• Verghese Kurien (1963)
• Jayaprakash Narayan (1965)
• Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay (1966)
• Satyajit Ray (1967)
• S. Subbalakshmi(1974)
• Arun Shourie(1982)
• Kiran Bedi (1994)
• Mahasweta Devi (1997)
• Aruna Roy (2000)
• Rajendra Singh(2001)
• Arvind Kejriwal (2006)
• Anshu Gupta of Goonj (2015)
• Bezwada Wilson, human rights activist (2016)
• Ravish Kumar, journalist (2019)

MUST READ: Gandhi Mandela Award

SOURCE: HINDUSTAN TIMES

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following statements in respect of the Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards. (2021)

1. Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards are titled under Article 18(1) of the Constitution of India.
2. Padma Awards, which were instituted in the year 1954, were suspended only once.
3. The number of Bharat Ratna Awards is restricted to a maximum of five in a particular year.

Which of the above statements is not correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Q.2) Other than the Fundamental Rights, which of the following parts of the Constitution of India reflect/reflect the principles and provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)? (2020)

1. Preamble
2. Directive Principles of State Policy
3. Fundamental Duties

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Syllabus

• Prelims – Government Initiatives

Context: Sagar Parikrama Phase-VIII commenced at Thengapattanam Fishing Harbour in Kanyakumari recently.

• Ministry: Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying.
• First phase Began :5th March 2022 .
• First phase location: Mandvi, Gujarat.
• Eight-phase location: Thengapattanam, Tamil Nadu.
• Organized by: Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, and National Fisheries Development Board along with-
  • Department of Fisheries, Government of Gujarat,
  • Indian Coast Guard,
  • Fishery Survey of India,
  • Gujarat Maritime Board and
  • Fishermen representatives.
• Objective: to address the challenges faced by fishers and stakeholders while uplifting their economic prospects through various fisheries schemes and programs, such as Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) & and Kisan Credit Cards (KCC).
• Sagar Parikrama is a navigation journey to be conducted in all coastal states/UTs through a pre-decided sea route to demonstrate solidarity with all fisherfolk, fish farmers, and concerned stakeholders.
• It is envisioned as a part of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsava’ saluting our great freedom fighters, sailors, and fishers.
• The Parikrama shall be accompanied by the State Fisheries officials, Fishermen representatives, Fish-Farmers entrepreneurs, stakeholders, professionals, officials, and Scientists from across the nation.
• It is to be celebrated through a pre-decided sea route down right from Gujarat, Diu, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands.
• The Sagar Parikrama Program is to have an interaction with fishermen, fisher communities, and stakeholders in these locations and districts. (Conserving Marine Resources)

Significance:-

• Sagar Parikrama Program is being celebrated as a part of the 75th “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsava”.
• It is an initiative to know the problems of Coastal Fisherfolk.
• It will demonstrate solidarity with all fisherfolk, fish farmers, and concerned stakeholders.

MUST READ: Marine Spatial Planning Framework

SOURCE: AIR

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following statements regarding mercury pollution: (2023)

1. Gold mining activity is a source of mercury pollution in the world.
2. Coal-based thermal power plants cause mercury pollution.
3. There is no known ·safe level of exposure to mercury.

How many of the above statements are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Q.2) With reference to organic farming in India, consider the following statements: (2018)

1. ‘The National ‘Programme for Organic Production’ (NPOP) is operated under the guidelines and ‘directions of the Union Ministry of Rural Development.
2. ‘The Agricultural and Processed Food Product Export Development Authority ‘(APEDA) functions as the Secretariat for the implementation of NPOP.
3. Sikkim has become India’s first fully organic State.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Syllabus

• Prelims –Defense

Context: Recently, the ‘DSC A 20’ (Yard 325) ship was launched.

About DSC A 20 (Yard 325):-

• Built by: M/s Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd (TRSL), Kolkata (formerly known as M/s Titagarh Wagons Ltd (TWL)) for the Indian Navy.
• Launched: 31 Aug 2023.
• Launched atTitagarh, Kolkata (WB).
• The Launch Ceremony was presided over by VAdm Sanjay Mahindru, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (DCNS).
• In keeping with Naval tradition, Mrs. Aradhana Mahindru launched the ship with an invocation from Atharva Veda.
• Historical Background: The contract for building five (05) Diving Support Craft (DSC) was signed between MoD and M/s Titagarh Wagons Ltd (TWL), Kolkata on 12 Feb 2021.
  • All five (05) DSC are anticipated to be delivered to the Indian Navy in FY 2024-25.
• DSC A 20’ (Yard 325) is the first ship of the Five (05) Diving Support Craft (DSC) project.
• These ships are designed to undertake operational/ training diving operations in harbours and coastal waters.
• They are 30 m long catamaran hull ships, with a displacement of approx 300 tons.
• DSC are being fitted with state-of-the-art diving equipment and tools for performing diving operations.
• These ships are indigenously designed and built under relevant Naval Rules and Regulations of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).
• The hydrodynamic analysis/ model testing of the ships during the design stage was undertaken at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam.
• Significance: These ships are proud flag bearers of Make in India and Make for the World initiatives of the Government of India (GoI)/ Ministry of Defence (MoD).

MUST READ: 26th Exercise Malabar

SOURCE: PIB

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) With reference to Home Guards, consider the following statements: (2023)

1. Home Guards are raised under the Home Guards Act and Rules of the Central Government.
2. The role of the Home Guards is to serve as an auxiliary force to the police in the maintenance of internal security.
3. To prevent infiltration on the international border/ coastal areas, the Border Wing Home Guards Battalions have been raised in some states.

How many of the above statements are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Q.2) Recently, India signed a deal known as ‘Action Plan for Prioritization and Implementation of Cooperation Areas in the Nuclear Field’ with which of the following countries? (2019)

1. Japan
2. Russia
3. The United Kingdom
4. The United States of America

Syllabus

• Mains – GS 2 (Governance)

Context: The Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare recently tabled its report on ‘Mental Health Care and Its Management in Contemporary Times’ in the Parliament.

Highlights of the report:

• The report defines mental health as a state of well-being that enables people to cope with the stress of life.
• It highlighted that the mental health-related issues are rising in India and the country lags with inadequate staff, medical infrastructure and budgetary allocation.
• The Committee stated that India currently has 0.75 psychiatrists per lakh people, which is significantly low.
• The Committee observed that if India targets having three psychiatrists per lakh people, it will need 27,000 more psychiatrists.
• Global Scenario:
  • In 2010, global economic losses of around $2.5 trillion annually were attributed to poor mental health, stemming from diminished well-being and productivity. This will surge to $6 trillion by 2030.
• Inadequate funding: The report highlights inadequate funding for care and research.
  • It requires not only increased financial support and expanded psychiatry residency programmes, but also establishment of positions for trained psychiatrists and ensuring an ample number of working psychologists.

Status of mental healthcare

India:

• It is estimated that 6-7 % of the population suffers from mental disorders in India.
• WHO estimates that the burden of mental health problems in India is 2443 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) per 100 00 population.
• The age-adjusted suicide rate per 100 000 population is 21.1.
  • The economic loss due to mental health conditions, between 2012-2030, is estimated at USD 1.03 trillion.

Global:

• As per World Bank, nearly 1 billion people live with a mental disorder and in low-income countries; more than 75% of people with the disorder do not receive treatment.
• Every 40 seconds, a person dies by suicide.
• About 50% of mental health disorders start by the age of 14.
• As per WHO Depression is one of the leading causes of disability and suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds.
• People with mental illness may be subject to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

Causes of mental illness:

• Exposure to unfavourable social, economic, geopolitical and environmental circumstances including poverty, violence, inequality and environmental deprivation also increases people’s risk of experiencing mental health conditions.
• Over the past two years, the pandemic-led lockdowns and the uncertainties associated with them have had a detrimental effect on mental well-being
• Early adverse life experiences, such as trauma or a history of abuse (for example, child abuse, sexual assault, witnessing violence, etc.)
• Use of alcohol or drugs, having feelings of loneliness or isolation, etc.

Impacts of poor mental health:

• Impact on relationships: Mental-health conditions during adolescence and young adulthood can have a significantly negative impact on the development of safe and healthy relationships with peers, parents, teachers, colleagues and partners.
• Impact on physical health: A study found that positive psychological well-being can reduce the risks of heart attack and stroke.
  • On the other hand, poor mental status can lead to poor physical health or harmful behaviour.
  • Depression has been linked to many chronic illnesses.
  • These illnesses include diabetes, asthma, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and arthritis.
• Impact on productivity: It impacts a person’s ability to concentrate and engage in productive activities.

Government of India Initiatives:

• National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) in 1982: To ensure the availability and accessibility of minimum mental healthcare for all in the foreseeable future.
• Mental Healthcare Act, 2017: It provides mental healthcare and services for persons with mental illness in India.
• Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2017: The Act acknowledges mental illness as a disability and seeks to enhance the Rights and Entitlements of the Disabled.
• National Suicide Prevention Strategy
• National Tele-Mental Health Programme: To improve access to quality mental health counselling and care services in the country.
• Kiran Helpline: It provides for suicide prevention and can help with support and crisis management.
• World Mental Health Day: To raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health.

Source:  The Hindu

Syllabus

• Mains – GS 3 (Economy)

Context: The Ministry of Textiles recently has approved the Startup Guidelines for Technical Textiles – Grant for Research and Entrepreneurship across Aspiring Innovators in Technical Textiles (GREAT).

• The Guidelines provides thrust in Technical Textiles’ application areas including Agro-textiles, Building-textiles, Geo-textiles, Home-textiles, Medical-textiles, Mobile-textiles, Packaging- textiles, Protective-textiles, Sports-textiles, Smart Textiles using Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, 3D/4D Printing among others.
• The guidelines focus on supporting individuals and companies to translate prototypes to technologies & products including commercialization.

About Technical Textiles:

• A technical textile is a textile product manufactured for non-aesthetic purposes, where function is the primary criterion.
• Technical textiles include textiles for automotive applications, medical textiles, geotextiles, agrotextiles, and protective clothing.
• They improve the efficiencies in those sectors of the economy.
• The government has also launched a National Technical Textiles Mission for promoting R&D efforts in technical textiles and their applications.

Status of Technical Textile in India

• India is the second largest producer of polyester in the world and is now emerging as a key player in technical textiles industry contributing to a market size of $ 19 Bn.
• Technical textile accounts for approximately 13% of India’s total textile and apparel market and contributes to India’s GDP at 0.7%.
• The Indian Technical Textiles market is the 5th largest in the world and is rapidly growing, both in terms of value and output.
• India’s exports of technical textiles in 2018-19 is estimated at $ 1.9 Bn, which has grown at a CAGR of 4% over the past four years.
• India’s imports of technical textiles have increased at a CAGR of 8% within the last four years, from $ 1,635 Mn to $ 2,209 Mn in 2018-19.

Challenges in Textile Sector in India:

• Shortage in supply of raw material: Shutting down some units in China and Europe due to pollution issues has resulted in an unprecedented rise in prices of basic raw materials in international markets.
• Pressure to meet stringent social and environmental norms: Failing to comply with environmental regulations can put supply chain in jeopardy, as pressure mounts for the apparel industry to improve environmental compliance efforts.
• Increase in cost of raw material: Prices are increasing after many units in China were shut down due to pollution norms.
• Inflexible labour laws: India’s system of labour regulations is rather complex. There are over 200 labour laws, including a quarter of Central Acts.
  • Several labour laws such as the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 put limitations on firm size and not allow manufacturing firms to grow.
• Uneven regional development: The country’s textile industry is concentrated in a few pockets of Gujarat and Maharashtra in the west and Tamil Nadu and Karnataka in the south.
  • A large proportion of workers employed by these units comes from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
• Infrastructural bottlenecks: Poor quality of infrastructure in India has been a major hurdle.
  • This results in Lack of efficiency due to manual work being practiced.
• Highly fragmented: The Indian textile industry is highly fragmented and is being dominated by the unorganized sector and small and medium industries.

Government of India initiatives to promote the growth of the Textile Industry:

• National Technical Textile Mission: It seeks to enhance domestic technical textile consumption while establishing the nation as a global leader in the field.
  • By 2024, it hopes to increase the size of the domestic market to between $40 billion and $50 billion USD.
• Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (ATUFS): In order to modernize the textile industry’s technology, the government approved the “Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (ATUFS)” in 2015.
• The Scheme for Integrated Textile Parks (SITP) aims to help small and medium-sized textile business owners cluster investments in textile parks by providing financial support for the parks’ top-notch infrastructure.
• The SAMARTH (Scheme for Capacity Building in the Textile Sector): The government started the SAMARTH Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector (SCBTS) to alleviate the scarcity of trained people.
• The North East Region Textile Promotion Scheme (NERTPS) is a program that supports all areas of the textile industry with infrastructure, capacity building, and marketing assistance.
• Power-Tex India: It includes innovative power-loom textile research and development, new markets, branding, subsidies, and worker welfare programs.
• The Silk Samagra Scheme seeks to lessen the nation’s reliance on imported silk by enhancing the quality and productivity of domestically produced silk.
• PM Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks: It aims to integrate the entire textile value chain from spinning, weaving, processing/dyeing, printing to garment manufacturing at one location.

Way Forward:

Technical textiles industry is at a nascent stage in India and hence, holds a vast potential for growth. With the government’s aim to create world class infrastructure in the country, in addition to the implementation of several policies and schemes to boost the textile sector, technical textiles is poised for growth.

Source:   The Hindu

Q1) Consider the following pairs:

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None 

Q2) Consider the following statements

Statement-I:

Bhoramdeo Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS) is characterized by its lush green forests, rolling hills, and the Maikal Range of the Satpura Hills.

Statement-II:

It is located in Kawardha district, Jharkhand.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
3. Statement-I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
4. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement II is correct

Q3) Consider the following statements

1. Smog can comprise airborne particulate matter, mostly PM 2.5 and PM 10.

2. The exposure to particulate PM 10 is associated with the worsening of respiratory diseases like asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
3. The combustion of gasoline, oil, diesel fuel, or wood produces much of the PM 2.5.

Which one of the above statements is/are correct?

1. 1 and 3
2. 2 only
3. 1 only
4. 1,2, and 3

Mains Practice Questions

Q.1) Discuss the significance of growth of the technical textile industry in India. (250 words)

Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!!

ANSWERS FOR ’ 2nd September 2023 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs.st

Q.1) – a

Q.2) – d

Q.3) – c