1. TECHNICAL TEXTILES
Q. Consider the following
- High Tensile Strength
- High Thermal conductivity
- Fire Resistance
- Shock Absorption
How many of the above is/are the properties of technical textiles?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Answer: (c) Only three
Explanation:
In NEWS:
Annual export of technical textiles will cross $10 billion by 2030, said Giriraj Singh, Union Minister for Textiles on Friday, inaugurating a conference and exhibition on technical textiles in New Delhi, held by the Ministry of Textiles, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and the Indian Technical Textiles Association.
About:
- Technical textiles are textile products manufactured primarily for their technical performance and functional properties rather than for aesthetic or decorative purposes.
- They are designed to meet specific industrial, commercial, or consumer needs and are used in a wide range of applications, including agriculture, construction, healthcare, and transportation.
National Technical Textiles Mission:
- The Government has launched the National Technical Textiles Mission and PLI Scheme for MMF, Apparel and Technical Textiles and has sanctioned 156 research projects under the Mission.
- The Union Minister of State for Textiles has taken initiatives to promote investments, including Foreign Direct Investment in technical textiles.
Key Features of Technical Textiles:
- Performance-Oriented: The main focus is on functionality, such as durability, strength, elasticity, insulation, and resistance to heat, chemicals, or abrasion.
- Technical textiles are the thermal inductor, not a conductor. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
- Specialized Applications: These textiles are tailored for specific purposes, such as protection, filtration, reinforcement, or safety.
- Innovative Materials: They often use advanced fibers like aramid, carbon, and glass fibers, along with traditional materials, to achieve superior technical performance.
Categories of Technical Textiles:
Technical textiles are classified based on their end-use application:
- Agrotech: Textiles used in agriculture, horticulture, and forestry. Examples include shade nets, crop covers, and weed control fabrics.
- Buildtech: Used in construction, infrastructure, and architectural applications. Examples are geogrids, roofing membranes, and concrete reinforcement textiles.
- Medtech: Textiles used in healthcare and hygiene. Examples include surgical gowns, bandages, and artificial implants.
- Geotech: Used in geotechnical and civil engineering applications. Examples are geotextiles for soil reinforcement, erosion control, and drainage systems.
- Protech: Protective textiles used for personal safety. Examples include bulletproof vests, fire-resistant fabrics, and chemical protective suits.
- Sportech: Textiles used in sports and leisure activities. Examples are parachutes, tents, and sportswear.
- Hometech: Textiles used in household applications. Examples include upholstery fabrics, carpet backings, and blinds.
- Packtech: Packaging textiles such as sacks, bags, and wrapping materials.
- Mobiltech: Textiles used in transportation, including automobiles, aircraft, and ships. Examples include seatbelts, airbags, and upholstery fabrics.
Source:
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2052570
2. National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP)
Q. With reference to ‘National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP)’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It aims to create an efficient and sustainable logistics network to boost economic growth and business competitiveness.
2. It will integrate with the PM Gati Shakti programme and bolster India’s position in Global Value Chains.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation:
In NEWS: India is on the cusp of a transformative leap in its industrial development, with the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP)
About National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP):
- National Industrial Corridor Development Programme is India’s most ambitious infrastructure programme aiming to develop new industrial cities as “Smart Cities” and converging next generation technologies across infrastructure sectors.
- The Government of India is developing various industrial corridor projects as part of the National Industrial Corridor Programme which is aimed at development of futuristic industrial cities in India which can compete with the best manufacturing and investment destinations in the world. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
- The same will create employment opportunities and economic growth leading to overall socio-economic development.
- 32 Projects in 4 Phases under 11 Corridors forming part of National Infrastructure Pipeline
- Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC)
- Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor (AKIC)
- Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC)
- Vizag-Chennai Industrial Corridor (VCIC)
- Bengaluru-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (BMIC)
- Odisha Economic Corridor (OEC)
- Hyderabad Nagpur Industrial Corridor (HNIC)
- Hyderabad Warangal Industrial Corridor (HWIC)
- Hyderabad Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (HBIC)
- Extension of CBIC to Kochi via Coimbatore
- Delhi Nagpur Industrial Corridor (DNIC)
- The National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation Limited (NICDC) is the implementing agency.
- Importance – It will integrate with the PM Gati Shakti programme and will bolster India’s position in Global Value Chains. Hence statement 2 is correct.
Source:
https://www.nicdc.in/index.php/about/overview.html
3. Project strawberry
Q. “Project strawberry” is often discussed in the context of:
(a) Artificial General Intelligence
(b) Drug delivery nanotechnologies
(c) Vaccine production technologies
(d) Wastewater treatment technologies
Answer: (a) Artificial General Intelligence
Explanation:
In NEWS: How OpenAI’s Project Strawberry promises to be AI’s next big breakthrough
About Project Strawberry:
- OpenAI, the world’s premier artificial intelligence research organisation, will likely release its most powerful AI model this fall (September-November), and could integrate it into ChatGPT-5, the new version of the chatbot and virtual assistant that it launched in late 2022.
- Project Strawberry (Previously Project Q* (Q-star)) is aimed at creating Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) i.e., AI with cognitive abilities similar to the human brain. Hence option (a) is correct.
- It has shown capabilities in solving complex puzzles and performing advanced cognitive tasks.
- It is reported to handle mathematical problems more effectively than its predecessors.
- It is expected to have the capability to perform autonomous research online.
- It will play a crucial role in generating high-quality synthetic data for future models, particularly Project Orion.
4. Saturn’s Rings to Disappear Temporarily in March 2025
Q. With reference to ‘ring rain’, Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: It is a phenomenon where materials from a planet’s rings fall into its atmosphere.
Statement-II: Solar radiation ionizes particles in the rings, and Saturn’s gravity pulls them towards the planet.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-I Statement-II explains
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-1
(c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
Answer: (c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
Explanation:
In NEWS: Saturn’s rings to ‘disappear’ in a few months from now;
- In March 2025, Saturn’s rings will seem to “disappear” when viewed from Earth.
- This is an optical illusion caused by the way Saturn tilts and moves around the Sun.
- The planet’s tilt and orbit make its rings visible at different angles over time, and for a brief period, only the thin edge of the rings will be visible, making them look like they have vanished.
The Optical Illusion Explained
- Saturn is tilted at about 26.73 degrees and takes nearly 30 Earth years to orbit the Sun. Every 13 to 15 years, Saturn reaches a point in its orbit where the rings are aligned so that we see only their edge from Earth. Since the rings are so thin, they reflect very little light at this angle, making them look invisible, like viewing a thin edge of paper from far away.
About Ring rain:
- Ring Rain refers to the phenomenon where material from a planet’s rings falls into its atmosphere due to gravitational and electromagnetic forces. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- While this optical illusion is temporary, Saturn is slowly losing its rings for real.
- NASA has discovered that Saturn’s gravity and magnetic field are pulling the ring material down onto the planet, a process known as “ring rain”. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
- The planet loses enough material to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool every 30 minutes.
When will Saturn lose its rings completely?
- Scientists estimate that Saturn could completely lose its rings in about 300 million years, although it could happen sooner based on ongoing research.
- Saturn’s rings are made of billions of tiny ice and rock particles. Some are as small as dust, while others are as big as mountains. It is believed that these rings formed about 100 million years ago when two icy moons collided.
Facts About Rings of Saturn:
- Saturn’s rings are mostly made of ice particles, with some rock and dust mixed in.
- The rings are very wide, stretching up to 175,000 miles, but they are less than 1 mile thick.
- Some of Saturn’s moons, like Pan and Daphnis, create gaps in the rings and help shape them by their gravity.
- The rings are relatively young, likely formed in the last 100 million years.
- Over time, the rings may disappear due to the effects of solar radiation.
Source:
5. ‘Jal Sanchay Jal Bhagidari’ initiative
Q. Which of the following statements best describes the aim of the ‘Jal Sanchay Jal Bhagidari’ initiative ,recently seen in the news?
- involving local communities in the planning, implementation, and maintenance of water conservation efforts, ensuring sustainable water management practices at the grassroots level.
- to enhance physical access of water on farm and expand cultivable area under assured irrigation, improve on farm water use efficiency, introduce sustainable water conservation practices
- to improve the management of ground water resources including rainwater harvesting in water stressed areas through community participation
- subsuming Catch the Rain (CTR) campaign to cover all the blocks of all districts (rural as well as urban areas) across the country.
Answer: (a) involving local communities in the planning, implementation, and maintenance of water conservation efforts, ensuring sustainable water management practices at the grassroots level.
In NEWS: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launches ‘Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari’ initiative via video conferencing
Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Initiative:
- Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari’ is an initiative focused on the conservation and management of water resources in India through community participation (Jan Bhagidari).
- It emphasizes involving local communities in the planning, implementation, and maintenance of water conservation efforts, ensuring sustainable water management practices at the grassroots level. Hence option (a) is correct.
Objectives:
- Water Conservation: To improve water availability through the rejuvenation of traditional water bodies, rainwater harvesting, and watershed management.
- Community Participation: To encourage public involvement in managing local water resources and ensuring accountability.
- Water Security: To ensure long-term water security in rural and urban areas by promoting efficient water use and reducing wastage.
- Sustainable Practices: Focus on implementing sustainable agricultural practices, reducing groundwater exploitation, and promoting water-efficient crops and irrigation methods.
Government Support:
- The initiative aligns with broader government programs like Jal Shakti Abhiyan and Atal Bhujal Yojana, aimed at improving water resources management across the country.
- It also supports India’s goal of ensuring sustainable development and meeting SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) since 2015-16 with an aim to enhance physical access of water on farm and expand cultivable area under assured irrigation, improve on farm water use efficiency, introduce sustainable water conservation practices etc.
Atal Bhujal Yojana (ATAL JAL) has been launched in 2019 with the objective to improve the management of ground water resources including rainwater harvesting in water stressed areas through community participation in identified priority areas in 7 states viz. Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
“Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain” (JSA: CTR) with the theme “Catch the Rain – Where it Falls When it Falls” was launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister subsuming Catch the Rain (CTR) campaign to cover all the blocks of all districts (rural as well as urban areas) across the country.
Source:
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2052494
6. Alzheimer’s disease
Q. Alzheimer’s Disease is best defined as:
(a) A disorder that causes irregular heartbeat.
(b) A progressive neurodegenerative disorder that leads to memory loss and cognitive decline.
(c) A viral infection affecting the brain’s functioning.
(d) An autoimmune disease that attacks the nervous system.
Answer: (b) A progressive neurodegenerative disorder that leads to memory loss and cognitive decline.
Explanation:
In NEWS: Night time light pollution linked to increased Alzheimer’s risk
About Alzheimer’s disease:
- Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia, an umbrella term for a range of conditions that involve the loss of cognitive functioning.
- “Exposure to artificial light at night is one environmental factor that may influence Alzheimer’s disease.
- It is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that causes memory loss and other cognitive decline. Hence option (b) is correct.
- Symptoms: Memory loss, difficulty with language, and trouble with daily tasks. Other symptoms include personality changes, movement difficulties, and trouble with smell.
- Causes: Scientists believe that Alzheimer’s disease prevents parts of a cell’s factory from running well, which causes cells to die.
- Risk: Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of ageing, but the risk increases with age.
- Treatment: Treatments include medicines that can help with symptoms and slow decline in thinking and functioning.
- Diagnosis: A provider will perform a physical exam, neurological exam, and mental status exam. They may also order blood and urine tests, and brain imaging tests.
Source:
7. Enemy property in India
Q. Consider the following statements:
Statement-I:
In India, the Ministry of Home Affairs acts as the Custodian of Enemy Property.
Statement-II:
The Enemy Property Act, 1968, authorizes the government to manage, preserve, control, and sell these properties.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the
correct explanation for Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, and Statement-II is not
the correct explanation for Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
Answer: (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
Explanation:
In NEWS:
A PARCEL of land in western UP that belonged to the family of former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf is up for sale under The Enemy Property Act, 1968.
In a notice erected at the plot, the Union Home Ministry has said that the“enemy property” of around 13 bighas of land in Kotana Bangar village in Baghpat district is open for e-auction until September 12 midnight.
What is enemy property?
- The Enemy Property Act, 1968, defines ‘enemy’ as a country (and its citizens) engaged in external aggression against India, such as Pakistan and China. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- Enemy property refers to assets owned by or managed on behalf of an enemy.
- A 2017 amendment expanded the definition to include legal heirs or successors of enemies, regardless of their citizenship, and enemies who have changed nationality.
- The Act authorizes the Custodian of Enemy Property of India, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, to manage, preserve, control, and sell these properties. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- The Defence of India Act,1962 defines an enemy as “any person or country committing external aggression against India”, any country that is “assisting the country committing such aggression”, as well as any person who belongs to either country.
- Under Section 29 of the Act, the Centre or states can“requisition” any immovable property for the purpose of“securing the defence of India, civil defence, public safety, maintenance of public order or efficient conduct of military operations, or for maintaining supplies and services essential to the life of the community”.
- The requisitioning can be done only for the period required for of these purposes, unless the government legally acquires the property in return for compensation (Sections 36 and37).
- At the time of the 1965 and 1971 wars, some people moved to Pakistan from India.
- Under the Defence of India Act, 1962, the Government of India took over the Properties and companies of those who took Pakistani nationality, and vested them with the Custodian of Enemy Property for India.
- The same was done for property left behind by those who went to China after the1962 Sino Indian War.
- The Tashkent Declaration of 1966, said India and Pakistan had“agreed to discuss the return of the property and assets taken over by either side in connection with the conflict”.
- But the Pakistani government disposed of all such properties in that country in 1971.
Source:
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/uttar-pradesh/when-a-home-is-enemy-property/article68400176.ece https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-law/pervez-musharraf-land-india-enemy-property-9553637/
https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/2022-09/TheEnemypropertyAct%2C1968%5B1%5D.pdf
8. BepiColombo
Q. With reference to BepiColombo, consider the following statements:
- It is an international mission to study the planet Mercury.
- ESA and JAXA provided the orbitor for the mission.
- ESA’s’s Orbiter (MIO) will study the planet’s magnetic field.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) None
Answer: (b) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
BepiColombo:
- BepiColombo is an international mission comprised of two spacecraft riding together to Mercury to orbit and to study the planet from unique vantage points. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- The European Space Agency (ESA) provided one orbiter. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) supplied the second orbiter. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- BepiColombo launched in October 2018 and is scheduled to begin orbiting Mercury in 2025.
- ESA’s Mercury Planetary Orbiter (MPO) will study the planet’s surface and interior.
- JAXA’s Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter (MIO) will study the planet’s magnetic field. Hence statement 3 is incorrect.
- These are the first Mercury missions for the ESA and Japan. Only two other spacecraft have visited Mercury: NASA’s Mariner 10 and MESSENGER.
Source:
https://science.nasa.gov/mission/bepicolombo/
9. National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation
Q. With reference to organ transplantation in India, Consider the following statements:
- The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) functions as the apex body for activities relating to procurement, allotment and distribution of organs in the country.
- In India, organ donation is regulated by the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994.
- The law allows both deceased and living donors to donate their organs.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
In NEWS: India starts registration of hand transplantation patients. The registration will be accepted in the national registry maintained by the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation, under the aegis of the Union Health Ministry
Background:
- India has set up a registry for the first time for patients requiring hand transplantation, with officials saying it will facilitate the allocation of the donated organ in a transparent manner and on a priority basis.
- The registration will be accepted in the national registry maintained by the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO), which falls under the aegis of the Union Health Ministry.
National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation:
- The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) functions as the apex body for activities relating to procurement, allotment and distribution of organs in the country. Hence statement 1 is correct.
- Organ donation in India is regulated by the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994. Hence statement 2 is correct.
- The law allows both deceased and living donors to donate their organs. Hence statement 3 is correct.
- It also identifies brain death as a form of death.
- Although India has performed the second largest number of transplants in the world in 2019 (after United States), it lags far behind the western nations like Spain (35.1 pmp), United States (21.9 pmp) and United Kingdom (15.5 pmp) in national donation with a donation rate of only 0.65 per million population (2019) due to its huge population.
- According to the World Health Organization, only around 0.01 percent of people in India donate their organs after death.
- Some of the reasons behind such poor performance are lack of public awareness, religious or superstitious beliefs among people, and strict laws.
- There is a huge gender disparity among organ donors in the country as women donate disproportionately high while being disproportionately low number of organ recipients.
Activities:
- Coordination for tissue procurement and distribution
- Donor Tissue Screening
- Removal of Tissues and Storage
- Preservations of Tissue
- Laboratory screening of Tissues
- Tissue Tracking
- Sterilization
- Records maintenance, Data Protection and Confidentiality
- Quality Management in tissues
- Patient Information on tissues
- Development of Guidelines, Protocols and Standard Operating Procedures
- Trainings
- Assisting as per requirement in registration of other Tissue Banks
Source:
10. Consider the following properties included in the World Heritage List released by UNESCO: (UPSC PYQ 2024)
1. Shantiniketan.
2. Rani-ki-Vav
3. Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas
4. Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya
How many of the above properties were included in 2023?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Answer: (b) Only two
Explanation:
In 2023, both Shantiniketan and Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Rani ki Vav and the Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya were included in previous years.