Daily Prelims Notes 7 September 2024
- September 7, 2024
- Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
- Category: DPN
Daily Prelims Notes
7 September 2024
Table Of Contents
- NTCA letter to expedite forest relocation from tiger zones draws activist ire
- New Treatment Regimen for Multidrug-Resistant TB Approved by Centre
- Delayed Onset of La Nina: Impacts on India’s Weather and Monsoon Patterns
- Mobile Phones and Cancer Risk
- From Bharati to Karunanidhi: Nationalisation of Literary Works in Tamil Nadu
- ASI’s Concerns over Waqf Properties and Protected Monuments
- FPIs trim holdings ahead of deadline on concentrated holdings
- Stick to fiscal deficit as the norm for fiscal prudence
- Technical textiles will cross $10 bn in export
1. NTCA letter to expedite forest relocation from tiger zones draws activist ire
Sub: Env
Sec: Env legislation
NTCA’s Request for Village Relocation in Tiger Zones:
- NTCA asked 19 States to prioritise relocating villagers from core tiger zones, sparking protests from activists and organisations.
- NTCA highlighted that 591 villages with 64,801 families still reside in core tiger zones, posing a concern for tiger conservation.
- The letter specifically mentioned Karnataka, which has relocated 1,175 families from 81 villages since 1973.
- Core zones in tiger reserves prohibit human habitation, while buffer zones allow regulated activities.
Status of Relocation and Legal Concerns:
- India has 53 tiger reserves across 19 States with 848 villages (89,808 families) in core zones. Since 1973, 257 villages (25,007 families) have been relocated.
- Wildlife laws mandate core zones to be “inviolate,” with relocation meant to be voluntary under agreed terms.
National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA):
- The Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972, as revised in 2006, gives the National Tiger Conservation Jurisdiction, a statutory agency under the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, authority over wildlife.
- The authority is headed by the Minister in charge of the Ministry of Environment and Forests, and its other members include three members of Parliament, the Secretary to the Ministry of Environment and Forests, and the Minister of State.
- The mandate includes Project Tiger implementation and monitoring, tiger preservation efforts on the ground, science-based tiger and habitat monitoring utilising cutting-edge technological techniques, and financial and technical support for tiger reserves in India.
Aspect | Core Zone (Critical Wildlife Habitats) | Buffer Area |
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Notification Authority |
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2. New Treatment Regimen for Multidrug-Resistant TB Approved by Centre
Sub: Sci
Sec: Health
Why in News
The Union Health Ministry of India has recently approved the introduction of a new treatment regimen for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). This decision is part of India’s ongoing efforts to eliminate tuberculosis by 2025, ahead of the global target outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Introduction of BPaLM Regimen: The Union Health Ministry approved the BPaLM regimen, a novel treatment for MDR-TB in India. This new regimen is part of the National TB Elimination Programme.
It has shown to be a safer, quicker, and more effective option compared to previous treatment methods.
Components of BPaLM Regimen:
- Pretomanid (a new anti-TB drug)
- Bedaquiline
- Linezolid
- Moxifloxacin (optional component)
What is Tuberculosis: Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious airborne bacterial disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. .
TB commonly affects the lungs (pulmonary TB) but can also affect other parts (extrapulmonary TB)
Tuberculosis spreads from person to person through the air, when people who are infected with TB infection cough, sneeze or otherwise transmit respiratory fluids through the air.
What is Multidrug-Resistant TB (MDR-TB):
In MDR-TB, the bacteria that cause TB develop resistance to antimicrobial drugs used to cure the disease.
MDR-TB does not respond to at least isoniazid and rifampicin, the 2 most powerful anti-TB drugs.
Treatment options for MDR-TB are limited and expensive.
CBNAAT (Cartridges Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test) is used for early diagnosis of MDR-TB.
What is Extensively Drug-Resistant TB (XDR-TB):
XDR-TB is a form of multidrug-resistant TB with additional resistance to more anti-TB drugs.
People who are resistant to isoniazid and rifampicin, plus any fluoroquinolone and at least one of three injectable second-line drugs (amikacin, kanamycin, capreomycin) are said to have XDR-TB
India TB Report 2024
Mortality Rate Decline: Tuberculosis (TB) mortality declined from 28 per lakh in 2015 to 23 per lakh in 2022.
Increase in TB Cases: Estimated incidence of TB in 2023 rose slightly to 27.8 lakh from 27.4 lakh in 2022.
TB Cases by Source: Government health centres reported the majority of TB cases.
Private sector notifications rose significantly to 8.4 lakh cases (33% of total cases) in 2023, compared to only 1.9 lakh in 2015.
Mortality: TB-related deaths were consistent, with 3.2 lakh deaths in 2023. However, India witnessed a drop in TB mortality from 4.94 lakh (2021) to 3.31 lakh (2022).
Global Efforts to Eliminate TB
WHO Initiative: The “Find. Treat. All. #EndTB” initiative launched by WHO, Global Fund, and Stop TB Partnership aims to enhance global TB control.
Global Tuberculosis Report: Published annually by WHO to monitor progress in TB elimination.
Global Plan to End TB (2023-2030): A blueprint for ending TB as a public health challenge by 2030, adopted by all UN member states and aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 3.3.
India’s Initiatives for TB Elimination
Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan: Focuses on eliminating TB by 2025.
National Strategic Plan for TB Elimination (2017-2025): Aims to achieve TB elimination through rapid diagnosis and treatment.
TB Harega Desh Jeetega Campaign: Public awareness campaign to fight TB.
Nikshay Poshan Yojana: Provides financial support to TB patients for nutritional needs.
RePORT India (2013): Collaborative research initiative under the Indo-US Vaccine Action Program to address TB at both national and global levels.
India aims to eliminate TB by 2025, five years ahead of the global target set under the SDGs.
The approval of the BPaLM regimen represents a significant step forward in India’s battle against MDR-TB. By offering faster and safer treatment, it will not only improve patient outcomes but also help the country in its mission to eradicate tuberculosis by 2025.
3. Delayed Onset of La Nina: Impacts on India’s Weather and Monsoon Patterns
Sub: Geo
Sec: Climatology
Why in News:
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported that La Niña, a critical climate phenomenon known to influence India’s monsoon, is delayed this year. This delay comes after initial predictions suggested an earlier onset. The neutral phase of the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) has also been prevailing over the Indian Ocean, and La Niña conditions are now expected to develop towards the end of the monsoon season. This has raised questions about its potential impact on India’s weather patterns, particularly during the winter season.
What is La Nina?
La Niña, meaning “The Little Girl” in Spanish, is a phase of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and represents the cool phase. It is one of the most significant climate drivers that influences global weather patterns, including India.
Phases of ENSO:
- El Niño: Warmer sea surface temperatures in the eastern Pacific.
- La Niña: Cooler sea surface temperatures, leading to stronger trade winds and more monsoon activity.
- Neutral: The Pacific neither exhibits warm nor cool anomalies.
- ENSO Cycles: These phases occur irregularly every 2-7 years.
Mechanism of La Niña
Normal Conditions: Trade winds blow from east to west, carrying warm surface water towards the western Pacific (Indonesia and Philippines). This causes cooler water to rise near South America.
During La Niña: These trade winds become stronger, pushing larger amounts of warm water to the western Pacific, cooling the eastern Pacific even further.
Impact on Monsoon: La Niña usually enhances the Indian monsoon, bringing more rainfall. Conversely, El Niño is linked to reduced monsoon activity.
Impact on India’s Weather
Southwest Monsoon: While La Niña enhances rainfall during the monsoon season, its late onset means it will not significantly impact this year’s monsoon. August saw a 16% surplus in rainfall, and September is also expected to witness above-normal rains (109% of the long-term average).
Northeast Monsoon: La Niña may influence the northeast (winter) monsoon, particularly in Tamil Nadu, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, south interior Karnataka, and Kerala.
Cyclogenesis: The north Indian Ocean, including the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea, sees cyclone development during La Niña years, with storms being more frequent, intense, and long-lasting.
Colder Winters: La Niña is also associated with harsher and colder winters in northern India, and the coming winter could see below-normal temperatures.
ENSO (El Nino)
- ENSO is one of the most important climate phenomena on Earth due to its ability to change the global atmospheric circulation, which in turn, influences temperature and precipitation across the globe.
- Though ENSO is a single climate phenomenon, it has three states, or phases, it can be in. The two opposite phases, “El Niño” and “La Niña,” require certain changes in both the ocean and the atmosphere because ENSO is a coupled climate phenomenon.
- El Niño: A warming of the ocean surface, or above-average sea surface temperatures (SST), in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. Over Indonesia, rainfall tends to become reduced while rainfall increases over the tropical Pacific Ocean. The low-level surface winds, which normally blow from east to west along the equator (“easterly winds”), instead weaken or, in some cases, start blowing the other direction (from west to east or “westerly winds”).
- Neutral: Neither El Niño or La Niña. Often tropical Pacific SSTs are generally close to average.
Indian Ocean Dipole
Sustained changes in the difference between sea surface temperatures of the tropical western and eastern Indian Ocean are known as the Indian Ocean Dipole or IOD.
Phases of IOD: The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) has three phases—neutral, positive, and negative—that influence the Indian monsoon.
Neutral IOD:
- Normal temperatures across the tropical Indian Ocean.
- Westerly winds blow along the equator.
- No significant impact on the Indian Southwest Monsoon.
Positive IOD:
- Westerly winds weaken, shifting warm water towards Africa.
- Cooler water rises in the eastern Indian Ocean.
- Results in more moisture over the Arabian Sea, leading to increased monsoon rainfall in India.
Negative IOD:
- Westerly winds intensify, concentrating warm water near the eastern Indian Ocean.
- Warmer water in the east and cooler in the west.
- Adversely affects Indian monsoon, leading to below-average rainfall.
4. Mobile Phones and Cancer Risk
Sub: Sci
Sec: Health
Why in News:
A recent study, the largest of its kind, has thoroughly examined over two decades of research to determine whether mobile phones and wireless technologies increase the risk of cancer. This review, commissioned by the World Health Organization (WHO), has provided strong evidence debunking the myth that mobile phones cause cancer.
No Link Between Mobile Phones and Cancer: A comprehensive review of 28 years of research concluded that mobile phones do not cause cancer. The study found no evidence of increased risk, even after 10+ years of exposure to mobile phone radiation. The review analyzed more than 5,000 studies, including 63 major studies from 22 countries, focusing on brain, pituitary, and salivary gland cancers, as well as leukemia.
Radiofrequency (RF) Waves: Mobile phones and wireless devices transmit signals using RF waves, a form of non-ionizing radiation.
Unlike ionizing radiation (such as X-rays and UV rays), RF waves do not have enough energy to damage DNA or body tissues.
RF waves from mobile phones, WiFi, Bluetooth, and 4G/5G networks operate at low frequencies that cannot cause cancer.
Electromagnetic Waves:
Generation: Created by the vibration of electrically charged particles, electromagnetic (EM) waves consist of oscillating electric and magnetic fields that move perpendicular to each other and to the wave’s direction of propagation.
Discovery: First predicted by James Clerk Maxwell and later confirmed by Heinrich Hertz, EM waves propagate at the speed of light and span a wide range of wavelengths, from radio waves to gamma rays.
Travel Through Vacuum: Unlike sound waves, EM waves can travel through a vacuum without requiring a medium.
Characteristics of Electromagnetic Waves:
Transverse Nature: Oscillations of electric and magnetic fields are perpendicular to the wave’s direction of travel.
Wavelength and Frequency: These two are inversely related; longer wavelengths correspond to lower frequencies and vice versa.
Speed: All EM waves travel at the same speed in a vacuum (speed of light, ~300,000 km/s).
Energy: Energy is directly proportional to frequency. Higher frequency waves (e.g., gamma rays) carry more energy than lower frequency ones (e.g., radio waves).
No Medium Required: EM waves do not need a physical medium to propagate and can travel through space.
Spectrum: The EM spectrum ranges from long-wavelength radio waves to short-wavelength gamma rays.
Reflection, Refraction, and Diffraction: EM waves can be reflected, bent, and spread, similar to other wave types.
Polarisation: Their electric fields can be oriented in specific directions, leading to polarization.
Interaction with Matter: EM waves interact with matter through absorption, transmission, and scattering, depending on wavelength and material properties.
Wave-Particle Duality: EM radiation exhibits both wave-like and particle-like (photon) behaviors.
Electromagnetic Spectrum:
The electromagnetic spectrum is the range of all types of electromagnetic radiation, arranged according to frequency or wavelength. It includes waves that are both visible (like light) and invisible (radio waves, X-rays).
Order of Spectrum (from lowest to highest frequency):
- Radio Waves: Used in communication systems like radio, TV, and mobile phones.
- Microwaves: Used in radar systems, microwave ovens, and satellite communication.
- Infrared (IR) Waves: Emitted by hot objects; used in thermal imaging, remote controls.
- Visible Light: The only part of the spectrum visible to the human eye; essential for vision and photosynthesis.
- Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation: Found in sunlight; can cause skin tanning and sunburn.
- X-rays: Used in medical imaging and security scanners.
- Gamma Rays: Emitted by radioactive materials and used in cancer treatment and nuclear science.
Wavelength and Frequency:
- Long Wavelength → Low Frequency (Radio Waves)
- Short Wavelength → High Frequency (Gamma Rays)
Relationship: Wavelength and frequency are inversely proportional.
Health and Environmental Impacts:
- Lower frequency waves (radio, microwaves) generally pose no health risks.
- Higher frequency waves (UV, X-rays, gamma rays) can cause biological damage, such as DNA mutations or cancers, especially with prolonged exposure.
Spectrum Usage in Technology:
- Telecommunications rely heavily on radio and microwave frequencies for transmitting data.
- Medical field uses X-rays and gamma rays for diagnostic imaging and treatments.
5. From Bharati to Karunanidhi: Nationalisation of Literary Works in Tamil Nadu
Sub :History
Sec : Modern India
Context: To mark the birth centenary of former Chief Minister and Muthamil Arignar (Tamil scholar) M. Karunanidhi, the Tamil Nadu government has nationalised his entire literary output.
Introduction
- Nationalisation of literary works began in Tamil Nadu as an honor for distinguished cultural figures.
- It allows works to enter the public domain, making them accessible to the public.
- Initially intended as a noble gesture, the practice has become more complex and controversial over time.
The Beginning: Subramania Bharati
- Subramania Bharati’s works were the first to be nationalised in 1949.
- After Bharati’s death, his widow sold the copyrights in distress to a filmmaker, which caused public uproar.
- The Madras government acquired the rights to Bharati’s works, making them freely available to the public.
- This move was seen as a unique honor for Bharati, setting a precedent for future nationalisations.
Expansion of Nationalisation
- Over time, more literary works were nationalised by the Tamil Nadu government.
- Bharathidasan’s works were nationalised during M. Karunanidhi’s tenure in the late 1980s.
- In 1994, Jayalalithaa nationalised the works of DMK founder C.N. Annadurai.
- To date, the works of 179 writers have been nationalised, with nearly ₹15 crore distributed to their heirs.
Problems and Controversies
- Legal Issues:
- Nationalisation has led to complications regarding moral rights and ownership.
- In some cases, authors’ works were nationalised while they were still alive, raising legal dilemmas.
- Inconsistent Compensation:
- Heirs of deceased authors have not always received fair or consistent financial compensation.
- Families often lobby the government for monetary support after a writer’s death.
- Impact on Publishers:
- Publishers who legally held the rights to certain works faced losses when those works were nationalised.
- The compensation process has sometimes favored heirs over legal copyright holders.
Impact on Tamil Publishing Industry
- Positive Impact:
- Nationalisation has democratised access to literature and supported scholarly work.
- Negative Impact:
- Predatory publishers have exploited the availability of nationalised works, mass-producing low-quality reprints.
- Public libraries have been flooded with cheaply produced versions of classic works.
- Authorship and the integrity of literary works have been compromised, leading to significant degradation of Tamil literature.
A Call for Reform
- The nationalisation of Karunanidhi’s works marks the culmination of this practice.
- It may be time to reconsider nationalisation as the method to honor writers.
- Alternative ways to support writers and preserve literary integrity should be explored, such as direct financial support or new patronage systems.
Conclusion
- While the nationalisation of literary works in Tamil Nadu has a rich history, it has led to numerous issues over time.
- The practice has reached its peak with the nationalisation of Karunanidhi’s works, and now may be the time for a moratorium.
- The government should seek new methods to both support indigent writers and preserve the cultural value of Tamil literature.
6. ASI’s Concerns over Waqf Properties and Protected Monuments
Sub :History
Sec : Art and Culture
Context: The issue of dual authority over monuments arose during discussions on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, where ASI officials raised concerns about being restricted from carrying out conservation work on such properties.
Introduction
- The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has raised concerns over conflicts arising from protected monuments being notified as Waqf properties.
- This issue was discussed during consultations on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
Conflicts between ASI and Waqf Properties
- ASI cited examples such as Fatehpur Sikri in Agra and Atala Masjid in Jaunpur to illustrate conflicts when protected monuments are also declared as Waqf properties.
- The ASI stated that the dual authority of ASI and the Waqf Board over these monuments leads to administrative challenges.
Opposition’s Counterarguments
- Opposition MPs argued that the Waqf Board does not arbitrarily declare properties as Waqf without historical evidence.
- They pointed out that the AMASR Act equips the ASI to handle such cases of dual authority over monuments.
- The opposition members contested that the current law ensures the balance between property rights and preservation.
List of Dual Authority Monuments
- ASI presented a list of 53 monuments that have been declared as Waqf property after being protected under the ASI.
- This dual status has led to conservation challenges, as per ASI officials.
Conservation Challenges Faced by ASI
- ASI staff reported being restricted from conducting conservation work in monuments classified as Waqf properties.
- Unauthorized alterations and additions, such as shops at Atala Masjid and fittings at Mecca Masjid, have compromised the authenticity and integrity of these protected structures.
- At Fatehpur Sikri, Waqf-appointed tour guides have replaced ASI-certified guides.
Opposition’s Response to ASI’s Claims
- Opposition members, including AIMIM MP Asadduddin Owaisi, pointed out that the ASI was neglecting the legal provisions of the AMASR Act.
- They argued that the Act provides mechanisms to balance private ownership with the public interest in preservation.
- Concerns were raised over the new law potentially eliminating the “Waqf by user” clause, which historically ensured legitimate claims over Waqf properties.
Criticism from Ruling Party MPs
- ASI was also questioned by BJP MPs about its failure to act in cases where Waqf status was allegedly threatening the authenticity of protected monuments.
Way Forward
- Clear Guidelines for Dual Authority:
- A structured framework should be developed to clearly define the roles and responsibilities of both the ASI and the Waqf Board. This would ensure that both the preservation of monuments and the rights of the Waqf properties are respected without conflict.
- Collaboration between ASI and Waqf Board:
- Regular communication and collaboration between the ASI and the Waqf Board should be encouraged to avoid unauthorised alterations and ensure that conservation work can proceed unhindered.
- Strengthening Legal Framework:
- The government could consider refining the AMASR Act or the Waqf Act to specifically address issues related to dual authority. This would ensure a balance between heritage conservation and property rights, while protecting the historical significance of monuments.
- Involving Local Communities:
- Engaging local communities and stakeholders in the preservation process can provide a more sustainable approach to managing Waqf properties and protected monuments. This would also help in mitigating disputes and ensuring that cultural and religious sensitivities are respected.
- Enforcement and Monitoring:
- The ASI should be given more authority or resources to enforce preservation laws. Regular monitoring and penalties for unauthorised alterations could help maintain the integrity of these sites.
Conclusion
The dual authority over protected monuments that are also Waqf properties presents both administrative and legal challenges. While the ASI has raised concerns about unauthorised alterations and restricted conservation efforts, opposition MPs argue that existing laws can balance private rights with public preservation interests. Moving forward, collaboration between the ASI and the Waqf Board, along with clearer legal guidelines, will be essential to resolve these conflicts and ensure the protection of India’s rich cultural heritage.
7. FPIs trim holdings ahead of deadline on concentrated holdings
Sub :Eco
Sec : Capital market
Context:
- Foreign portfolio investors are given a September 9 deadline by SEBI to offload their India holdings that breach the regulator’s norms for concentrated holdings.
- Non-compliant FPIs that offload their holdings post this date will be levied a penalty of 5 percent on their sale proceeds.
Holding Norms
- In a circular issued in August last year, SEBI had listed out two criteria for concentrated holdings.
- This included FPIs holding more than 50 per cent of their Indian equity assets under management in a single Indian corporate group or FPIs that individually, or along with their investor group, holding more than ₹25,000 crore of equity in Indian equities.
- Such FPIs had to provide granular details of all entities holding any ownership, economic interest or exercising control in the FPI.
Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI)
- It consists of securities and other financial assets passively held by foreign investors.
- It does not provide the investor with direct ownership of financial assets and is relatively liquid depending on the volatility of the market. Therefore, it is also called Hot money.
- It is part of a country’s capital account and is shown on its Balance of Payments (BOP).
- Examples of FPIs include stocks, bonds, mutual funds, exchange traded funds, American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), and Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs).
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
- It is an investment made by a firm or individual in one country into business interests located in another country.
- It lets an investor purchase a direct business interest in a foreign country.
- Example: Establishing a subsidiary in another country, acquiring or merging with an existing foreign company, or starting a joint venture partnership with a foreign company.
8. Stick to fiscal deficit as the norm for fiscal prudence
Sub: Eco
Sec : Fiscal Policy
Fiscal deficit target:
- Finance Minister in the Budget speech said that the Centre’s fiscal deficit would be reduced to 5% of GDP in 2025-26 from its budgeted level of 4.9% in 2024-25.
- Also, Centre’s debt-GDP ratio is estimated at 54% in 2025-26, assuming a nominal GDP growth of 10.5% in these two years.
Shift in target:
- After 2026, the central government aims to have only a reducing path of debt-GDP ratio without stating a debt-GDP target and specifying a path to reach that.
- This implies an effective abandoning of the Centre’s Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) 2018 targets for an indefinite period.
- The act set a debt-GDP target of 40% for the central government and 60% for the combined government.
Fiscal deficit:
- It is the gap between the government’s expenditure requirements and its receipts. This equals the money the government needs to borrow during the year.
- Fiscal Deficit= Total Expenditure- Total Receipts (excluding borrowings)
- It indicates the total borrowing requirements of the government from all sources.
FRBM targets:
- The Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2003, was enacted to bring transparency and accountability in the conduct of the fiscal and monetary actions of the government.
- The rules set targets for the phased reduction of the fiscal deficit to acceptable levels.
- It requires the government to limit the fiscal deficit to 3% of the GDP by 31 March 2021 and the debt of the central government to 40% of the GDP by 2024-25, among others.
- The Act provides room for deviation from the annual fiscal deficit target under certain conditions.
Sustainable debt:
- To reduce the debt-GDP ratio, first India has to reduce fiscal deficit-GDP ratio.
- Thus, India needs to focus on fiscal deficit reduction for fiscal prudence and sustainable debt management.
International comparison:
- There are many countries which have a far higher level of government debt-GDP ratio as compared to India. Their interest payments to revenue receipts, however, are much lower.
- During 2015-16 to 2019-20, India’s interest payment to revenue receipts ratio was 24%.
- This is much higher compared to Japan (5.5%) and United States.
9. Technical textiles will cross $10 bn in export
Sub : Eco
Sec: External Sector
What are Technical Textiles?
- Technical textiles are functional fabrics that have applications across various industries including automobiles, civil engineering and construction, agriculture, healthcare, industrial safety, personal protection etc.
- Technical Textile products derive their demand from the development and industrialization in a country.
- Based on usage, there are 12 technical textile segments: Agrotech, Meditech, Buildtech, Mobiltech, Clothtech, Oekotech, Geotech, Packtech, Hometech, Protech, Indutech and Sportech.
What do we know about the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM)?
- It was approved in 2020 by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) with total outlay of Rs.1480 Crore.
- The implementation period is four years, from FY 2020-21 to FY 2023-24.
Aim:
- The aim of the mission is to position India as a global leader in Technical Textiles by taking the domestic market size from USD 40 billion to USD 50 billion by 2024.
- It also supports the ‘Make in India’ Initiative promoting domestic manufacturing of related machinery and equipment.
Components:
- First component: It will focus on research, development and innovation with an outlay of Rs. 1,000 crores.
- The research will be at both fiber level and application-based in geo, agro, medical, sports and mobile textiles and the development of biodegradable technical textiles.
- Research activities will also focus on the development of indigenous machinery and process equipment.
- Second component: It will be for the promotion and development of the market for technical textiles.
- The penetration level of technical textiles is low in India varying between 5-10% against the level of 30-70% in developed countries.
- The Mission will aim at an average growth rate of 15-20% per annum by 2024.
- Third component: It will focus on export promotion so that technical textile exports from the country reach from Rs 14,000 crores to Rs 20,000 crores by 2021-2022 and ensure 10% average growth every year till the Mission ends.
- An export promotion council for technical textiles will be set up.
- Fourth component: It will focus on education, training and skill development.
- The Mission will promote technical education at higher engineering and technology levels related to technical textiles and its application areas.