14 June 2024 : PIB Summary For UPSC

1. Ministry of Textiles approved Startups in Technical Textiles to boost innovation: Textiles Secretary

Topic: GS2 – Governance  GS3 –  Science and Technology

Context

The Ministry of Textiles’ approval of startups under the GREAT scheme aims to boost innovation and sustainability in India’s technical textiles sector. This initiative, part of the National Technical Textiles Mission, supports young innovators and enhances research capabilities, notably with a grant to IIT Guwahati.

Analysis of the news:

• The Ministry of Textiles approved startups in Technical Textiles to foster innovation and sustainability.
• The announcement was made by Smt. Rachna Shah, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, during the 7th meeting of the Empowered Programme Committee (EPC) of the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM).
• The GREAT (Grant for Research and Entrepreneurship across Aspiring Innovators in Technical Textiles) scheme supports young innovators and startups to commercialise their technologies in Technical Textiles, with up to INR 50 lakhs per startup.
• Seven startup proposals were approved under the GREAT scheme, focusing on sustainability, composites, high-performance textiles, and smart textiles.
• Notable approved projects include braided composites for military applications, Radmone Integrated IFF Antenna, surgical simulation models, and nano-fibre infused textiles for energy generation and sensing.
• IIT Guwahati received a grant of approximately INR 6.4 crores to introduce new subjects and upgrade laboratory infrastructure in technical textiles, particularly in geotextiles.
• This grant aims to enhance IIT Guwahati’s capacity to address regional needs and provide technical consultancy and support for the development of the North East Region (NER).

What are Technical Textiles?

Technical Textiles: Technical textiles are high-performance fabrics designed for functional purposes rather than aesthetic ones. They are used in various industries such as automotive, medical, construction, and military for their specialised properties like durability, strength, and resistance to various environmental conditions. Advantages of Technical Textiles: Enhanced Performance: Provide superior strength, durability, and resistance to wear and tear compared to conventional textiles. Versatility: Used across various industries, including automotive, medical, construction, and agriculture, addressing specific functional requirements. Safety and Protection: Offer advanced protection in sectors like healthcare (e.g., surgical gowns, masks) and defence (e.g., bulletproof vests, protective gear). Environmental Benefits: Include products like geotextiles that aid in soil stabilisation and erosion control, promoting sustainable construction practices. Innovation and Economic Growth: Drive technological advancements and create new market opportunities, boosting economic growth and competitiveness. Comfort and Efficiency: Improve user comfort and efficiency, such as in sportswear and smart textiles with integrated sensors for health monitoring. Sustainability: Incorporate eco-friendly materials and processes, reducing the environmental impact of textile production and usage.

Practice Question:  Discuss the role of the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) in promoting innovation and sustainability in India’s textile sector. How can initiatives like the GREAT scheme and support for academic institutions contribute to this mission? (250 Words /15 marks)

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2025052 )