National Technical Textiles Mission | 14 Nov 2024

Source: PIB 

Why in News? 

Recently, the Ministry of Textiles has approved 12 research projects under the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) increasing the total number of approved research projects to 168.  

  • The research projects were approved across key strategic areas of geotextiles, sustainable and smart textiles etc. 

What are Key Points About NTTM? 

  • About: NTTM is an initiative of the Ministry of Textiles to promote the growth and development of the technical textiles sector in the country. 
    • It aims to position India as a global leader in technical textiles by 2024.  
  • Implementation Period: NTTM was approved with a four-year implementation period from FY 2020-21 to 2023-24. 
  • Components: The Mission has four components. 
    • Research, Innovation and Development: Fundamental research is conducted in Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) labs, IITs, and other reputable scientific, industrial, and academic institutions. 
    • Promotion and Market Development: It focuses on market growth, international collaborations, investment promotions, and 'Make in India' initiatives. 
    • Export Promotion: An Export Promotion Council for Technical Textiles has been established to enhance coordination and promotional activities in this sector. 
    • Education, Training, and Skill Development: It promotes higher-level technical education and skill development in technical textiles, covering engineering, medical, agriculture, and related sectors. 

Technical Textiles 

  • About: Textile materials that are manufactured for their technical performances and functional properties rather than aesthetic and decorative features are called technical textiles. 
  • Categories: These products are broadly classified into 12 different categories based on their usage in civil engineering, construction, defence, healthcare and automobile among other industries. 
  • Applications: They can be used for various applications ranging from agriculture, roads, railway tracks, sportswear, health, bullet proof jackets, fireproof jackets, high altitude combat gear and space applications. 
  • Examples: Umbrella cloth, mosquito nets, cigarette filter nods, contact lenses, sanitary napkins, seat belts, tufted carpet, helmets, tea bag filter papers etc. 

Initiatives Related to Technical Textile 

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ) 

Prelims 

Q.In rural road construction, the use of which of the following is preferred for ensuring environmental sustainability or to reduce carbon footprint? (2020) 

  1. Copper slag
  2. Cold mix asphalt technology
  3. Geotextiles
  4. Hot mix asphalt technology
  5. Portland cement

Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only  

(b) 2, 3 and 4 only 

(c) 4 and 5 only  

(d) 1 and 5 only 

Ans: (a) 

Q. Recently, there was a growing awareness in our country about the importance of Himalayan nettle (Girardinia diversifolia) because it is found to be a sustainable source of (2019) 

(a) anti-malarial drug  

(b) biodiesel 

(c) pulp for paper industry  

(d) textile fibre 

Ans: (d)