19.01.22

The Ministry of Textiles approved 20 strategic research projects in the fields of specialty fibers and geotextiles totaling Rs 30 crores.

Highlights:

These initiatives are part of the government’s flagship program, the ‘National Technical Textiles Mission.’ Four geotextiles () projects were also approved.

A few leading Indian institutes, centers of excellence, and government organizations, including IITs, BTRA, and DRDO, took part in the session, which approved strategic projects for the development of the Indian economy.

These projects contribute to Atmanirbhar Bharat, particularly in Healthcare, Energy Storage, Farming, Industrial and Protective, Fabric Waste Recycling, and Infrastructure facilities.

The National Technical Textiles Mission was established to position India as a global leader in technical textiles and to increase the use of technical textiles in the domestic market.

It intends to increase the size of the domestic market to 40 to 50 billion by 2024.

Raksha Pension Shikayat Nivaran Portal is established by the Ministry of Defense.

Highlights:

Rajnath Singh, the DEFENCE Minister, has established a web Raksha Pension Shikayat Nivaran Portal to address ex-(ESM) servicemen’s and their dependents’ pension-related issues.

On the occasion of Armed Forces Veterans Day, he noted that the portal will allow them to directly file concerns with the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare (DESW).

The ministry also announced that the DESW has allocated Rs 320 crore to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF) to address all backlogs of pending welfare applications, particularly schooling and marriage Awards for ESM widows and dependant children.

A 555.55-carat black diamond known as “The Enigma” was unveiled in Dubai.

Highlights:

It is believed to come from space. Sotheby’s auction house unveiled it.

After a tour in Dubai, the diamond will be begun taking to Los Angeles before being auctioned in London in February 2022.

The number five is significant to the diamond because it has 55 facets. The diamond is expected to fetch at least 5 million Pounds sterling (USD 6.8 million).

Sotheby’s also intends to accept crypto as a form of payment.

The diamond’s shape is inspired by the Middle-Eastern palm sign of Khamsa, which represents strength and protection.