Daily-current-affairs-august-4-2025 quiz
India’s Leap into Industry 4.0: Transformative Technologies Driving Growth
Landmark BSNL–NRL Partnership for 5G CNPN
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) have signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding to deploy India’s first 5G Captive Non-Public Network (CNPN) in the refinery sector. This ultra-secure, low-latency network will power real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and enhanced cybersecurity across critical industrial operations. It serves as a blueprint for replicating private 5G across other manufacturing domains, enabling seamless connectivity for mission-critical applications.
Holistic Industry 4.0 Technology Adoption
Under a “Whole of Government” approach, central public sector enterprises will integrate:
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5G CNPN for high-speed, reliable wireless communication
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Digital Twins to simulate and optimize processes virtually
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AI-driven 3D printing for rapid prototyping and on-demand parts production
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Virtual Formulation platforms to accelerate R&D cycles
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AR/VR/MR applications for immersive training and remote assistance
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Internet of Things (IoT) networks for sensor-based automation
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Big Data Analytics to derive actionable insights and enhance decision-making
This coordinated effort aims to modernize India’s industrial base, upskill the workforce, and generate new employment opportunities.
Powering Nutritional Security: Bio-Fortified Potatoes
Iron-Enriched Potatoes Entering Indian Fields
The International Potato Center has developed iron-rich potato varieties to combat hidden hunger. These high-iron lines, already released in Peru, are undergoing evaluation by ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute to ensure they thrive in Indian agro-climatic conditions.
Vitamin A Sweet Potatoes in Four States
Orange-fleshed, vitamin A-fortified sweet potatoes are now distributed in Karnataka, Assam, West Bengal, and Odisha. These varieties tackle micronutrient deficiencies by delivering beta-carotene in a staple crop, supporting better vision and immune health.
South Asia Regional Centre Near Agra
To bolster research and seed distribution, a new CIP regional hub will open near Agra in the Indo-Gangetic plains, strengthening local biofortification efforts and farmer access to nutrient-rich seed stock.
AI-Designed Proteins & Notch Signalling: Revolutionizing Immunotherapy
Synthetic Notch Agonists to Boost T-Cell Production
Harvard researchers used artificial intelligence to design proteins that activate the Notch signalling pathway—a key cell-to-cell communication system essential for T-cell differentiation. These synthetic agonists drive human immune progenitors into mature T cells, offering scalable T-cell production for immunotherapies.
Clinical Promise & Future Applications
In preclinical studies, AI-designed Notch activators enhanced T-cell expansion, cytokine release, and tumor-killing function. This breakthrough paves the way for next-generation cancer treatments, vaccine platforms, and regenerative medicine by supplying large quantities of functional immune cells.
Nalam Kakkum Stalin: Tamil Nadu’s Statewide Health Outreach
Extensive Medical Camps Across 38 Districts
The “Nalam Kakkum Stalin” scheme organizes over 1,250 specialized health camps every Saturday, offering comprehensive screenings in all 38 districts. Services include blood tests, imaging (X-ray, ECG, ECHO), and specialist consultations for hypertension, diabetes, cardiac care, dental, ophthalmology, and mental health.
Disability Certification & Inclusive Services
Clinicians assess and issue on-the-spot disability certificates with percentage ratings, streamlining access to government benefits for differently-abled individuals. Test results are provided the same day, and records are integrated into a statewide health database for follow-up care.
Aimed at early detection and prevention, the program emphasizes outreach in remote villages and underserved communities, ensuring equitable healthcare access for all populations.
Tamil Nadu Millet Mission: Sustainable Agriculture & Food Security
Five-Year Project in Two Millet Zones
Launched in 2023-24, the mission covers 25 districts divided into two agro-climatic zones. It provides seeds, micronutrients, and fertilizers at subsidized rates to encourage millet cultivation among dryland farmers.
Financial Incentives & Productivity Targets
Farmers receive a 100 percent seed subsidy at 4 kg per farmer and an acreage subsidy of ₹2,400 per acre. The state targets 3,928 kg per hectare of millet yield, leveraging its first-rank in ragi productivity and strong performance in minor millets and maize.
Climate Resilience & Nutritional Benefits
Millets’ drought tolerance and low water requirements make them ideal for rain-fed areas. Integrating millets into school meals and public distribution enhances child nutrition and creates stable market demand.
National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme: Empowering Students
Merit-Based Financial Support for Classes IX–XII
The central scholarship awards 100,000 fresh scholarships of ₹12,000 per annum to meritorious students from economically weaker sections, reducing dropout rates after Class VIII and encouraging completion of secondary education.
Updated Eligibility & Selection Process
The annual household income ceiling is ₹3.5 lakh. Selection involves a two-part exam—Mental Ability Test (MAT) and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)—with specific relaxations for SC/ST students. Continuation of the scholarship through Class XII depends on academic performance and renewal criteria.
Direct Benefit Transfer for Seamless Disbursement
Scholarship funds are routed directly to students’ bank accounts via the Aadhaar Payment Bridge, ensuring timely and transparent financial support.
