State PCS - Haryana (HCS)

• 02 Mar 2026

Giriraj Singh Inaugurates Two-Day International Textiles Conference

Why in News?

The Union Minister of Textiles, Giriraj Singh, inaugurated a two-day International Textiles Conference at a college in Bhiwani, highlighting India’s ambitions to become a global hub for textiles, apparel and technical textiles.

Key Points:

• Conference and Venue: International Conference on Advanced Textile Structural Composites and Geosynthetics (ATSCG-2026) held at the Technological Institute of Textile and Sciences (TIT&S), Bhiwani, Haryana.
• Focus: The conference, organized by TIT&S in association with the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), focused on emerging trends in advanced textile composites and geosynthetics.
• Government Support: The event received backing from the Ministry of Textiles under the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM).
• Strategic Collaborations: Several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed with international institutions to bolster Research & Development (R&D) in the technical textiles sector.
• Global Participation: Experts from 14 countries participated, sharing knowledge on innovative designs for aerospace, defense, and infrastructure applications.
• Financial Allocation: The Minister highlighted an additional allocation of ₹1,500 crore by the Central Government to upgrade the textile industry and promote R&D.
• Market Vision:
  • Global Exports:Current global textile exports are valued at $800 billion, with technical textiles accounting for $200 billion.
  • Indian Consumption: Consumption of composite materials in India is currently low at 300 grams per person, compared to 11 kg in advanced countries.
• PLI Scheme: A total of ₹10,500 crore has been allocated to the sector under the PLI Scheme to boost high-value production.

Read More:PLI Scheme, National Technical Textiles Mission

Iran Appointed Ayatollah Alireza Arafi as Interim Supreme Leader

Why in News?

Following the reported death of Ali Khamenei in a joint United States-Israeli airstrike, the Islamic Republic of Iran has appointed Ayatollah Alireza Arafi as a key member of the interim Leadership Council, effectively positioning him as the acting Supreme Leader during the transitional period.

Key Points:

• Leadership Council: Under Article 111 of the Iranian Constitution, a three-member interim body now governs the Islamic Republic. 
  • It includes Arafi alongside the President and the Chief Justice, ensuring continuity of authority amid the unprecedented leadership vacuum.
• Role and Authority: The interim Leadership Council assumes the constitutional duties of the Supreme Leader until a permanent successor is chosen by the Assembly of Experts.
  • The Supreme Leader in Iran is the highest authority, overseeing the armed forces, judiciary, state broadcasting, and key policy decisions.
• Background of Arafi: He is a senior Shia cleric and has held key positions in Iran’s religious establishment, including membership in both the Guardian Council and the Assembly of Experts. 
  • He has also led major seminaries in Qom.
  • Qom is Iran’s principal centre of Shia Islamic scholarship, and Arafi’s association with its seminaries strengthens his clerical standing.
• Continuity of Governance: The interim council ensures that executive, military, and judicial authority remains uninterrupted during the transition period.
• Significance: Alireza Arafi’s appointment to the interim leadership council is a key moment in Iran’s political transition, highlighting constitutional procedures for leadership succession amid heightened regional tensions.

Read More: Iran-Israel Conflict