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Are you a dynamic postgraduate looking to launch your career with a prestigious government organization? The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), under the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India, is inviting online applications for the post of Young Professionals (YPs) on a contractual basis for its offices in Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Patna, and Ranchi.

About KVIC

KVIC is a statutory body dedicated to promoting and developing khadi and village industries across India. Now, as part of its plans for accelerating growth and transformation, KVIC is looking for young, talented, and committed professionals to join its team.

Vacancy Details

• Total Posts: 7
  • Khadi Division: 5 Posts
  • Village Industries (V.I.) Division: 2 Posts

Location of Posting

• Kolkata (KVIC Zonal & Satellite Offices)
• Bhubaneswar
• Patna
• Ranchi

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualifications:

• For Khadi YPs: Master’s degree in Engineering/Science in Textile Technology from a recognized university.
• For V.I. YPs: Master’s in Engineering/Science or MBA with B.Sc. in any discipline from a recognized university.

Age Limit:

• Below 27 years as on 31.08.2025.

Skills Required:

• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Good communication and writing skills
• Sincere and committed to work

Remuneration & Benefits

• Consolidated Pay: ₹25,000 – ₹30,000 per month (depending on qualifications, experience, and interview performance)
• Conveyance Allowance: ₹2,500 – ₹3,000 per month

Note: No TA/DA for attending the interview.

Selection Process

• Shortlisting based on qualifications and experience
• Personal Interview to assess suitability for the post

Nature of Contract

• Duration: Initially 1 year (may be extended based on performance and requirement)
• Type: Purely contractual; no claim for permanent absorption

How to Apply

1. Apply Online Only through the official KVIC website [www.kvic.gov.in] (no postal/email/hard copies accepted).
2. Fill all details, upload required documents (photo, signature, certificates), and submit before the last date.
3. Last Date to Apply: 31 August 2025 (up to 11:00 PM)

Read the official notification carefully for detailed instructions on document size, photograph format, and signature guidelines.

Important Points to Remember

• Only full-time regular courses will be considered.
• Candidates must keep the same email and mobile number active throughout the recruitment process.
• Carry a printout of the online application and original photo ID for the interview.
• Any false information or canvassing will lead to disqualification.
• The engagement is purely temporary – KVIC reserves all rights regarding shortlisting and selection.

Why Join as a Young Professional at KVIC?

This is a golden opportunity to gain meaningful experience with a renowned government body working for rural economic development. If you are passionate, driven, and meet the eligibility criteria, apply now and set a strong foundation for your career!

For complete details and to apply:
Visit the “Vacancies” section at www.kvic.gov.in

Stay tuned to our blog for more such government job updates! Good luck to all the aspirants!

Disclaimer: Please refer to the official notification on the KVIC website for complete and authentic details. This article is for informational purposes only.

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Introduction to Smart Textiles

Smart textiles, or electronic textiles (e-textiles), are fabrics embedded with digital components such as sensors, actuators, and conductive fibers. These advanced textiles are capable of sensing and responding to environmental stimuli, providing functionality far beyond traditional garments. Smart textiles result from collaborative advances in textile engineering, electronics, computer science, and materials science.

Classification

• Passive Smart Textiles: Detects external stimuli without active response. Example: Outlast® Technology, which uses phase-change materials to absorb, store, and release heat, is integrated by brands such as Serta and Timberland.
• Active Smart Textiles: Respond dynamically to environmental input. Example: Levi’s Jacquard by Google allows users to control their smartphones via touch-sensitive jacket sleeves. ShiftWear sneakers, using embedded e-ink displays, can change design or color on demand.
• Ultra-smart Textiles: Not only sense and react, but also adapt and learn from the environment.

Current Trends in Smart Textile Innovation

1. Wearable Technology and Fashion Integration

Integration of smart sensors, actuators, and interactive technology is prominent in apparel:

• Tommy Hilfiger Xplore Collection integrates Bluetooth chips to track user activity and reward engagement.
• Samsung Galaxy Smart Ring and Oura Ring employ minimalist design to monitor sleep, heart rate, and movement.
• ShiftWear Sneakers display customizable, animated visuals on fabric through a connected app.
• Advances in textile-based electronics have prompted emerging generations of wearable products, ranging from attachable sensors (first generation) to fully integrated, responsive garments (third generation).

2. Healthcare and Biomedical Applications

Smart textiles are enabling continuous, real-time health monitoring and medical diagnostics:

• Hexoskin shirts track ECG, breathing rate, and motion for telemedicine and athletic purposes.
• Sensoria and Myant offer smart socks and shirts for cardiac monitoring via textile-based electrodes.
• KOB GmbH produces pressure-sensing bandages and medical wraps for wound management.
• Recent developments focus on biosensor integration within apparel, capable of measuring glucose, lactate, pathogens, and pollutants in real time.
• Smart compression garments automatically control pressure to treat lymphedema and similar conditions.

3. Sustainability in Smart Textiles

Eco-friendly smart textiles are increasingly adopted:

• Stella McCartney uses recycled and biodegradable fibers in temperature-regulating, moisture-wicking smart clothing.
• Other brands, like Adidas and Patagonia, are pioneering circular design and integrating smart functions with minimal environmental impact.
• Reviews emphasize sustainability as a guiding trend in smart textile innovation.

4. Military and Defense Applications

Smart textiles enhance safety and operational performance in defense:

• BAE Systems’ Broadsword Spine employs conductive fabrics to distribute power and data in tactical vests, removing the need for traditional wiring.
• U.S. Army projects and companies like EmbroTech are developing adaptive camouflage and biometric tracking uniforms.
• Exoskeletons and advanced military gear are leveraging embedded textile-based sensors for real-time health and fatigue monitoring.

5. Sports and Athletic Wear

Smart textiles are revolutionizing athletic performance and recovery:

• Athos uses integrated EMG sensors in wearable apparel to provide detailed muscle activation data for optimizing workouts.
• Under Armour Athlete Recovery Sleepwear reflects infrared energy for faster muscle recovery.
• Sensoria Smart Socks monitor running technique and deliver gait analysis using textile-integrated pressure sensors.
• EyeCan Swim offers sonar-based feedback headbands for visually impaired swimmers.
• Current research focuses on robust, flexible, and washable textile-based sensors for sports and fitness.

6. Other Emerging Commercial Applications

Startups and research labs are expanding the scope of smart textiles:

• MesoMat produces ultra-flexible conductive fibers for diverse textile applications.
• Viture One Smart Glasses utilize fabric tech in wearable headsets for AR media projection.
• MIT Media Lab’s 3DKnITS showcase novel fabrication of knit textiles that sense user posture and movement with high precision.

Cross-Sector Applications Table

Industry	Application Example	Commercial Product or Brand
Fashion	Wearables with color-changing or interactive capabilities	ShiftWear sneakers
Healthcare	Real-time biometric, ECG, or compression monitoring	Hexoskin, Sensoria, Myant
Military	Adaptive, sensor-equipped uniforms and gear	BAE Systems’ Broadsword Spine
Sports / Fitness	Performance analytics, recovery enhancement, safety for athletes	Athos, Under Armour, Sensoria
Consumer	Daily health tracking, mobile interaction, productivity	Samsung Galaxy Smart Ring

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite rapid growth, smart textiles face hurdles:

• High production costs hinder large-scale adoption, but advances in printable electronics and nanotechnology are reducing expenses.
• Limited consumer awareness slows uptake. Educational outreach is vital for widespread adoption.
• Regulatory and technical standards are required for safety, durability, and privacy.

Recent Research Highlights

• Comprehensive bibliometric mapping emphasizes the surge in global research and patent activity in smart textiles.
• Reviews focus on advanced integration technologies, sustainability, wearable biosensors, and applications across industries.
• Studies highlight breakthroughs in textile-based biosensors and electrochemical sensors for sweat and metabolite analysis.
• Innovations in shape-morphing materials, actuation, and energy harvesting are rapidly emerging.

Conclusion

Smart textiles are at the forefront of material and wearable technology innovation, with growing impact across fashion, healthcare, defense, and beyond. The integration of digital sensors, sustainable materials, and adaptive systems is transforming traditional textiles and creating new opportunities for personalized, data-driven performance and care. As research advances and costs fall, the next decade will likely see smart textiles become integral to daily life, driven by interdisciplinary progress and market adoption.

References

1. Wang, Y. (2022). Research on flexible capacitive sensors for smart textiles. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 2181(1), 012038. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/2181/1/012038
2. Rudresh, H. M., & Das, R. (2022). Smart fabric textiles: Recent advances and challenges. Materials Today: Proceedings. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2022.02.250
3. Tian, Y., Xu, L., & Wang, Y. (2022). Smart textiles using fluid-driven artificial muscle fibers. Nature Communications, 13, 425. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-27847-0
4. Patel, M., Patel, R., & Upadhyay, S. H. (2023). Smart E-textiles: A review of their aspects and applications. Materials Today: Proceedings. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2023.07.199
5. Arefin, A., Saha, A. K., Kabir, S. M. M., Rahman, M. H., & Hasan, M. M. (2023). Smart textiles: A review and bibliometric mapping. Results in Engineering, 18, 101020. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rineng.2023.101020
6. Hossain, M. R., Ahmed, M. R., & Alam, M. S. (2023). Smart textiles. Textile Progress, 55(2), 47–108. https://doi.org/10.1080/00405167.2023.2250651
7. Allish, S., Suthiksha, P., Pachiappan, K. M., Sathiyam, R. D., & Saniya, A. (2024). A review on recent trends in smart textiles. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 24(1), 1824–1828. https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2024.24.1.3103
8. Hossain, M. T., Shahid, M. A., Limon, M. G. M., Hossain, I., & Mahmud, N. (2024). Techniques, applications, and challenges in textiles for a sustainable future. Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity, 10, 100230. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joitmc.2024.100230
9. Azeem, M., Shahid, M., Masin, I., & Petru, M. (2025). Design and development of textile-based wearable sensors for real-time biomedical monitoring: A review. The Journal of The Textile Institute, 116(1), 80–95. https://doi.org/10.1080/00405000.2024.2318500

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Introduction

China has unveiled a groundbreaking advancement in agricultural technology: the world’s first fully automated cotton topping robot. Developed in Xinjiang, this robot promises to transform one of the most labor-intensive phases of cotton cultivation by replacing manual topping with a high-precision, laser-powered, intelligent system—delivering results at ten times the speed of human workers.

The Challenge of Cotton Topping

Cotton topping involves removing the plant’s top bud to redirect nutrients to lateral branches, boosting boll formation and yield. Traditionally, this process has been:

• Labor-intensive: Required large numbers of seasonal workers.
• Time-consuming: Manual topping is slow, inefficient, and prone to inconsistency.
• Physically demanding: Workers must bend and reach for hours in hot fields, leading to fatigue and potential errors.

The Technology Behind the Robot

The new robot was developed through a collaboration between Xinjiang University and EAVision Robotic Technologies. Key features include:

• Laser Topping: Uses a high-powered blue laser to vaporize the terminal bud without touching the plant, ensuring non-contact, non-damaging operation.
• Solid-State LiDAR & Machine Vision: Advanced sensors and AI-driven vision systems allow the robot to identify and target the correct bud, even as plants sway in the wind.
• Precision & Efficiency: Achieves 98.9% accuracy in bud detection, with less than 3% plant damage and over 82% topping success rate in field trials.
• Speed: Processes 0.4–0.53 hectares per hour, making it at least 10 times faster than manual labor.

Field Deployment and Impact

• First Large-Scale Trials: The robot has been deployed in demonstration bases across Xinjiang, a region responsible for 90% of China’s cotton production.
• Scalability: The technology is being promoted for large-scale use, with operation orders covering thousands of hectares.
• Around-the-Clock Operation: Robots can work day and night, unaffected by weather or fatigue, further increasing productivity.
• Economic Benefits: By automating topping, farmers save on labor costs and can expect higher yields due to more precise nutrient management.

Comparison: Manual vs. Robotic Topping

Feature	Manual Topping	Cotton Topping Robot
Speed	~0.27 hectares/day	0.4–0.53 hectares/hour
Consistency	Variable	Highly consistent
Labor Requirement	High	Minimal
Plant Damage	Higher risk	<3%
Accuracy	Inconsistent	98.9%
Environmental Impact	Can be damaging	Non-contact, eco-friendly

Broader Significance

This innovation marks a major step toward fully mechanized cotton farming in China. It addresses labor shortages, reduces production costs, and supports sustainable agriculture by minimizing plant damage and chemical use. The robot’s success also highlights China’s rapid progress in smart farming and its commitment to modernizing traditional industries.

Conclusion

China’s cotton topping robot is not just a technological marvel—it’s a game changer for the global cotton industry. By fully automating a once laborious task at unprecedented speed and accuracy, it sets a new standard for agricultural efficiency and sustainability.

References

• China’s new cotton topping robot fully automates laborious task at 10x speed | The Times Of Innovations
• China’s cotton topping robot promises fully automated production of Xinjiang crop | South China Morning Post
• The world’s first cotton laser topping robot successfully developed in China’s Xinjiang-China Xinjiang
• The world’s first cotton laser topping robot successfully developed in China’s Xinjiang-China Xinjiang
• The world’s first cotton laser topping robot successfully developed in China’s Xinjiang – Global Times
• China’s cotton topping robot promises fully automated production of Xinjiang crop | South China Morning Post
• Intelligent cotton topping robots busy working at cotton fields in NW China’s Xinjiang-TIANSHANNET-天山网

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As the global population ages, the need for innovative solutions to support elderly health and independence is becoming increasingly urgent. Smart garments—wearable textiles embedded with electronic sensors—are emerging as a transformative technology for elderly health monitoring and active living.

Why Smart Garments for the Elderly?

• Aging and Health Challenges: Elderly individuals are more likely to develop comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. Continuous health monitoring can help prevent complications and reduce hospitalizations.
• Preference for Independence: Most elderly people prefer to remain in their own homes, even if it means higher caregiver costs. Smart garments enable unobtrusive monitoring, supporting autonomy while ensuring safety.
• Rising Healthcare Costs: With the number of people over 79 expected to triple by 2060, healthcare systems face mounting pressure. Smart garments can help streamline care and reduce costs by enabling early intervention and remote monitoring.

How Do Smart Garments Work?

Smart garments incorporate biomedical sensors into comfortable, everyday clothing, allowing them to monitor vital signs such as:

• Pulse
• Body temperature
• Skin moisture (humidity)
• Breathing rhythm

The data collected is processed by embedded microcontrollers and transmitted wirelessly to aggregators like smartphones or directly to cloud platforms. This enables real-time monitoring by healthcare professionals or caregivers, and can trigger alerts in case of abnormal readings.

Key Components

• Sensors: Noninvasive, miniaturized devices for continuous monitoring of physiological parameters.
• Conductive Yarns: Special fibers (e.g., stainless steel, copper, or polymer-based) woven into textiles to transmit electrical signals without sacrificing comfort or flexibility.
• Embedded Electronics: Microcontrollers and communication modules integrated into the fabric or attached via modular connectors.
• Cloud Computing: Data storage, analysis, and decision support systems, ensuring data privacy and accessibility for authorized users.

Benefits of Smart Garments

• Comfort and Usability: Designed to be lightweight, flexible, and washable, smart garments minimize discomfort and maximize wearability.
• Continuous, Nonintrusive Monitoring: Unlike traditional hospital equipment, smart garments allow for mobility and normal daily activities.
• Early Detection and Alerts: Real-time data analysis enables early detection of health issues (e.g., heart irregularities, hypoglycemia), reducing emergency incidents1.
• Reduced Healthcare Costs: By enabling remote monitoring and timely interventions, smart garments help decrease hospital admissions and caregiver expenses.
• Data-Driven Decisions: Cloud-based analytics support healthcare providers in making informed decisions and personalizing care plans.

Challenges and Considerations

• Integration and Durability: Embedding electronics into textiles while maintaining comfort and washability is a technical challenge.
• Data Accuracy and Fault Tolerance: Textile properties can affect signal quality. Systems must be designed to handle data loss and ensure reliable readings.
• Privacy and Security: Handling sensitive health data requires robust security and privacy measures, especially when using cloud platforms.
• Power Consumption: Ensuring sufficient battery life and low power operation is essential for practical, long-term use.

Future Directions

• Advanced Materials: Research is ongoing into new fibers and coatings to improve conductivity, comfort, and durability.
• Enhanced Data Fusion: Combining data from multiple sensors and sources for more accurate health assessments and predictive analytics.
• Personalized Monitoring: Tailoring sensor configurations and alert thresholds to individual health profiles and risk factors.
• Integration with IoT and Smart Homes: Connecting smart garments with other ambient sensors and devices for a holistic approach to elderly care1.

Conclusion

Smart garments represent a promising frontier in elderly health monitoring and active living. By seamlessly blending technology with everyday clothing, they empower seniors to maintain independence, improve quality of life, and enable caregivers and healthcare providers to deliver proactive, data-driven care.

References

1. Aileni, R. M., Valderrama, A. C., & Strungaru, R. (2017). Wearable electronics for elderly health monitoring and active living. In Ambient Assisted Living and Enhanced Living Environments (pp. 247-272). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-805195-5.00010-7
2. Baig, M. M., GholamHosseini, H., & Connolly, M. J. (2019). Wearable technologies for health promotion and disease prevention in older adults: Systematic scoping review and evidence map. International Journal of Medical Informatics, 123, 104-119. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2019.01.006
3. Pantelopoulos, A., & Bourbakis, N. G. (2010). A survey on wearable sensor-based systems for health monitoring and prognosis. IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics, Part C (Applications and Reviews), 40(1), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1109/TSMCC.2009.2032660
4. Heikenfeld, J., Jajack, A., Rogers, J., Gutruf, P., Tian, L., Pan, T., … & Kim, J. (2018). Wearable sensors: Modalities, challenges, and prospects. Lab on a Chip, 18(2), 217-248. https://doi.org/10.1039/C7LC00914C
5. Stoppa, M., & Chiolerio, A. (2014). Wearable electronics and smart textiles: A critical review. Sensors, 14(7), 11957-11992. https://doi.org/10.3390/s140711957
6. Dias, D., & Paulo Silva Cunha, J. (2018). Wearable health devices—Vital sign monitoring, systems and technologies. Sensors, 18(8), 2414. https://doi.org/10.3390/s18082414
7. Majumder, S., Mondal, T., & Deen, M. J. (2017). Wearable sensors for remote health monitoring. Sensors, 17(1), 130. https://doi.org/10.3390/s17010130
8. Stavropoulos, T. G., Papastergiou, A., Mpaltadoros, L., Nikolopoulos, S., & Kompatsiaris, I. (2020). IoT Wearable Sensors and Devices in Elderly Care: A Literature Review. Sensors, 20(10), 2826. https://doi.org/10.3390/s20102826
9. Pinheiro, G. P. M., Miranda, R. K., Praciano, B. J. G., Santos, G. A., Mendonça, F. L. L., Javidi, E., da Costa, J. P. J., & de Sousa, R. T., Jr (2022). Multi-Sensor Wearable Health Device Framework for Real-Time Monitoring of Elderly Patients Using a Mobile Application and High-Resolution Parameter Estimation. Frontiers in human neuroscience, 15, 750591. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2021.750591
10. Wenjin, H., Tajuddin, R. M., & Shariff, S. M. (2024). Construction of Smart Clothing Service System for the Health and Well-Being of the Aging Community in a Sustainable Society. Journal of Lifestyle and SDGs Review, 5(2), e02870. https://doi.org/10.47172/2965-730X.SDGsReview.v5.n02.pe02870