News:-
CSIR–National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR–NIIST), Thiruvananthapuram, transferred designer rice technology to Tata Consumer Products Limited and SS Sol Foods, Tamil Nadu, at a
technology transfer ceremony held at CSIR Headquarters in New Delhi on February 18, 2026.
Key Points:-
- Developed by CSIR–National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR–NIIST), Thiruvananthapuram.
- High-protein, low-glycemic index (GI) rice enriched with essential micronutrients.
◦Three times more protein (approximately 20-22%) than conventional cereals and with a glycemic index less than 55. - Rice enriched with iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12.
- Manufactured using food processing technology.
◦Developed by splitting the rice grain into its primary components – starch, protein, and fiber – and then precisely recombining them. - Capable of addressing type 2 diabetes and protein and micronutrient deficiencies (hidden hunger).
- Tata Transformation Prize (2024) awarded to Dr. C. Anandaramakrishnan for developing designer rice.
Important Fact:-
- India is the first country in the world to develop genome-edited rice varieties.
◦The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed two genome-edited rice varieties:
01. DRR Rice 100 (Kamla) – developed from Samba Mahsuri (BPT 5204) By ICAR IIRR, Hyderabad.
02. Pusa DST Rice 1 – developed from MTU 1010 By ICAR IARI, New Delhi.
India's first open-access Quantum Reference Facility:-
- India's first open-access Amaravati Quantum Reference Facility (AQRF) inaugurated by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on April 14.
◦Two centers, Amaravati 1S at SRM University, Neerukonda, and Amaravati 1Q at Medha Towers, Gannavaram, were inaugurated on the occasion of World Quantum Day. - Indigenously developed by leading national institutions including the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), the Indian Institute of Science (IISc),DRDO, and IIT Bombay, in collaboration with Qubitech and Qubit Force.
- Objective: To enable researchers and companies to test and validate quantum
hardware.
Amaravati, the capital of Andhra Pradesh, has been designated as the site of India's first "Quantum Valley" under the National Quantum Mission (NQM).
Expected MCQs:-
Q 01. With reference to 'designer rice', consider the following statements:
1. It contains three times more protein than conventional grains.
2. It has a low glycemic index.
3. It has been created through genetic modification.
4. It is deficient in folic acid and vitamin B12.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(A) Only one
(B) Only two
(C) Only three
(D) All four
Q 02. With reference to the Amaravati Quantum Reference Facility (AQRF),consider the following statements:
1. It is India's first open-access quantum testing facility.
2. It was inaugurated by N. Chandrababu Naidu.
3. It has been developed solely by private companies, with no government involvement.
4. Its purpose is to provide researchers and companies with facilities for testing and validation of quantum hardware.
5. Amravati has been designated as "Quantum Valley" under the National Quantum Mission.
Choose the correct statement(s) from the above.
(A) 1, 2, and 4 only
(B) 1, 2, 4, and 5 only
(C) 2 and 3 only
(D) 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
Watch Full Video👇:-
Amaravati Quantum Facility + Designer Rice Click Here👈