Prelims Focus 18 July 2026

White Rabbit Technology Demonstration Network

In News: Union Minister launched the network at RRSL, Jakkur, Bengaluru. Demostrating White Rabbit (WR) technology-based Indian Standard Time (IST) distribution.

What is White Rabbit Technology?

• Origin: Developed by CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research).
• Feature: Open-source Ethernet-based technology for sub-nanosecond synchronization.
• Accuracy: Syncs data networks within 1 nanosecond over long distances.

Key Significance

• Sovereignty: Ensures secure, independent, and precise IST distribution.
• Applications: Enhances telecommunications, 5G networks, power grids, and financial trading.
• Infrastructure: Reduces reliance on foreign satellite-based GPS timing systems.

INS Malvan

In News: The Indian Navy is set to commission INS Malvan on 22 July 2026. The ceremony will be led by Air Chief Marshal A P Singh (Chief of the Air Staff). Attended by Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Chief of the Western Naval Command. 

Specifications & Design

• Class & Type: Second vessel of the Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC).
• Builder: Designed and constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL).
• Indigenisation: Features over 80% indigenous content, aligning with Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
• Dimensions: Measures approximately 80 metres in length with a displacement of 1,100 tonnes.
• Propulsion: Utilises advanced waterjet propulsion for superior manoeuvrability in shallow zones. 

Strategic Significance

• Primary Role: Designed to detect, track, and neutralise enemy submarines in coastal and littoral waters.
• Fleet Replacement: Intended to systematically replace the ageing Abhay-class corvettes.
• Versatility: Engineered to undertake mine warfare and Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO). 

Muricatacin

In News: The researchers were able to synthesize muricatacin in the laboratory in an easy and more efficient manner by converting other fatty acids.

• Conversion of Fatty Acids: Straight-chain carbon compounds like fatty acids are some of the most commonly available chemicals in nature. 
  • On the other hand, many of the biologically-relevant organic compounds, including several drugs, have ring-shaped molecular structures. 
  • Scientists often go through a multi-step process to convert the easily-available fatty acids into more useful molecules with a variety of applications.
• Muricatacin: Researchers used their new method to synthesize more than 10 biologically and industrially relevant molecules including a molecule called muricatacin.
  • Muricatacin is naturally found in Laxman phal (soursop) and is believed to have anti-cancer properties. 
  • Extracting muricatacin from naturally-occurring substances is considered extremely difficult and inefficient.
  • Only about 15 mg of muricatacin is obtained from about 15 kg of plant material, and that too is mixed with other substances.
  • The researchers were able to synthesize muricatacin in the laboratory in an easy and more efficient manner by converting other fatty acids.
  • They were then able to modify this compound in such a manner that it exhibited anti-cancer properties comparable to muricatacin obtained from natural plants.

Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme (MPMS)

In News: Union Cabinet approved new Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme (MPMS) with financial outlay of INR 62,500 crore.

• The goal of the Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme (MPMS) is to expand mobile production and enhance competitiveness worldwide.
• It is a five-year scheme, which will run from FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31.
• Features: It offers incentive support of 2.25 per cent to 5 per cent on eligible mobile phone sales of Indian manufacturers.
• Manufacturers will also get an extra support of up to 1.5 per cent on a higher percentage of procurement of major components and sub-assemblies from domestic sources. 
• It provides a further 3 per cent incentive on qualified purchases for companies investing in product design, research and development, and development of Indian brands.
• Objectives: It seeks to boost domestic value addition, support value chain strengthening, increase exports and solidify India’s role as a global Electronics Manufacturing Hub (ECH).
• During its operation, it is expected to yield a total mobile phone manufacturing value to the tune of ₹39 lakh crore and boost exports and provide about 60,000 direct employment opportunities.

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