Scientists from the “CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology” have developed an enhanced genome-editing system using FnCas9that can modify DNA more precisely and more efficiently than existing CRISPR-based technologies.
CRISPR occurs naturally in some bacteria, as a part of their immune system that limits infections by recognizing and destroying viral DNA.
What is FnCas9?
FnCas9 is a variant of the Cas9 enzyme derived from the bacterium Francisella novicida.
It is used in genome editing technologies, particularly within the CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) system, to make precise modifications to DNA sequences.
What is CRISPR-Cas9 System?
CRISPR-Cas9 is a revolutionary genome-editing tool adapted from a natural bacterial defense mechanism against viruses.
Bacteria use CRISPR sequences to store segments of viral DNA, which helps them recognize and combat viruses in subsequent infections.
The most commonly usedCas9 enzyme is derived from Streptococcus pyogenes.
Mechanism:
Guide RNA (gRNA): A specifically designed RNA molecule that matches the target DNA sequence.
Cas9 Enzyme: Acts as molecular scissors that cut DNA at a location specified by the gRNA.
Proto-spacer Adjacent Motif (PAM): A short DNA sequence adjacent to the target site that Cas9 must recognize and bind to in order to cut the DNA.
DNA Repair: Once the DNA is cut, the cell’s natural repair mechanisms either repair the break or introduce desired genetic changes.
Applications:
Agriculture: Enhancing crop yield and nutritional value.
Healthcare: Diagnosing and treating genetic disorders.
Research: Studying gene functions and interactions.
Challenges with Traditional Cas9: SpCas9 can sometimes cut DNA at unintended sites, leading to potential unintended genetic modifications.
How FnCas9 overpowers traditional Cas9 (SpCas9)?
FnCas9 is known for its higher specificityin targeting DNA sequences compared to SpCas9, resulting in fewer off-target effects.
More accurate targeting reduces unintended genetic modifications.
It ensures more reliable and safer genome editing.
Achievements by Indian Scientists
Scientists at the CSIR-IGIB in New Delhi have modified FnCas9 to enhance its efficiency without compromising specificity.
Key Modifications include:
Amino Acid Tinkering: Researchers modified amino acids in FnCas9 that interact with the PAM sequence to increase binding affinity.
Improved Binding: Enhanced binding affinity allows FnCas9 to sit more securely on the DNA, improving gene-editing effectiveness.
Flexibility: The enhanced FnCas9 can access and edit hard-to-reach regions of the genome.
Experimental Results:
Enhanced FnCas9 cuts target DNA at a higher rate than the unmodified version.
FnCas9 improved ability to detect single-nucleotide changes in the genome, broadening its diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
PYQ:
[2019] What is Cas9 protein that is often mentioned in news?
(a) A molecular scissors used in targeted gene editing
(b) A biosensor used in the accurate detection of pathogens in patients
(c) A gene that makes plants pest-resistant
(d) A herbicidal substance synthesized in genetically modified crops
[2016] In the context of the developments in Bioinformatics, the term ‘transcriptome’, sometimes seen in the news, refers to:
(a) a range of enzymes used in genome editing
(b) the full range of mRNA molecules expressed by an organism
(c) the description of the mechanism of gene expression
(d) a mechanism of genetic mutations taking place in cells
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has reviewed and approved amendments to the deal for 31 MQ-9B High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) from General Atomics of the US.
The DAC also approved a proposal for the scheduled refit of aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya later this year.
About MQ-9B HALE UAV
The MQ-9B drone is a version of the MQ-9 “Reaper” and has two models: Sky Guardian and Sea Guardian.
It is built by the General Atomics.
This drone can fly over 40,000 feet high, making it useful for watching the Himalayan border areas.
It can stay in the air for up to 40 hours, perfect for long surveillance missions.
The MQ-9B has advanced features like automatic take-off and landing, a system to avoid other objects, secure GPS, and encrypted communications.
It can offer 80% of a manned aircraft’s capabilities at 20% of the cost per hour.
Deployment:
The MQ-9B drones are planned to be deployed at four places, including INS Rajaji near Chennai and Porbandar in Gujarat, by the Indian Navy.
The other two services will keep them jointly at two bases in Sarsawa and Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh at Air Force bases due to long runway requirements.
Specifications of the Procurement:
India is looking to procure 31 MQ-9B UAVs, including 15 Sea Guardians for the Indian Navy and 16 Sky Guardians (eight each for the Indian Army and Air Force).
The Indian Navy has leased two MQ-9As with the maiden flight taking place on November 21, 2020.
The estimated cost is $3.99 billion.
As part of the deal, General Atomics will establish a Global Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India, contributing to offset obligations.
Significance of the deal
The SeaGuardian model can help the Navy patrol large areas more economically than manned aircraft.
For the Army and Air Force, these drones will help monitor movements along the borders, especially with China.
Back2Basics: Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)
Details
Constitution
Established under the Defence Ministry for guiding defence procurement planning.
Role
Highest decision-making body in the Defence Ministry for new policies and capital acquisitions for the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Indian Coast Guard.
Formation
Created in 2001 following recommendations on reforming the National Security System after the Kargil War.
Chairman
Minister of Defence.
Members
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Minister of State for Defence, Three Service Chiefs (Army, Navy, Air Force), Chief of Integrated Staff Committees, Defence Secretary, Secretary Defence Research & Development.
Functions
In-principle approval of the 15 Year Long-Term Integrated Perspective Plan for Defence Forces.
Accord of Acceptance of Necessity for acquisition proposals.
Categorize acquisition proposals into ‘Buy’, ‘Buy & Make’, and ‘Make’.
Decisions on offset provisions for acquisitions above Rs. 300 crores.
Decisions regarding the transfer of technology under the ‘Buy & Make’ category.
PYQ:
[2018] What is “Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)”, sometimes seen in the news?
(a) An Israeli radar system
(b) India’s indigenous anti-missile programme
(c) An American anti-missile system
(d) A defence collaboration between Japan and South Korea
Scientists reported on July 22 in Nature Geoscience that an unknown process is generating oxygen in the deep oceans, where photosynthesis is not possible due to the lack of light.
About the recent study:
Discovery of Oxygen: Scientists reported an unknown process producing oxygen in the deep ocean, specifically in the abyssal zone, where photosynthesis is not feasible due to insufficient sunlight.
Location of Study: The study was conducted in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, located off Mexico’s west coast, which is known for having the highest concentration of polymetallic nodules.
Oxygen Measurement: At a depth of 4 km, researchers observed unexpected increases in oxygen levels, sometimes tripling within two days, contrary to expectations of decreasing levels due to consumption by marine life.
Source of Oxygen: The researchers hypothesized that the oxygen could be generated by polymetallic nodules, which may create electric charges that split water molecules, releasing oxygen. The nodules exhibited voltages up to 0.95 V, suggesting they could function like battery cells.
What is Deep-Sea Mining?
Deep-Sea Mining: It involves extracting minerals from the ocean floor at great depths, targeting resources such as polymetallic nodules, polymetallic sulphides, and cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts.
Economic and Strategic Importance of Deep-sea Mining:
Resource Potential: The Clarion-Clipperton Zone holds substantial reserves, including 6 billion tonnes of manganese, and over 200 million tonnes each of copper and nickel, making it a significant target for future mining operations.
International Contracts: The International Seabed Authority has granted exploration contracts to various contractors, including the Government of India, for deep-sea mining activities.
What is Dark Oxygen?
“Dark oxygen” refers to the oxygen found in the deep ocean, specifically in regions where photosynthesis cannot occur due to the absence of sunlight. In such areas, known as the abyssal zone, oxygen levels are typically low and depend on global ocean circulation for replenishment.
Impact of Deep-Sea Mining
Ecological Concerns:
Potential Damage: The recent findings highlight the potential risks of deep-sea mining to unique marine ecosystems that depend on ‘dark oxygen’. There is concern that mining could disrupt these ecosystems, leading to significant and possibly irreversible environmental impacts.
Historical Evidence: Previous experiments, such as the DISCOL Experiment, have shown long-term ecological damage from simulated mining activities, including reduced biodiversity and altered sedimentological profiles.
Industry Response and Challenges:
Insurance Withdrawal: In response to growing concerns, major European insurance companies announced they would exclude deep-sea mining from their underwriting portfolios.
Sustainability Issues: The new discovery of ‘dark oxygen’ adds complexity to the debate on deep-sea mining. If sustainable practices are not implemented, such mining could become unfeasible due to its potential negative impacts on marine ecosystems.
Way forward:
Develop Comprehensive Environmental Regulations: The Government should establish and enforce robust environmental regulations and impact assessment protocols for deep-sea mining.
Promote Sustainable Mining Practices: Need to invest in research and innovation to develop and implement technologies and methods that minimize environmental impact.
Mains PYQ:
Q Coastal sand mining, whether legal or illegal, poses one of the biggest threats to our environment. Analyse the impact of sand mining along the Indian coasts, citing specific examples. (2019)
President Cyril Ramaphosa signed a law imposing mandatory emission curbs on large industries and requiring climate adaptation plans to meet South Africa’s Paris Agreement commitments.
Features of the Law:
Mandatory Emission Curbs: The legislation imposes mandatory limits on emissions from large, fossil-fuel-heavy industries.
Climate-Adaptation Plans: It requires towns and villages to develop and implement climate-adaptation plans.
Emissions Reduction Commitments: The law aims to help South Africa meet its emissions reduction commitments under the Paris Agreement.
Significance of this law:
Data-Driven Approach: The law is based on emissions data and trends, such as the decrease from 512 Mt CO2e in 2017 to 405 Mt CO2e in 2022 will help in sustained efforts in emission reduction.
Reduction in Emissions: The law aims to significantly reduce South Africa’s greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with the Paris Agreement. This is a crucial step for South Africa’s status as one of the top 15 GHG emitters globally.
Transition from Coal: South Africa relies heavily on coal for electricity generation. The bill’s mandatory curbs on emissions from large, fossil-fuel-heavy industries are a critical step towards reducing dependence on coal and shifting towards cleaner energy sources.
Does India have an omnibus legislation on climate change?
No Comprehensive Legislation: India does not have a comprehensive, omnibus legislation specifically addressing climate change.
Climate Change in Existing Acts: Climate change is addressed within multiple existing Acts and subordinate legislation, such as the Environmental Protection Act, Forest Conservation Act, Energy Conservation Act, and Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act.
Private Member’s Bill: A Private Member’s Bill called the Council on Climate Change Bill was proposed by Rajya Sabha parliamentarian Priyanka Chaturvedi in 2022, which aimed to establish a Council to advise the Union government on climate change matters, but there has been no significant progress on this bill.
Supreme Court Ruling: The Supreme Court recognized the “right against the adverse effects of climate change” and highlighted the need for comprehensive climate change legislation, linking the impact of climate change to citizens’ rights of liberty, life, and equality.
Way forward:
Comprehensive Legislation and Institutional Framework: India should work towards enacting comprehensive climate change legislation that integrates and harmonizes existing laws related to environmental protection, energy conservation, and pollution control.
Enhanced Research and Implementation Support: Need to invest in extensive scientific research to evaluate the efficacy and potential impacts of transitioning to low-carbon and renewable energy sources.
Mains PYQ:
Q Climate change is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change? (2017)
In the 2024-25 Budget proposals, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman declared that over the next two years, one crore farmers nationwide will be introduced to natural farming, with support provided through certification and branding.
National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF):
The National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) aims to encourage farmers to adopt chemical-free farming practices and willingly shift to natural farming based on the merits of the system.
The government believes the success of NMNF hinges on changing farmers’ behaviour to transition from chemical-based inputs to cow-based, locally-produced inputs, supported by a financial outlay of ₹4,645.69 crore over six years (2019-20 to 2024-25) under the ‘Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati’ scheme.
What is natural farming?
Natural farming avoids the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, instead promoting traditional indigenous practices.
It focuses on recycling on-farm biomass, employing biomass mulching, and utilizing formulations made from cow dung and urine.
Pests are managed through diverse farming practices and on-farm botanical mixtures, strictly excluding all synthetic chemical inputs.
What are the concerns related to Yield?
Yield Reduction: Agricultural experts are concerned that a large-scale transition to natural farming could result in reduced crop yields. Studies have shown significant declines in yield for staples like wheat (59%) and basmati rice (32%) compared to integrated crop management systems.
Food Security: Lower yields from natural farming could threaten food security in a populous country like India, potentially only being able to feed around one-third of the population with staples like wheat and rice.
Findings on the Ground:
Mixed outcomes: Field experiments have shown mixed results. Some studies indicate improved yields and incomes with lower costs due to biological inputs, while others show a decline in productivity.
Good Results in Andra Pradesh: In Andhra Pradesh, adopting natural farming methods has shown promising results, leading to better crop yields and enhanced farmers’ incomes.
Concerns about sustainability and productivity: Agro-scientists from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research (IIFSR) have raised concerns about the sustainability and productivity of natural farming methods.
Differences in Studies:
CESS Study: The Centre for Economic and Social Studies (CESS) and Institute for Development Studies Andhra Pradesh found that natural farming practices led to improved yields and incomes for farmers, thereby enhancing food and nutritional security.
ICAR-IIFSR Study: The study by ICAR-IIFSR reported a significant decline in yields of key crops like wheat and basmati rice when compared to conventional farming practices, suggesting a negative impact on food supply.
Case study of Sri Lanka:
Policy Shift: Sri Lanka’s decision to completely switch to organic farming and ban chemical fertilizers led to economic and political turmoil.
Yield Decline: Farmers struggled to obtain natural fertilizers, resulting in reduced yields of key crops, including rice.
Food Security Risk: The shift put the country’s food security at risk, causing sharp price escalations and widespread protests and unrest.
Way forward:
Localized Implementation and Scientific Validation: Need to conduct rigorous scientific studies and extensive field trials to validate the productivity and viability of natural farming methods before scaling them up nationwide.
Hybrid Approach and Support for Farmers: Govt. should adopt a hybrid approach that combines the best practices of both natural and conventional farming to ensure food security.
India successfully prevented the inclusion of Aquilaria malaccensis (agarwood) in the Review of Significant Trade (RST) of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
CITES notified a new export quota for Aquilaria malaccensis from India, effective April 2024.
What is Agarwood?
Agarwood (the Wood of Gods) also known as “Oud,” is a highly valuable and aromatic resinous wood produced by the Aquilaria tree.
The resin forms in the heartwood of the tree when it becomes infected with a particular type of mold (Phialophora parasitica).
This infection causes the tree to produce a dark, fragrant resin, which is highly sought after for its distinctive aroma.
This contains essential oils with compounds like sesquiterpenes, chromones, and phenylethyl chromone derivatives.
It thrives in tropical forests, at altitudes up to 1000 meters, often found in areas with high humidity and rainfall.
Conservation Status:
IUCN Status: Listed as Critically Endangered.
CITES: Listed in Appendix II in 1995 based on India’s proposal at CoP9 in 1994.
Uses of Agarwood
It is traditionally used as incense.
Extracts (agarwood oil) are used in perfumes, the aroma industry, medicine, air fresheners, and purifiers.
Essential oil has anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, analgesic, and anti-oxidant properties.
Agarwood cultivation is prevalent in parts of India, especially in the Northeast.
This development will benefit lakhs of farmers in districts of Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, and Tripura.
What is the issue over the inclusion of ‘Agarwood’ (Aquilaria malaccensis) in the RST of the CITES list?
Aquilaria malaccensis was listed in Appendix II of CITES in 1995, which means its trade is controlled to avoid utilization incompatible with its survival.
The RST process assesses whether trade in a species is detrimental to its survival and recommends actions to ensure sustainability.
India’s stance was supported by a study conducted by the Botanical Survey of India (BSI), which suggested that the harvest from wild populations should be prohibited, while allowing harvest from plantations and private/community lands.
Arguments against Inclusion in RST
Controlled Harvesting: India argued that it has established controlled harvesting practices, ensuring that only cultivated agarwood is used for trade.
Economic Impact: Inclusion in the RST could have disrupted the livelihoods of farmers and traders who depend on agarwood cultivation, particularly in the northeastern states of Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, and Tripura.
Sustainable Practices: The NDF indicated that the current practices in India were sustainable and that the species was being cultivated widely, reducing pressure on wild populations.
New Export Quota
Establishment of Quota: CITES notified a new export quota for agarwood from India, effective from April 2024. The quota was set at 1,51,080 kg/year for agarwood chips and powder/sawdust, and 7,050 kg/year for agarwood oil.
Formal Trade: The absence of an export quota for a long period had led to informal trade and increased prices. The new quota aims to regulate and legalize the trade, ensuring benefits to local growers and the economy.
[2016] With reference to ‘Red Sanders’, sometimes seen in the news, consider the following statements:
1. It is a tree species found in a part of South India.
2. It is one of the most important trees in the tropical rainforest areas of South India.
Which of the statements given above is /are correct?
Himachal Pradesh is experiencing a reducing snow cover over the years.
There is a noticeable shift in snowfall occurrence from winter months towards early summer months.
Findings from the Latest Study:
The study by the Centre on Climate Change of Himachal Pradesh Council for Science Technology-Environment (HIMCOSTE) shows an overall decrease of 12.72% in snow cover area in 2023-24 compared to 2022-23.
The study used Advanced Wide Field Sensor (AWiFS) satellite data to analyze snow cover trends.
Early winter months (October-November) showed a decrease in snow cover area except for the Ravi basin, which showed a marginal increase in October.
Peak winter months (December-January) saw a negative trend in snow cover area.
Late winter months (February-March) showed a positive trend with an increase in snow cover area in all basins compared to the previous year.
Snow cover area increased in April due to fresh snowfall in the early summer period.
Impact on Water Availability
The decrease in snow cover during peak winter months (December and January) is especially alarming.
Snowfall during these months sustains longer and enhances the discharge dependability of major river basins during summer.
Reduced snow cover in winter could affect water availability during the summer months.
Concerns and Implications
Environmentalists and scientists are concerned about the shifting snowfall patterns.
Depleting snow cover and changing snowfall patterns have significant impacts on hydro-power, water sources, people, livestock, forests, farms, and infrastructure.
Back2Basics: Rivers of Himachal Pradesh
Description
Satluj
Originating from Rakas Lake in Tibet, the Satluj River is the longest river in Himachal Pradesh.
It flows through the districts of Kinnaur, Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, Solan, and Bilaspur, and enters Punjab near Nangal.
The river is crucial for hydropower generation and irrigation.
The withdrawal of theindexation benefit from the long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax regime has emerged as a contentious decision in the Union Budget for 2024-25.
What is Indexation?
Indexation is a method used to adjust the purchase price of an asset to account for inflation over the period it was held.
This reduces the taxable capital gain, as it reflects the increase in the asset’s value due to inflation.
Purpose: To ensure that the taxpayers are taxed only on the real gains and not on the inflationary increase in the value of the asset.
Changes in the LTCG Regime
The new LTCG regime removes the indexation benefit for property, gold, and other unlisted assets.
The LTCG tax rate is reduced from 20% to 12.5%.
For assets purchased before 2001, the fair market value as of April 1, 2001, is considered the cost of acquisition.
Implications of the Changes
The government claims the changes simplify the capital gains tax structure without causing a loss to most taxpayers.
The uniform tax rate for various asset classes is intended to benefit both taxpayers and tax authorities.
Concerns for Taxpayers
There was significant concern, particularly in the residential real estate sector, about increased LTCG tax liabilities.
The government clarified that the new regime would be beneficial in most cases, as real estate returns typically outpace inflation.
The Income Tax Department explained that:
For properties held for 5 years, the new regime is beneficial if the value has appreciated 1.7 times or more, and
For 10 years, if the value has increased to 2.4 times or more.
Back2Basics:Capital Gains Tax Overview
Details
Definition
Tax on profit from the sale of a capital asset.
Launch
Introduced in 1956, as part of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
Types
Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG): Held for ≤36 months (≤12 months for specified assets).
Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG): Held for >36 months (>12 months for specified assets).
Tax Rates (STCG)
With STT: 15%
Without STT: Applicable income tax slab rates.
Tax Rates (LTCG)
Listed Equity Shares & Equity-Oriented Funds: 10% on gains >₹1 lakh without indexation.
Other Assets: 20% with indexation (proposed 12.5% without indexation from FY 24-25).
Indexation
Adjusts purchase price for inflation using Cost Inflation Index (CII).
Purpose of Indexation
To tax only the real gains, accounting for inflation.
Formula (Indexation)
Indexed Cost of Acquisition: (Cost of Acquisition × CII of sale year) / CII of purchase year
Indexed Cost of Improvement: (Cost of Improvement × CII of sale year) / CII of improvement year
PYQ:
[2012] Under which of the following circumstances may ‘capital gains’ arise?
1. When there is an increase in the sales of a product
2. When there is a natural increase in the value of the property owned
3. When you purchase a painting and there is a growth in its value due to increase in its popularity
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Q1 National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient the education system in India. Critically examine the statement. (UPSC IAS/2020)
Q2 The quality of higher education in India requires major improvement to make it internationally competitive. Do you think that the entry of foreign educational institutions would help improve the quality of technical and higher education in the country. Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2015)
Prelims: Q Consider the following statements: 1. As per the Right to Education (RTE) Act, to be eligible for appointment as a teacher in a State, a person would be required to possess the minimum qualification laid down by the concerned State Council of Teacher Education. 2. As per the RTE Act, for teaching primary classes, a candidate is required to pass a Teacher Eligibility Test conducted in accordance with the National Council of Teacher Education guidelines. 3. In India, more than 90% of teacher-5 education institutions are directly under the State Governments. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 (d) 3 only
Note4Students:
Prelims: UDISE+ platform;
Mains:Purpose and Scope of UDISE+;
Mentor comments: The Indian education system is one of the largest globally, encompassing various levels from pre-primary to higher secondary. It includes approximately 1.5 million schools, 9.7 million teachers, and nearly 265 million students. The system follows a “10+2” structure, mandating ten years of schooling before higher education. While it aims to provide quality education, challenges such as disparities between urban and rural areas, rote learning emphasis, and gender inequality persist. Recent reforms, including the National Education Policy, seek to enhance access, quality, and equity in education across the country.
Let’s learn —
Why in the News?
To effectively manage India’s extensive education system, the Ministry of Education developed the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) platform in 2018.
Purpose and Scope of UDISE+
UDISE+ collects real-time information from all recognized and unrecognized schools providing formal education from pre-primary to Class XII. This includes data on school infrastructure, teacher qualifications, student enrollment, and academic performance.
The system utilizes an online DCF( Data collection form) that simplifies data entry and ensures accuracy. Schools are required to upload their data online, which is validated through inbuilt checks.
UDISE+ has become the official statistics system for the Ministry of Education, covering over 1.5 million schools, approximately 9.5 million teachers, and more than 260 million students. This extensive database supports effective planning and resource allocation in the education sector.
Features and Improvements
Real-Time Updates: Since its inception, UDISE+ has transitioned from manual data entry to a digital platform, allowing for real-time updates and more efficient data management.
Unique Identifiers: Each school is assigned a UDISE code, serving as a unique identifier that facilitates the tracking and management of educational data at a national level.
Enhanced Data Categories: The platform includes new data categories such as pre-primary education, sports facilities, library resources, and ICT infrastructure, which were not comprehensively covered in earlier systems.
Regulatory and Compliance Considerations
Data Sharing and Privacy: The Ministry of Education has emphasized the importance of a data-sharing policy for educational data. However, the implementation of this policy must align with the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, which requires clear guidelines on parental consent and the legitimate use of personal data.
Collaboration with Ed-Tech Companies: UDISE+ data is shared with various stakeholders, including ed-tech companies and state governments, to enhance educational outcomes. This collaboration necessitates strict adherence to data protection regulations to ensure student privacy
The three-part test established by the Supreme Court in the landmark case of Justice K.S. Puttaswamy (Retd.) v. Union of India (2018) is essential for evaluating state actions that may infringe on the right to privacy.
Three Conditions of the Test
Legitimate State Interest: There must be a valid and legitimate interest that justifies the restriction of the right to privacy. This means that the state must demonstrate a clear purpose for the action it is taking.
Necessity and Proportionality: The restriction imposed must be necessary and proportionate to achieve the stated interest. This condition ensures that the means employed by the state are appropriate and not overly broad or invasive.
Legal Basis: Any restriction on the right to privacy must be enacted through law. This emphasizes the need for a legal framework that governs the state’s actions, ensuring accountability and adherence to due process.
Need for Standard Operating Procedures
Technical and Legal Framework: There is an urgent need for standard operating procedures that encompass both technical and legal aspects under a comprehensive governance framework. This would ensure data authenticity and clarify legal obligations for stakeholders.
Conscientious Data Sharing: Establishing specific protocols will promote responsible sharing, usage, and retention of children’s personal data, ensuring that such actions are conducted lawfully and securely.
Conclusion: The UDISE+ platform collects extensive educational data, but its integration with Aadhaar and collaboration with ed-tech companies require clear protocols aligned with privacy laws to ensure responsible data handling and protect student rights.
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