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Subject: “Biology,Human Physiology”

  • India using too many powerful antibiotics meant for specific infections: Study

    Why in the News?

    A study published in The Lancet Public Health finds that India overuses ‘Watch’ category antibiotics while underusing ‘Access’ and ‘Reserve’ category drugs under the World Health Organization (WHO)’s AWaRe (Access, Watch, Reserve) classification, raising concerns about the country’s antimicrobial resistance (AMR) trajectory.

    Key Highlights

    1. The study is based on Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) prescription data analysed using the WHO AWaRe classification.
    2. India shows disproportionate use of broad-spectrum ‘Watch’ category antibiotics, which carry a higher risk of antimicrobial resistance.
    3. ‘Access’ category antibiotics (first-line, lower resistance risk) and ‘Reserve’ category antibiotics (last-resort drugs) are comparatively underused.

    Back2Basics

    WHO AWaRe Classification (2017)

    1. Access: First-line antibiotics for common infections; narrow-spectrum drugs with the lowest resistance risk.
    2. Watch: Broad-spectrum antibiotics with higher resistance potential; should be prescribed selectively.
    3. Reserve: Last-resort antibiotics for treating multidrug-resistant infections; should be used only when all other options fail.

    Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

    • Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is the ability of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites) to survive exposure to drugs that would normally kill them or inhibit their growth.
    • It is primarily driven by the overuse and misuse of antimicrobials in humans, animals, and agriculture.

    (2019) Which of the following are the reasons for the occurrence of multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens in India?

    1. Genetic predisposition of some people
    2. Taking incorrect doses of antibiotics to cure diseases
    3. Using antibiotics in livestock farming
    4. Multiple chronic diseases in some people

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    (a) 1 and 2
    (b) 2 and 3 only
    (c) 1, 3 and 4
    (d) 2, 3 and 4

  • India Approves First Dengue Vaccine (QDENGA)

    Why in News?

    India has approved its first dengue vaccine, QDENGA (TAK-003), developed by Takeda Biopharmaceuticals, after receiving market authorization from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI).

    Key Highlights

    • First dengue vaccine approved in India.
    • Approved for individuals aged 4 to 60 years.
    • Type: Live attenuated tetravalent vaccine.
    • Protects against all four dengue virus serotypes (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, DENV-4).
    • Dosage: Two doses administered 3 months apart.
    • Can be given irrespective of previous dengue infection.
    • No pre-vaccination screening is required.

    Clinical Performance

    • Based on 19 Phase I, II and III clinical trials involving over 28,000 participants.
    • Phase III (TIDES) trial enrolled 20,000+ participants across eight dengue-endemic countries.
    • 80.2% efficacy against confirmed dengue (12 months after second dose).
    • 90.4% efficacy against dengue-related hospitalization (18 months).
    • Long-term studies showed sustained protection for up to 7 years.

    Global Status

    • Approved in 43 countries.
    • WHO recommends its use in high dengue transmission settings.
    • Received WHO prequalification.
    • Included in the national immunization programmes of Brazil and public programmes in Argentina, Colombia, and Indonesia.

    About Dengue

    • Cause: Dengue virus (Flavivirus).
    • Vector: Female Aedes aegypti mosquito (also Aedes albopictus).
    • Transmission: Mosquito-borne (not spread directly from person to person).
    • Symptoms: High fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, skin rash, and bleeding in severe cases.
    • Severe Form: Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) and Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS).

    [2023] ‘Wolbachia method’ is sometimes talked about with reference to which one of the following?

    [A] Controlling the viral diseases spread by mosquitoes.

    [B] Converting crop residues into packing material.

    [C] Producing biodegradable plastics.

    [D] Producing biochar from thermo- chemical conversion of biomass

  • International Biology Olympiad (IBO) 2026

    Why in News?

    India won 1 Gold and 3 Silver medals at the 37th International Biology Olympiad (IBO) 2026, held in Vilnius, Lithuania.

    Key Highlights

    • Host: Vilnius, Lithuania.
    • Participants: 307 students from 78 countries.
    • India’s Performance: 1 Gold and 3 Silver medals.
    • India’s Overall IBO Medal Tally: 17 Gold, 69 Silver, 17 Bronze, and 1 Honourable Mention
    • This was India’s 26th participation in the IBO.

    About the International Biology Olympiad (IBO)

    • International Biology Olympiad (IBO) is an annual global biology competition for secondary school students.
    • Established: 1990.
    • Hosted by a different country every year.
    • Includes theoretical and practical examinations.
    • Covers Cell & Molecular Biology, Genetics, Evolution, Plant & Animal Biology, Ecology, and Biosystematics.

    Prelims Value Addition

    Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE)

    • HBCSE is a constituent institution of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR).
    • It coordinates India’s Science Olympiad Programme and prepares Indian teams for international Olympiads.

    [2026] X’, born in the UK, was conferred the Nobel Prize in 2025. He was a professor in an American university when this prize was announced. Identify X’:

    [A] Michel H. Devoret

    [B] Richard Robson

    [C] John Clarke

    [D] Joel Mokyr

  • Engineering Biology Roadmap 2035

    Why in News?

    The Government launched the Roadmap: “Building India as a Leading Bioeconomy Powerhouse by 2035” and announced India’s first Engineering Biology undergraduate course to develop a future-ready biotechnology workforce.

    Key Highlights

    • First Engineering Biology Graduation Course to be introduced in India.
    • Objective: Build a sovereign biotechnology ecosystem by integrating engineering, biology, medicine and AI.
    • IITs are preparing interdisciplinary programmes in collaboration with medical institutions.
    • Focus on AI-driven biology, synthetic biology and advanced biomanufacturing.
    • Bioeconomy Growth Fund: Proposed ₹50,000 crore to support innovation and commercialization.
    • Emphasis on industry-academia partnerships, talent development and indigenous biomanufacturing.

    What is Engineering Biology?

    • Engineering Biology is an interdisciplinary field that applies engineering principles to biological systems for designing and modifying organisms to develop useful products and technologies.

    Applications

    • Precision medicine and gene therapies, CAR-T cell therapy, Sustainable biofuels and bio-based chemicals, Climate-resilient agriculture, Alternative proteins and food systems, and Environmental remediation

    India’s Bioeconomy: Key Facts

    • Grew from ~USD 10 billion (2014) to ~USD 95 billion (2026).
    • Expected to reach USD 300 billion by 2030.
    • Roadmap targets USD 700 billion by 2035.
    • Over 11,000 biotechnology startups.
    • Nearly 100 bio-incubators.
    • Annual growth rate: 15 to 18%.
    • Contributes around 4.8% of GDP.

    Government Initiatives

    • BioE3 Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Employment and Environment)
    • Promotion of AI-enabled biology and synthetic biology.
    • Strengthening bio-manufacturing and biotechnology innovation ecosystem.
    • Expansion of biotechnology education and skilled workforce.

    Prelims Facts

    • Synthetic Biology: Designing or modifying biological systems for useful applications.
    • Biomanufacturing: Using living organisms or biological processes to manufacture products.
    • CAR-T Cell Therapy: Personalized immunotherapy where a patient’s T cells are genetically modified to attack cancer cells.
    • DNA Vaccine: Uses genetically engineered DNA to trigger an immune response.

    [2025] With reference to monoclonal antibodies, often mentioned in news, consider the following statements:
    I. They are man-made proteins.
    II. They stimulate immunological function due to their ability to bind to specific antigens.
    III. They are used in treating viral infections like that of Nipah virus.
    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    [A] I and II only

    [B] II and III only

    [C] I and III only

    [D] 1, II and III

  • NeoSep1 Trial to Combat Antimicrobial Resistant Neonatal Sepsis

    Why in News?

    India has joined the NeoSep1 international trial to evaluate effective antibiotic combinations for treating antimicrobial resistant (AMR) neonatal sepsis.

    Key Highlights

    • NeoSep1 is a multicentric clinical trial led by GARDP and international partners.
    • India’s first participants were enrolled at:
      • JIPMER, Puducherry
      • PGIMS, Rohtak
    • The trial aims to enrol 3,000 newborns across Asia and Africa by 2028.
    • Uses a Personalised Randomised Controlled Trial (PRACTical) design to identify the most effective antibiotic regimens.
    • Primary outcome: 28 day survival; secondary outcomes include 90 day survival, hospital stay, and need for additional antibiotics.

    Neonatal Sepsis

    • A life threatening bloodstream infection in infants below 90 days of age.
    • Classified as:
      • Early onset: Within 72 hours of birth.
      • Late onset: Up to 28 to 90 days after birth.
    • Premature and low birth weight babies are at the highest risk.

    India and AMR

    • Accounts for 30 to 40% of neonatal deaths in India.
    • Causes an estimated 2 to 2.5 lakh preventable deaths annually.
    • Predominant pathogens: Klebsiella pneumoniae. Escherichia coli. Acinetobacter spp. Pseudomonas aeruginosa
    • These organisms often exhibit multidrug resistance, unlike developed countries where Group B Streptococcus is the leading cause.

    [2019] Which of the following are the reasons for the occurrence of multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens in India?
    1. Genetic predisposition of some people
    2. Taking incorrect doses of antibiotics to cure diseases
    3. Using antibiotics in livestock farming
    4. Multiple chronic diseases in some people
    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    [A] 1 and 2

    [B] 2 and 3 only

    [C] 1, 3 and 4

    [D] 2, 3 and 4

  • Consider the following minerals

    Consider the following minerals :
    (1). Calcium
    (2). Iron
    (3). Sodium
    Which of the minerals given above is/are required by human body for the contraction of
    muscles?

  • Which of the following statements is/are correct

    Which of the following statements is/are correct?
    (1). Viruses lack enzymes necessary for the generation of energy.
    (2). Viruses can be cultured in any synthetic medium.
    (3). Viruses are transmitted from one organism to another by biological vectors only.
    Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

  • Consider the following statements

    Consider the following statements :
    I. No virus can survive in/ocean waters.
    II. No virus can infect bacteria.
    III. No virus can change the cellular transcriptional activity in host cells.
    Which of the statements given above are correct?

  • Which one of the following is not a digestive enzyme in the human system

    Which one of the following is not a digestive enzyme in the human system?

  • Production of which one of the following is a function of the liver

    Production of which one of the following is a function of the liver?