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Subject: “Genetics,Biotechnology”

  • Gene Editing’s Bold Move: Permanently Shut Down PCSK9

    Why in the News

    VERVE-102, an experimental in vivo base editing therapy delivered as a single intravenous infusion, permanently switches off the PCSK9 gene inside liver cells and cut LDL cholesterol by about 62 percent in a phase 1 trial. Cholesterol control has until now been a lifelong compliance problem, and a one time genetic change replaces that problem with a permanent, irreversible one.

    How does VERVE-102 work?

    1. What it is: VERVE-102 is not a traditional drug. It is a form of in vivo gene editing, meaning the editing is done inside the patient’s body rather than on cells removed and returned.
    2. Step 1, delivery: Genetic instructions are delivered through a single intravenous infusion.
    3. Step 2, the edit: Those instructions make a one time targeted change to the DNA inside liver cells, altering a single base in the PCSK9 gene.
    4. Step 3, the effect: The edited liver cells permanently lose the ability to produce PCSK9.
    5. Step 4, the outcome: With PCSK9 production switched off, the liver clears more LDL cholesterol from the blood, and the effect persists without repeat dosing.
    6. The stated goal: A single infusion that permanently reduces the liver’s ability to produce PCSK9, so that a one and done cholesterol treatment could eventually replace conventional medicines.

    What is LDL cholesterol?

    1. Definition: LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is called bad cholesterol because high levels make it stick to artery walls and form hard fatty deposits called plaque.
    2. Why it matters: These deposits narrow the arteries and block blood flow, which raises the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

    What is PCSK9 and why is it the target?

    1. What it is: PCSK9 is a protein involved in regulating LDL cholesterol in the blood.
    2. The natural experiment: People who naturally carry certain loss-of-function changes in the PCSK9 gene have lower LDL cholesterol throughout their lives and a lower risk of coronary heart disease.
    3. The inference: Reducing PCSK9 activity is therefore a safe and effective route to lowering cardiovascular risk.
    4. Confirmed by drugs: PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies substantially reduce LDL cholesterol and cardiovascular events, confirming the target.
    5. The limitation VERVE-102 addresses: Traditional medicines temporarily block PCSK9 or reduce its production, so their effects require continued treatment.

    What did the phase 1 trial find?

    1. LDL reduction: LDL cholesterol fell by about 62 percent in the highest dose group after four weeks.
    2. PCSK9 reduction: PCSK9 levels in that group fell by about 88 percent.
    3. Absolute fall: LDL cholesterol decreased by approximately 78 mg/dL on average.
    4. Follow up length: Some participants were followed for at least one year, and the longest follow up reached 18 months.
    5. Durability so far: The reductions in PCSK9 and LDL cholesterol were relatively stable across that period.

    How much cardiovascular risk does that reduction translate into?

    1. The established ratio: For every 1 mmol/L reduction in LDL cholesterol, cardiovascular risk falls by 20 to 22 percent.
    2. Worked case: An LDL cholesterol of 4.0 mmol/L, approximately 155 mg/dL, falling to 1.6 mmol/L is a 60 percent reduction.
    3. Effect of that case: That fall halves the patient’s cardiovascular risk.
    4. What remains unproven: VERVE-102 has not yet been shown to prevent heart attacks or strokes directly.
    5. The supporting evidence: All cholesterol lowering trials so far have shown that lower cholesterol means fewer cardiovascular events, and drugs blocking the PCSK9 protein have been shown to reduce heart attacks.

    How does it compare with the treatments already in use?

    1. Statins: Usually the foundation of treatment. They are relatively inexpensive, widely available, and supported by extensive evidence showing reductions in cardiovascular events.
    2. Ezetimibe: A cholesterol absorption inhibitor, taken orally, that works by blocking cholesterol from being absorbed in the small intestine.
    3. PCSK9 antibody medicines: They produce powerful LDL reductions and have demonstrated cardiovascular benefits, but require repeated injections.
    4. Inclisiran: It reduces PCSK9 production and can lower LDL cholesterol by roughly 50 percent, with less frequent dosing that makes long term treatment easier. It does not permanently modify DNA.
    5. The distinguishing feature of VERVE-102: Every existing option acts temporarily and must be continued. VERVE-102 makes a permanent change to DNA.

    Does permanence justify the loss of reversibility?

    1. The compliance case: Repeat prescriptions and remembering daily doses are a standing burden, and a safe one time treatment would remove that burden entirely.
    2. The unknown: This is a permanent change and the long term consequences are not yet known, so treated patients will need close observation.
    3. The reassurance from biology: Naturally occurring loss-of-function mutations of the gene exist, and people carrying them have less heart disease and live longer, which is the basis for the trial.
    4. The evidence horizon problem: An 18 month period is very different from proving that an effect will last for decades, and that requires further research.
    5. The current standing of the therapy: It is a potential future option for selected high risk patients, not a replacement for statins, ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors or inclisiran.
    6. Trial breadth: More diverse trials are needed to establish whether the effect holds across populations over decades.

    Who would be considered for it first?

    1. Familial hypercholesterolemia: An inherited condition producing very high LDL cholesterol from birth, whose patients have the most to gain from a permanent reduction.
    2. Very high cardiovascular risk patients: Those whose risk is not controlled by existing therapy would be the second group.
    3. The staging logic: Beginning with these groups allows observation for problems before any wider use.
    4. What it is not yet: It is not a population level cholesterol intervention and is not positioned as one.

    Challenges to VERVE-102

    1. Irreversibility of a permanent edit: A therapy that cannot be stopped removes the physician’s ability to withdraw treatment, e.g. a statin prescription can be discontinued the day an adverse effect appears, while an edited liver cell population cannot be restored.
    2. Evidence horizon is short: Durability is established only to 18 months, e.g. statin cardiovascular outcome evidence rests on trials such as the Heart Protection Study that ran over five years in more than 20,000 participants.
    3. Delivery vector and off target risk: Gene therapy delivery carries historical safety precedent, e.g. the 1999 death of a participant in an adenoviral vector gene therapy trial in the United States halted the field for years.
    4. Cost and access: One time genetic therapies have been priced far beyond public health budgets, e.g. Casgevy, the first approved CRISPR based therapy, is priced at over two million dollars per patient in the United States.
    5. Population applicability: Early phase cohorts do not establish effect across differing lipid profiles, e.g. coronary artery disease in South Asians presents roughly a decade earlier and at lower body mass index than in western populations.
    6. Regulatory pathway for permanent somatic edits: Approval frameworks for irreversible somatic edits are still forming, e.g. India’s National Guidelines for Gene Therapy Product Development and Clinical Trials, 2019 permit somatic editing under review but bar germline editing outright.
    7. The competing benchmark is already cheap: A one time therapy must justify a large upfront price against an existing generic, e.g. statins cost a few rupees a day in India and are on the National List of Essential Medicines.

    Conclusion

    The central finding is that a permanent genetic switch off of PCSK9 through a single infusion produces LDL reductions larger than any daily medicine achieves, and that the reduction has held for 18 months. What remains unresolved is whether a permanent change is safe across a lifetime, and whether the LDL reduction converts into fewer heart attacks and strokes, neither of which the phase 1 data can answer. Until large outcome trials report, the therapy stands as an option for familial hypercholesterolemia and very high risk patients rather than a replacement for statins, ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors or inclisiran.

    PYQ Relevance:

    Question (2021, GS3): “What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology? How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of society?
    Linkage: Applied biotechnology is the primary field where gene editing techniques (like CRISPR) are developed to address challenges in health and agriculture, which can specifically benefit the underprivileged

  • What psychiatric genetics can and cannot tell an Indian family

    Why in the news?

    Families of patients with psychiatric illness increasingly ask whether the condition is in their blood and whether a genetic test can settle their child’s future. There is a tension between the real progress of psychiatric genetics and its limited power to predict individual outcomes, especially for Indian populations underrepresented in genomic databases. The central point is that genes load the dice but do not determine destiny.

    What is a genome-wide association study (GWAS)?

    1. About: A GWAS compares millions of common genetic variants across very large groups of people with and without a condition, to find variants that appear more often in one group. . It compares DNA markers, most often single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs, between individuals with a condition and healthy control groups.
    2. What it yields: It behaves like a satellite map highlighting genomic areas of interest, showing where to look for biological mechanisms rather than pinpointing a cause.

    What does polygenic risk mean?

    1. About: In common psychiatric disorders no single gene variant has a large effect, unlike single-gene diseases such as Tay-Sachs disease or Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
    2. Mechanism: Risk is polygenic, emerging from the combined influence of thousands of variants together with rare genetic changes, development, environment, and chance.

    What is a polygenic risk score?

    1. About: A polygenic risk score (PRS) compresses many small genetic effects into a single number meant to estimate a person’s inherited susceptibility.
    2. Limits: It cannot say whether a person will become ill, at what age, how severe it will be, or which medicine will work, because it captures only part of genetic liability.

    How Polygenic Risk Works

    1. Many small changes: Instead of one major gene causing an illness (like in cystic fibrosis), polygenic conditions involve hundreds or thousands of tiny DNA changes called single nucleotide polymorphisms
    2. Adding it up: Each individual variant adds or subtracts a tiny amount of risk; a PRS totals these up to estimate your overall genetic predisposition.
    3. Common conditions: It applies to complex diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, schizophrenia, and certain common cancers

    What have the major GWAS findings shown?

    1. Schizophrenia: A 2022 landmark study identified associations at 287 genomic regions and pointed to genes active in neurons and synapses.
    2. Bipolar disorder: A large 2021 study identified 64 associated regions.
    3. Regulatory signals: Many signals lie in DNA that regulates when and where genes switch on, not in stretches that directly encode a protein.
    4. Shared risk: A December 2025 study in Nature reported that some inherited risk is shared across schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

    Why is prediction unreliable, especially in India?

    1. Score does not contain life: A person with a higher score may remain well while a person with a lower score may fall ill, because the score does not contain childhood adversity, sleep disruption, substance use, medical illness, or access to care.
    2. Expert caution: The International Society of Psychiatric Genetics has cautioned that current scores for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression are not accurate enough for routine clinical prediction.
    3. Ancestry bias: Genomic databases have drawn disproportionately from people of European ancestry, so scores are often less accurate in other populations.
    4. Indian diversity: The GenomeIndia project generated whole-genome data from 10,000 healthy, unrelated Indians across 83 population groups and documented extraordinary genetic diversity, so a score developed elsewhere cannot simply be imported.

    What can genetics usefully change in the clinic today?

    1. Reduces blame: A mother did not cause schizophrenia by being too strict and a father did not transmit bipolar disorder through a moral failing, and biology matters.
    2. Avoids fatalism: Genetic vulnerability should not be converted into a verdict, and no test can declare a person safe or doomed.
    3. Focus on modifiable risk: The useful approach is to track early warning signs, avoid intoxicants, sleep well, seek help promptly, and focus on recovery.
    4. Visible risks: Many risks are visible without sequencing, such as lost sleep before a manic episode, escalating cannabis use, treatment stopped due to stigma, and distance from specialist care.

    Conclusion

    The central idea is that psychiatric genetics will not identify people before they fall ill, but it can replace superstition and blame with a more accurate account of vulnerability. Prediction will remain probabilistic even as datasets grow larger and more representative. The task is to keep probabilities from being misunderstood, stigmatised, or commercialised, and to involve diverse populations while protecting privacy.

    Back2Basics:

    GenomeIndia Project

    1. Convening body: Funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India.
    2. Aim: To build a catalogue of the genetic diversity of the Indian population.
    3. Scale: Generated whole-genome data from 10,000 healthy, unrelated Indians across 83 population groups.
    4. Significance: Provides an India-specific reference against which imported genetic risk scores can be tested rather than assumed to apply.

    Genomics in India: About

    1. Definition: Genomics studies the complete set of an organism’s DNA, including how variants relate to disease.
    2. Diversity: India’s population carries extraordinary genetic diversity across many groups, making a single national reference essential.
    3. Clinical caution: Risk scores derived from European-ancestry datasets can mislead when applied to Indian populations.

    Challenges in Psychiatric Genetics

    1. Weak prediction: Scores cannot forecast onset, severity, or treatment response for an individual.
    2. Ancestry gaps: European-dominated databases reduce accuracy elsewhere.
    3. Commercial overreach: Enthusiasm of commerce can outrun the science.
    4. Privacy risk: Genomic data raises serious privacy and consent concerns.
    5. Stigma: Misread probabilities can label people as patients-in-waiting.

    Way Forward

    1. Diversify datasets: Include diverse populations in genomic research.
    2. Community involvement: Involve clinicians and communities in deciding how data are used.
    3. Protect privacy: Enforce strong safeguards on genomic data.
    4. Integrate data: Combine genetic findings with developmental, clinical, and environmental information.

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2026] Which of the following statements with regard to Genome India Project is/are correct?

    1. It is a part of the Human Genome Project.

    2. The project is funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India.

    3. Its primary aim is to build a catalogue of genetic diversity of the Indian population.

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 2 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Evidence of non-Mendelian inheritance in mice

    Why in the News

    Researchers have reported evidence of non-Mendelian inheritance in mice, involving DNA methylation, genomic imprinting and paramutation. Nanopore sequencing helped detect these epigenetic marks.

    What is Epigenetic Inheritance?

    1. Definition: Transmission of heritable changes in gene activity without altering the underlying DNA sequence.
    2. Major mechanism: Chemical modifications such as DNA methylation can influence whether genes are switched on or off.
    3. Non-Mendelian: Unlike classical Mendelian inheritance, the inherited information is not limited to changes in the DNA sequence.
    4. Genomic imprinting: Expression of certain genes depends on whether they are inherited from the mother or father.
    5. Paramutation: One allele can induce a heritable change in the expression of another allele without changing its DNA sequence.
    6. Nanopore sequencing: Can detect certain DNA modifications, including methylation, while sequencing DNA.

    Why does it matter?

    • Expands inheritance theory: Heritable information can involve regulatory/epigenetic states in addition to DNA sequence.
    • Environment and inheritance: Some environmental factors can influence epigenetic states, though not every acquired epigenetic change is necessarily inherited.
    • Disease relevance: Abnormal epigenetic regulation is associated with cancers and other diseases.
    • Biotechnology: Advanced sequencing can help identify epigenetic modifications alongside DNA sequences.

    “[2021, GS3, 15 marks] What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology? How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of society?

    [2021] In the context of hereditary diseases, consider the following statements:
    1. Passing on mitochondrial diseases from parent to child can be prevented by mitochondrial replacement therapy either before or after in vitro fertilization of egg.
    2. A child inherits mitochondrial diseases entirely from mother and not from father.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    [A] 1 only

    [B] 2 only

    [C] Both 1 and 2

    [D] Neither 1 nor 2

  • AI tool can shrink and rewrite proteins

    Why in the News

    A university team has developed Raygun, an AI tool that can redesign and miniaturise proteins while retaining their function. This could improve the delivery of protein-based therapies and accelerate drug development.

    What is AI-based Protein Engineering?

    1. Protein engineering: Designing or modifying proteins to obtain desired properties such as smaller size, stability or specific biological functions.
    2. AI-based design: AI models trained on protein sequences can predict and generate redesigned protein structures.
    3. Raygun: The tool can shrink proteins while attempting to preserve their function, potentially making them easier to deliver.

    Why does it matter?

    • Gene therapy: Delivery vectors have limited cargo capacity. Smaller functional proteins can make therapeutic delivery easier.
    • Drug development: AI can reduce dependence on lengthy trial-and-error approaches in protein design.
    • Precision medicine: Engineered proteins could potentially be tailored for specific therapeutic functions.
    • Biosafety: Powerful AI-enabled biological design raises concerns regarding misuse, unintended effects and governance.

    Protein engineering ≠ gene editing

    • Protein engineering: Modifies/designs the protein to alter its properties.
    • Gene editing: Directly modifies DNA sequences.
    • AI protein design: Uses computational models to predict or generate useful protein sequences/structures.
    • Gene therapy: Uses genetic material or biological mechanisms to treat disease.

    [2026] Which of the following statements with regard to genetic medicine is/are correct ?
    1. Genetic medicines correct/compensate for the faulty genes responsible for disease.
    2. Engineered viruses and lipid nanoparticles are used as carriers of the genetic medicine.
    3. Genetic medicines alter the entire DNA sequence.
    Select the answer using the code given below :

    [A] 1 only

    [B] 2 and 3 only

    [C] 1 and 2 only

    [D] 1, 2 and 3

  • BioE3 Policy Reports Early Biomanufacturing Gains

    Why in the News

    The Government has highlighted the early achievements of the Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment (BioE3) Policy, demonstrating growing investments and capacity in India’s biomanufacturing sector.

    What is the BioE3 Policy?

    • Full form: Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment (BioE3) Policy.
    • Approved: 2024 by the Union Cabinet.
    • Implementing Agency: Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
    • Objective: Promote high capacity biomanufacturing to drive economic growth, environmental sustainability, and employment generation.

    Key Features of the Policy

    • Focus Areas: The policy identifies six thematic sectors:
      • Bio based chemicals.
      • Smart proteins.
      • Precision biotherapeutics.
      • Climate resilient agriculture.
      • Biofuels and carbon capture.
      • Marine and space biotechnology.
    • Funding Pattern:
      • Government support of up to 70% of project cost.
      • Remaining contribution from the private sector.
    • Industry Participation:
      • Over 600 beneficiaries have utilised BioE3 facilities.
      • Private investment commitments have reached about ₹602 crore.
    • Long term Goal: Support India’s vision of a $300 billion bioeconomy by 2030.

    What is Biomanufacturing?

    • Definition: The production of chemicals, fuels, materials, pharmaceuticals and other products using biological systems such as microorganisms, enzymes or engineered cells.
    • Benefits:
      • Reduces dependence on fossil fuel based manufacturing.
      • Promotes sustainable industrial production.
      • Supports the circular bioeconomy.

    What is a Biofoundry?

    • A highly automated research facility that designs, builds, tests and analyses biological systems.
    • Accelerates the development of new biotechnology products through automation and artificial intelligence.

    [2026] Which of the following statements with regard to GenomeIndia Project is/are correct ?
    1. It is a part of the Human Genome Project.
    2. The project is funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India.
    3. Its primary aim is to build a catalogue of genetic diversity of the Indian population.
    Select the answer using the code given below:

    [A] 1 only

    [B] 2 and 3 only

    [C] 1 and 2 only

    [D] 1, 2 and 3

  • Why is there so much activity in the field of biotechnology in our country? How has this activity benefitted the field of biopharma?

    Biotechnology involves using living organisms and biological systems to develop useful products and processes. India is now among the world’s top 12 biotechnology hubs.

    Activity in the field of Biotechnology in India

    Robust Government Policy: Initiatives like the National Biotechnology Development Strategy 2021-2025 have provided a roadmap for a $150 billion bio-economy by 2025.

    Institutional Framework: The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and BIRAC provide critical seed funding and mentorship to over 5,000 startups.

    Cost-Effective R&D: India offers a significant cost advantage (nearly 33% lower) in R&D and manufacturing compared to developed nations, attracting Global Capability Centers (GCCs).

    Vast Biodiversity and Genetic Pool: India’s diverse climatic zones and ethnic genetic diversity provide a massive “natural laboratory” for genomic research and agricultural biotech.

    Human Capital: A steady influx of STEM graduates (over 2 million annually) provides the technical workforce required for high-end lab work and clinical trials.

    Infrastructure Growth: The establishment of specialized Biotech Parks offers “plug-and-play” facilities for rapid scaling. Eg- Genome Valley in Hyderabad.

    FDI Liberalization: 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is permitted under the automatic route for greenfield projects, boosting capital infusion.

    Digital Integration: The use of AI and Big Data in bioinformatics, supported by the National Supercomputing Mission has accelerated drug discovery and protein folding research.

    Pandemic Legacy: The successful indigenous development of vaccines (e.g., Covaxin) proved India’s “Proof of Concept” to the world, triggering massive reinvestment in the sector.

    Activity benefitting the field of Biopharma

    Global Vaccine Leadership: India now supplies approximately 60% of the world’s vaccines, earning the title Pharmacy of the World.

    Increase Economical Value: The Indian bioeconomy reached an estimated $130-$165.7 billion in 2024, with projections to reach $300 billion by 2030.

    Shift to Biosimilars: Biotechnology has enabled India to move beyond simple generics to complex Biosimilars. India has the highest number of biosimilars approved globally.

    Precision Medicine: Allowed biopharma companies to develop targeted therapies for cancer and rare genetic disorders tailored to the Indian populations

    Clinical Trial Hub: Improved regulatory frameworks such as New Drugs and Clinical Trial Rules, 2019 and biotech expertise have made India a preferred destination for multi-centric global clinical trials.

    Reduced Import Dependency: Local production of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and Key Starting Materials (KSMs) through fermentation technology is reducing reliance on imports.

    Innovation in Biologics: Companies like Zydus Cadila and Dr. Reddy’s are now shifting from “imitative” to “innovative” R&D, focusing on novel biologics for autoimmune diseases.

    Diagnostics Revolution: The biotech boom led to the rapid development of low-cost, molecular diagnostic kits such as RT-PCR, CRISPR-based ‘Feluda’ tests, improving healthcare penetration.

    Major challenges

    High Capital Intensity: Developing a single biosimilar costs $100-250 million, deterring smaller Indian firms from competing.

    Complex Manufacturing Requirements: Biologics require ultra-pure environments, even a 1°C temperature shift can spoil entire production batches.

    Innovation Deficit: India still invests only 7-8% of revenue in R&D compared to 20%+ by global innovators.

    Skill Gap in Advanced Tech: Shortage of professionals trained in bioinformatics, transcriptomics, and computational biology slows down innovation.

    Global Intellectual Property (IP) Conflicts: Navigating the “patent thickets” of global biopharma giants remains a major legal challenge for biosimilars.

    Infrastructure Deficit in NAMs: Lack of standardized, industry-ready laboratories for non-animal methodologies across the country.

    Supply Chain Fragility: India remains dependent on imported raw materials like specialized cell culture media for biotech production.

    Way forward

    Strengthening Regulatory Cadre: Creating a dedicated “Scientific Review Cadre” within CDSCO to match global approval timelines.

    Expanding Clinical Trial Capacity: Establishing a national network of 1,000 accredited clinical trial sites to accelerate drug development.

    Investing in Biofoundries under BioE3 Policy to provide common infrastructure for startups to test and scale.

    Academic-Industry Collaboration: Upgrading seven NIPERs into “Centers of Excellence” for translational research and high-end skilling.

    Strategic Use of Free Trade Agreements: Leveraging FTAs with the EU and UK to harmonize quality standards and boost exports.

    By bridging the gap between laboratory research and commercial biopharma, India is moving toward Atmanirbhar Bharat in healthcare.

  • How can biotechnology improve the living standards of farmers?

    Karoly Ereky coined the term “Biotechnology” in 1919 to describe the fusion of biological and technological processes aimed at enhancing life on Earth. For agriculture, biotechnology has emerged as a significant boon, elevating crop quality and yield through innovative approaches.

    Role of Biotechnology in Improving Living Standards of Farmers

    Provides disease-free planting material through tissue culture. Eg- Tissue culture banana (G-9 cultivar) increases yields by 30-40%.

    Enhances crop yields through high-yielding and hybrid varieties. Eg- “Swarna Sub-1” flood-tolerant rice and “DRR Dhan 42” drought-tolerant rice.

    Reduces pesticide cost through pest-resistant GM crops. Eg- Bt cotton reduced pesticide use by 40-60%.

    Lowers fertilizer expenses using biofertilisers. Eg- Rhizobium and Azotobacter cuts nitrogen fertilizer requirement in pulses/oilseeds.

    Increases resilience to climate shocks with stress-tolerant seeds. Eg- Drought Tolerant High-Yielding Chickpea Variety “SAATVIK (NC 9)”

    Reduces post-harvest losses using improved shelf-life varieties. Eg- Delayed-ripening tomato (Arka Rakshak) reduces spoilage.

    Nutritional security through biofortified crops. Eg- Iron-rich pearl millet (ICMH 1202).

    Kisan-Kavach: An anti-pesticide suit designed to combat the threat of pesticide-induced toxicity in agricultural settings.

    Enables diversification into high-value crops. Eg- Tissue-culture strawberries (“Chandler”) in Himachal Pradesh.

    Boosts dairy income through microbial feed supplements. Eg- Yeast-based probiotics increase milk yield by 8-12%.

    Enhances fishery productivity using improved seed varieties. Eg- Jayanti Rohu shows 17-20% higher growth rates.

    Generates rural employment – Eg- Tissue culture labs and biofertiliser units run through FPOs in Telangana.

    Supports women-led microenterprises – Eg- SHGs in Tamil Nadu producing vermicompost.

    Challenges

    Regulatory Complexity: Approval processes for GMOs and biotech tools are lengthy. Eg- delay in approval of GM Mustard (DMH-11)

    Public skepticism about GMOs. Eg- opposition to Bt Brinjal.

    Environmental and Ethical Concerns: Gene flow to non-target species, biodiversity risks, and ethical considerations around gene editing. Eg- concerns over “playing God”

    Access and Equity: High development costs and IP protections limit access for smallholders.

    Health concerns – Eg- StarLink corn incident (2000) – animal-feed-only GM corn entered the human food chain.

    Limited private sector participation – Eg- Policies such as the Cotton Seed Price Control Order (2015) and mandatory tech transfer provisions have discouraged private R&D

    Illegal Cultivation and biosafety risks – Eg- HT-Bt cotton is illegally cultivated on up to 25% of cotton acreage in India

    Declining Cotton Productivity – Yields have fallen from 566 kg/ha (2013-14) to 436 kg/ha (2023-24), far below China and Brazil’s 1,800-1,900 kg/ha.

    Rising Import Dependence – India has shifted from net exporter to net importer, with cotton imports reaching $0.4 billion in 2024-25.

    Undermining seed sovereignty due to intellectual property rights. Eg – Monsanto-Mahyco Bt cotton disputes

    Way Forward

    Science-Based Regulation- Ensure transparent field trials, publicly accessible data and independent monitoring,

    Promote public-private partnerships in biotech research and support region-specific GM crops

    Implement robust GM labeling and enforce strict action against illegal cultivation and counterfeit seeds.

    Prioritise biofortified GM crops such as Golden Rice, iron-rich pulses, and zinc-rich wheat to combat micronutrient deficiencies

    Effective implementation of BioE3 mission can help realise Vajpayee’s vision of Biotech for Bharat – “What IT is for India, BT is for Bharat”

  • What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology/? How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of society?

    Applied biotechnology focuses on the practical application of these biological insights to solve real-world problems in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, environment, and industry.

    R&D Achievements in Applied Biotechnology

    Genomics: Genome India Project sequenced 10,000 Indian genomes. It provides a baseline for understanding genetic diseases unique to the Indian population.

    Climate-Resilient Crops: Eg- Sahbhagi Dhan for drought and Swarna-Sub1 for flood- prone areas has secured yields in disaster-prone regions.

    Human health

    Indigenous Vaccine Platforms: Eg- Development of the world’s first DNA-based COVID-19 vaccine (ZyCoV-D) and the indigenously developed HPV vaccine (Cervavac) for cervical cancer.

    Bio-fortification: R&D has led to the creation of nutrient-rich crop varieties, such as Sakti-1 maize (high lysine and tryptophan) and CR Dhan 310 (high protein rice).

    Bio-remediation and Waste-to-Wealth: Success in developing “Microbial Consortia” for cleaning oil spills (OilZapper) and converting agricultural waste into ethanol (2G Biofuels).

    Restorative Health

    Regenerative Research: Eg- LV Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) in Hyderabad has pioneered significant advancements in using limbal stem cells to restore vision.

    Synthetic Biology: Research into metabolic engineering has allowed for the microbial production of high-value compounds like Artemisinin (anti-malarial drug), reducing dependence on plant extraction.

    Molecular Diagnostics: The creation of low-cost, paper-based diagnostic strips (like the FELUDA test) for various infectious diseases has decentralized high-end testing.

    Uplifting Poorer Sections of Society

    Food and Nutritional Security: Bio-fortified crops directly combat “Hidden Hunger” among the rural poor by providing essential vitamins and minerals through their daily staple diet.

    Increased Farm Income: Biotech seeds like Bt Cotton and bio-stimulants reduce the cost of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, increasing the net profit margin for farmers.

    Affordable Healthcare: Local manufacturing of biologicals and biosimilars through biotech processes makes life-saving drugs like insulin and monoclonal antibodies affordable.

    Animal Husbandry and Dairy: Achievements in In-vitro Fertilization (IVF) for cattle and sex-sorted semen technology have helped landless laborers increase milk yield and improve livestock quality.

    Clean Environment and Sanitation: Biotech-based Bio-toilets utilize anaerobic bacteria to treat human waste in areas without sewage systems, improving hygiene and dignity for urban slum dwellers.

    Employment Generation: The growth of the Bio-Economy (targeted at $300 billion by 2030) creates a range of jobs from high-end research to low-skilled manufacturing.

    Energy Security: The production of bio-gas and ethanol from farm residue provides a secondary source of income for farmers while offering cheaper, cleaner fuel for cooking and transport.

    Resilience to Climate Change: For the poor who are most vulnerable to weather shocks, biotech-developed salt-tolerant or heat-resistant seeds provide a safety net against crop failure.

    Applied biotechnology is no longer a luxury science but a fundamental pillar for inclusive growth.

  • Discuss several ways in which microorganisms can help in meeting the current fuel shortage.

    Microorganisms are microscopic organisms such as bacteria, fungi, archaea, and microalgae that can break down organic matter and produce useful energy compounds. Due to these capabilities, they are becoming important for sustainable energy production and the global clean energy transition.

    Ways Microorganisms Help in Meeting Fuel Shortage

    Bioethanol: Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Zymomonas mobilis ferment sugars and agricultural waste into ethanol. India achieved 10% ethanol blending in 2022 and targets 20% (E20) by 2025-26.

    Biodiesel: Microalgae such as Chlorella and Dunaliella produce lipid-rich biomass, which is converted into biodiesel through transesterification.

    Biogas through Anaerobic Digestion: Methanogens decompose sewage, food waste, and cow dung to produce methane-rich biogas. Eg- India’s GOBAR-dhan scheme.

    Biohydrogen Production: Certain photosynthetic bacteria and cyanobacteria can split water or organic compounds to release Hydrogen gas, the cleanest burning fuel.

    Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs): Bacteria break down organic waste in wastewater and release electrons, generating electricity while simultaneously treating the wastewater.

    Biobutanol Production: Species like Clostridium acetobutylicum produce butanol through ABE (Acetone-Butanol-Ethanol) fermentation. Biobutanol is considered superior to ethanol.

    Syngas Fermentation: Acetogenic bacteria can convert synthesis gas (CO and H2 from industrial emissions or biomass gasification) into liquid fuels like ethanol and acetic acid.

    Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery (MEOR): Microbes are injected into depleted oil wells where they produce surfactants and gases that decrease oil viscosity.

    For a country like India, which imports over 80% of its crude oil, scaling up microbial fuel technologies is essential for achieving Urja Atmanirbharta (Energy Self-reliance) and meeting the Panchamrit targets for net-zero emissions.

  • How can India achieve energy independence through clean technology by 2047? How can biotechnology play a crucial role in this endeavour?

    Energy independence by 2047 is central to India’s Viksit Bharat vision. Clean, indigenous and sustainable technologies are key for realisation of this vision.

    Energy independence through clean technology by 2047

    Expansion of renewable energy – Scale up solar, wind, hydro and offshore wind to meet 1000+ GW by 2047.

    Green hydrogen as a fuel of the future – Expand National Green Hydrogen Mission for use in steel, fertilisers, transport and power storage.

    Energy storage and grid modernisation

    Strengthen Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and pumped hydro storage.

    Create smart grids, microgrids and AI-based demand management.

    Electric mobility transition

    Electrify public transport, freight. Eg- PM e-Bus Sewa

    Promote EV manufacturing + battery ecosystem under PLI and PM-eDrive.

    Make in India and supply Chain resilience

    Strengthen domestic solar, battery and electrolyser manufacturing.

    Secure supply chains through National Critical Mineral Mission. Eg- lithium supply from Argentina

    Energy efficiency & circular economy

    Expand PAT scheme

    Promote circular economy in energy storage, e-waste and batteries.

    Role of Biotechnology

    Ethanol Blending under the National Bio-Energy Mission can reduce petrol imports and stubble burning.

    Biogas and Compressed Biogas (CBG) under SATAT scheme and Gobardhan Mission can ensure rural energy self-sufficiency.

    Algal biofuel technology – High yield per hectare and non-competitive with food crops.

    Waste-to-Energy using anaerobic digestion, enzymatic conversion and microbial fuel cells. (Swachh Bharat + Energy security)

    Bio-hydrogen and bio-electricity enables low-cost, decentralised green energy.

    Steps Taken

    BioE3 Policy – innovation-driven research & high-performance biomanufacturing.

    Bio-RIDE – To bridge academia–industry gap and ensure lab-to-market transition

    Emerging Frontiers in Biotechnology Programme for cutting-edge biotechnology research

    As PM Modi stated, “India’s energy independence will be the foundation of its economic independence.” Clean technology is core pillar of this vision

    Agriculture

    Cropping Pattern