Science and Technology
Biotechnology
Welcome to the Biotechnology Study Hub, your definitive resource for mastering this crucial segment of the UPSC Civil Services Examination syllabus. Biotechnology, at its core, is the application of
38 articles in this topic
Articles on Biotechnology
India's National Biofoundry Network and the $150 Billion Bioeconomy Target by 2025: An Analytical Review
India's ambitious National Biofoundry Network, targeting significant operationalization by September 2025, is poised to be a cornerstone for achieving the nation's $150 billion bioeconomy goal. This initiative aims to accelerate bio-manufacturing and synthetic biology, but its success hinges on overcoming fragmented regulatory frameworks, significant capital expenditure, and critical skill shortages, demanding robust inter-ministerial coordination and sustained private sector engagement.
Scientists rewire bacteria to build ‘designer’ proteins on demand
Source: The Hindu(Page7) | Syllabus: GS3(Science and Tech)
Single Genome-editing Strategy Can Help Treat Multiple Disorders
Context A study in Nature recently revealed that researchers have developed a method to address many nonsense mutation diseases using a single genome-editing strategy. About Their approach is called Prime-Editing-mediated Readthrough of premature termination codons (PERT). It reprogrammes one of the cell’s own genes into a tool to override premature stop signals, allowing the cell to ignore the faulty instruction and complete the protein.
Bio-Based Chemicals and Enzymes: A New Frontier in India’s Bioeconomy
Context India is promoting bio-based chemicals and enzymes as key pillars of a green bioeconomy, linking climate action, industrial growth, and rural income diversification. What Are Bio-Based Chemicals and Enzymes? Bio-Based Chemicals: Bio-based chemicals are industrial chemicals produced from biological feedstocks such as sugarcane, corn, starch, agricultural residues, or other forms of biomass.
CAR T-cell therapy: New Developments and Challenges
In News Researchers at IIT Bombay addressed a critical challenge in CAR T-cell and other adoptive T-cell transfer (ACT) therapies. T-cells They are white blood cells that act as the body’s frontline defenders, detecting and destroying infections or abnormal cells like cancer, and coordinating other immune cells to respond—making them crucial for immunotherapy.
Transforming India into a Global Biopharma Hub
Context Union Budget 2026–27 proposed the Biopharma SHAKTI with an outlay of Rs. 10,000 crores over five years, aimed at strengthening India’s ecosystem for production of biologics and biosimilars. Biopharma Biopharma, or biopharmaceuticals, refers to the part of the pharmaceutical industry that focuses on developing and manufacturing medicines using living biological systems, rather than relying solely on chemical synthesis.
India Position on Futuristic Marine and Space Biotechnology
In News Futuristic space and marine biotechnology research focuses on using underexplored environments, such as the deep oceans and outer space, to develop new biological knowledge, materials, and manufacturing processes. What are Marine biotechnology and Space biotechnology? Marine biotechnology: It involves studying microorganisms, algae, and other marine life to discover bioactive compounds, enzymes, biomaterials, food ingredients, and biostimulants.
Upgrading India’s Biosecurity in the Age of Biotechnology
Context Rapid advances in biotechnology have increased the risk of deliberate misuse of biological agents by state and non-state actors, making the strengthening of India’s biosecurity framework a critical national security priority. What is Biosecurity? Biosecurity refers to the set of policies, practices, and institutional systems designed to prevent the intentional misuse of biological agents, toxins, or biotechnologies.
Digital Genetics Threatens Seed Sovereignty and Farmers’ Rights
In News The use of Digital Sequence Information (DSI) is a major point of contention at the 11th session of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) in Lima (Peru). Digital Sequence Information (DSI) It refers to genetic data derived from DNA, RNA, or proteins that are stored, shared, and analyzed digitally. It enables genome sequencing, bioinformatics, synthetic biology, and precision medicine, allowing researchers to study biodiversity without phys
Indigenous Gene Editing Technology to Aid Cheaper, Commercial Crop Breeding
In News Indian scientists at ICAR’s Central Rice Research Institute have developed a patented indigenous Genome-Editing(GE) technology using TnpB proteins as a compact alternative to the globally patented CRISPR-Cas systems. TnpB or Transposon-associated proteins It acts as “molecular scissors,” and precisely cuts and modifies plant DNA, enabling desirable traits without introducing foreign genes. Unlike bulky Cas9 and Cas12a proteins, the hypercompact TnpB (408 amino acids) can be easily delive
Precision Biotherapeutics
Context Precision biotherapeutics bring together genetic science, molecular biology, and data analytics to design therapies that identify and rectify the cause of illness. Need for the Precision Biotherapeutics Rising Burden of Complex Diseases: Non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular illness, and cancers account for nearly 65% of deaths in the country. Precision: For cancer especially, conventional therapies (like chemotherapy) often cause significant collateral damage; targe
DNA Sampling
Context Investigators are using DNA profiling to determine the suspect of the recent deadly car explosion outside the Red Fort in New Delhi, highlighting how genetic analysis plays a crucial role in forensic investigations. About DNA Profiling It is a set of molecular techniques used to identify individuals based on unique genetic markers. It remains the most dependable method of identification in cases involving explosions, fires, or mass disasters where bodies are unrecognisable.
India’s Biotech Surge
Context India’s biotech sector has surged in the past several years, from a modest count of roughly 500 startups in 2018, the number has soared to over 10,000 in 2025. What is Bioeconomy? The bioeconomy is the use of renewable biological resources to produce food, energy and industrial goods, which supports sustainability and economic growth.
RNA–Amino Acid Link on Early Earth
Context A new study by researchers has revealed how two fundamental building blocks of life, RNA (ribonucleic acid) and amino acids, could have joined together under conditions resembling those of early Earth about four billion years ago. What is Ribonucleic acid (RNA)? Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is a fundamental biomolecule essential for life.
Funding Concerns in DBT Biocare Programme
Context Almost five months after being selected for the DBT Biocare programme, none of the 75 chosen candidates has received the funds promised or salaries. About The DBT, which is under the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST), has been running the Biocare programme since 2011. It is mainly meant for the career development of unemployed female scientists, for whom it will be the first extramural research funding sanctioned by the government.
Bio-fortified Potatoes
Context Bio-fortified potatoes, with added iron content, will soon be available in Indian markets, said the Director-General of the Peru-based International Potato Center (CIP). About Bio-fortified sweet potatoes, with vitamin A added using technology developed by the CIP, are already available in Karnataka, Assam, West Bengal, and Odisha. The focus is on iron fortification in potatoes, the first variety has been released in Peru.
Synthetic Biology in Conservation
Context With global biodiversity facing critical threats due to habitat loss, climate change, and species extinction, the 2025 IUCN Congress debate over Motion 133 has brought synthetic biologys role in conservation science into sharp focus. About Synthetic biology Synthetic biology refers to the design and construction of new biological entities or the redesign of existing biological systems using engineering principles. Genetic technologies involve the manipulation, analysis, and application o
Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy (MRT)
Context Eight healthy babies were born in Britain with the help of an experimental technique called Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy (MRT). About The mothers were all at high risk for passing on life-threatening diseases to their babies due to mutations in their mitochondria. The four boys and four girls were born to seven women and have no signs of the mitochondrial diseases they were at risk of inheriting.
Confined Field Trials on GM Maize
Context The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) has approved confined field trials of two varieties of genetically modified (GM) maize at the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) for the 2025 Kharif season. What are GM crops? Crops that have undergone genetic engineering processes to alter their DNA are referred to as genetically modified crops.
India Reaffirms its Bioeconomy Target of $300 Billion by 2030
Context Union Minister of Science Technology called for a wider public understanding and inclusive participation in India’s biotechnology mission, stating that every Indian is a stakeholder in the country’s bioeconomy. India’s Bioeconomy India is among the Top 12 destinations for biotechnology worldwide and 3rd largest destination for biotechnology in Asia Pacific. India’s bioeconomy has grown sixteen-fold from $10 billion in 2014 to an impressive $165.7 billion in 2024.