Biotechnology โ Overview and Applications
Biotechnology is the use of biological systems, living organisms, or their derivatives to develop products and processes for specific use. It spans agriculture, medicine, industry, and environment.
Colour Classification of Biotechnology
| Colour | Domain | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Medical / Pharmaceutical | Gene therapy, vaccines, diagnostics, biopharmaceuticals |
| Green | Agricultural | GM crops, biopesticides, biofertilisers, molecular breeding |
| White | Industrial | Biofuels, enzymes, bioplastics, fermentation technology |
| Blue | Marine / Aquatic | Marine-derived pharmaceuticals, aquaculture biotechnology |
| Yellow | Food / Nutrition | Food processing, nutraceuticals, biofortification |
| Grey | Environmental | Bioremediation, waste treatment, biodegradation |
Agricultural Biotechnology
2.1 GM Crops in India
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Only approved GM crop | Bt Cotton โ approved in 2002 by GEAC (Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee) under MoEFCC |
| Bt Cotton coverage | Over 96% of India's cotton cultivation area is under Bt Cotton |
| Bt Gene | Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab genes from Bacillus thuringiensis; produces insecticidal protein toxic to bollworm |
| GM Mustard (DMH-11) | Developed by Delhi University; GEAC recommended; pending commercial release; environmental bio-safety data being generated |
| Bt Brinjal | GEAC approved in 2009; moratorium imposed in 2010 by then Environment Minister; Supreme Court Technical Expert Committee recommended 10-year moratorium |
2.2 Regulatory Framework for GM Crops
| Body | Role |
|---|---|
| GEAC (Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee) | Apex body for approval of GM organisms; under MoEFCC |
| RCGM (Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation) | Reviews and monitors ongoing research; under DBT |
| IBSC (Institutional Biosafety Committee) | Institutional-level oversight of research involving GMOs |
| SBCC (State Biotechnology Coordination Committee) | State-level monitoring of biosafety |
| DLC (District Level Committee) | District-level monitoring of field trials |
2.3 Genome-Edited Plants โ SOPs (2022)
In October 2022, DBT notified Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for regulatory review of Genome Edited Plants under SDN-1 and SDN-2 categories, distinguishing them from traditional GM crops and providing a simplified regulatory pathway.
Medical Biotechnology
3.1 Gene Therapy and CRISPR
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| CRISPR-Cas9 | Revolutionary gene-editing tool; allows precise modification of DNA sequences |
| India's first CRISPR therapy | BIRSA 101 โ indigenous CRISPR-based gene therapy for Sickle Cell Disease, developed by CSIR-IGIB |
| Technology Partner | Serum Institute of India โ collaboration for scalable, affordable CRISPR therapies |
| CRISPR Diagnostic | Tata CRISPR test (FELUDA) โ India's first CRISPR-based COVID-19 diagnostic; 96% sensitivity, 98% specificity; approved by DCGI |
| National Centre | National Genome Editing & Training Centre (NGETC) established at Mohali, Punjab |
| Regulatory Framework | National Guidelines for Gene Therapy Product Development and Clinical Trials, 2019; overseen by CDSCO under NDCT Rules, 2019 |
3.2 Vaccines โ Key Indian Contributions
| Vaccine | Developer | Type | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Covaxin (BBV152) | Bharat Biotech + ICMR-NIV Pune | Whole Virion Inactivated | India's first fully indigenous COVID-19 vaccine; 81% efficacy in Phase 3 trials |
| Covishield | Serum Institute of India (SII) | Recombinant Adenovirus Vector (AstraZeneca-Oxford technology) | 70.42% efficacy; SII capacity ~250โ275 million doses/month |
| Rotavac | Bharat Biotech | Live attenuated oral | India's indigenous rotavirus vaccine; WHO prequalified |
| CERVAVAC | Serum Institute of India | Quadrivalent HPV | India's first indigenous cervical cancer vaccine |
3.3 Genome Sequencing Projects
| Project | Lead Agency | Details |
|---|---|---|
| IndiGen | CSIR (IGIB Delhi + CCMB Hyderabad) | Whole genome sequencing of 1,029 Indians; identified 55.9 million single nucleotide variants; 32.23% variants unique to India |
| GenomeIndia | Department of Biotechnology (DBT) | WGS of 10,000+ individuals from 99 communities across all major population groups; data dedicated to researchers by PM Modi on 9 January 2025 at Genomics Data Conclave |
India's Biotech Institutional Framework
4.1 Department of Biotechnology (DBT)
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Established | 1986 โ under the Ministry of Science & Technology |
| Significance | India was among the first countries to have a dedicated government body for biotechnology |
| Functions | Funds R&D; promotes innovation; international collaborations; policy formulation |
| Focus Areas | Healthcare, food security, environmental sustainability, energy security |
4.2 BIRAC (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council)
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Not-for-profit Section 8 Public Sector Enterprise under DBT |
| Role | Interface agency to strengthen emerging biotech enterprises; strategic research and innovation funding |
| Key Initiative | National Biopharma Mission โ $250 million programme (50% World Bank co-funded) for accelerating biopharmaceutical development |
| Programmes | BIG (Biotechnology Ignition Grant), SPARSH, PACE, SEED Fund, CRS |
4.3 BioE3 Policy (2024)
The BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) Policy was approved by the Union Cabinet on 24 August 2024. It aims to transform India into a global biomanufacturing hub, focusing on high-performance biomanufacturing for chemicals, enzymes, agriculture, and therapeutics while promoting sustainable growth.
India's Health Sector โ Key Schemes and Missions
5.1 Ayushman Bharat
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | 23 September 2018, at Ranchi, Jharkhand |
| Two Pillars | (1) Health & Wellness Centres (HWCs) for primary care; (2) Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) for secondary & tertiary care |
| PM-JAY Coverage | Rs. 5 lakh per family per year for hospitalisation |
| Beneficiaries | ~10.74 crore families (~50 crore individuals) โ world's largest government-funded healthcare programme |
| No Restrictions | No cap on family size, age, or pre-existing conditions |
| Implementation | National Health Authority (NHA); empanelled hospitals (public + private) |
5.2 National Health Mission (NHM)
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| NRHM Launch | 12 April 2005 (National Rural Health Mission) |
| NHM Formation | 1 May 2013 โ Union Cabinet approved NUHM as sub-mission alongside NRHM under umbrella NHM |
| Sub-Missions | (1) NRHM โ rural healthcare; (2) NUHM โ urban healthcare |
| Key Components | Health Systems Strengthening; RMNCH+A (Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, Child & Adolescent Health); Communicable & Non-Communicable Diseases |
| Key Cadres | ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers โ community health workers under NRHM |
5.3 Other Key Health Programmes
| Programme | Year | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| National Digital Health Mission (ABDM) | 2020 | Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission; Health ID, DigiDoctor, Health Facility Registry |
| Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) | 2003 | Setting up AIIMS-like institutions; upgrading government medical colleges |
| Mission Indradhanush | 2014 | Intensified immunisation drive for children and pregnant women |
| Janaushadhi Scheme (PMBJP) | 2008 (revamped 2015) | Affordable generic medicines through Jan Aushadhi Kendras |
COVID-19 Response โ India's Strategy
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Vaccination Drive | Launched 16 January 2021; largest vaccination drive globally |
| Vaccines Used | Covishield (SII), Covaxin (Bharat Biotech), Corbevax, Covovax, Sputnik V, ZyCoV-D (world's first DNA plasmid vaccine) |
| Co-WIN Platform | Digital platform for vaccination registration, scheduling, and certification |
| Total Doses | Over 220 crore doses administered |
| Vaccine Maitri | India supplied vaccines to 100+ countries as part of diplomatic outreach |
| Indigenous Capacity | India developed 4 indigenous COVID vaccines within 2 years |
One Health Approach
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Concept | Integrated approach recognising the interconnection between human health, animal health, and the environment |
| Relevance | ~75% of emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic in origin |
| India's Adoption | NAP-AMR (2017) adopted One Health framework; inter-ministerial coordination between MoHFW, MoAHD, MoEFCC |
| Key Focus Areas | Zoonotic diseases, food safety, antibiotic resistance, environmental health |
| ICMR Initiative | Integrated One Health Surveillance Network for AMR in collaboration with ICAR |
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| NAP-AMR 1.0 | Launched 19 April 2017; aligned with WHO Global Action Plan on AMR |
| NAP-AMR 2.0 | Launched in 2024 by Union Health Minister; updated strategy with stakeholder consultations from human health, research, animal husbandry, and environment sectors |
| Surveillance | National AMR surveillance laboratories established; data submitted to WHO's GLASS (Global AMR Surveillance System) |
| Strategic Pillars | (1) Awareness & understanding; (2) Surveillance & research; (3) Infection prevention & control; (4) Optimal use of antimicrobials; (5) R&D for new medicines |
| Key Concern | India is among the largest consumers of antibiotics; irrational use in human and veterinary medicine drives AMR |
Important for UPSC
Prelims Focus
- Bt Cotton: only GM crop approved in India (2002); GEAC is the apex regulatory body under MoEFCC
- DBT established in 1986; BIRAC is a PSE under DBT
- Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY: launched 23 September 2018; Rs. 5 lakh/family/year; ~50 crore beneficiaries
- NHM = NRHM (2005) + NUHM (2013)
- Covaxin: Bharat Biotech + ICMR; Covishield: SII with AstraZeneca-Oxford technology
- CRISPR-based FELUDA test for COVID-19: Tata + CSIR-IGIB
- GenomeIndia: 10,000+ whole genome sequences; IndiGen: 1,029 genomes
- NAP-AMR launched in 2017; NAP-AMR 2.0 launched in 2024
- SDN-1 and SDN-2 SOPs for genome-edited plants notified October 2022
Mains Dimensions
| Dimension | Angle |
|---|---|
| Science & Tech (GS3) | CRISPR applications in agriculture and medicine; GM crop debate; genome sequencing for precision medicine |
| Governance (GS2) | Health sector reforms โ PMJAY implementation challenges; regulatory framework for GM crops and gene therapy |
| Economy (GS3) | India's bioeconomy; BioE3 Policy 2024; biotech start-up ecosystem; pharma sector โ "Pharmacy of the World" |
| Social Issues (GS1/GS2) | Health equity โ universal health coverage through AB-PMJAY; tribal health and sickle cell disease |
| Ethics (GS4) | Ethics of gene editing in humans; GM crop safety vs. food security; clinical trial ethics; informed consent |
| Environment (GS3) | One Health approach; AMR and environment; biosafety concerns with GM organisms |
Interview Angles
- Should India allow GM food crops beyond Bt Cotton?
- Gene editing: where should India draw the ethical line?
- Can Ayushman Bharat achieve universal health coverage? Challenges of implementation
- India as "Pharmacy of the World" โ responsibility and opportunity
- One Health: is India's institutional structure adequate for cross-sectoral health governance?
- Balancing biotech innovation with biosafety regulation
Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q1. (2012): Genetically modified "__(golden rice)" is engineered to be rich in: (a) Vitamin A (b) Vitamin B (c) Vitamin C (d) Vitamin D Answer: (a) (Golden rice contains beta-carotene (pro-vitamin A), which is converted to Vitamin A in the human body) (Prelims 2010, GS Paper I)
Q2. (2018): Consider the following statements regarding GM mustard (DMH-11) developed in India:
- GM mustard has the genes that allow the plant cross-pollination and hybridization.
- GM mustard has been developed jointly by the IARI and Punjab Agricultural University.
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 Answer: (a) (DMH-11 was developed by the Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants at the University of Delhi, not jointly by IARI and PAU) (Prelims 2018, GS Paper I)
Q3. (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 laboratory analysis (c) A gene that makes plants pest-resistant (d) A herbicidal substance synthesized in the laboratory Answer: (a) (CRISPR-Cas9 acts as molecular scissors to cut DNA at a specific location) (Prelims 2019, GS Paper I)
Q4. (2022): In India, which one of the following is responsible for approving the environmental release of genetically modified organisms? (a) Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) (b) Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) (c) Department of Biotechnology (DBT) (d) National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) Answer: (b) (GEAC under MoEFCC is the apex body for approval of GM organisms) (Prelims PYQ, GS Paper I)
Mains
Q5. (2018): What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology? How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of the society? (GS Paper III, 250 words)
Q6. (2020): What are the salient features of the National Health Policy, 2017, and how does it aim to provide healthcare to all? Discuss the role of Ayushman Bharat in this context. (GS Paper II, 250 words)
Current Affairs Connect
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Science & Tech News | Ujiyari โ Science & Tech News |
| Editorials | Ujiyari โ Editorials |
| Daily Updates | Ujiyari โ Daily Updates |
Sources: pib.gov.in (Press Information Bureau), dbtindia.gov.in (Department of Biotechnology), isro.gov.in, mohfw.gov.in (Ministry of Health & Family Welfare), nhm.gov.in (National Health Mission), nha.gov.in (National Health Authority), birac.nic.in (BIRAC), ncdc.mohfw.gov.in (National Centre for Disease Control), india.gov.in (National Portal of India)