DNA and RNA — Current Affairs 2026
Current Affairs Connections
CRISPR-based Gene Therapies Receive First Approvals for Sickle Cell Disease and Beta-Thalassemia
2023-2024In a landmark development, CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing therapies, such as Casgevy, received regulatory approvals in the UK, US, and EU for treating sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia. These therapies involve editing a patient's own hematopoietic stem cells ex vivo to correct the genetic defect, offering a potentially curative treatment. This marks a significant transition of gene editing from research to clinical reality, demonstrating its immense potential for inherited disorders.
UPSC Angle: This highlights the practical application and ethical considerations of advanced biotechnology. UPSC can ask about the mechanism of CRISPR, its therapeutic potential, the regulatory challenges for gene therapies, and the accessibility/affordability of such treatments in India. It connects directly to personalized medicine and public health policy.
Advancements in mRNA Technology Beyond COVID-19 Vaccines: Focus on Cancer and Autoimmune Diseases
2024-2025Following the success of mRNA vaccines against COVID-19, research and clinical trials are rapidly expanding to leverage mRNA technology for other diseases. Companies are developing mRNA-based cancer vaccines, which train the immune system to recognize and attack tumor cells, and therapies for autoimmune conditions. These next-generation mRNA applications promise highly specific and customizable treatments, potentially revolutionizing oncology and immunology.
UPSC Angle: This demonstrates the versatility and rapid evolution of RNA-based technologies. Questions could focus on the mechanism of mRNA vaccines, their advantages over traditional vaccines, the new therapeutic frontiers (cancer, autoimmune diseases), and the role of public-private partnerships in accelerating such innovations. It's a key example of how fundamental molecular biology translates into cutting-edge medical solutions.
India's IndiGen Programme Progresses Towards Population-Scale Genome Sequencing for Precision Health
2024-2025The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Department of Biotechnology (DBT) continue to expand India's IndiGen programme, aiming to sequence thousands of diverse Indian genomes. This initiative seeks to create a comprehensive genetic map of the Indian population, which is crucial for understanding genetic predispositions to diseases, developing targeted therapies, and informing public health strategies tailored to India's unique genetic diversity. The data generated will be vital for precision health initiatives.
UPSC Angle: This is highly relevant for India's science and technology policy. UPSC may inquire about the objectives and progress of national genome sequencing projects, their implications for personalized medicine, ethical concerns related to genetic data privacy and storage, and the potential for reducing the burden of genetic diseases in India. It also touches upon the importance of indigenous research and development.