Genetic Engineering — Current Affairs 2026

Current Affairs Connections

Recent developments and news linked to Genetic Engineering.

India Approves First Indigenous CAR-T Cell Therapy (NexCAR19) for Blood Cancers

December 2023

In a landmark decision, India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) granted market authorization to NexCAR19, the country's first indigenously developed CAR-T cell therapy. Developed by ImmunoACT (an IIT Bombay incubated company) and Tata Memorial Centre, this therapy targets B-cell lymphomas and leukemia. This approval signifies India's growing prowess in advanced genetic engineering and medical biotechnology, offering a potentially curative treatment at a significantly lower cost than imported alternatives. From a UPSC angle, this highlights India's self-reliance in cutting-edge medical technology, its potential to address healthcare disparities, and the regulatory pathway for advanced gene therapies.

UPSC Angle: Significance of indigenous R&D in biotechnology; impact on healthcare accessibility and affordability; regulatory challenges and successes in advanced therapies; 'Make in India' in biotech.

GEAC Approves Field Trials for Gene-Edited Mustard and Brinjal Varieties Under New Guidelines

Early 2024 (ongoing approvals)

Following the updated Biosafety Guidelines 2022, which streamline the regulatory process for certain gene-edited organisms (SDN-1 and SDN-2), the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) has been reviewing and approving field trials for various gene-edited crops, including mustard and brinjal. These varieties, developed using CRISPR-based techniques, aim for traits like herbicide tolerance and disease resistance without incorporating foreign DNA. This development indicates a shift towards faster adoption of precision breeding technologies in Indian agriculture, potentially boosting crop productivity and resilience. UPSC aspirants should note the distinction between traditional GMOs and gene-edited crops under the new regulatory framework.

UPSC Angle: Evolution of India's biosafety regulations; distinction between GMOs and gene-edited crops; potential of gene editing for agricultural sustainability; role of GEAC in facilitating research and commercialization.

Indian Researchers Utilize CRISPR for Climate-Resilient Crop Development

2024-2025 (ongoing research)

Several Indian agricultural research institutions, including ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology and various State Agricultural Universities, are actively employing CRISPR-Cas9 technology to develop climate-resilient crop varieties. Projects focus on enhancing drought tolerance in rice, improving heat stress resistance in wheat, and developing disease-resistant pulses. These efforts are crucial for ensuring food security in the face of climate change and fluctuating weather patterns. This demonstrates the practical application of advanced genetic engineering techniques to address pressing national challenges, aligning with India's agricultural sustainability goals.

UPSC Angle: Application of genetic engineering in climate change adaptation; role of public research institutions in agricultural innovation; food security and sustainable agriculture through biotechnology.