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9 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu
3 min
Science & TechnologyEnvironment & EcologyEconomyNEWS

Biotechnology driving sustainable growth, experts highlight at webinar

Experts highlight biotechnology's role in driving sustainable growth and addressing societal demands.

A webinar highlighted biotechnology's role in driving a sustainable and technology-integrated future. India's bio-economy has grown significantly, targeting $300 billion by 2030. Sustainability rests on environmental suitability, economic viability, and social utility. Biotechnology facilitates green processes with zero waste management. Skillsets in microbial culture, gene manipulation, and data analysis are crucial for green growth and a bio-enabled economy.

Key Facts

1.

India's bio-economy is the fastest growing in the world.

2.

India's bio-economy has grown from $10 billion in 2014 to $165 billion in 2024.

3.

The bio-revolution targets $300 billion by 2030.

4.

Sustainability rests on environmental suitability, economic viability, and social utility.

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper 3: Science and Technology - Developments and their applications and effects in everyday life

2.

GS Paper 3: Biotechnology and its applications in agriculture and health

3.

Potential question types: Statement-based MCQs, analytical questions on the ethical implications of biotechnology

Visual Insights

Key Statistics from Biotechnology Webinar

Highlights key statistics mentioned in the webinar summary, focusing on India's bio-economy target.

Bio-economy Target by 2030
$300 Billion

Indicates the ambitious growth trajectory of India's bio-economy and its potential impact on sustainable development.

More Information

Background

Biotechnology has ancient roots, with early applications in food production like fermentation dating back thousands of years. The process of fermentation, used to produce bread, cheese, and alcoholic beverages, represents one of the earliest forms of biotechnology. These traditional methods relied on naturally occurring microorganisms to transform raw materials into more desirable products. Modern biotechnology emerged in the 20th century with significant breakthroughs in understanding DNA and genetic engineering. The discovery of DNA's structure by Watson and Crick in 1953 revolutionized the field, paving the way for techniques like recombinant DNA technology and gene cloning. These advancements allowed scientists to manipulate genetic material and develop new applications in medicine, agriculture, and industry. The development of recombinant DNA technology allowed for the creation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Regulatory frameworks and ethical considerations have become increasingly important as biotechnology advances. Many countries have established regulatory agencies to oversee the development and use of biotechnological products, ensuring their safety and efficacy. In India, the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is responsible for regulating GMOs and other genetically modified products. Ethical debates surrounding issues like genetic modification, gene editing, and cloning continue to shape the field's trajectory.

Latest Developments

Recent advancements in biotechnology include the development of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology, which allows for precise and targeted modifications to DNA. This technology has the potential to revolutionize medicine by enabling the treatment of genetic diseases and the development of new therapies. The use of CRISPR-Cas9 raises ethical concerns about the potential for unintended consequences and the need for responsible regulation. Biotechnology is playing an increasingly important role in addressing global challenges such as climate change and food security. Biofuels, produced from renewable biomass, offer a potential alternative to fossil fuels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Genetically modified crops can be engineered to be more resistant to pests and diseases, increasing crop yields and reducing the need for pesticides. The adoption of genetically modified crops remains controversial, with concerns about their potential impact on biodiversity and human health. India is investing heavily in biotechnology research and development, aiming to become a global hub for bio-innovation. The government has launched initiatives such as the National Biotechnology Development Strategy to promote the growth of the biotechnology sector. These efforts are focused on developing new technologies and products in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, and industrial biotechnology. The target of achieving a $300 billion bio-economy by 2030 reflects India's ambition in this field.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key facts about India's bio-economy for the UPSC Prelims exam?

Key facts include the current size of India's bio-economy, its growth trajectory, and future targets. Remember that India's bio-economy has grown significantly, targeting $300 billion by 2030, and sustainability rests on environmental suitability, economic viability, and social utility.

Exam Tip

Focus on memorizing the figures related to the bio-economy's growth and the target year.

2. What is the bioeconomy, and why is it important for sustainable development?

The bioeconomy refers to economic activities related to the invention, development, production and use of biological products and processes. It is important for sustainable development because it facilitates green processes with zero waste management and addresses societal demands in an environmentally friendly way.

Exam Tip

Understand the link between bioeconomy and SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals).

3. What are the skillsets required for green growth and a bio-enabled economy, as highlighted in the webinar?

The webinar emphasized that skillsets in microbial culture, gene manipulation, and data analysis are crucial for green growth and a bio-enabled economy. These skills are essential for leveraging biotechnology to drive sustainable solutions.

Exam Tip

Consider how these skillsets align with the government's Skill India Mission.

4. How has India's bio-economy grown in recent years, and what is the target for 2030?

India's bio-economy has grown significantly from $10 billion in 2014 to $165 billion in 2024. The bio-revolution targets $300 billion by 2030.

Exam Tip

Remember the growth trajectory and the target for 2030. This can be useful for both prelims and mains.

5. What are the pros and cons of focusing on biotechnology for sustainable growth in India?

Pros include the potential for green processes, waste management, and economic growth. Cons might involve ethical concerns, the need for skilled labor, and potential environmental risks if not managed properly. The focus on sustainability (environmental suitability, economic viability, and social utility) is key.

Exam Tip

Consider the ethical implications of biotechnology and how they can be addressed.

6. Why is biotechnology in the news recently, and what are the recent developments?

Biotechnology is in the news due to its potential for driving sustainable growth and addressing societal demands. Recent developments include advancements in gene editing technologies like CRISPR-Cas9, and the significant growth of India's bio-economy.

Exam Tip

Stay updated on new biotechnological innovations and their potential impact.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding India's bio-economy: 1. India's bio-economy is targeted to reach $300 billion by 2030. 2. Biotechnology facilitates green processes with zero waste management. 3. Sustainability in the context of bio-economy rests solely on environmental suitability. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The webinar highlighted that India's bio-economy is targeting $300 billion by 2030. Statement 2 is CORRECT: Biotechnology facilitates green processes with zero waste management, contributing to sustainability. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: Sustainability rests on environmental suitability, economic viability, and social utility, not solely on environmental suitability.

2. In the context of biotechnology, consider the following skillsets: 1. Microbial culture techniques 2. Gene manipulation 3. Data analysis Which of these skillsets are crucial for green growth and a bio-enabled economy, as highlighted in the webinar?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: D

The webinar highlighted that skillsets in microbial culture, gene manipulation, and data analysis are crucial for green growth and a bio-enabled economy. Therefore, all three skillsets are essential.

3. Which of the following statements accurately describes the role of the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) in India?

  • A.It promotes the use of genetically modified crops to increase agricultural productivity.
  • B.It regulates the manufacturing, use, import, and export of hazardous microorganisms and genetically engineered organisms and cells.
  • C.It provides financial assistance to biotechnology startups.
  • D.It conducts research on new genetic engineering techniques.
Show Answer

Answer: B

The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. It is responsible for regulating the manufacturing, use, import, and export of hazardous microorganisms and genetically engineered organisms and cells in India.

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