BIOE3 POLICY
- Biotechnology, which involves manipulating living organisms and biological processes to create specific products or applications, is an expansive and diverse field. It encompasses areas such as genomics, genetic modification, synthetic biology, bioinformatics, and gene therapy.
- Advancements in these fields have led to breakthroughs like treatments for genetic diseases or the development of crop varieties with enhanced traits. Historically, biotechnology solutions have been primarily applied in healthcare and agriculture.
- However, recent progress in gene-editing techniques, protein production, and the cultivation of enzymes using genetically altered microorganisms, alongside enhanced data processing and artificial intelligence, has broadened the potential of biotechnology.
- Traditional goods like synthetic fabrics, plastics, meat, milk, and fuel now have eco-friendly alternatives created through modern biological methods. For example, biological processes can replace chemical industrial methods, offering cleaner and more sustainable solutions.
- Precision fermentation, for instance, allows for the production of animal-free milk, which mirrors the taste, texture, and nutrition of natural milk, but with a lower carbon footprint, enhanced accessibility, and higher nutritional value.
- Environmentally harmful conventional plastics can be replaced by biodegradable bioplastics like polylactic acid, which is produced from renewable materials such as corn starch or sugarcane, rather than petroleum-based hydrocarbons.
- Additionally, certain microorganisms like bacteria and algae can be utilized for atmospheric carbon capture, a critical bioprocess in mitigating climate change. Traditional carbon capture and storage methods, which rely on chemical processes, have faced challenges such as high costs and the need to store captured CO2 underground indefinitely. Biological processes, however, allow microorganisms to convert CO2 into useful byproducts, including biofuels, eliminating the need for storage.
- In synthetic biology, entirely new organisms can be engineered to perform specific tasks, such as producing proteins or enzymes. Organs for transplantation can also be grown in laboratories through organogenesis, potentially reducing the reliance on human donors.
- The potential applications of biotechnology are just beginning to emerge. While some products, like animal-free milk, are already available in select markets, many other technologies are still in the development stage, facing challenges related to scalability, cost, or regulatory approval
- In the coming years, these emerging technologies are projected to reshape the economy and existing industrial practices.
- Biomanufacturing, which involves using biological organisms or processes for industrial production, is expected to generate an economic impact of $2-4 trillion within the next decade, according to government projections. This is just one aspect of the broader shift towards integrating biology into economic activities.
- India’s BioE3 policy aims to prepare the country for this future. Although it may not yield immediate economic benefits, the policy focuses on building expertise, promoting research, training young talent, and participating in technology development, positioning India to take advantage of these advancements when they mature.
- This policy aligns with other government initiatives, such as the Artificial Intelligence Mission, Quantum Mission, and Green Hydrogen Mission, which aim to equip India with cutting-edge technologies that are expected to become essential to the global economy and address key challenges like climate change and energy security.
- The BioE3 policy proposes establishing several biomanufacturing hubs across India. These hubs will provide a space for industry partners and start-ups to create specialized chemicals, smart proteins, enzymes, functional foods, and other bio-based products and services.
- The hubs will concentrate on six areas: bio-based chemicals and enzymes, functional foods and smart proteins, precision biotherapeutics, climate-resilient agriculture, carbon capture and utilization, and advanced marine and space research.
- The latter focuses on developing life support systems for astronauts that can recycle waste, produce oxygen, and grow food using specialized plants or microorganisms like algae in space environments.
- Additionally, research on marine ecosystems could lead to the production of novel compounds and enzymes by marine organisms, with potential applications in sectors such as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
- The BioE3 policy is spearheaded by the Department of Biotechnology, but its scope is so broad that it will require the collaboration of at least 15 other government departments for successful implementation
The BioE3 policy refers to India's strategic initiative aimed at fostering a bio-economy by leveraging biotechnology to address various industrial, environmental, and societal challenges. This policy is designed to prepare India for a future where biological processes and technologies play a central role in economic development. The key focus of the BioE3 policy includes the promotion of biomanufacturing, where biological organisms or processes are used for industrial production, and creating a framework to harness the potential of biotechnology in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.
Objectives of BioE3 Policy:
- Establishing biomanufacturing hubs where industries and start-ups can develop bio-based products like specialized chemicals, enzymes, smart proteins, functional foods, etc.
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Developing competencies by promoting research, education, and talent development in biotechnology fields.
- Supporting the development of advanced biotechnologies, including gene editing, bioinformatics, and precision biotherapeutics, to stay at the forefront of global innovation.
- Utilizing biotechnology to address challenges like climate change, carbon capture, and creating eco-friendly alternatives to traditional industrial processes.
- Ensuring that multiple government departments work together to implement the policy effectively, reflecting its broad impact on various sectors
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For Prelims: Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA), G-20 summit, E10 (10% ethanol) or E85 (85% ethanol), Electric vehicle (EV), and International Energy Agency (IEA). For Mains: 1. Discuss the role of biofuels in the global transition to sustainable energy sources, considering their environmental impact, economic implications, and potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. (250 words). |
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Previous year Question 1. According to India's National Policy on Biofuels, which of the following can be used as raw materials for the production of biofuels? (UPSC 2020) 1. Cassava 2. Damaged wheat grains 3. Groundnut seeds 4. Horse gram 5. Rotten potatoes 6. Sugar beet Select the correct answer using the code given below: A. 1, 2, 5 and 6 only B. 1, 3, 4 and 6 only C. 2, 3, 4 and 5 only D. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 Answer: A 2. It is possible to produce algae-based biofuels, but what is/are the likely limitation(s) of developing countries in promoting this industry? (UPSC 2017) 1. Production of algae-based biofuels is possible in seas only and not on continents. 2. Setting up and engineering the algae-based biofuels production requires a high level of expertise/technology until the construction is completed. 3. Economically viable production necessitates the setting up of large-scale facilities which may raise ecological and social concerns. Select the correct answer using the code given below: A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3 Answer: B 3. With reference to the Neem tree, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2014) 1. Neem oil can be used as a pesticide to control the proliferation of some species of insects and mites. 2. Neem seeds are used in the manufacture of biofuels and hospital detergents. 3. Neem oil has applications in the pharmaceutical industry. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 and 2 only B. 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3 Answer: C |
Source: Indianexpress
