Topic: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life. Security challenges and their management in border areas – linkages of organized crime with terrorism.
5. By underlining the biosecurity concerns of synthetic biology, analyse India’s preparedness in the domains of biosafety and biosecurity.(250 words)
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
Against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic, the article discusses the national security threat emanating from biological weapons.
Key Demand of the question:
Highlight the biosecurity concerns of synthetic biology, analyse India’s preparedness in the domains of biosafety and biosecurity.
Directive:
Analyze – When asked to analyse, you have to examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them as a whole in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start with the definition of Synthetic biology. Synthetic biology is a revolutionary technology that can help us manipulate biological organisms and processes for human betterment, especially in treating diseases, by re-engineering cells.
Body:
The answer body must have the following aspects covered:
First explain the risks involved; possibility of deliberate misuse of synthetic biology, need to carefully review, especially in the wake of the pandemic, the biosecurity systems in place where such technologies are in use, Accidental leaks of experimental pathogens are another concern etc.
Discuss the mechanism for regulation in existence.
Highlight the concerns for India.
Conclusion:
Conclude by suggesting solutions to address the issue.
