Biotechnology (Science & Technology).
Syllabus: UPSC Pre GS1: General Science; Mains GS3: S&T developments
BioE3 policy for UPSC: meaning, six thematic sectors, biomanufacturing and Bio-AI hubs, biofoundries, India's bioeconomy size, challenges and way forward.
Antimicrobial resistance for UPSC: how resistance develops, deaths and burden, causes in India, Red Line, colistin ban, AWaRe, NAP-AMR 2.0 and way…
CRISPR for UPSC: how Cas9 cuts DNA, 2020 Nobel, base and prime editing, sickle cell therapy, India's genome-edited rice, SDN rules vs…
GM crops for UPSC: how genetic modification works, Bt cotton story, Bt brinjal moratorium, GM mustard DMH-11, GEAC rules, genome-edited rice varieties…
A PIB backgrounder of 18 October 2026 puts the spotlight on Kufri Jamunia, a purple-fleshed potato bred by ICAR’s Central Potato Research Institute and released in 2024. It has nearly twice the Vitamin C of a common potato and several times more zinc and iron, along with antioxidants called anthocyanins. The idea is clever: instead of asking people to change what they eat, make the food they already eat more nutritious. That is biofortification.
UPSC angle: Prelims: Kufri Jamunia, CPRI, anthocyanins, biofortification vs fortification. · Mains GS-III: nutrition security; GS-II: hunger.
18 Oct 2026
On 24 September 2026 the Department of Biotechnology launched the commercial use of bio-based biodegradable plastic made of Polylactic Acid (PLA) under the BioE3 framework. A ₹75 crore BIRAC grant supports a 100 TPA pilot R&D facility for PLA and co-polymers by Balrampur Chini Mills at Kumbhi, Uttar Pradesh.
UPSC angle: Prelims: PLA feedstock; BioE3 expansion.
24 Sep 2026
On 21 September 2026 the Health Ministry launched the 7th edition of the National Formulary of India, with 653 drugs, and announced that the Government has approved a Biovigilance Programme of India. Under it, the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission will monitor adverse events linked to medicines and biological products used in organ and tissue transplantation.
UPSC angle: Prelims: IPC's role; what pharmacovigilance means.
21 Sep 2026
On 16 September 2026 the Health Ministry told States and UTs that stem cell therapy may be given as standard care only for conditions on the Ministry's approved list. For autism, any stem cell use must stay inside approved clinical trials. The advisory follows a Supreme Court judgment of 30 January 2026 in Yash Charitable Trust v. Union of India.
UPSC angle: Prelims: Clinical Establishments Act, 2010; what stem cells are.
17 Sep 2026
On 13 September 2026, at a reception for the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) Board and Investors Council in New Delhi, the Science Minister said India is the world's largest vaccine producer by volume. India, a CEPI founding member, makes nearly 60 per cent of global vaccine production. The DBT-BIRAC-CEPI strategy was renewed in September 2025 for five years.
UPSC angle: Prelims: CEPI expansion and role.
13 Sep 2026
By 11 September 2026 India had given over 80 lakh HPV vaccine doses under the National HPV Vaccination Campaign, launched in February 2026. Girls aged 14 get a free, voluntary single dose with parental consent. Gujarat, UP, Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram have reached 100 per cent of their targets, and UP leads with more than 22 lakh girls.
UPSC angle: Prelims: HPV–cervical cancer link; target group.
11 Sep 2026