Read Current Affairs
- The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has notified new rules under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, replacing the 2014 regulations.
- These rules govern fair and equitable benefit sharing from the use of biological resources and associated knowledge, including Digital Sequence Information (DSI).
- Key provisions include the requirement of Prior Informed Consent (PIC) from the NBA for accessing biological resources—except for certain cultivated medicinal plants.
- Benefit sharing is now linked to annual turnover, with mandatory reporting for users exceeding ₹1 crore turnover. For resources of high conservation or commercial value (e.g., red sanders, agarwood), benefit sharing starts at 5% and may exceed 20%.
- Commercial exploitation of IPR also requires monetary or agreed non-monetary contributions to the NBA.
- The Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) framework ensures providers of genetic resources receive a fair share of benefits, aligned with international commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity, Nagoya Protocol, and recent developments on DSI at CBD COP16.
- India has developed its first genome-edited rice varieties—DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala) and Pusa DST Rice 1—through the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), marking a major scientific breakthrough.
- These varieties were developed using CRISPR-Cas genome editing technology, which allows precise genetic modifications without introducing foreign DNA.
- Approved under India's biosafety regulations, Site Directed Nuclease (SDN)-1 and SDN-2 genome editing methods were used. The development was supported by the National Agricultural Science Fund (NASF), which promotes strategic agricultural research.
- DRR Dhan 100, developed by ICAR–IIRR Hyderabad, is an improved version of Samba Mahsuri rice, targeting the CKX2 gene to enhance plant hormone cytokinin activity, boosting growth.
- Pusa DST Rice 1, developed by ICAR–IARI New Delhi, is an enhanced form of MTU1010 (Cottondora Sannalu), a fine-grain rice.
- This advancement highlights India's leadership in agri-biotech innovation and paves the way for higher-yielding, climate-resilient, and nutritionally enriched rice varieties.
- The United States has recently approved the sale of HawkEye 360 technology to India, enhancing the country’s surveillance capabilities.
- About HawkEye 360 Technology:
- This technology utilizes a constellation of three satellites in Low Earth Orbit to detect, geolocate, and analyze radio frequency (RF) signals.
- Significance for India:
- The system can identify vessels that disable their Automatic Identification System (AIS) to evade detection in disputed or sensitive areas. This will significantly improve India’s maritime domain awareness across the Indo-Pacific region. Indian forces will be better equipped to monitor illegal fishing, smuggling, and enhance overall surveillance capabilities in the area.