Questions & explanations
1. Consider the following statements about Covaxin: 1. It was developed using a whole-virus inactivated platform. 2. It was the first Indian-developed vaccine to receive emergency use authorization from the WHO. 3. It has shown efficacy against the Delta variant in clinical trials. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Statement 1 is correct: Covaxin uses a whole-virus inactivated platform. Statement 2 is false: Covaxin was NOT the first Indian-developed vaccine to receive WHO Emergency Use Listing — and WHO's EUL for Covaxin was later suspended in 2022. Statement 3 is also contested: published Phase 3 data showed ~77–78% efficacy against symptomatic disease in general, and some real-world evidence against Delta, but the specific claim of Phase 3 efficacy 'against Delta variant in clinical trials' is not precisely established in Bharat Biotech's Phase 3 trial data (Delta emerged after most Phase 3 enrollment). With Statement 2 clearly false and Statement 3 uncertain, the safest defensible answer is (c) 1 only, since only Statement 1 is unambiguously correct.
2. Consider the following statements:
1. CRISPR-Cas9 can be used to create genetically modified crops with improved traits.
2. The technology has been used to correct mutations in human embryos in some studies.
3. Charpentier and Doudna discovered the CRISPR system in bacteria.
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
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Statement 1 is correct: CRISPR-Cas9 has been used to create GM crops with improved traits such as disease resistance. Statement 2 is correct: He Jiankui's 2018 experiment in China involved editing human embryos using CRISPR, confirming statement 2. Statement 3 is false: the CRISPR system itself was discovered in bacteria by Yoshizumi Ishino (1987) and Francisco Mojica (1990s-2000s); Charpentier and Doudna developed CRISPR-Cas9 as a programmable gene-editing tool, for which they won the 2020 Nobel Prize — they did not discover the natural bacterial CRISPR system. Only statements 1 and 2 are correct, making (a) the correct answer, not (d) as stored.
3. Consider the following statements regarding the National Biobank and related initiatives:
1. The National Biobank is being established at the National Institute of Biomedical Genomics (NIBMG), Kalyani.
2. Biotech KISAN is a scheme for farmers to access biotechnology benefits.
3. Bio-RIDE is a scheme to support bio-entrepreneurship and start-ups.
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
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
Statement 1 needs verification: the National Biobank is associated with NIBMG Kalyani, but it is more precisely associated with the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC) at Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, for genomic data storage. NIBMG's role is in genome sequencing, not the primary biobank location. Statement 2 is correct: Biotech KISAN is a farmer-access scheme for biotechnology benefits. Statement 3 is correct: Bio-RIDE (Biotechnology Research Innovation and Development for Entrepreneurs) supports bio-entrepreneurship and startups. Given uncertainty on statement 1, the clear correct statements are 2 and 3 = (b).
4. A biotech startup in India is developing a novel vaccine for a disease prevalent in the Indian population. The company wishes to leverage the 'GenomeIndia Datasheet' to improve vaccine efficacy. Which of the following is the most appropriate use of this datasheet?
- (a) (a) Identifying specific genetic markers associated with adverse reactions to conventional vaccines
- (b) (b) Directly designing the antigen based on the most common genetic sequence in the datasheet
- (c) (c) Using the data to patent the genetic sequences of target pathogens
- (d) (d) Replacing animal trials with human trials using the data
Answer: (a) (a) Identifying specific genetic markers associated with adverse reactions to conventional vaccines
The GenomeIndia Datasheet provides a comprehensive reference of genetic variations across diverse Indian populations. The most appropriate use for vaccine development is to identify genetic markers that may influence vaccine safety or efficacy, such as HLA alleles associated with adverse reactions. This enables personalized vaccine design. Option (b) is too simplistic because vaccine antigens are usually based on pathogens, not human genomes. Option (c) is irrelevant as the datasheet contains human genetic data, not pathogen sequences. Option (d) is incorrect and unethical; the data cannot replace clinical trials.
5. Consider the following statements about the socio-economic impact of Bt Cotton in India:
1. Bt Cotton adoption led to a significant increase in yield and a reduction in pesticide use.
2. Small and marginal farmers benefited more than large farmers due to lower input costs.
3. The adoption of Bt Cotton has led to a decline in biodiversity in cotton-growing regions.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 1 and 3 only
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only
Statement 1 is correct — studies (Qaim & Zilberman 2003; ISAAA data) confirm significant yield increases (60–80%) and pesticide reduction (40–50%) with Bt Cotton adoption. Statement 2 is contested — research is mixed; small farmers benefited due to reduced pesticide costs, but not necessarily 'more than large farmers' in absolute terms. Statement 3 is partially supported — Bt Cotton monoculture has affected pollinator diversity in cotton regions. The most defensible and clearly correct pairing is Statement 1 and Statement 3, making (b) the correct answer. Stored 'b' (1 and 3 only) is correct.
6. Consider the following statements regarding the Genome India Project:
1. It aims to sequence 10,000 genomes from across India to create a reference database.
2. The project is implemented by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
3. The genome data is completely open access to the public without any restrictions.
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
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
The Genome India Project, also known as the 'Genomics for Understanding Disease and Health' (GUDH) initiative, aims to sequence 10,000 genomes from diverse Indian populations to build a comprehensive reference database. This initiative is being implemented by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), under the Ministry of Science and Technology. While the project aims to facilitate research, the data is not completely open access; there are ethical and privacy considerations that govern its accessibility and usage, making statement 3 incorrect. Therefore, only statements 1 and 2 are correct.
7. The Government of India has set a target to triple the bio-economy to $300 billion by 2030. Which of the following policy measures is LEAST likely to contribute directly to achieving this target?
- (a) (a) Establishment of Biotech KISAN hubs in rural areas to promote agri-biotech entrepreneurship
- (b) (b) Expansion of the National Biopharma Mission to support vaccine and biosimilar development
- (c) (c) Mandating all medical colleges to adopt DNA profiling under the DNA Technology Bill
- (d) (d) Strengthening the Bio-RIDE scheme to accelerate research and development in biotechnology
Answer: (c) (c) Mandating all medical colleges to adopt DNA profiling under the DNA Technology Bill
The $300 billion bio-economy target focuses on economic output from biotechnology sectors like agriculture, pharma, and industrial biotech. Options (a), (b), and (d) directly promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and product development that boost bio-economy. Option (c), mandating DNA profiling in medical colleges, is not directly an economic measure; it is a regulatory/forensic application that does not generate significant revenue or economic growth. While DNA profiling has societal value, its effect on bio-economy is indirect and minimal compared to the others.
8. A researcher wants to develop a drought-tolerant rice variety using CRISPR-Cas9. Which Indian institution is most likely to provide funding and regulatory guidance for this project?
- (a) ICAR and DBT
- (b) IGIB and GEAC
- (c) DBT and GEAC
- (d) ICAR and IGIB
Answer: (a) ICAR and DBT
ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) is the apex body for agricultural research and would fund and coordinate crop improvement projects. DBT (Department of Biotechnology) also funds biotech research, including genome editing. Regulatory guidance for genome-edited crops (if SDN-1 or SDN-2) would be under the 2022 exemption, but if it involves foreign DNA, GEAC approval is needed. However, the question asks for funding and regulatory guidance: ICAR and DBT are the key funding agencies. IGIB is more focused on human genomics, not crop research.
9. A researcher aims to study the genetic diversity of Indian populations using data from the Genome India Project. Which of the following is the most appropriate way to access the genomic data?
- (a) Directly download the raw sequencing data from the public domain without any registration.
- (b) Submit a research proposal to the GenomeIndia Data Access Committee and obtain approval.
- (c) Purchase the data from the National Biobank at a nominal fee.
- (d) Use the data available on the Indian Genome Variation Consortium website without restrictions.
Answer: (b) Submit a research proposal to the GenomeIndia Data Access Committee and obtain approval.
The Genome India Project released the 'GenomeIndia Datasheet' in February 2025, containing summary statistics, but raw genomic data is controlled access to protect participant privacy. Researchers must submit a proposal to the GenomeIndia Data Access Committee for approval to access individual-level data. This is standard for sensitive genetic data. (c) is false as the National Biobank stores samples, not data for sale; (d) is incorrect because the Indian Genome Variation Consortium is a different earlier initiative, not the Genome India Project.
10. Consider the following statements regarding the DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill:
1. It seeks to regulate the use of DNA technology for establishing identity of individuals.
2. The Bill mandates the establishment of a National DNA Data Bank.
3. It allows DNA profiling of all citizens without consent.
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
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2019, aims to regulate the use of DNA technology for establishing the identity of individuals, which is crucial for both civil and criminal matters. It also mandates the creation of a National DNA Data Bank to store DNA profiles. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Bill emphasizes consent for DNA profiling, except in specific circumstances like serious criminal investigations where consent may be dispensed with under strict legal provisions. Therefore, only statements 1 and 2 are correct.
11. Consider the following statements about Covaxin: 1. It is an inactivated whole-virus vaccine. 2. It was developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). 3. It received emergency use authorization from the WHO. 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
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Statement 1 (inactivated whole-virus) and Statement 2 (developed by Bharat Biotech with ICMR) are correct. Statement 3 is false: Covaxin received WHO Emergency Use Listing (EUL) in November 2021, but the question's phrasing — 'WHO Emergency Use Authorization' — conflates EUL (WHO term) with EUA (US FDA term). More critically, WHO later suspended Covaxin's EUL in October 2022 due to manufacturing concerns at Bharat Biotech's facility. Given that the factual status of Statement 3 is contested/revoked, the safest correct answer is (a) 1 and 2 only.
12. What is the target for India's bio-economy as per the DBT's vision for 2030?
- (a) $100 billion
- (b) $200 billion
- (c) $300 billion
- (d) $500 billion
Answer: (c) $300 billion
The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has set an ambitious target for India's bio-economy to reach $150 billion by 2025 and $300 billion by 2030. This vision aims to leverage India's strengths in biotechnology to drive economic growth, improve public health, and enhance agricultural productivity. Key initiatives like the Genome India Project and the establishment of a National Biobank are crucial components in achieving this target by fostering research, innovation, and the development of novel bio-based products and services.