GS3 PYQ (Mains Answer Writing): Biotechnology | Science & Technology for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Question 1: What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology? How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of society? (UPSC GS3 Mains)

Answer: Biotechnology is an interdisciplinary field that involves the use of live organisms or enzymes from organisms to produce products and processes useful to humans.
Achievement in Biotechnology:

• Genetically Modified Crops: Biotechnology is used to produce genetically modified crops that are resistant to pests, improve crop yield, and have higher nutritional value. For example, Bt Cotton, GM Soyabean, etc. 
• Production of Medicines: Recombinant DNA techniques are used to produce a number of medicines like Insulin, etc. 
• Environmental Applications: Biotechnology is also employed in waste management and reducing pollution. For example, Phytoremediation uses plants for the removal, degradation, or containment of contaminants in soils, groundwater, etc. 
• Disease Diagnosis: Biotechnology is used for the diagnosis of a number of diseases. For instance, RT-PCR is based on genetic amplification to detect the presence of viruses like Dengue, SARS, etc. 
• Vaccine Development: Development of RNA (mRNA) based vaccine is used to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. 
• Assisted Reproductive Technologies: Biotechnology is also at forefront of Assisted Reproductive Technologies like IVF, Test tube babies, etc.
• Stem Cell Research: Stem cells can divide endlessly and turn into different body cells. Scientists use them to develop specific cell types for treatment and research.
• Human Genome Project: Launched in 1990, this global project mapped all human DNA base pairs, helping identify genes linked to diseases.
• Targeted Cancer Therapies: Unlike traditional chemotherapy, these drugs focus only on cancer cells or key molecules, minimizing harm to healthy cells.
• CRISPR Technology: A powerful gene-editing tool used in medical research, including HIV studies, to precisely alter DNA.

Role of Biotech in Uplifting Poor’s

• Biotechnology is helping to increase the income of marginal farmers by increasing crop yield and making them climate and pest resilient. 
• The development of medicines using Biotech is reducing healthcare expenditure for the poor. E.g; the cost of Insulin has come down. 
• Biotechnology is also helping in the conversion of waste into assets for the poor. E.g.; Bio-composting turns waste into valuable fertilizer. 
• The poor suffer the most from pollution. Biotechnology also helps in reducing pollution and thus alleviates their suffering. E.g.; Bioremediation techniques help clean landfills around slums. 
• Biotechnology also helps in increasing the shelf life of food products which in turn keeps their price in check for the poor.

Biotechnology is a revolutionary field that has the potential to alleviate poverty and hunger. However, there is a need to equitably distribute its benefits among all strata of society.

Question 2: How can biotechnology help to improve the living standards of farmers? (UPSC GS3 Mains)

Answer:  In India, although a large portion of the population depends on agriculture, it remains unprofitable—particularly in regions untouched by the Green Revolution. In this context, biotechnology offers great potential to transform farming by improving every stage of the agricultural value chain, from input to final processing.

• Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs): Using Recombinant DNA Technology, genes of plants, bacteria, fungi, and animals are modified to create GMOs. These have significantly impacted agriculture by improving crop traits and resilience.
• Tissue Culture: This technique involves growing plant or animal tissues in a lab medium. It helps in rapid propagation and crop improvement.
• Abiotic Stress Resistance: Biotech crops can tolerate drought, heat, cold, and salinity—reducing climate-related risks for farmers.
• Reduced Pesticide Use: Pest-resistant crops cut down on chemical pesticide use, benefiting both farmers economically and the environment.
• Lower Post-Harvest Losses: Crops engineered to withstand transport and storage losses ensure better shelf-life and reduced wastage.
• Efficient Nutrient Use: Improved nutrient uptake in biotech crops prevents early soil exhaustion, supporting long-term productivity.
• Enhanced Nutrition: Biofortified crops, like Vitamin A-rich rice, improve human health and fetch higher prices in the market.
• Built-in Pest & Disease Resistance: Biotech crops like Bt cotton naturally resist specific pests and diseases, reducing yield losses.
• Support for Agro-Industries: Tailor-made crops for starch, fuel, or pharmaceutical production can strengthen farm-industry linkages.

With growing global food demands, especially in developing nations, biotechnology allows for higher yields on less land using sustainable practices. While the technology offers immense promise, it’s important to evaluate both its benefits and risks carefully.

Question 3: Why is there so much activity in the field of biotechnology in our country? How has this activity benefitted the field of biopharma? (UPSC GS3 Mains)

Answer: Biotechnology involves the application of technological tools to biological systems for industrial, agricultural, and medical use. In recent years, it has gained significant momentum in India, with growing support from both central and state governments, private sector investments, and international collaboration. This surge stems from the recognition of biotechnology’s vast potential in multiple sectors:

1. Agriculture​

• Development of high-yielding and drought-resistant crop varieties has enhanced food security.
• Use of biofortified crops like Dhanashakti—India’s first iron-rich pearl millet—helps combat malnutrition.
• Eco-friendly biofertilizers, such as algal biofertilizers used in rice cultivation, enrich the soil sustainably.

2. Industry

• Biotechnology enables cost-effective production of goods such as corn syrup, alcohol, and food items like cheese through bio-enzymes.
• It supports industrial innovation by offering cleaner and more efficient methods of production.

3. Medicine

• Gene therapy offers solutions to genetic disorders, e.g., treating ADA (adenosine deaminase) deficiency.
• Genetically engineered products like human insulin are vital for managing widespread conditions like diabetes in India.
• Biopharmaceuticals deliver safer and more effective medicines with fewer side effects.

4. Biopharma Revolution

• Biopharmaceuticals, being structurally similar to human compounds, go beyond symptom management to offer potential cures.
• Advanced biotech tools, including DNA-recombinant and cell fusion technologies, allow for personalized treatment plans.
• Gene therapy, in particular, holds promise for treating diseases like cancer by replacing defective genes with functional ones.

5. Government and Industry Initiatives​

• Programs like i3 (Innovate in India) and the National Biopharma Mission, along with bio-incubation centers, are fueling sectoral growth.
• This growth is expected to generate employment, boost medical tourism, and expand affordable healthcare access both domestically and globally.

Biotechnology holds the key to a healthier, more sustainable future. With the right support and innovation, India can become a global leader in this transformative field.