November 29, 2025

QUICK OVERVIEW

India is moving from slow-paced GM crop approvals to fast-tracked Genome Editing (GE), enabling precise, transgene-free improvements in crops like rice and mustard. With streamlined regulations, indigenous gene-editing tools, increased funding, and international scientific collaboration, GE crops are becoming central to India’s future biotech-driven agricultural transformation. India is preparing to open its civil nuclear energy sector to private companies through the upcoming Atomic Energy Bill 2025. The move aims to accelerate capacity expansion, bridge funding gaps, boost technology adoption, and support the goal of achieving 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047.

Why in News?

India’s genetically modified (GM) crop approvals have been stalled since 2006, but genome-edited (GE) crops have gained massive momentum.
Two GE rice lines (Samba Mahsuri and MTU-1010) have recently been cleared, and GE mustard is nearing release—marking a major shift toward faster, precise agricultural biotechnology.

Key Developments Driving GE Crop Growth

1. Streamlined Regulation

• GE crops contain no foreign DNA, unlike GM crops.

• They are exempt from GEAC’s strict biosafety trials.

• Only Institutional Biosafety Committee confirmation is required.

2. Funding Boost

• Government allocated ₹500 crore (2023–24 Budget) to GE crop R&D.

• GE crops are now treated on par with conventional crop varieties.

3. Indigenous Gene-Editing System Developed

• ICAR scientists developed a TnpB protein–based tool, smaller and cheaper than CRISPR-Cas9.

• Patent-free for Indian researchers.

• Easier delivery into plant cells via viral vectors.

4. Capacity-Building Initiatives

• The DBT–IUSSTF “GETin” programme sends Indian scientists to US labs for hands-on GE training.

What is Genome Editing?

Genome editing precisely alters DNA by:

• Adding,

• Removing, or

• Modifying specific genetic sequences.

Tools include CRISPR-Cas9, TALENs, and ZFNs.

How CRISPR-Cas9 Works (Simple Analogy)

• CRISPR = Search tool (locates the exact DNA sequence).

• Cas9 = Scissors (cuts DNA).

• Cell Repair = Editing engine

  • Disables genes,

  • Corrects mutations,

  • Or inserts new sequences.

Applications

Medicine

• Gene therapy (sickle cell, cystic fibrosis)

• Cancer immunotherapy

• Disabling viral DNA (like HIV)

Agriculture

• Nutrient-rich crops

• Drought/salinity resistance

• Disease-resistant livestock

Research

• Gene knockouts in animals to study diseases

GE Crops Developed in India

• Samba Mahsuri GE Rice — 19% yield increase

• MTU-1010 GE Rice — salt & alkaline soil tolerance

• GE Mustard — low pungency, canola-quality traits, pest resistance

GE vs GM Crops (Quick Comparison)

Why GE is Superior to GM in Crop Improvement

• Precise tweaking of existing genes

• Ability to improve elite local varieties

• Higher public acceptance as no foreign DNA

• Faster commercialization

• Suitable for climate-resilient agriculture

Challenges & Path Ahead

Why in News?

The Prime Minister announced that India will soon allow private sector participation in nuclear power generation.
The Atomic Energy Bill 2025 will be introduced to expand capacity, attract investment, and modernize India’s nuclear energy ecosystem.

How Private Sector Can Strengthen India’s Nuclear Programme

1. Closing the Capacity Gap

• Target: 8.8 GW → 22 GW by 2032 → 100 GW by 2047

• NPCIL lacks sufficient manpower, funds, and EPC capabilities.

• Private players can rapidly scale construction and operations.

2. Bridging the Financing Deficit

• 100 GW requires ₹15 lakh crore+ investment.

• Budget allocation (2025–26): ₹20,000 crore.

• Private investment is essential for long-term capital and risk sharing.

3. Faster Project Execution

NPCIL projects like Kudankulam Units 3–6 face delays.
Private EPC firms can:

• Improve supply chain efficiency

• Streamline procurement

• Reduce construction delays

4. Technology Modernization

Private entities can accelerate:

• Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

• Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs)

• Molten Salt Reactors

• High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactors

• Global industrial collaborations

5. Strengthening Uranium Supply

Allowing private firms to mine, import, and process uranium will:

• Reduce reliance on G2G agreements

• Build strategic reserves

• Strengthen long-term fuel security

6. Supporting Net-Zero 2070

Nuclear power is a stable, low-carbon, baseload energy source.
Private sector entry will accelerate India’s clean energy transition.

India’s Nuclear Energy Landscape

• Current capacity: 8.18 GW

• Managed entirely by NPCIL

• Over 20 reactors operational

• New projects and SMR mission launched in Union Budget 2025–26

• Aim: At least five indigenous SMRs by 2033

Barriers to Private Participation

1. Nuclear Liability Issues

Under CLND Act 2010:

• Section 17(b) allows operator (NPCIL) Right of Recourse against suppliers.

• This increases insurance cost & discourages private suppliers.

2. High Capital & Long Gestation

• Nuclear plants require massive upfront investment

• Long construction timelines raise financial risks

3. Regulatory Delays

• Multiple approvals

• Safety compliance

• Environmental clearances

4. Lack of Nuclear-Ready Supply Chain

India’s private industry requires:

• Specialized fabrication capabilities

• Certified reactor-grade component suppliers

CLAT / EXAM RELEVANCE SUMMARY

• Atomic Energy Bill 2025 proposes private participation.

• Target: 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047.

• Key technologies: SMRs, BSRs, molten salt reactors.

• Liability issue under CLND Act 2010 is a major barrier.

• Very important for UPSC GS-3 (Energy, Technology, Infrastructure).

• GE crops are transgene-free, making regulation simpler.

• India’s first GE releases: Samba Mahsuri & MTU-1010 rice, GE mustard trials.

• Indigenous gene-editing tool using TnpB developed by ICAR.

• GE differs from GM in precision, regulation, and public acceptance.

• Important for UPSC GS-3: biotechnology, food security, agricultural reforms.