Current Affairs 9th July

 Topic–> Gene-edited rice Scientists at NIPGR used CRISPR Cas9 gene editing on japonica rice to improve phosphate uptake and transport. Edited rice lines showed more seeds and panicles, leading to higher yield without affecting seed quality. Even with only 10% of the usual phosphate fertilizer, yield increased by 40% over unedited rice. Rice needs phosphate for growth, but only 15–20% of applied phosphate fertilizer is used by the plant. Phosphate is absorbed by roots and sent to the shoot via transporters. The transporter focused on here is OsPHO1;2. Researchers identified a repressor gene (OsWRKY6) that reduces the transporter’s activity.

Critics worry about foreign DNA from bacteria like S. pyogenes and Agrobacterium. Topic ⟶ Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme Approval & Objective The Union Cabinet has approved a ₹1-lakh crore RDI scheme. Main goal: To incentivise private sector investment in basic research and innovation in India. Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) Funds to be managed by ANRF a newly created independent institutional body under the Science Ministry. Acts as a custodian of funds and a single-window clearance mechanism for research and development (R&D) in universities and institutions. Expected funding pattern: 70% from private sector and 30% from government sources.

Funding Mechanism Funds will be disbursed as low interest loans, not grants or subsidies. Aims to reverse the current R&D expenditure ratio where the government accounts for 70% and the private sector only 30%. Implementation Challenges 1. Technology Readiness Level (TRL) Restriction Only TRL-4 and above projects are eligible. TRL is a scale from 1 (basic research) to 9 (market-ready). TRL-4 denotes lab-validated proof-of-concept. This is seen as a conservative and limiting approach, bypassing early stage innovations. Over-Reliance on Private Sector Heavy dependence on private capital infusion in basic research a traditionally public-sector driven area. The scheme assumes private sector will take greater risks,

which may not align with ground realities. Neglect of Military-Driven R&D Lessons Advanced nations often developed key technologies (like GPS, Internet) via military industrial complexes. India lacks a similar risk-tolerant R&D ecosystem driven by defence needs. Brain Drain Indian scientists continue to migrate to Western countries due to a lack of advanced research opportunities and infrastructure at home. Weak Manufacturing Base Even if innovations happen,

India lacks high-quality manufacturing capability to translate ideas into products. Structural industrial limitations may hinder scaling of innovations. Systemic Concerns Premature Optimism The scheme signals that government believes it has done its part, now private sector must respond. However, infrastructure, incentives, and ecosystem readiness are lacking. Funding Criteria May Miss Breakthroughs By funding only mid-level (TRL-4) technologies, the scheme may miss out on disruptive early stage innovations. Venture capital’s inherent unpredictability highlights the flaw in rigid selection criteria