Bio-Technology

Both statements are correct.
Serological surveys are conducted to assess the prevalence of a disease in a population. It is done by detecting the presence of specific antibodies that are produced against the virus.
A serological survey generally includes the IgG Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) test. It estimates the proportion of the population exposed to an infection.
The human body produces Immunoglobulin M (IgM) and Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to fight against a pathogen.

Antigens are substances that cause an immune response in the body by identifying substances in or markers on cells. The human body produces antibodies to fight antigens, or harmful substances, and tries to eliminate them.

# An antigen may be a substance from the environment, such as chemicals, bacteria, viruses, or pollen.

Statement 1 is correct. Fortification is the practice of deliberately increasing the content of an essential micronutrient, i.e. vitamins and minerals (including trace elements) in a food, so as to improve the nutritional quality of the food supply and provide a public health benefit with minimal risk to health.
Statement 2 is incorrect. Rice can be fortified by adding a micronutrient powder to the rice that adheres to the grains or spraying of the surface of ordinary rice grains in several layers with a vitamin and mineral mix to form a protective coating.
Rice can also be extruded and shaped into partially precooked grain-like structures resembling rice grains, which can then be blended with natural polished rice. Rice kernels can be fortified with several micronutrients, such as iron, folic acid and other B-complex vitamins, vitamin A and zinc.
# To initiate the process of taking the country towards nutritional security, Department of Food & Public Distribution (DFPD) has been running a “Centrally Sponsored Pilot Scheme on Fortification of Rice & its distribution through Public Distribution System”.

A mutation is a change in a DNA sequence. Mutations can result from DNA copying mistakes made during cell division, exposure to ionizing radiation, exposure to chemicals called mutagens, or infection by viruses.
In the D614G mutation in coronavirus, the virus replaced the aspartic acid (D) in the 614th position of the amino acid with glycine (G). Hence the mutation is called the D614G.
# It has also been reported in India.
A preprint posted in medRxiv, which has not undergone peer-review, explains the sequenced genomes of 5,085 SARS-CoV-2 strains in Houston. By doing so, it discovered that not only did the D614G show increased infectivity but it also displayed greater ability at attaching itself to the cell walls inside an individual’s nose and throat, increasing the viral load.

Statement 1 is incorrect. For a classical vaccine, the antigen is introduced in the body to produce an immune response. However, in the case of DNA- or RNA-based vaccines, no antigen is introduced, only the RNA or DNA containing the genetic information to produce the antigen. That is, for this specific class of vaccines, introduction of DNA and RNA provides the instructions to the body to produce the antigen itself.
After this step, the mechanism is similar to classical vaccines: the antigen is presented at the surface of a subset of cells and triggers the activation of specific cells of the immune system.
Statement 2 is correct. RNA vaccines are faster and cheaper to produce than traditional vaccines, and an RNA based vaccine is also safer for the patient, as they are not produced using infectious elements
Production of RNA vaccines is laboratory based, and the process could be standardized and scaled, allowing quick responses to large outbreaks and epidemics.

Both statements are correct.
RNA vaccines work by introducing an mRNA sequence (the molecule which tells cells what to build) which is coded for a disease specific antigen, once produced within the body, the antigen is recognised by the immune system, preparing it to fight the real thing
RNA vaccines are faster and cheaper to produce than traditional vaccines, and a RNA based vaccine is also safer for the patient, as they are not produced using infectious elements
Production of RNA vaccines is laboratory based, and the process could be standardised and scaled, allowing quick responses to large outbreaks and epidemics

An injectable hydrogel derived from spirulina can help accelerated wound repair in internal injuries and rapid healing in diabetic patients.
Repeated dressing of diabetic wound badly affects its healing process while it is difficult to assess the wound repair in internal injuries due to treatment complications.
To address this need, Scientists at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, an autonomous Institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have recently developed an injectable hydrogel from κappa-carrageenan, a water-soluble polysaccharide found in edible red seaweeds and a pigmented protein called C-phycocyanin found in spirulina.
The gelling property of κ-carrageenan was utilized by the researchers along with C-phycocyanin as an injectable and regenerative wound dressing matrix to heal the wound rapidly and also to monitor it progress in real-time.

Statement 1 is correct. Rotavirus spreads easily among infants and young children. The virus can cause severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain. Children who get rotavirus disease can become dehydrated and may need to be hospitalized.
Good hygiene like handwashing and cleanliness are important, but are not enough to control the spread of the disease.
Statement 2 is correct. The ROTAVAC vaccine developed by Bharat Biotech originated in India from an attenuated (weakened) strain of rotavirus that was isolated from an Indian child at the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi in 1985-86.
Rotavac received WHO-Prequalification in January 2018.

Statement 1 is incorrect. The sample for the rapid Antigen test is taken through a Nasal or throat swab. The Antibody test on the other hand requires a blood sample.
Statement 2 is incorrect. An antigen test reveals if a person is currently infected with a pathogen such as the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Once the infection has gone, the antigen disappears. It is a diagnosis for an active infection.
Antigen tests detect proteins or glycans, such as the spike proteins found on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Sputnik V is potential COVID-19 vaccine developed by the Gamaleya Institute in Moscow, uses two strains of adenovirus as its base.
After tweaking the adenovirus to remove its disease causing ability, genes that code for the coronavirus’s “spike” protein — a structure that plugs into cells to trigger infection — have been added to it, which the immune system should recognize and use to target the pathogen should the body ever become exposed.
The vaccines developed by CanSino Biologics in China and Oxford University and AstraZeneca in Britain also use adenoviruses as their base.
Russia named the newly approved vaccine “Sputnik V,” in reference to the world’s first artificial satellite launched by Russia in 1957.

Statement 1 is correct. Biodiesel, also called Green Diesel is a liquid fuel produced from renewable sources, such as new and used vegetable oils and animal fats and is a cleaner-burning replacement for petroleum-based diesel fuel.
Biodiesel is nontoxic and biodegradable and is produced by combining alcohol with vegetable oil, animal fat, or recycled cooking grease.
Statement 2 is incorrect. Like petroleum-derived diesel, biodiesel is used to fuel compression-ignition (diesel) engines. Biodiesel can be blended with petroleum diesel.

Both statements are correct.
Ethanol is a renewable biofuel because it is made from biomass. Fuel ethanol feedstocks include grains and crops with high starch and sugar content such as corn, sorghum, barley, sugar cane, and sugar beets. One of the most commonly used sources is molasses, a by-product of the sugar industry.
The Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP) seeks to achieve blending of Ethanol with motor sprit with a view to reducing pollution, conserve foreign exchange and increase value addition in the sugar industry enabling them to clear cane price arrears of farmers. Under EBP programme, OMCs are to blend upto 10% of ethanol in Petrol.
To incentivize 2G Ethanol sector and support this nascent industry, Government launched Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN (Jaiv lndhan- Vatavaran Anukool fasal awashesh Nivaran) Yojana in 2019 for providing financial support to Integrated Bioethanol Projects using lingo cellulosic biomass and other renewable feedstock.

Drop-in biofuels are liquid bio-hydrocarbons that are functionally equivalent to petroleum fuels and are fully compatible with existing petroleum infrastructure.
A drop-in fuel is a synthetic and completely interchangeable substitute for conventional petroleum-derived hydrocarbons (gasoline, jet fuel, and diesel). Therefore, it does not require adaptation of the engine, fuel system or the fuel distribution network. It can be used “as is” in currently available engines either in pure form and/or blended in any amount with other drop-in neat, drop-in blend, or conventional fuels.

The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2019 was introduced in Lok Sabha by the Minister for Science and Technology in July, 2019.
The Bill provides for the regulation of use of DNA technology for establishing the identity of certain persons. It was referred to standing committee for further scrutiny and the final report is awaited.
Statement 1 is correct. The Bill provides for the establishment of a National DNA Data Bank and Regional DNA Data Banks, for every state, or two or more states. DNA laboratories are required to share DNA data prepared by them with the National and Regional DNA Data Banks.
Statement 2 is incorrect. Authorities are required to obtain consent for collection in certain situations. For arrested persons, authorities are required to obtain written consent if the offence carries a punishment of up to seven years. If the offence carries more than seven years of imprisonment or death, consent is not required.
The authorities can also approach a Magistrate who may order the taking of bodily substances.
-The Bill provides for the establishment of a DNA Regulatory Board, which will supervise the DNA Data Banks and DNA laboratories.
-The Bill specifies penalties for various offences, including: (i) for disclosure of DNA information, or (ii) using DNA sample without authorization.

Statement 1 is incorrect. The Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator is a global collaboration to accelerate development, production, and equitable access to COVID-19 tests, treatments, and vaccines.
The Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator brings together governments, scientists, businesses, civil society, and philanthropists and global health organizations (the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, CEPI, FIND, Gavi, The Global Fund, Unitaid, Wellcome, the WHO, the World Bank and Global Financing Facility).
The ACT-Accelerator is organized into four pillars of work: diagnostics, treatment, vaccines and health system strengthening.
Statement 2 is correct. COVAX Facility is the vaccines pillar of the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator.
COVAX is co-led by Gavi, the Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and WHO. Its aim is to accelerate the development and manufacture of COVID-19 vaccines, and to guarantee fair and equitable access for every country in the world.
# A collaboration between Serum Institute of India (SII), Gavi and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announced recently will ensure up to 100 million doses of AstraZeneca or Novavax’s candidate vaccines, if successful, will be available to low- and middle-income economies through the COVAX Facility at just US$ 3 per dose.
# In June Gavi launched the COVAX Advance Market Commitment (AMC), a financing instrument aimed at supporting the participation of 92 lower- and middle-income economies in the COVAX Facility.

Option 1 is incorrectly matched. SalivaDirect is a saliva-based laboratory diagnostic test developed by researchers at the Yale School of Public Health to determine whether someone is infected with the novel coronavirus.
It is not an antibody test. SalivaDirect test involve three steps — collecting saliva without preservative buffers, proteinase K treatment and heat inactivation, and duplex RT-qPCR virus detection.
Option 2 is correctly matched. Sputnik V is a potential COVID-19 vaccine developed by Russian researchers using two different types of adenovirus vectors (rAd26 and rAd5) for the first and second vaccination.
Option 3 is incorrectly matched. Covishield is a potential COVID-19 vaccine under trial in India by Serum Institute of India. It has been developed by the Oxford University.

Statement 1 is correct. Pusa Decomposer developed by the Indian
Agriculture Research Institute (IARI) is essentially a fungi-based liquid solution that can
soften hard stubble to the extent that it can be easily mixed with soil in the field to act as
compost.
This would then rule out the need to burn the stubble, and also help in retaining the
essential microbes and nutrients in soil that are otherwise damaged when the residue is
burned.
Statement 2 is incorrect. The window of time required for the solution to work, which is
currently the main concern of farmers, is around 20 to 25 days, as per the IARI.
Farmers argue that this window is too long for them, as they ideally wait about a week or 10
days after harvesting the non-basmati variety of rice — which leaves hard stubble — to sow
the wheat crop.

Antisera are blood sera that contain antibodies against a specific viral
toxin or antigen and are injected to help in the treatment or prevention of the diseases
associated with that virus.
Antisera are prepared by injecting antigens or venoms into healthy animals such as horses
so as to produce in them antibodies which are normally associated with a globulin fraction
serum.
Plasma recovered from Covid-19 patients could serve a similar purpose, but the profile of
antibodies, their efficacy and concentration keep varying from patient to patient.
# Hyderabad-based vaccine maker Biological E, in collaboration with the Indian Council of
Medical Research (ICMR), has developed “highly purified antisera” that can be used in
prevention and treatment of Covid-19.

The definitions of Sensitivity and Specificity have been interchanged in the
statements.
The sensitivity of a test (also called the true positive rate) is defined as the proportion
of people with the disease who will have a positive result. A highly sensitive test is one that
correctly identifies patients with a disease.
The specificity of a test (also called the true negative Rate) is the proportion of people
without the disease who will have a negative result. The specificity of a test refers to how
well a test identifies patients who do not have a disease.

Statement 1 is correct. Real time RT–PCR is a nuclear-derived method for
detecting the presence of specific genetic material in any pathogen, including a virus.
In order for an RNA virus like the COVID-19 virus to be detected early in the body using
real time RT–PCR, scientists need to convert the RNA to DNA (because only DNA can be
copied or amplified). This is a process called ‘reverse transcription’. Scientists amplify a
specific part of the transcribed viral DNA hundreds of thousands of times to accurately
confirm that the virus is present.
Statement 2 is correct. The RT-PCR test for the qualitative detection of nucleic acid from
SARS-CoV-2 in upper and lower respiratory specimens (such as nasopharyngeal or
oropharyngeal swabs, sputum, lower respiratory tract aspirates, bronchoalveolar lavage,
and nasopharyngeal wash/aspirate) collected from individuals suspected of COVID-19.
Statement 3 is correct. The real time RT–PCR cannot be used to detect past infections it
can only detect the current infections.

Statement 1 is correct. COVAX Facility is a mechanism designed to guarantee rapid, fair and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines worldwide. Seventy-five countries have submitted expressions of interest to protect their populations and those of other nations through joining the COVAX.
Statement 2 is incorrect. The COVAX is co-led by Gavi, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and World Health Organisation (WHO).
COVAX is the vaccines pillar of the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator.
The ACT-Accelerator brings together leaders of governments, global health organizations, businesses and philanthropies in a united response against COVID-19. The ACT-Accelerator is organized into four pillars of work: diagnostics, treatment, vaccines and health system strengthening.

Statement 1 is correct. COVAX is the vaccines pillar of the Access to COVID-
19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator.

The ACT Accelerator is a ground-breaking global collaboration to accelerate the
development, production, and equitable access to COVID-19 tests, treatments, and
vaccines.
Statement 2 is incorrect. COVAX is co-led by Gavi, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness
Innovations (CEPI) and WHO. Its aim is to accelerate the development and manufacture of
COVID-19 vaccines, and to guarantee fair and equitable access for every country in the
world.
# World Health Organization Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said that
184 countries have now joined the COVAX facility.

Statement 1 is correct. COVAX is the vaccines pillar of the Access to COVID-
19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator
The ACT Accelerator is a ground-breaking global collaboration to accelerate the development, production, and equitable access to COVID-19 tests, treatments, and vaccines.
COVAX is co-led by Gavi, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and WHO. Its aim is to accelerate the development and manufacture of COVID-19 vaccines, and to guarantee fair and equitable access for every country in the world.
Statement 2 is correct. The international non-profit, Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) has launched a ‘Global network of Laboratories for centralized assessment of COVID-19 Vaccines’.
The clinical sample testing laboratories selected for this collaborative vaccine network are:
Nexelis (Canada) and Public Health England (PHE; UK), VisMederi Srl (Italy), Viroclinics-
DDL (The Netherlands), icddr,b (formerly International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease
Research Bangladesh), and Translational Health Sciences and Technological Institute
(THSTI, India).

Statement 1 is correct. DNA barcoding is a methodology for rapidly and accurately identifying species by sequencing a short segment of standardized gene regions and comparing individual sequences to a reference database.
Statement 2 is correct. International Barcode of Life (iBOL), a Canadian not-for-profit corporation, after successful completion of BARCODE 500K in 2015, has launched project BIOSCAN in 2019 to generate barcode coverage for two million species

# Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), a subordinate organization under Ministry of Environment,
Forest and Climate Change and International Barcode of Life (iBOL) have signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
# The MoU will enable ZSI to participate at the Global level programmes like Bioscan and
Planetary Biodiversity Mission.

Statement 1 is correct. Fortification is the practice of deliberately increasing the content of an essential micronutrient, i.e. vitamins and minerals (including trace elements) in a food.
Biofortification is the process by which the nutritional quality of food crops is improved through agronomic practices, conventional plant breeding, or modern biotechnology.

Biofortification differs from conventional fortification in that biofortification aims to increase nutrient levels in crops during plant growth rather than through manual means during processing of the crops.

Statement 2 is incorrect. Bt cotton is a genetically modified pest resistant plant cotton variety, which produces an insecticide to combat bollworm.

Examples of biofortification projects include:
–iron-biofortification of rice, beans, sweet potato, cassava and legumes;
–zinc-biofortification of wheat, rice, beans, sweet potato and maize;
–provitamin A carotenoid-biofortification of sweet potato, maize and cassava; and
–amino acid and protein-biofortification of sourghum and cassava.

Statement 1 is correct. Corticosteroids are a class of drug that lowers
inflammation in the body. They also reduce immune system activity. Because
corticosteroids ease swelling, itching, redness, and allergic reactions, doctors often
prescribe them to help treat diseases like: asthma, arthritis.
Three commonly used corticosteroids are dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, and
methylprednisolone.
Statement 2 is correct. Corticosteroids are listed in the WHO model list of essential
medicines, readily available globally at a low cost. World Health Organization encourages
countries to maintain sufficient stocks of corticosteroids to treat COVID-19 and the other
diseases.
World Health Organization recently recommended systemic corticosteroids for the
treatment of patients with severe and critical COVID-19. It suggests snot to use
corticosteroids in the treatment of patients with non-severe COVID-19 as the treatment
brought no benefits, and could even prove harmful.

Statement 1 is correct. Recombinant vector vaccines are live replicating
viruses that are engineered to carry extra genes derived from a pathogen—and these extra
genes produce proteins against which we want to generate immunity.
Statement 2 is incorrect. Polio vaccines are vaccines used to prevent poliomyelitis (polio).
Two types are used: an inactivated poliovirus given by injection (IPV) and a weakened
poliovirus given by mouth (OPV).
# COVID-19 vaccines under development using adenovirus as vector are recombinant vector
vaccines.

Statement 1 is correct. Bt cotton is an insect-resistant transgenic crop
designed to combat the bollworm. Bt cotton was created by genetically altering the cotton
genome to express a microbial protein from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis.
Statement 2 is correct. Genetically modified (GM) crops are those crops whose DNA has
been modified by introducing alien genes in the seeds to get desired effects.
Bt cotton is the only Genetically modified (GM) crop approved in India by the Genetic
Engineering Appraisal Committee of Ministry of Environment.

Statement 1 is correct. Brain template is a standard/gross representation
from various brain images to understand brain functionality in diseased conditions.
When brain scans (MRI) are taken, they need to be compared to a standard brain template
— a model or standard for making comparisons from a group of individual brain scans.
This helps researchers identify parts of the brain.
Statement 2 is correct. The National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences
(NIMHANS) has recently developed an Indian Brain Templates (IBT) and a brain atlas.
The neuroscientists studied over 500 brain scans of Indian patients to develop five sets of
Indian brain templates and a brain atlas for five age groups covering late childhood to late
adulthood (six to 60 years).

: ChAdOx1 has been developed by the Oxford University in collaboration with
AstraZeneca. It utilizes a replication-deficient chimpanzee adenovirus to deliver a SARSCoV-
2 protein to induce a protective immune response.
COVAXIN is a COVID-19 vaccine by Bharat Biotech, developed in collaboration with the
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – National Institute of Virology (NIV).
ZyCov-D is also a candidate for COVID-19 vaccination indigenously developed in India. It is
the plasmid DNA-vaccine being developed by Zydus Cadilla.
In Phase-2 trials now, both are being tested for their ability to produce a satisfactory
immune response.

Statement 1 is correct. CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short
Palindromic Repeats) technology is a tool for editing genomes. It allows researchers to
easily alter DNA sequences and modify gene function.
CRISPRs are specialized stretches of DNA. The protein Cas9 (CRISPR-associated-9) is an
enzyme that acts like a pair of molecular scissors, capable of cutting strands of DNA.
Its many potential applications include correcting genetic defects, treating and preventing
the spread of diseases and improving crops.
Statement 2 is correct. The Tata CRISPR test, powered by CSIR-IGIB (Institute of
Genomics and Integrative Biology) FELUDA, received regulatory approvals recently from the
Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) for commercial launch.
The Tata CRISPR test is the world’s first diagnostic test to deploy a specially adapted
Cas9 protein to successfully detect the virus causing Covid-19.
The Tata CRISPR test achieves accuracy levels of traditional RT-PCR tests, with quicker
turnaround time, less expensive equipment, and better ease of use.
# CRISPR technology was adapted from the natural defense mechanisms of bacteria and
archaea (the domain of single-celled microorganisms). These organisms use CRISPR-derived
RNA and various Cas proteins, including Cas9, to foil attacks by viruses and other foreign
bodies. They do so primarily by chopping up and destroying the DNA of a foreign invader.
When these components are transferred into other, more complex, organisms, it allows for the
manipulation of genes, or “editing.”

Statement 1 is correct. COVAX is one of three pillars of the Access to
COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator, which was launched in April by the World Health
Organization (WHO), the European Commission and France in response to pandemic.
The ACT Accelerator is a ground-breaking global collaboration to accelerate the
development, production, and equitable access to COVID-19 tests, treatments, vaccines
and health systems.
Statement 2 is incorrect. COVAX is co-led by Gavi, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness
Innovations (CEPI) and WHO. Its aim is to accelerate the development and manufacture of
COVID-19 vaccines, and to guarantee fair and equitable access for every country in the
world.

The Facility continually monitors the COVID-19 vaccine landscape to identify the most
suitable vaccine candidates, based on scientific merit and scalability, and works with
manufacturers to incentivize them to expand their production capacity in advance of
vaccines receiving regulatory approval.

A new drug called Molnupiravir has been shown to stop the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in 24 hours. Results of the research by scientists at the Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, have been published in the journal Nature Microbiology.
Molnupiravir is being developed by the biotechnology firm Ridgeback Biotherapeutics in collaboration with pharmaceutical firm Merck.

Covaxin is an indigenous inactivated whole SARS-CoV-2 virus vaccine that has been developed by the Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the NIV/ICMR.
Covishield is based on the chimpanzee adenovirus vector-based vaccine developed by Oxford University in partnership with the British-Swedish vaccine manufacturer AstraZeneca called ChAdOx1/AZD1222. The Serum Institute of India (SII), Pune, will, under licence from Oxford University and AstraZeneca, produce the vaccine under its brand name Covishield for domestic and regional consumption.
ZyCoV-D is a plasmid DNA vaccine developed by the Indian company Cadila Healthcare Ltd. Plasmids are circular double-stranded DNA molecules usually found in bacteria. But these are external to the bacterial chromosomes and can replicate independently. Plasmids are used as the platform to directly deliver the antigenic determinant (its DNA sequence) into the body.

The mRNA vaccines do not use the conventional model to produce immune response. Instead, mRNA vaccine carries the molecular instructions to make the protein in the body through a synthetic RNA of the virus. The host body uses this to produce the viral protein that is recognized and thereby making the body mount an immune response against the disease.
Option 1 is incorrect. ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 is a recombinant adenovirus vaccine candidate against SARS-CoV-2. It has been developed by Oxford University in collaboration with AstraZeneca. It is being produced in India by Serum Institute of India under brand name COVISHIELD.
Option 2 is incorrect. COVAXIN by Bharat Biotech is an inactivated vaccine developed from an Indian strain of the novel coronavirus isolated by NIV.
Option 3 is correct. India’s first indigenous mRNA vaccine candidate has received approval from Indian Drug regulators to initiate Phase I/II human clinical trial. The novel mRNA vaccine candidate, HGCO19 has been developed by Gennova, Pune and supported with seed grant under the Ind-CEPI mission of Department of Biotechnology of Ministry of Science & Technology.

Asian Development Bank (ADB) has launched $9 billion COVID-19 vaccine initiative, the Asia Pacific Vaccine Access Facility, or APVAX.

The Rapid Response Component will provide timely support for critical vaccine diagnostics, procurement of vaccines, and transporting vaccines from the place of purchase to ADB’s developing members.

The Project Investment Component will support investments in systems for successful distribution, delivery, and administration of vaccines along with associated investments in building capacity, community outreach, and surveillance. This may include such areas as cold-chain storage and transportation, vehicles, distribution infrastructure, processing facilities, and other physical investments.

Epigenetics literally means “above” or “on top of” genetics. It refers to external modifications to DNA that turn genes “on” or “off.” These modifications do not change the DNA sequence, but instead, they affect how cells “read” genes. Unlike genetic changes, epigenetic changes are reversible.

It is therefore, the study of heritable changes in gene expression (active versus inactive genes) that do not involve changes to the underlying DNA sequence — a change in phenotype without a change in genotype — which in turn affects how cells read the genes.

It is a type of genetic engineering in which DNA is inserted, deleted or replaced in the genome of an organism using artificially engineered nucleases, or “molecular scissors”.
• Human genome editing can be used to treat many human diseases & genetic disorders like HIV/AIDS, hemophilia etc.
• It could substantially bolster disease resistance in humans & increase life span.
• It could form the basis of highly efficient & cost effective next generation antibiotics (based on bacteriophage viruses).
• Gene editing can be used to protect endangered species or bring to life extinct species.
• It can be used to grow healthier food (via fortification) and increasing harvest.
• It has the potential to slow down the spread of diseases by eliminating its means of transmission. E.g. Gene editing can be used to introduce sterile mosquitoes into the environment.

Scientists in Israel unveiled a 3D print of a heart with human tissue and vessels, calling it a first and a “major medical breakthrough” that advances possibilities for transplants.
• The heart marked “the first time anyone has successfully engineered and printed an entire heart replete with cells, blood vessels, ventricles and chambers,” said Tel Aviv University’s Tal Dvir, who led the project.
• People have managed to 3D-print the structure of a heart in the past, but not with cells or with blood vessels.

In a move to take cancer research to the next level and make treatment viable for people of different economic classes, the government has plans to set up a National Genomic Grid, which will study genomic data of cancer patients from India.
• The grid to be formed will be in line with the National Cancer Tissue Biobank (NCTB) set up at the Indian Indian Institute of Technology, Madras.
• And it will collect samples from cancer patients to study genomic factors influencing cancer and identifying the right treatment modalities for the Indian population

•“The NCTB is functioning in close association with the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR).
• NCTB, which has the capacity to stock 50,000 genomic samples from cancer patients, already has samples from 3,000 patients.
• The genomic samples will help researches to have India-specific studies on cancers.
• The government plans to set up the National Genomic Grid in the same style with pan-India collection centres by bringing all cancer treatment institutions on board.

A potential vaccine against diarrhea has been proven safe and effective in an early stage clinical trial carried out in Bangladesh in November 2019

•The study, published in the journal The Lancet Infectious Diseases, studied the safety and effectiveness of an oral, inactivated vaccine candidate — ETVAX — against toxin-producing E. coli bacteria which caused diarrhea.
• According to the researchers, including those from the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, the specific type of the bacteria are the primary cause of diarrhea, leading to substantial illness and death in children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) as well as in travelers to LMICs.

A new initiative aims at reducing the population of Aedes aegypti mosquito by introducing genetically modified version of mosquitoes.
• Aedes aegypti mosquito is the carrier of diseases such as Zika, dengue and chikungunya.
• The genetic strategy employed to control A. aegypti population known as RIDL (the Release of Insects carrying Dominant Lethal genes) is to reduce the population of the naturally occurring A. aegypti mosquitoes and not affect or alter their genetics.

Scientists have mapped the complete genome of two basmati rice varieties, including one that is drought-tolerant and resistant to bacterial disease.
• The researchers focused on two basmati rice varieties: Basmati 334 from Pakistan, known to be drought tolerant and resistant to rice-killing bacterial blight, and Dom Sufid from Iran, aromatic long-grain rice that is one of the most expensive on the market.
• Most genetic material in basmati comes from japonica —a rice group found in East Asia — followed by the rice group aus found in Bangladesh.

Biosimilars.
•A biosimilar is a biological product that is developed to be similar to an already
FDA-approved biologic, known as the reference product. It can be tempting to think
of a biosimilar as a “generic” version of the reference product. However, there are
many important differences between biosimilars and generic versions of
conventional medications (generic drugs).
•A generic drug is chemically identical to its brand-name counterpart—an exact
copy. The generic drug and brand-name drug have the same active ingredient,
dosage form, safety profile, strength, route of administration, performance
characteristics, and intended use. Accordingly, the brand-name drug and generic
drug are considered to be bioequivalent.
•A biosimilar is not an exact duplicate of another biologic. There is a degree of
natural variability in all biological products; it is not possible to generate a precise
copy of a product that comes from living cells. All biologics—including reference
products—show some batch-to-batch variation.
•Generic drugs are chemically identical to the original branded drug and, as such,
cost significantly less because they don’t require much testing. Because biosimilars
are made from living organisms, though, and don’t contain identical ingredients to
their name-brand counterparts, they still require some testing. So, they cost more
than generics, but less than the branded biologic.

Project Soli, driven by Google’s Advanced Technology and Projects
(ATAP) team, was first showcased back in 2015. The idea is that a radar chip can be used
to detect hand movements and gestures to interpret what they could mean. It’s only
recently that Google figured out how to reduce the size of this radar chip and fit it on the
front of the smart phone, still ensuring accuracy.

Ever since researchers sequenced the chimp genome in 2005, they have
known that humans share about 99% of our DNA with chimpanzees, making them our
closest living relatives.
•But there are actually two species of apes that are this closely related to humans:
bonobos (Pan paniscus) and the common chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes).
•This has prompted researchers to speculate whether the ancestor of humans,
chimpanzees, and bonobos looked and acted more like a bonobo, a chimpanzee, or
something else—and how all three species have evolved differently since the
ancestor of humans split with the common ancestor of bonobos and chimps between
4 million and 7 million years ago in Africa.

IndiGen programme aims to undertake whole genome sequencing of a
thousand Indian individuals representing diverse ethnic groups from India.
•The objective is to create a pilot dataset to enable genetic epidemiology of
carrier genetic diseases towards enabling affordable carrier screening approaches
in India.
•We also hope to mine allele frequencies for genetic variants for estimating
population scale prevalence for diverse clinical applications.
•The human genome data sets would also be utilized for prioritizing
Pharmacogenomics variants specific for Indian population for optimizing therapy
and minimizing adverse events.
•IndiGen is funded by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

There are several different types of vaccines. Each type is designed to teach
your immune system how to fight off certain kinds of germs — and the serious diseases
they cause. There are 4 main types of vaccines:
Live-attenuated vaccines: Live vaccines use a weakened (or attenuated) form of the germ
that causes a disease.
•Because these vaccines are so similar to the natural infection that they help prevent,
they create a strong and long-lasting immune response. Just 1 or 2 doses of most
live vaccines can give you a lifetime of protection against a germ and the disease it
causes.
•Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR combined vaccine) Varicella (chickenpox) Influenza
(nasal spray) Rotavirus Yellow fever are examples of Live-attenuated vaccines.
Inactivated vaccines: use the killed version of the germ that causes a disease.
•Inactivated vaccines usually don’t provide immunity (protection) that’s as strong as
live vaccines.
•So you may need several doses over time (booster shots) in order to get ongoing
immunity against diseases. Polio (IPV) Hepatitis A Rabies is examples of In-activated
vaccines.
Subunit, recombinant, polysaccharide, and conjugate vaccines: use specific pieces of
the germ — like its protein, sugar, or capsid (a casing around the germ).
•Because these vaccines use only specific pieces of the germ, they give a very strong
immune response that’s targeted to key parts of the germ.
•They can also be used on almost everyone who needs them, including people with
weakened immune systems and long-term health problems.
•Hepatitis B, Influenza (injection), Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib), Pertussis (part
of DTaP combined immunization), Pneumococcal, Meningococcal and Human
papillomavirus (HPV) are examples of Subunit and recombinant vaccines.
Toxoid vaccines use a toxin (harmful product) made by the germ that causes a disease.
•They create immunity to the parts of the germ that cause a disease instead of the
germ itself.
•That means the immune response is targeted to the toxin instead of the whole germ.
•Diphtheria, tetanus (part of DTaP combined immunization) are examples of Toxoid
vaccines.

Mexico’s prickly pear cactus, which is emblazoned on the country’s flag, could soon play a new and innovative role in the production of biodegradable plastics.
• A packaging material that is made from the plant has been developed by a Mexican researcher and is offering a promising solution to one of the world’s biggest pollution conundrums.
• That substance is then mixed with non-toxic additives and stretched to produce sheets that are coloured with pigments and folded to form different types of packaging.

A long-term research has revealed that reed canary grass can be turned into an excellent ‘green’ fuel for biomass power stations and, on a smaller scale, boilers in buildings like schools.
• The five-year research project was carried out by researchers from Teesside University’s Contaminated Land and Water Centre.
• Reed canary grass, which is native to Britain, is turned into bricks and pellets. These not only burn well but also don’t add to greenhouse gases or contribute to global warming.
• The research team experimented with four types of plant, willow trees, the current favourite for biomass power stations, and the miscanthus, reed canary and switch grasses.

It has been reported that the Feluda test, a coronavirus detection test developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and to be commercialised by Tata Sons, will be commercially available in laboratories recently .

Statement 1 is incorrect. It is not an antibody-based test. It rather detects genes specific to SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Statement 2 is correct. FELUDA is an acronym for FNCAS9 Editor-Limited Uniform Detection Assay. It uses CRISPR-Cas technology for the detection of genes specific to SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Test procedure: The nasopharyngeal swab is collected—RNA is extracted—A single step
RTPCR is done—The FELUDA mix is prepared by incubating the dead FnCas9 protein, guide
RNA and the amplified viral DNA—The dip stick is immersed in the FELUDA mix—Gold nanoparticle on the strip bind to the FELUDA complex—A protein called Streptavidin on the test line captures this gold nanoparticle bound-FELUDA complex—Unbound gold particles are captured on the control line–Colour develops on the test line and/or control line. One line indicates negative and two lines mean positive.

Statement 1 is correct. The Sputnik V, Russian adenovirus vector-based
vaccine was registered by the Russian Ministry of Health on August 11 and became the
first registered COVID-19 vaccine on the market.
It is a two-shot vaccine being developed by Russia’s Gamaleya Research Institute using
adenovirus vectors (rAd26 and rAd5) for the first and second vaccination.
Statement 2 is correct. “Vectors” are vehicles, which can induce a genetic material from
another virus into a cell. The gene from adenovirus, which causes the infection, is removed
while a gene with the genetic code of a Spike protein from SARS-CoV-2 is inserted.

: All of the above are diagnostic tests for COVID-19.
Standard Q COVID-19 Ag detection kit is a rapid chromatographic immunoassay for
qualitative detection of specific antigens to SARS-CoV-2 has been developed by SD
Biosensor, a South Korea based company.
SalivaDirect is a real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) test
intended for the qualitative detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2 in saliva collected
without preservatives in a sterile container from individuals suspected of COVID-19 by their
healthcare provider.
The COVID-19 RT-PCR test is a real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction
(rRT-PCR) test for the qualitative detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2 in upper and
lower respiratory specimens (such as nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swabs, sputum,
lower respiratory tract aspirates, bronchoalveolar lavage, and nasopharyngeal
wash/aspirate) collected from individuals suspected of COVID 19.

: Statement 1 is correct. Solidarity is an international clinical trial to help
find an effective treatment for COVID-19, launched by the World Health Organization and
partners.
Statement 2 is incorrect. Interim results from the Solidarity Therapeutics Trial, coordinated
by the World Health Organization, indicate that remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine,
lopinavir/ritonavir and interferon regimens appeared to have little or no effect on 28-day
mortality or the in-hospital course of COVID-19 among hospitalized patients.

Solidarity is an international clinical trial to help find an effective treatment for COVID-19, launched by the World Health Organization and partners.

Treatment options used under the trial so far are: Remdesivir, Lopinavir/ritonavir,
Interferon beta-1a and Hydroxychloroquine.

The Solidarity Trial published interim results on 15 October 2020. It found that all 4 treatments evaluated (remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir/ritonavir and interferon) had little or no effect on overall mortality, initiation of ventilation and duration of hospital stay in hospitalized patients.

The Solidarity Trial is considering evaluating other treatments, to continue the search for effective COVID-19 therapeutics.
So far, only corticosteroids have been proven effective against severe and critical COVID-
19.

Both statements are correct.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has successfully validated ‘COVIRAP’ the
diagnostic machine evolved by the IIT Kharagpur researchers, for its efficacy in COVID-19
detection.
It has an automated pre-programmable temperature control unit, a special detection unit
on genomic analysis, and a customised smartphone app for results. Three master mixes
work as markers of different genes to confirm the presence of SARS-CoV-2.
# Other than COVID-19 testing, many other tests, falling under the category of ‘isothermal
nucleic acid-based tests’ (INAT), can be performed in the same machine. In other words,
Influenza, Malaria, Dengue, Japanese encephalitis, Tuberculosis and many other infectious,
as well as vector-borne diseases, can be tested using the same machine.

Option 1 is correct. COVIRAP diagnostic kit using a low-cost portable unit
developed by researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur, has been
approved by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
Option 2 is correct. FELUDA (FNCAS9 Editor-Limited Uniform Detection Assay) is a
coronavirus detection test developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
(CSIR) and to be commercialized by Tata Sons.
Option 3 is incorrect. Currently, three vaccine candidates are at different phases of trial in
India. Two homegrown vaccine candidates — Covaxin by Bharat Biotech and ZyCoV-D by
Zydus Cadila have already started the phase II clinical trial. Another vaccine candidate,
Covishield, developed by the University of Oxford has recently commenced the phase III
clinical trial in India.

Both statements are correct.

An antibody is a protein that sticks to a specific protein called an antigen. Antibodies circulate throughout the body until they find and attach to the antigen. Once attached, they can force other parts of the immune system to destroy the cells containing the antigen.

Researchers can design antibodies that specifically target a certain antigen, such as one found on cancer cells. They can then make many copies of that antibody in the lab.These are known as monoclonal antibodies.

Mono-clonal antibodies are used to treat many diseases, including some types of cancer.
To make a monoclonal antibody, researchers first have to identify the right antigen to attack.

# Serum Institute of India (SII), along with the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI), a non-profit scientific research organisation recently announced an agreement with pharmaceutical major Merck to develop SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs).