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Q. Explain the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology. Discuss, in Indian context, the benefits and challenges associated with genomics revolution. (250 words)

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Model Answer : Approach: Why in news? Gene-editing and CRISPR-Cas9 Benefits associated with genomics revolution Challenges associated with genomics revolution Conclusion Why in news? Recently, three studies related to CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing were published in the scientific journal, Nature Medicine. US scientists have successfully edited the DNA of human embryos to erase a heritable heart condition that is known for causing sudden death. In May 2017, it was shown that in mice it is possible to shut down HIV-1 replication and even eliminate the virus from infected cells. Researchers from the Oregon Health and Science University in California, China and South Korea repaired a mutation in human embryos by using a gene-editing tool called CRISPR-Cas9. Clinical trials are under way in China and in the US to use this tool for treating cancer. In agriculture, a new breed of crops that are gene-edited will become commercially available in a few years. Gene-editing an
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Q. Explain the Assam's National Register of Citizens (NRC). Discuss the concerns which are surrounding it. (250 words)

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Model Answer : Approach: Why in news? Assam's NRC Concerns that surrounds it Conclusion Why in news? Recently the final draft of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) has been published in Assam on July 30th, 2018. Assam's NRC The National Register of Citizens (NRC) is the list of Indian citizens of Assam. Assam is the only State that had prepared an NRC in 1951 and it has also now become the first State to get the first draft of its own updated NRC. As per the Assam accord signed in 1985, it was agreed that all foreigners who had entered Assam between 1951 and 1961 would be given full citizenship and those who entered after 1971 would be deported. The Register is meant to establish the credentials of a bona fide citizen as distinguished from a foreigner. This is to detect Bangladeshi migrants who may have illegally entered Assam after the midnight of March 24, 1971. The National Register of Citizens, Assam will contain the names of genuine Indian citizen
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Q. “BRICS has grown in influence in the first decade of its formation but is still far from achieving its initial goals”. Comment. (250 words)

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Model Answer : Approach: Why in news? Introduction – What, Why and initial goals Growth in its influence Gaps in achieving its initial goals Conclusion Why in news? The 10th edition of the BRICS Summit took place recently in Johannesburg, South Africa. Introduction – What, Why and initial goals BRICS is the acronym coined by British Economist Jim O’Neill meant for an association of five major emerging national economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. In 2009 the leaders of BRIC countries made the first summit and in 2010 BRIC became a formal institution. South Africa joined the BRIC grouping on December 24, 2010, after which it became BRICS. The BRICS group is a South-South framework for cooperation. The group also acts as a bridge between developed and developing countries. Its initial goals are – To reform of global financial governance, Democratization of the United Nations, and Expansion of the UN Security Council. Growth in its influ
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Q. Examine the potential risks which the breach of users’ data and its misuse poses to the country and its people. Suggest various possible reforms that should be undertaken to promote data protection in India. (250 words)

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Model Answer : Approach: Why in news? Potential risks Various possible reforms Conclusion Why in news? A draft bill, titled The Personal Data Protection Bill, 2018, has recently been submitted by Shri B.N. Srikrishna committee. The UK-based firm Cambridge Analytica has allegedly misused user data on Facebook. There were cases in news lately related to Aadhaar data breach. Potential risks The convergence of Big Data analytics, artificial intelligence and social media, has further increased data breach and its misuse. This proliferation of digital networking has provided an incredible platform for people to communicate, but its flip side is that  individual users are increasingly viewed as legitimate targets  for mining personal and metadata. Breach of personal data is an encroachment over individual privacy undermining the fundamental right to life guaranteed under article 21 of Indian constitution. Use of mined data for relatively innocuous purposes such as
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Q. Analyze the causes responsible for weakening of rupee and its implications for the India economy. (250 words)

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Model Answer : Approach: Why in news? Weakening of rupee - Causes Implications for India Economy Way Forward Conclusion Why in news? Rupee crashed to a lifetime low of 69 against US Dollar. Rupee was pushed to a life-time intraday low of 69.10 a dollar. The rupee is the worst-performing currency in Asia this year. It has lost almost 8% in value since January 2018. Weakening of rupee – Causes Rise in crude prices –  Brent crude prices have increased from $70.30 to over $80 per barrel since the beginning of the new financial year in April. This is mainly due to concerns over supply disruptions after the rise in US tensions with Iran, which contributes 11-12% of OPEC production. As oil prices rise, India’s trade deficit — excess of imports over exports — will worsen, which can in turn impact the current account deficit. A growing anticipation of interest rates rising in the US and consequent out flow of foreign funds –  Expecting US interest rates to go up, FPIs hav
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PRESS FREEDOM IN INDIA

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Freedom of press has been granted under  Article 19(1)(a)  of constitution with reasonable restrictions. But the recently released Press freedom index report put India  on 138th number ; just one rank above Pakistan shows the worrying level of threat that the press in India faces. REASONS OF LOW RANKING The colonial era SEDITION LAW has been used extensively to promote "SELF CENSORSHIP". The NCRB data shows that only 2 of 112 cases registered under 124-A between 2014-2016 resulted in conviction which proves that it is merely deterrence. The murder of eminent journalist like  GAURI LANKESH, SANDEEP SHARMA, SUJAAT BUKHARI , etc. Government ban on Kashmir newspapers are seen as direct attack on press freedom The use of derogatory language like presstitute, giraegi etc. Government order on fake news issue is widely seen as Government attempt to interfere in media working Regular death threat and trolling of journalist on various platforms. But the problem is not
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CABINET APPROVES DNA TECHNOLOGY (USE & APPLICATION) REGULATION BILL, 2018

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THE NEWS The Union Cabinet has given its approval for the DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill 2018. Key-Details of the Bill The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2018 is the latest version of a Bill that originated as a DNA ‘profiling’ Bill, framed by the Department of Biotechnology. Objective:  The primary objective of the bill is to expand the application of DNA-based forensic technologies to support and strengthen the justice delivery system of the country. It provides for the mandatory accreditation and regulation of DNA laboratories. It aims to set in place an institutional mechanism to collect and deploy DNA technologies in order to identify persons based on samples collected from crime scenes or for identifying missing persons. The Bill seeks to ensure that with the proposed expanded use of DNA technology, there is also the assurance that the DNA test results are reliable and the data remain protected from misuse or abuse in terms
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