First Gene-Edited Sheep Marks Milestone in Livestock Biotechnology

Gene-Edited Sheep

Gene-Edited Sheep Latest News

  • Six months ago, a team led by Professor Riyaz Ahmad Shah at Sher-e-Kashmir University (SKUAST), Srinagar, successfully birthed India’s first gene-edited sheep—a Kashmir Merino.
  • The breakthrough was kept under wraps until gene sequencing confirmed its success. This milestone marks a major step in India’s genetic research, opening doors to transgenic advancements in livestock aimed at improving meat and milk yield, disease resistance, and climate resilience.

Kashmir Merino 

  • Kashmir Merino is a sheep breed developed in Kashmir Valley, India, known for its fine, high-quality wool and good meat production. 
  • It is a dual-purpose breed, meaning it's used for both wool and meat, and it is well-suited to the harsh conditions of the Kashmir Valley.

Development

  • The Kashmir Merino breed was evolved around 1960 at Govt. Sheep Breeding and Reserch Farm Reasi (Jammu).
  • It was developed through a cross-breeding program that involved native Kashmir sheep breeds like Poonchi, Gaddi, and Bakerwal, and exotic breeds like Australian Merino and Delaine rams. 

Productivity

  • The breed is 3 to 4 times more productive than local sheep in terms of both wool and meat production, and is comparable to exotic fine wool breeds. 

Adaptability

  • It is well-adapted to the harsh climatic conditions and diseases of the Kashmir Valley. 

India’s First Gene-Edited Sheep: A Landmark Achievement

  • Six months after its birth, India’s first gene-edited sheep—a Kashmir Merino—is now healthy and thriving, marking a significant breakthrough in livestock biotechnology.
    • Gene editing is a precise technique that allows scientists to modify or alter specific DNA sequences within an organism’s genome. 
    • It’s used to correct genetic defects, improve traits, or enhance disease resistance using tools like CRISPR-Cas9.

Targeting the Myostatin Gene for Muscle Growth

  • The team used CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technology to target the myostatin gene, a known negative regulator of muscle growth. 
    • The myostatin gene (MSTN) plays a crucial role in regulating skeletal muscle growth and development in vertebrates. 
    • It encodes a protein called myostatin, which acts as a negative regulator, limiting muscle growth.
  • Editing this gene resulted in a 30% increase in muscle mass, offering major potential in boosting meat yield in sheep.

Wider Significance for India

  • Experts highlighted the project's national relevance, especially in meeting rising meat demands. 
  • Gene-editing is essential for creating high-quality, disease-resistant livestock, and the technology is already being widely used globally.
  • The introduction of this mutation through gene editing, and not through traditional crossbreeding, represents a technological leap akin to the revolution Artificial Intelligence is driving in the 21st century.
  • This comes after India’s recent launch of its first gene-edited rice. It highlights the country’s rising strength in genomic science.

Challenges and Persistence

  • The team’s journey began in 2020 and wasn’t smooth. It failed three times before succeeding in gene-editing. 
  • The embryo was developed in a lab, implanted in a surrogate mother, and the sheep was born in December 2024, weighing 3.15 kg.

From Cloning to Gene-Editing

  • The SKUAST lab has come a long way since cloning the world’s first pashmina goat, Noori, in 2012. 
    • Noori lived for 11 years, marking a milestone in endangered species cloning. 
    • Cloning is the process of creating an exact genetic copy of a living organism. 
    • This means the cloned organism has the same DNA as the original.
  • Now, the lab has advanced to gene-editing, with plans to target the FGF5 gene next to improve fibre quality.
    • The FGF5 gene, also known as Fibroblast Growth Factor 5.
    • It plays a critical role in regulating hair growth, particularly the length of hair, in mammals. 

Gene-Edited Sheep FAQs

Q1. What is gene editing in animals?

Ans. It is a technique to alter specific genes, improving traits like muscle growth, disease resistance, and productivity in livestock.

Q2. Which gene was targeted in India’s first gene-edited sheep?

Ans. The myostatin gene, which limits muscle growth, was edited to boost muscle mass by up to 30 percent.

Q3. Which technology was used for editing the gene?

Ans. CRISPR-Cas9 technology was used, enabling precise modification of the myostatin gene in the sheep’s genome.

Q4. Why is this sheep significant?

Ans. It represents India’s entry into advanced livestock genets, aiming for better meat yield and disease resistance through gene editing.

Q5. Which institution led this breakthrough?

Ans. Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Srinagar, pioneered the project under Prof. Riyaz Ahmad Shah.

.Source: IE | LM

India’s EV Localisation Policy: Balancing Imports and Industrial Growth

India EV Manufacturing Policy

India’s EV Localisation Policy Latest News

  • The Ministry of Heavy Industries notified guidelines of the Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India.

India’s Strategy to Accelerate EV Manufacturing

  • India has taken a bold step to bolster its electric vehicle (EV) sector by unveiling a policy aimed at encouraging domestic manufacturing while permitting limited imports of fully built electric cars at reduced import duties. 
  • This Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars, announced by the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI), is part of a broader effort to enhance clean mobility and industrial competitiveness.

Key Provisions of the Scheme

  • The central feature of the policy is a sharp reduction in customs duty on completely built units (CBUs) of electric cars, from the current 70-100% to just 15%
  • This duty cut applies to vehicles priced at or above $35,000 (approximately Rs. 29.75 lakh) for a five-year period. However, this benefit is contingent on manufacturers investing a minimum of Rs. 4,150 crore in India over three years.
  • These investments must result in domestic value addition (DVA) of at least 25% within three years, increasing to 50% by the fifth year. 
  • A maximum of 8,000 vehicles can be imported annually under the concessional duty regime, and the total foregone customs duty is capped at Rs. 6,484 crore.
  • MHI estimates that an imported EV under this scheme would incur a landing cost of Rs. 36 lakh, significantly lower than before.

Assessing Ecosystem Impact

  • The policy aims to strike a balance between short-term affordability for Indian consumers and long-term self-reliance in manufacturing. 
  • According to FADA data for FY 2025, EVs made up 7.8% of total vehicle sales, with three-wheelers leading at 57% within their segment, followed by two-wheelers (6.1%), passenger vehicles (2.6%), and commercial vehicles (0.9%).
  • The International Energy Agency (IEA) identified India as the largest global market for electric three-wheelers in 2024, underscoring the importance of focusing not only on private four-wheelers but also on mass and last-mile mobility.
  • Critics, however, caution that the scheme could dilute India's domestic manufacturing ambitions if foreign firms are not compelled to transfer core technologies. Countries often resist exporting their technological edge, potentially reducing India to a component assembly hub.
  • Another critic emphasized the importance of innovation, R&D, and skilling, elements that powered China and South Korea's emergence as global EV leaders. Without these, India may fail to build a truly indigenous ecosystem.

Concerns Over Industrial and Employment Policy

  • Indian EV manufacturers, notably Tata Motors and Mahindra, have expressed reservations about the scheme. 
  • In December 2023, Tata opposed Tesla’s demand for lower import duties, arguing that such a move would disrupt an investment climate based on a stable, protectionist tax regime.
  • IEA data revealed that over 80% of electric cars produced in India in 2024 came from local manufacturers, while Chinese imports contributed less than 15% to EV sales, thanks in part to the earlier high-duty barriers and availability of affordable domestic options.
  • Analysts argue that the new policy may tilt the scale in favour of foreign capital, thereby impacting domestic players and job creation. 
  • As EVs typically require fewer moving parts than traditional internal combustion engines, the shift could also mean fewer jobs in traditional manufacturing sectors unless accompanied by new skilling initiatives.
  • Furthermore, S&P Global Mobility has pointed out that India’s continued reliance on imported batteries and components, along with the high upfront cost of EVs (20–30% more than ICE vehicles), remains a barrier to mass adoption and localisation.

Path Forward

  • Experts suggest that India’s EV roadmap must be reoriented toward building domestic capacity, fostering innovation, and ensuring broad-based industrial growth. 
  • Rather than focusing primarily on attracting foreign OEMs, policies should invest in research institutes, encourage public sector participation, and fund start-ups in the EV supply chain.
  • A critical challenge will be to integrate India's climate commitments with its manufacturing strategy. 
  • As India targets net-zero emissions by 2070, it must simultaneously expand clean mobility options and ensure they are accessible, affordable, and built with local value addition.

India EV Manufacturing Policy FAQs

Q1. What is the core provision of India’s new EV manufacturing scheme?

Ans. The policy allows import of electric cars at 15% duty if the manufacturer invests ₹4,150 crore and meets localisation targets.

Q2. How many EVs can be imported under the scheme annually?

Ans. A maximum of 8,000 electric vehicles can be imported per year at the reduced duty rate.

Q3. What localisation targets are set for EV manufacturers?

Ans. Manufacturers must achieve 25% domestic value addition in three years and 50% in five years.

Q4. Why are Indian automakers opposing the scheme?

Ans. Domestic players like Tata fear reduced import duties could disrupt the investment climate and harm local industries.

Q5. How does the policy align with India’s EV and climate goals?

Ans. The policy aims to boost clean mobility while encouraging foreign investment, but concerns remain over technology transfer and job creation.

Source: TH

Intensified Naxal Crackdown and Major Welfare Push

Anti-Naxal Operations

Anti-Naxal Operations Latest News

  • In its first year, the current government has intensified efforts against the Naxal insurgency while expanding key welfare schemes from earlier terms.

Final Push Against Naxals Underway

  • The government has intensified efforts to eliminate Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), aiming to end the decades-long Naxal insurgency by March 31, 2026, as declared by Union Home Minister.

Major Gains in Maoist Strongholds

  • Security forces have made significant advances in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha, particularly in the Bijapur-Sukma-Dantewada tri-junction. 
  • The use of forward operating bases, enhanced road connectivity, and targeted operations have been central to the strategy.

Surge in Maoist Casualties

  • In Chhattisgarh alone, 209 Maoists were killed in the first five months of 2025—nearly matching the 219 killed in all of 2024. 
  • In contrast, only 53 were killed across India in 2023. 
  • The most notable success was the killing of CPI Maoist general secretary Basavaraju in May 2025.
    • Union Home Minister Amit Shah termed this the first time in 30 years that a leader of such high rank has been eliminated in India's fight against Naxalism.

Operation Black Forest: Massive Success

  • Operation Black Forest was launched on April 21. It was a bold and carefully planned three-week joint campaign by the CRPF and Chhattisgarh Police.
  • It successfully dismantled the Maoists’ strongest fortress in the Kurragutta hills on the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border.
  • As part of Operation Black Forest:
    • 54 Naxalites were arrested
    • 84 surrendered across Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Maharashtra

Key Factors Behind the Success

  • The progress is attributed to:
    • Strong political will
    • Intelligence-led operations
    • Enhanced state-centre coordination
    • Active participation of local units like Chhattisgarh’s District Reserve Guards

Setbacks and Challenges Remain

  • Despite gains, ambushes by Maoists in areas like Kolhan (Jharkhand) and Abujhmad (Chhattisgarh) have resulted in casualties among security forces, showing the rebels still retain strike capabilities.

The Road Ahead: Security and Development

  • To fully neutralize LWE, the government must sustain military pressure while also ensuring governance, infrastructure, and welfare outreach in the affected regions.

Ayushman Bharat Expanded to Cover All Above 70

  • In a landmark move under Modi 3.0, the government expanded the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) in September to include all citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of income or social status.

World’s Largest Health Insurance Scheme

  • Launched in 2018, PM-JAY already provided Rs 5 lakh annual health cover to over 40% of India’s poorest families, making it the world’s largest public health insurance programme.

Addressing India’s Ageing Population

  • This expansion anticipates a major demographic shift. 
  • India’s elderly population (60+) is projected to rise from 103 million in 2011 to 319 million by 2050, increasing from 8.6% to 19.5% of the total population.
  • According to the India Ageing Report 2023, only 20% of the senior population currently has any form of insurance coverage, highlighting the significance of universal health coverage for the elderly.

Boost to Rural Housing: PMAY-G Extended Till 2029

  • The government has extended the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) till 2029, aiming to build 2 crore additional rural houses. 
  • So far, Rs 34,000 crore has been released to states, and 84.45 lakh houses have been sanctioned.

Improved Rural Connectivity: PMGSY-IV Launched

  • Under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-IV, the Centre plans to connect 25,000 villages with all-weather roads by 2028-29, significantly enhancing rural infrastructure and accessibility.

Digitising Indian Agriculture

  • In September, the government launched the Digital Agriculture Mission, allocating Rs 2,817 crore. Key initiatives include:
    • Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for agriculture
    • Digital General Crop Estimation Survey (DGCES) for better crop data and planning

Anti-Naxal Operations FAQs

Q1. What is Operation Black Forest?

Ans. A three-week joint CRPF-Chhattisgarh Police mission that dismantled a major Maoist stronghold in the Kurragutta hills.

Q2. Who was Basavaraju in the Naxal hierarchy?

Ans. Basavaraju was the general secretary of CPI-Maoist and the highest-ranking leader killed in India’s anti-Naxal operations.

Q3. How has Ayushman Bharat expanded under Modi 3.0?

Ans. It now covers all Indians aged 70 and above, regardless of income, for health insurance up to Rs 5 lakh annually.

Q4. What are the goals of PMAY-G extension?

Ans. To build 2 crore rural houses by 2029, ensuring housing access for underprivileged families in remote areas.

Q5. What does the Digital Agriculture Mission aim to achieve?

Ans. It promotes digital infrastructure, crop estimation, and data-driven policy support for farmers across India through Rs 2,817 crore investment.

Source: IE | PIB | IT

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