Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (STI) 2013

Goal of STI Policy 2013
SRISHTI (Science, Research and innovation system for High technology led path for India.)
[Its actually SRISHTLPFI but old habit of GOI to make everything catchy and sound good.-->headache for us UPSC aspirants]

The STI Policy seeks to send a signal to the Indian scientific community, both in the private and public domain, that science, technology and innovation should focus on faster, sustainable and inclusive development of the people. The policy seeks to focus on both STI for people and people for STI. It aims to bring all the benefits of Science, Technology & Innovation to the national development and sustainable and more inclusive growth. It seeks the right sizing of the gross expenditure on research and development by encouraging and incentivizing private sector participation in R & D, technology and innovation activities.

Tejas

Tejas is India's indigenous Light Combat Aircraft(LCA) developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). It is the world's smallest, light weight, multi-role combat aircraft. The LCA is designed to meet the requirements of Indian Air Force as its frontline multi-mission single-seat tactical aircraft to replace the MiG-21 series of aircraft.
Short takeoff and landing, excellent flight performance, safety, reliability and maintainability, are salient features of LCA design. The LCA integrates modern design concepts like static instability, digital fly-by-wire flight control system, integrated avionics, glass cockpit, primary composite structure, multi-mode radar, microprocessor based utility and brake management systems.

DNA profiling

DNA profiling is a technique which helps in identifying individuals based on their DNA profile .A technique called electrophoresis is used to obtain DNA profiles. Every individual have unique DNA sequencing or DNA profiles.

Uses of DNA profiling :
1) To find out if the alleged father is actually the biological father of the child.
2) To establish other family relations .
3) DNA testing can help solve crimes by comparing the DNA profiles of suspects to offender samples.
4) To identify war victims and to ascertain identity of dead which can not be identified otherwise .
5) To study genetic diseases

The DNA profiling is extremely sensitive and can be conducted on very small human sample , It just requires a cell with nuclei from the human body such as saliva ,semen , urine , hair etc. Also it is very hard to contaminate DNA samples . This makes DNA profiling very useful .

But the disadvantage with this technology is that it only gives probability and not 100% correct answer .Also DNA evidence can be planted on crime site to misguide. The DNA database maintained can be hacked by hackers and can be misused .

Critically analyse advantages and disadvantages of GM foodcrops

GM foodcrops are the one whose genetical material has been modified either by traditional selection and breeding or by modern, scientific modification of the crops(genetic engineering).

Various Advantages are-

1.Pest resistance-Less pesticides is needed to be used due to insect resistant plants such as B.t. corn.

2.Herbicides tolerance-Farmers often need to spray large quantity of herbicides which is an expensive process.GM crops require one application of weed-killer,thus reducing the production cost.

3.Cold tolerance and Drought tolerance-Development of crops that can grow in extreme climate

4.Nutrition-Reduction of sickness and illness as GMO foods are more nutritious

5.High yield-Decrease in food prices due to lower cost and higher yield

There are many disadvantages which are-

1.Unintended harm to other organism as the genes and their effect included in a crop may turn out to be poisonous to insects

2.Insects will become resistant to B.t. or other crops that have been genetically modified to produce their own pesticides

3.Crop plants engineered for herbicide tolerance and weeds will cross-breed,resulting in the transfer of the herbicide tolerant gene to weeds making it “super weeds”

4.Introducing a gene into a plant may create a new allergen or cause an allergic reaction.

Though there are many pros and cons regarding the GM foods,the government must proceed with caution to avoid causing unintended harm to human health and the environment.