India has achieved a remarkable feat in the field of biotechnology with the official launch of "BIRSA 101," the nation's first homegrown CRISPR-based gene therapy targeting sickle cell disease. Developed by the CSIR–Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology (IGIB), this innovative therapy is poised to significantly reduce the disease burden, especially among the tribal populations in central and eastern India, who are disproportionately affected by the hereditary blood disorder.
Union Minister of State for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, emphasized that the introduction of BIRSA 101 signals India's determined journey towards eradicating sickle cell disease. The therapy is named in tribute to tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda, whose 150th birth anniversary was recently observed, symbolizing India's capacity to develop advanced and cost-effective medical solutions. Global therapies for sickle cell disease are often prohibitively expensive, making an indigenous and affordable solution critical for the country. A technology transfer and collaboration agreement has been established between CSIR-IGIB and the Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd., aiming for the large-scale and economical production of CRISPR therapies for sickle cell and other genetic disorders.
In a broader context of India's scientific advancements, Dr. Jitendra Singh reiterated the government's steadfast commitment to strengthening the nation's scientific ecosystem and nurturing innovation-driven growth. He noted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, India has witnessed an unprecedented expansion in scientific capabilities, including the establishment of specialized scientific centers across the country. Highlighting India's global recognition for scientific achievements like the Chandrayaan mission and vaccine development, the Minister also announced the upcoming India International Science Festival (IISF 2025), scheduled from December 6 to 9 in Panchkula, Haryana. This festival aims to unite researchers, students, educators, and scientific institutions to celebrate and promote India's progress in science and innovation.
Amidst these scientific strides, a recent peer-reviewed study has brought to light a pressing environmental concern: India's average temperature has risen by nearly 0.9 degrees Celsius in the last decade (2015-2024) compared to the early 20th century. The study, which synthesizes observational data and climate model projections, indicates that the hottest day of the year has warmed by 1.5-2 degrees Celsius in western and northeast India since the 1950s. This warming trend is contributing to more frequent and intense heat waves, with the number of warm days increasing by 5-10 days per decade, highlighting the urgent need for adaptation strategies to address these significant climate challenges.