ISRO-DBT collaboration for biotechnology experiments

Context: ISRO and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) signed a deal to design and conduct biotechnology experiments in India’s Indigenous space station Bhartiya Antriksh Station (BAS), expected to be operational between 2028 and 2035.

Key Highlights of the Collaboration

• Experiment Focus: Muscle loss in weightlessness, algae-based nutrient sources, algae processing for jet fuel, and radiation impacts on astronaut health.
• Integration with Upcoming Missions: Some biology experiments may be integrated into the uncrewed test flights of ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission, India’s first crewed space mission, expected to launch in 2025-2026.
  • The main focus for these experiments remains BAS.
• Global Context: International Space Station (ISS) operations are expected to end by 2030.
  • Several nations, like China, are building their own space stations.
• BIO E3 Policy : The collaboration aligns with DBT’s BIOE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) policy to enhance bio-manufacturing in India.
  • India’s bio-economy is projected to reach $300 billion by 2030, with space bio-manufacturing as a key component.
• Research and Innovation Opportunities: The collaboration aims to drive innovation in human health, novel pharmaceuticals, biotherapeutics, regenerative medicine, bio-based technologies for waste management, and support bio-startups.

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Asiatic Golden Cat

Context: The Asiatic golden cat (Catopuma temminckii),has been rediscovered in Assam’s Manas National Park. 

• This sighting  marks a major conservation milestone, given that the last confirmed sighting occurred in 2007.
• Manas National Park now joins other Northeast Indian reserves, such as those in Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh, in supporting this rare species.

About Asiatic Golden Cat

• Habitat: Highly adaptable found in forests ranging from tropical/subtropical evergreen forests, mixed and dry deciduous forests and tropical rainforests even at an altitude of 3,738 above sea level.
• Range Countries: Southern China, Southeast Asia, and Northeast India. 
• Species Characteristics:
  • The common coat colour is golden or red-brown, but it may also be dark brown or even grey.
  • Its size is medium with relatively long legs.
  • Mainly Nocturnal but recent data indicates that it may be diurnal.
  • Males are larger than females.
• Reproduction a gestation Period of 75 – 80 days.
• Protection Status:
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972:  Scheduled I
  • IUCN: Near Threatened 
  • CITES: Appendix I

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