Paper: GS – III, Subject: Science and Technology, Topic: Defence Technologies, Issue: Biological Weapons – Biosecurity.
Context:
Rapid advances in biotechnology, genetic engineering, and synthetic biology have increased both beneficial and malicious uses of biological agents.
Key Takeaways:
- Globally, concerns are rising over biological weapons, lab leaks, pandemics, and bio-terrorism, including potential involvement of non-state actors.
What is Biosecurity?
- Biosecurity encompasses the practices and systems implemented to prevent the deliberate misuse of biological agents, toxins, or related technologies.
- This includes securing laboratories and containing intentional outbreaks.
- Biosecurity extends beyond human health to encompass agricultural and animal health.
The Biological Weapons Convention (BWC):
- The Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), established in 1975, is a landmark international treaty.
- It is a legally binding international treaty that prohibits the development, production, stockpiling, and use of biological and toxin weapons.
- It was the first multilateral disarmament treaty banning an entire category of weapons of mass destruction.
- Signatories are obligated to destroy existing stockpiles of biological weapons.
The Growing Threat: Non-State Actors and Biological Tools:
- The threat landscape has evolved, with non-state actors increasingly showing interest in biological tools.
- Reports of alleged preparation of toxins like Ricin for potential terrorist attacks highlight this concern.
Gaps in India’s Biosecurity Framework:
Current Fragmentation and Coordination Challenges:
- Lack of unified national framework coordinating multiple agencies and policies, causing fragmented responses and unclear authority during crises.
- Global Health Security Index rank (66).
Risks and Consequences of Inadequate Biosecurity:
- Threat to human lives biological Incidents could cause mass morbidity and mortality across populations.
- Economic disruption outbreaks can damage agriculture, trade, supply chains, and employment.
- Social instability widespread disease can trigger panic, unrest, and erosion of public order
As biotechnology advances rapidly, India’s bio-risks are growing in scale and complexity. While legal provisions exist, fragmented institutions and weak coordination limit effectiveness. A unified, forward-looking biosecurity framework is essential to safeguard public health, agriculture, and national security in an era of emerging biological threats.
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