Modern Biomedicine and a Strategic Priority for India
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: General Science (Biology - Human Immune System, T-cells, Vaccines, mRNA, Autoimmune diseases); Science & Technology (Biotechnology, Immunotherapy, CAR-T cell therapy); Current events of national and international importance (Nobel Prizes).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 2 (Health & Governance): Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health.
General Studies Paper 3 (S&T, Economy): Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life; Achievements of Indians in science & technology; Bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.
Key Highlights from the News
Modern biomedicine and public health are underpinned by Immunology (the study of the immune system).
The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the importance of immunology through vaccine development.
The 2025 Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded for the discovery of Regulatory T cells (Tregs), a system that prevents our immune system from attacking its own body. This is crucial for preventing autoimmune diseases.
Treatments like Immunotherapy have revolutionized cancer treatment (2018 Nobel Prize).
Science recognizes the immune system not just as a "shield," but as a "master regulatory network" that controls all organs in the body.
The article argues that a country like India must invest heavily in immunology education and research to address its unique health challenges.
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