This is a classic 'Headline Awareness' check. In 2021, ACE2 was the specific receptor cited in every scientific explainer about how SARS-CoV-2 enters human cells. It rewards active reading of the 'Science & Tech' page in newspapers over static book knowledge.
How this question is built
This question can be broken into the following sub-statements.
Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.
Statement 1
Does the term "ACE2" refer to genes introduced in genetically modified plants?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs
Fairness: CA heavy
Web-answerable
"glycoprotein on the viral surface through binding to the cell-surface receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)."
Why this source?
- Defines ACE2 as a cell-surface receptor and gives its full name, showing it is a human/host protein.
- Places ACE2 in the context of viral entry (SARS‑CoV‑2), not plant genetic modification.
"produced recombinant spike proteins and different forms of SARS-CoV-2 receptor ACE2"
Why this source?
- Refers to ACE2 as the SARS‑CoV‑2 receptor and discusses producing recombinant forms, indicating a viral/host protein studied in virology.
- Mentions laboratory production of different ACE2 forms, consistent with it being a protein/receptor rather than a transgene for plants.
"Hoffmann, M., ... (2020). SARS-CoV-2 cell entry depends on ACE2 and"
Why this source?
- States that SARS‑CoV‑2 cell entry depends on ACE2, reinforcing that ACE2 is a host receptor involved in viral infection.
- Context is virology/host cells, not genetically modified plants.
Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 9: Agriculture > GENETICALLY MODIFIED (GM) CROPS > p. 301
Strength: 5/5
“• According to WHO, Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) are the plants, animals or microorganisms in which the hereditary material (DNA) is altered in a manner that does not happen normally by mating or potentially regular recombination. It is also known as modern biotechnology/gene technology.• When genetic modification of a plant is performed, foreign gene (transgene) or gene of some other organism is artificially inserted into the plant's own genes. This is gene modification.”
Why relevant
Defines GMO/GM crops and states that foreign genes (transgenes) from other organisms are artificially inserted into plant genomes during genetic modification.
How to extend
A student could use this rule to check whether ACE2 is listed as a transgene used in plant modification (e.g., in regulatory or product descriptions of GM crops).
Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 11: Agriculture - Part II > 11.8 Genetically Modified (GM) Crops > p. 342
Strength: 4/5
“GM crops are plants whose DNA (a molecule that encodes the Genetic Information) has been modified using Genetic Engineering. The following are some benefits of GM crops: • More nutritional value• Resistance to bacteria, virus and other components that can damage the plant• Longer shelf life• Less costly GM foods and higher yields The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is the apex body for regulating GM crops, in the Ministry of Environment and Forest under the Environment Protections Act 1986. At present, the government allows commercial production of only one GM crop which is BT cotton and is allowed since 2002.”
Why relevant
Explains that GM crops are plants whose DNA has been modified using genetic engineering and lists typical targets (resistance to bacteria, viruses, pests), implying common types of genes introduced.
How to extend
A student could compare the known functional role attributed to ACE2 with typical functions of genes introduced into crops to judge plausibility that ACE2 would be used in plants.
Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 9: Agriculture > 2019 > p. 359
Strength: 4/5
“GM mustard has the genes of a soil bacterium that give the plant the property of pest-resistance to a wide variety of pests. 2. GM mustard has the genes that allow the plant cross-pollination and hybridization. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (b) 2 only (a) 1 and 3 only• (d) 1, 2 and 3 (c) 2 and 3 only• 17. With reference to agricultural soils, consider the following statements: • 1. A high content of organic matter in soil drastically reduces its water holding capacity. • 2. Soils do not play any role in the sulphur cycle.”
Why relevant
Gives a concrete example: GM mustard contains genes from a soil bacterium that confer pest resistance — illustrating that genes named after non-plant sources are used in crops.
How to extend
A student could ask whether ACE2 is such a gene from another organism used for a trait in a crop (and then search GM mustard or regulatory approvals for ACE2).
Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 11: Agriculture - Part II > 11.8 Genetically Modified (GM) Crops > p. 343
Strength: 4/5
“In one of the cases before the Delhi High Court, involving Monsanto and Nuziveedu (seed company) and the other with the Protection of Plant Variety and Farmers Rights (PPVFR) Authority, the Govt. has submitted that the Indian Patents Act 1970 (Section 3(j)) excludes patenting of seeds, plants and their varieties and the patent granted to Monsanto is not legal. Whereas, Monsanto argues that it is not patenting Bt cotton seeds but the genes in them (when you buy a software on a CD, the copyright is for the software even though it is made available via the CD), the Govt. is arguing that under PPVFR Act 2001, once a gene is inserted into the seed it is a plant 'variety' and hence not patentable under the Indian Patent Act 1970.”
Why relevant
Notes the legal/terminological point that companies may claim they are patenting 'genes in seeds' rather than the seed, showing that gene names can be central identifiers in GM crop discussion and documentation.
How to extend
A student could search patent databases or regulatory filings for the gene name ACE2 to see if it appears associated with any plant/seed patents or approvals.
Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 12: Major Crops and Cropping Patterns in India > Biotic: Living > p. 111
Strength: 3/5
“Genetic control: Te genetic control of pests involving releasing sterilised pests into the afected area. When these pests made with the female of their species, there are no ofspring, leading to a decline in the number of such pests. Genetic engineering: Te process of artifcially removing specifc genes from one organism and replacing them with genetic information from another. Geography: Te science that studies the interdependence among geographic areas, natural systems, processes, society, and cultural activities over space – a spatial science. Te fve themes of geographic education include: location, place, movement, regions, and human–Earth relationships. Geologic cycle: A general term characterising the vast cycling (hydrology, tectonic and rock) in and on the lithosphere.”
Why relevant
Provides a concise definition of genetic engineering as removing specific genes from one organism and replacing them with genetic information from another, giving a clear mechanism by which any named gene could be introduced into plants.
How to extend
A student could use this mechanism to investigate whether ACE2 has ever been transferred between species for agricultural use by checking scientific or regulatory records.
Statement 2
Is the term "ACE2" associated with the development of India's own satellite navigation system?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs
Fairness: CA heavy
Web-answerable
""binding to the cell-surface receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2).""
Why this source?
- Explicitly defines ACE2 as a biological receptor: 'angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)'.
- Context in the passage is virology (SARS-CoV-2 spike binding), not satellite technology, so ACE2 is presented as a biological term.
""prevents the binding of SARS-CoV-2 onto cell surface ACE2 by dimerizing the spike protein""
Why this source?
- Describes ACE2 as the cell-surface target for SARS-CoV-2 ('prevents the binding of SARS-CoV-2 onto cell surface ACE2').
- Again, the passage treats ACE2 in a biological/medical context with no mention of satellites or navigation systems.
Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 14: Service Sector > Note: > p. 434
Strength: 5/5
“*Note:
• (1) GAGAN is a satellite-based augmentation system and stands for GPS-aided GEO augmented navigation which is a joint project between ISRO and the Airports Authority of India.• (2) NavIC is an autonomous regional satellite navigation system that provides accurate real-time positioning and timing services.”
Why relevant
Defines the names of Indian satellite navigation projects (GAGAN and NavIC) and explicitly calls NavIC an autonomous regional satellite navigation system.
How to extend
Compare the naming convention (GAGAN, NavIC) with 'ACE2' to see if 'ACE2' fits known program names or appears in official lists of Indian navigation systems.
Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 14: Service Sector > SPACE SECTOR > p. 433
Strength: 4/5
“• According to ISRO, India has spent about US$1.8 billion on space programmes in 2019-20 while USA is the major player and has spent around US$19.5 billion in 2019-20. China spends around US$11 billion in 2019-20.• The three key focus areas of Indian space programme are: • Satellite communication. 1. Earth observation. 3. Satellite-aided navigation which includes GAGAN and NavIC*”
Why relevant
Lists the three key focus areas of the Indian space programme and explicitly includes 'satellite-aided navigation which includes GAGAN and NavIC'.
How to extend
Use this list of navigation systems to check whether 'ACE2' is referenced among ISRO's stated navigation projects or focus areas.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 12: Transport, Communications and Trade > Major Events > p. 58
Strength: 4/5
“2013: • PSLV-C25 successfully launches Mars Orbiter Mission Spacecraftfrom Sriharikota (Nov 05, 2013). • Successful launch of GSAT-7 by Ariane-5 VA-215 from Kourou French Guiana (August 30, 2013). • Successful launch of INSAT-3D by Ariane-5 VA-214 from Kourou French Guiana (July 26, 2013). • PSLV-C22 successfully launches IRNSS-1A from Sriharikota (Jul 01, 2013). • PSLV-C20 successfully launches SARAL and six commercial payloadsfrom Sriharikota (Feb 25, 2013). • 2015: Ariane-5 VA-227 launched GSAT 15 (Communication Satellite) • GSLV-D6 launched GSAT 6 (Communication Satellite)• 2016: PSLV C35 launched Cartosat 2 (Meteorological Satellite) • GSLV F05 launched INSAT-3DR (Meteorological Satellite) • 2018: PSLV C41 launched IRNSS-11 (Navigation Satellite) • PSLV C40 launched Cartosat 2 (Earth Observation)• PSLV-C33 launched IRNSS-1G (Navigation satellite)”
Why relevant
Records launches of navigation satellites named IRNSS-1A through IRNSS-1G and IRNSS-11, showing a clear naming pattern for Indian navigation satellite series.
How to extend
Compare the typical IRNSS/NavIC/IRNSS-# naming pattern against 'ACE2'—if ACE2 does not follow these patterns, it is less likely to be an Indian navigation-satellite designation.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 12: Transport, Communications and Trade > Phase II: 1970–80 > p. 55
Strength: 3/5
“Sarabhai had taken part in an early study with NASA regarding the feasibility of using satellites for applications as wide as direct television broadcasting. India started designing and creating an independent launch vehicle. Meanwhile, India also began development of satellite technology, anticipating the remote sensing and communication needs of the future. India's first foray into space began with the launch of its satellite Aryabhata in 1975 by a Soviet booster. By 1979, the SLV was ready to be launched from a newly-established second launch site, the Sriharikota Rocket Launching Station (SRLS). The first launch in 1979 was a failure, attributed to control failure in the second stage.”
Why relevant
Provides historical context that India developed its own satellite technology and launch vehicles, implying official projects and documented names for indigenous systems.
How to extend
Use documented histories and project lists (as exemplified here) to search for 'ACE2' in authoritative historical or programmatic records of Indian satellite efforts.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 12: Transport, Communications and Trade > Major Events > p. 57
Strength: 3/5
“PSLV with IRS-1D successful (September). 1998: INSAT system capacity augmented with readiness of INSAT-2DT aquired from Arabsat (January). 1999: INSAT-2D the last satellite in the multi-purpose (INSAT-2D series), launched by Ariane from Kourou French Guyana (April 3, 1999). IRS-P4 (OCEANSAT), launched by Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C2). 2000: INSAT-3B was launched on March 22, 2000. 2001: Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle-D1 (GSLV-D1), the first developmental launch of GSLV V with GSAT-1 on board, partially successful. 2002: INSAT-3 CGSLV-D2 launched successfully by Ariannespace (January); launch of KALPANA-1 (September). 2003: GSLV-D2, the second developmental launch of GSLV with GSAT-2, successful (May). 2004: First operational flight of GSLV (F02) unsuccessfully launches EDUSAT (September).”
Why relevant
Details many named satellite launches (INSAT, IRS, GSAT, IRNSS) illustrating recurring, program-specific nomenclature used by India for satellites.
How to extend
Check whether 'ACE2' appears among these program names or launch manifests; mismatch with these established names would suggest 'ACE2' is unlikely to be an Indian navigation system label.
Statement 3
Is the term "ACE2" used in the context of radio collars for wildlife tracking?
Origin: Weak / unclear
Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 6: Environmental Issues > What has to be done? > p. 121
Strength: 5/5
“• r. Coordination, between MoEF and Railways has to be enhanced to ensure the sustainability of wildlife. • r Vulnerable patches for wildlife conservation should be identified as wildlife conservation spots, and signage put up to warn train drivers and other railway personnel, to enable them to give directions for trains to slow down their speed in these patches in the normal course, • Update the list of well known vulnerable patches for wildlife, and conveying them to the Railways. • Electronically tag prominent wildlife like elephants, leopards, etc., particularly in high traffic areas, so that wildlife and forest personnel could keep track of their movements, and warn railway officials well in time to enable them to avoid accidents.”
Why relevant
Shows that wildlife is 'electronically tag[ged]' (i.e., electronic devices like radio collars are used to track animals).
How to extend
A student could infer that device model names (e.g., ACE2) might be assigned to such electronic tags and then check manufacturer catalogues or field reports for a collar named ACE2.
Science ,Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 12: How Nature Works in Harmony > Be a scientist > p. 203
Strength: 4/5
“Asir Jawahar Thomas Johnsingh (A.J.T. Johnsingh) was a famous Indian wildlife biologist who helped us understand forest ecosystems through the eyes of animals. He was a pioneer in studying wildlife through modern tracking system. His research showed how predators like tigers and leopards rely on prey, such as deer and wild boar, while he was working in Bandipur National Park, Karnataka. He proved that a healthy prey
population is key to predator survival. He inspired many youngsters to study wildlife and protect the forests and biodiversity of India.”
Why relevant
Refers to 'modern tracking system' used by wildlife biologists, indicating a variety of technological tracking methods are standard practice.
How to extend
Combine this with knowledge that modern tracking often uses branded devices — search tracking-technology literature for 'ACE2' as a device/model name.
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 16: Conservation Efforts > 16.r.3. Estimation of Tiger Populations > p. 229
Strength: 3/5
“5I{ANKAR
individuals. Now it is largely used as one of the indices of tiger occurrence and relative abundance.
• I Recent methods used to estimate the numbers of tigers are camera trapping and DNA fingerprinting. • In camera trapping, the photograph of the tiger is taken and individuals are differentiated on the basis of the stripes on the body. • In the latest technique of DNA fingerprinting, tigers can be identified from their scats.”
Why relevant
Lists recent methods for estimating tiger numbers (camera trapping, DNA), illustrating that multiple technical methods coexist and device names might appear in method descriptions.
How to extend
Use this pattern to justify searching technical methods and field-study appendices for references to specific equipment names like ACE2.
Science ,Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 7: Particulate Nature of Matter > A step further > p. 109
Strength: 4/5
“Often, we use the term 'particle' in different contexts. The meaning of this term changes with the context. For example, while talking about air pollution, the term Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) is used. This term refers to the tiny dust particles suspended in air and not the constituent particles of matter which are extremely small as compared to the dust particles. In fact, even these tiny dust particles are also made up of a very large number of constituent particles, i.e, atoms and molecules.”
Why relevant
Explains that the meaning of a term changes with context (example of 'particle'), suggesting technical acronyms like 'ACE2' can have very different meanings in different fields.
How to extend
A student should therefore not assume biological meanings (e.g., ACE2 enzyme) apply in wildlife-tracking contexts and should check device-technology contexts for the same label.
Statement 4
Is the term "ACE2" related to the spread of viral diseases?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs
Fairness: CA heavy
Web-answerable
"analyze the positive correlation between the virus spread, PM, and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a receptor involved in the entry of the virus into pulmonary cells and inflammation."
Why this source?
- Explicitly links ACE2 to virus spread by noting a positive correlation between virus spread and ACE2.
- Defines ACE2 as "a receptor involved in the entry of the virus into pulmonary cells and inflammation," tying the term to viral infection mechanisms.
"glycoprotein on the viral surface through binding to the cell-surface receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)."
Why this source?
- Describes the viral spike glycoprotein binding to the cell-surface receptor ACE2, directly connecting ACE2 to viral entry into host cells.
- Explains the binding is followed by cleavage, membrane fusion, and release of viral RNA, showing ACE2's role in the infection process.
Science ,Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 3: Health: The Ultimate Treasure > Non-communicable > p. 32
Strength: 5/5
“z Non-communicable diseases— Some diseases, like cancer, diabetes, or asthma, are not caused by pathogens and do not spread from one person to another. They are usually linked to lifestyle, diet, and/or environment. z Communicable diseases— Diseases caused by pathogens are called communicable diseases. They can spread from one person to another. Some examples of communicable diseases are typhoid, dengue, flu, chickenpox, and COVID-19. In recent years, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer have become more common in India. This is happening because of changes in how people live—such as eating more processed food, getting less exercise, and living longer lives.”
Why relevant
Defines communicable diseases as those caused by pathogens and lists COVID-19 among viral communicable diseases.
How to extend
A student could note that COVID-19 is a virus and therefore investigate virus-specific factors (e.g., host receptors like ACE2) that influence infection and spread.
Contemporary World Politics, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Security in the Contemporary World > Refugees in the world (2017) > p. 74
Strength: 4/5
“A look at the correlation between wars and refugee migration shows that in the 1990s, all but three of the 60 refugee flows coincided with an internal armed conflict. Health epidemics such as HIV-AIDS, bird flu, and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) have rapidly spread across countries through migration, business, tourism and military operations. One country's success or failure in limiting the spread of these diseases affects infections in other countries.”
Why relevant
Mentions SARS and other rapidly spreading health epidemics that cross borders, highlighting particular viral outbreaks as examples.
How to extend
Knowing SARS is a viral respiratory disease, a student could check whether molecular terms (such as ACE2) are implicated in SARS-family virus entry into human cells.
Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 8: Natural Hazards and Disaster Management > epidemics > p. 78
Strength: 4/5
“Epidemic is a widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community at a particular time. In other words it is sudden, widespread occurrence of a disease. It has been defned as an occurrence of disease that is temporarily of high prevalence. An epidemic occurring over a wide geographical area is called pandemic. Pandemic is an epidemic disease prevalent over a whole country or large part of the world. Te rise and decline in epidemic prevalence of an infectious disease is a probability phenomenon dependent upon transfer of an efective dose of the infectious agent from an infected individual to a susceptible one.”
Why relevant
Explains that epidemic spread depends on transfer of an effective dose of an infectious agent from an infected to a susceptible person.
How to extend
A student can infer that factors affecting how readily a virus infects host cells (for example, presence of specific host receptors) would influence that transfer and thus epidemic dynamics.
Science ,Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 3: Health: The Ultimate Treasure > Activity 3.4: Let us find out > p. 35
Strength: 3/5
“• Col1: Malaria; Col2: Protozoa; Col3: Skin, blood; Diseases transmitted by insects: High fever, profuse sweating, periodic chills; Col5: Use of mosquito nets and repellents, wearing long–sleeved clothes, control of mosquito breeding in and around your home • Col1: Dengue fever (Break bone fever); Col2: Virus; Col3: Skin, blood; Diseases transmitted by insects: Fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, nausea; Col5: Use of mosquito nets and repellents, wearing long-sleeved clothes, control of mosquito breeding in and around your home, avoiding areas with still water By studying the Table 3.1, we can understand how infectious diseases spread and how to prevent them.”
Why relevant
Lists diseases caused by viruses (e.g., dengue) and links modes of transmission, illustrating that different viruses and transmission routes are important to disease spread.
How to extend
This prompts checking whether particular viral diseases rely on specific molecular interactions (such as receptor binding) that could involve terms like ACE2.
Science ,Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 3: Health: The Ultimate Treasure > 3.4.1 How are communicable diseases caused and spread? > p. 33
Strength: 3/5
“personal items of an infected person. Some of the communicable diseases spread through contaminated drinking water or food. Some pathogens are also spread by insects like mosquitoes and houseflies—these insects are called vectors (Fig. 3.4).
By understanding how diseases spread, we can take simple steps to protect ourselves and others. Let us find out how these communicable diseases spread and how we can prevent them.”
Why relevant
Describes various modes by which communicable diseases spread (direct contact, contaminated food/water, vectors), emphasizing multiple factors govern transmission.
How to extend
A student might combine this with the idea that some transmission routes (e.g., respiratory droplets) depend on viral entry into respiratory cells, leading them to investigate receptors like ACE2.
Pattern takeaway:
UPSC loves 'Term-Based' questions in Science & Tech. They pick a specific acronym (ACE2, Cas9, Volte) from the news and simply ask 'What is this related to?'. The strategy is to maintain a glossary of technical terms appearing in news headlines.
How you should have studied
- [THE VERDICT]: Sitter. Pure Current Affairs. If you read any 'How the Virus Works' article in The Hindu or Indian Express during the pandemic, this was unmissable.
- [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: Public Health & Disease Mechanisms. Specifically, the molecular basis of a major ongoing current event (COVID-19).
- [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize sibling pandemic terms: Ct Value (Viral load inverse relation), R-Naught (R0 - reproduction rate), Cytokine Storm (Immune overreaction), mRNA vs Adenovirus Vector (Vaccine platforms), CRISPR-Cas9 (used in Feluda test).
- [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: When a global phenomenon occurs, do not stop at the surface ('It is a virus'). Drill one level deeper: What is the receptor? What is the test mechanism (RT-PCR)? What is the vaccine technology? UPSC asks for the 'Technical Noun' behind the 'General News'.
Concept hooks from this question
👉 Transgenes in GM plants
💡 The insight
Genetically modified plants are created by inserting foreign genes (transgenes) into the plant genome.
High-yield for UPSC: clarifies what qualifies as a GMO and underpins questions on biotechnology policy, biosafety, and agricultural technology; connects to topics on crop improvement and environmental impacts and helps answer questions contrasting genetic engineering with conventional breeding.
📚 Reading List :
- Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 9: Agriculture > GENETICALLY MODIFIED (GM) CROPS > p. 301
- Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 9: Agriculture > 2019 > p. 359
🔗 Anchor: "Does the term "ACE2" refer to genes introduced in genetically modified plants?"
👉 Gene vs. plant/seed patenting
💡 The insight
There is a legal and policy distinction between patenting isolated genes and patenting seeds or whole plant varieties.
Important for policy and law portions of UPSC: relevant to debates on intellectual property, the Patents Act, PPVFR, and regulation of biotech companies; enables answers on governance, trade-offs in biotechnology regulation, and landmark cases.
📚 Reading List :
- Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 11: Agriculture - Part II > 11.8 Genetically Modified (GM) Crops > p. 343
- Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 11: Agriculture - Part II > 11.8 Genetically Modified (GM) Crops > p. 342
🔗 Anchor: "Does the term "ACE2" refer to genes introduced in genetically modified plants?"
👉 Genes control traits and trait expression
💡 The insight
Alterations in genes change enzyme function and therefore plant traits, which is the biological basis for genetic modification.
Core science grounding for UPSC: helps integrate biology with agricultural applications and policy discussions; useful for questions requiring explanation of how GM traits (e.g., pest resistance, yield) arise and for evaluating biosafety claims.
📚 Reading List :
- Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 8: Heredity > 8.2.3 How do these Traits get Expressed? > p. 131
- Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 8: Heredity > Gregor Johann Mendel (1822–1884) > p. 130
🔗 Anchor: "Does the term "ACE2" refer to genes introduced in genetically modified plants?"
👉 NavIC and GAGAN — India's satellite navigation systems
💡 The insight
NavIC is India's autonomous regional satellite navigation system and GAGAN is the satellite-based augmentation system used with GPS; both define India's navigation capabilities.
High-yield: Questions frequently target indigenous navigation systems and their civil/military roles. This concept links space policy, navigation technology, and aviation augmentation. Mastery helps answer questions on system purpose, national autonomy in positioning services, and related governance.
📚 Reading List :
- Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 14: Service Sector > Note: > p. 434
- Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 14: Service Sector > SPACE SECTOR > p. 433
🔗 Anchor: "Is the term "ACE2" associated with the development of India's own satellite navi..."
👉 IRNSS/NavIC satellite launches via PSLV
💡 The insight
IRNSS/NavIC satellites have been launched on PSLV missions; launch history is integral to how India deployed its navigation constellation.
High-yield: UPSC often probes launch vehicles and mission timelines. Understanding which launchers place navigation satellites connects to questions on indigenous launch capability, program milestones, and operational readiness.
📚 Reading List :
- Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 12: Transport, Communications and Trade > Major Events > p. 58
- Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 12: Transport, Communications and Trade > Major Events > p. 57
🔗 Anchor: "Is the term "ACE2" associated with the development of India's own satellite navi..."
👉 ISRO focus areas: satellite communication, earth observation, satellite-aided navigation
💡 The insight
ISRO explicitly lists satellite-aided navigation alongside communication and earth observation as a core focus area, framing national priorities in space.
High-yield: Knowing ISRO's priority areas aids answers on budget allocation, program emphasis, and comparative space strategies. It connects to topics on remote sensing applications, navigation services, and national infrastructure planning.
📚 Reading List :
- Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 14: Service Sector > SPACE SECTOR > p. 433
🔗 Anchor: "Is the term "ACE2" associated with the development of India's own satellite navi..."
👉 Electronic tagging and radio collars for wildlife monitoring
💡 The insight
Electronic tagging, including radio collars, is used to monitor movements of large mammals in high-traffic or vulnerable areas to reduce human-wildlife conflicts.
High-yield for UPSC questions on wildlife conservation and mitigation of human-wildlife conflict; connects technology to policy responses (e.g., coordination between ministries and operational measures). Understanding this concept helps answer questions on practical conservation tools and management strategies.
📚 Reading List :
- Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 6: Environmental Issues > What has to be done? > p. 121
- Science ,Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 12: How Nature Works in Harmony > Be a scientist > p. 203
🔗 Anchor: "Is the term "ACE2" used in the context of radio collars for wildlife tracking?"
The 'Ct Value' (Cycle Threshold) in RT-PCR tests. A lower Ct value (e.g., <25) indicates a high viral load, while a higher value (>35) indicates low viral load. This inverse relationship is a prime candidate for a tricky statement-based question.
Etymology Hack: 'ACE' stands for Angiotensin-Converting **Enzyme**. Enzymes are biological proteins. This immediately eliminates Option B (Satellites) and Option C (Radio Collars/Hardware). You are left with A (GM Plants) and D (Disease). In the context of 2021, a human enzyme is far more likely to be linked to the global health crisis than a niche GM crop gene.
Links to GS-3 Disaster Management & Governance. Understanding the biological mechanism (airborne spread via ACE2 receptors in lungs) dictates the administrative response (ventilation policies, mask mandates) rather than just surface sanitization.