Tag: debate

Why Saudi-Iran Rapprochement Is Chinese Victory?

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by Asad Mirza
The manner in which China has brokered a peace deal between arch-foes, Saudi Arabia and Iran, it may help China to emerge as a global peacemaker, eclipsing the USA.
President Xi Jinping with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman (Mbs) in Riyadh on December 9, 2022
Last week a major diplomatic coup was staged by China, when it announced the results of its successfully mediated efforts, of bringing two old foes to the negotiating table and signing a friendship deal.
The Chinese-brokered Saudi-Iran rapprochement comes as a major diplomatic breakthrough between two regional neighbours after years of mutual animosity, suspected attacks and tales of rivalry between the two countries.
The move also represents Beijing’s first foray into Middle Eastern politics, an area that has always been regarded as a prerogative of the US, since when most of these nations become a free and independent entities, after the end of the colonial era.
On March 10, both Riyadh and Tehran announced that after seven years of severed ties, they would reopen embassies and missions within two months and implement security and economic cooperation agreements signed more than 20 years ago.
Much of the world was stunned when the two arch-rivals announced they were restoring diplomatic relations, this was not only because of the breakthrough after years of mutual animosity but because of the mediator, who played a key role in bringing the foes to the negotiating table, i.e. the Chinese government.
By this move, China has ostensibly taken up a role that the US could not have fulfilled, or it never tried to perform that role. In addition, this also comes as Beijing’s first major diplomatic foray into the Middle East mediation, an area where often rivalries are built around nuances and subtleties, which are hard to fathom for an outsider, though in recent times they have up the shape of hardnosed economic and strategic interests.

Apparently, the Saudis had been engaged in talks with Iran from around the same time as the Al Ula Summit held in Saudi in 2021, which ended the blockade of Qatar and mended the internal rifts of the Gulf Cooperation Council. In the subsequent two years, the United Arab Emirates restored its diplomatic relations with Iran and even replaced China as Iran’s top import partner; Kuwait, too, has returned its ambassador to Tehran.
The negotiations between Iran and Saudi Arabia since 2021 largely took place in Iraq and Oman. Other regional countries, including Kuwait and Pakistan, had attempted to arrange for talks between Tehran and Riyadh on numerous occasions in the past seven years, which were largely unsuccessful.
As tensions simmer between the world’s two largest economies: the US and China, US policymakers had sounded an alarm over competition and security concerns with China, but what does Beijing’s ascendance in the region mean for the Middle East – and for the larger US interests?
In recent times, China has been pushing for reconfiguring the regional security architecture in the Persian Gulf since 2020. In a UN Security Council meeting arranged by Russia in October 2020, China presented its proposal for security and stability in the Gulf region, arguing that with a multilateral effort, the region can become “an Oasis of Security.”
Iran and Saudi Arabia have agreed to resume diplomatic relations after four days of intensive previously undisclosed talks in Beijing.
Apparently, the edifice of this Chinese plan to transform into a global peacemaker seems to be the Global Security Initiative – GSI, which was unveiled by Chinese President Xi Jinping in February 2023. It is portrayed as a banner for China to reform the current international security order, especially at a time when the US is prioritising alignment with countries that share the same political system and ideology, through its Democracy Summit.
Mainly, with growing power and influence China has a fair say in international peace and security architecture building. The GSI Concept Paper released by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in February 2023 identified “bringing about security changes through political dialogue and peaceful negotiation” as core concepts and principles.
China’s successful brokering of the peace deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran has given it confidence that this track could work. The aspiration is that China can fill the gap in regions the US has failed to lead or ignore.
According to the Chinese understanding of the region, Iran and Saudi Arabia are “pivot countries” whose political, economic, and military power make them indispensable partners for Beijing, making balance between the two the most consequential strategy.
For both countries, China is the largest trading partner. Beijing has granted Tehran and Riyadh the status of comprehensive strategic partners – the highest in China’s partnership diplomacy in the Middle East.
Asad Mirza
But China’s balancing act is more articulated than just signing similar partnership agreements with both partners. While economic relations are unequivocally unbalanced in Saudi Arabia’s favour, China guarantees Iran political support and a financial lifeline in the face of US pressure. Yet, offering different goods to equal partners often shakes the balancing act. In December, the joint China-GCC communiqué that followed Chinese President Xi Jingpin’s trip to Saudi Arabia generated anger in Iran, exposing the limits of China’s diplomacy from the sidelines.
The GSI Concept Paper also emphasises the need to support political settlements of hotspot issues such as the war in Ukraine. Therefore, President Xi’s efforts to promote a political settlement to the Russia-Ukraine conflict would be essential to watch. If another success is achieved after his Russia visit, it may lend more credence to the GSI.
(Asad Mirza is a senior journalist based in New Delhi. In his career spanning more than 20 years, he was also associated with BBC Urdu Service and Khaleej Times of Dubai. Views are personal.)

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#SaudiIran #Rapprochement #Chinese #Victory
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

March 26, 2023
Why Is An Earthquake In Himalayas Overdue?

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by Gyaneshwar Dayal
Earthquakes cannot be predicted because geologists are still limited to studying the Earth’s surface and haven’t been able to study the planet’s crust, a hundred km below where the earthquakes originate.
An aerial view of the devastation by the February 2023 earthquake in Hatay, Turkey.
It is said that when a major earthquake happens anywhere, fear strikes everywhere. There is no place on earth that is not quake-prone. In some places, it might be more, and in some, less.
India is the third-largest earthquake-prone country globally, after Japan and Nepal. Within India, the Himalayas are the most quake-prone zone. According to the National Centre for Seismology, nearly 59% of India’s landmass is prone to earthquakes at varying intensities. As many as 11 cities and towns in about eight states and Union Territories fall within Zone-5, the highest one, and the capital city Delhi in itself is categorized in Zone-4.
The vulnerable states/UTs include Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, Manipur, Assam, Nagaland, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The capital Delhi is located near three active seismic fault lines – Sohna, Mathura, and Delhi-Moradabad. Gurugram is the riskiest area in Delhi-NCR, being situated around seven fault lines. If these get activated, a high-intensity quake that could wreak havoc is unavoidable. The capital, in particular, would experience changes in the tectonic plates as it is close to the Himalayas. The central Himalayan region is among the most seismically active zones globally.
For over 700 years, the region has been under tectonic stress, which could potentially be released in the coming years, as indicated by a study.
Seismologists believe that the tremors are a manifestation of the convergence between the Indo-Australian and Asian tectonic plates that built the Himalayan mountains in the last 50 million years. Any mega earthquake will have a magnitude upwards of 8 on the Richter scale and can occur anywhere between Dehradun to Kathmandu, and its impact can be felt in the entire Gangetic plains and massive Indian cities like Delhi NCR, Shimla, Patna.

Since tectonic tension builds up over a long time before it can be released, it is believed that strong earthquakes follow a ‘seismic cycle.’ For instance, after a region has faced an earthquake of magnitude 7 or higher, it takes decades for another earthquake of a similar size to strike the same location. On the other hand, if a region hasn’t seen a sizable earthquake in a while, the likelihood of one occurring is very high.
Earthquakes cannot be predicted because geologists are still limited to studying the Earth’s surface and haven’t been able to study the planet’s crust, a hundred km below where the earthquakes originate. However, seismologists can make calculated guesses based on probability and larger geological patterns. It is by studying such patterns in the Himalayan Mountain ranges that seismologists Roger Bilham and K Khatri predicted the Great Himalayan Earthquake.
The two scientists were able to identify a seismic gap – the region where tectonic tension builds up because no earthquakes have occurred – in the central Himalayan region. According to the researchers, the Indian tectonic plate is moving along a significant fault beneath the Himalayas at a rate of around 1.8 centimetres per year. The absence of a massive earthquake in the central Himalayas in recorded history provides strong evidence that a significant amount of tectonic tension has built up in this region and is ready to be released.
According to seismologists, the Himalayas have not seen an earthquake over the magnitude of eight in over five hundred years. This has led to the accumulation of great amounts of strain between the Eurasian plate and the Indian plate. The last major earthquake in the Himalayan belt was the 2015 Nepal earthquake (7.3 M) which killed over 8,900 people preceded by the 2005 earthquake in Jammu and Kashmir (7.6 M) which took 87,000 lives. However, these weren’t enough to release the seismic stress.
According to Bilham and many other seismologists, the Great Himalayan Earthquake is inevitable. However, the exact date, as well as the epicentre of this earthquake, is still unknown. So, this earthquake can strike us tomorrow, the next year, or after a hundred years, no one can predict for sure. Moreover, while the central Himalayan region will be the most probable centre of the earthquake, the specific location is still unknown, and seismologists can only take an educated guess.
Dr N Purnachandra Rao, the chief scientist of seismology at the National Geophysical Research Institute, has warned that an earthquake similar in magnitude to Turkey quakes or even more is “imminent” in Uttarakhand and can happen “any time.” Tremendous stress continues to build under the Uttarakhand region, and it will inevitably be released as a massive earthquake in the area anytime.
“We are monitoring the situation in real-time. We have GPS networks in the area. GPS points are moving, indicating changes happening beneath the surface,” he said. There are around 80 seismic stations in the Himalayan region focused on Uttarakhand already smarting under sinking earth at several places. There is a good chance it will exceed a magnitude of 8 when it happens. These earthquakes are fairly periodic, and that’s how scientists currently predict when the next one could strike. Uttarakhand faces the brunt of this quite often. However, the state has not endured a “great earthquake” (magnitude 8 and higher) for over 100 years.
Incidentally, birds of all hues made loud noises and flew abnormally in flocks on the night before the big quake, indicating something unusual was going to happen. Unlike birds, humans have not developed such premonition.
(This write-up first appeared in Himalayan News Chronicle Vol-3, Issue-2 – February 1, 2023 – February 28, 2023. Views are personal.)

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#Earthquake #Himalayas #Overdue
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

March 22, 2023
DIC Shopian conducts Debate on Water Conservation at CCI Shopian

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SHOPIAN, MARCH 21: The District Information Centre (DIC) Shopian in collaboration with Mission Vatsalya, Shopian today conducted a debate on Water Conservation at Child Care Institute (CCI) Shopian.
Students from various schools participated in the debate and deliberated on Water Conservation and its Judicious Use.
District Information Officer, Showkat Hussain Ganie presided over the function. Staff of Mission Vatsalya and Information department were also present on the occasion.
Abid Saki from Mission Vatsalya acted as anchor.
DIO, while speaking on the occasion exuded upon students to work hard in their studies so that they have great careers in varied fields of their choice.
He also raised awareness among students about the significance of conduct of debate on water conservation.
Organisers, participants pledged to use the water judiciously and to desist from polluting water bodies.
After the conclusion of the competition, position holders were felicitated with Awards, and all other participating students were provided stationary kits.

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#DIC #Shopian #conducts #Debate #Water #Conservation #CCI #Shopian
( With inputs from : roshankashmir.net )

March 21, 2023
Debate on Modi’s India: Varun Gandhi says no to Oxford Union invite

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New Delhi: BJP MP Varun Gandhi has turned down the Oxford Union’s invite to speak at a debate on whether India is on the right path under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying he sees no merit or integrity in voicing domestic challenges at an international forum and that such a step will be a “dishonourable act”.
A source said Gandhi, who has been at times critical of the government’s policies, took the decision as the noted debating society based at Oxford in England wanted him to speak against the motion that “This House Believes Modi’s India Is On The Right Path”.
The development comes incidentally at a time of a raging debate over his cousin and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s comments in London which have been described by the ruling party as “demeaning” to Indian democracy, more so as they were made from the foreign soil.
The invitation for the debate, scheduled between April and June, was extended to the BJP lawmaker on behalf of the union’s president Matthew Dick.
Declining the invite, he said in his reply to the union that citizens like him regularly have the opportunity to discuss topics like this with ease in India, raising criticism of government policies in the public square and the august Parliament.
However, such criticism must be made within India to policy-makers and raising them outside the country would be inimical to its interest and a “dishonourable act”, he said.
Politicians like him may have their differences on individual policies at the central and state levels, however, they are all together on the same path for India’s rise, he said.
The union’s invite to Gandhi said Prime Minister Modi’s rule has catapulted India to greater prominence on the global stage, with many equating his policy agendas to robust economic growth, tackling corruption, and putting “India first”.

On the other hand, his administration has been criticised for mishandling a growing discontent within the agricultural sector, “instigating” conflict between religious groups, and failing to revitalise the health and education sectors, it added.
“Against the backdrop of ever-strong popularity among voters, it is imperative to discuss whether the BJP’s direction under Modi has been more polarising than unifying. The question then becomes: what (or who) is the right path for India as it forges ahead into the future?” the invite to him read.
When PTI in London sought a comment from the Oxford Union over the weekly debates planned between April 27 and June 15, a spokesperson said: “We have nothing to say on this.”
While thanking for the “great honour”, Gandhi replied that he believed the topic at hand is one with a “predefined conclusion” and declined the invitation.
He said, “As an elected representative, I see it as my job to strengthen our system by studying and evaluating policy initiatives and offering feedback; by taking up issues of national interest and suggesting possible solutions; by engaging with the public to raise and showcase legitimate concerns. It is a priority to participate in the national debate both within Parliament and through other fora in a constant and constructive manner.”
The Pilibhit MP added, “However, such comment must be offered within India to Indian policy-makers. I see no merit or integrity in vocalising internal challenges in an international forum.”
India is on the right path for development and inclusiveness, a path that has been laid out and pursued by governments of varied political affiliations over the past seven decades since Independence with a push for robust economic growth, revitalising agriculture, education and healthcare, and putting India’s interests first, he said.
Every vibrant democracy offers its citizens the freedom and opportunity to engage with issues, he noted.
As an author, public policy commentator and Member of Parliament, participation in such an event is a meaningful contribution towards enabling discourse and dialogue to address and resolve public concerns, he said while underlining his discomfort with the chosen topic as it is not one that offers much scope for debate or dispute.
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#Debate #Modis #India #Varun #Gandhi #Oxford #Union #invite
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

March 16, 2023
Trump’s CDC director says Fauci shut down debate on Covid’s origin

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Redfield said Fauci, who led the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the time, and Collins left him out because Redfield suspected the coronavirus had leaked from the Chinese lab.
Fauci, who was not at the hearing, dismissed Redfield’s accusation as “completely untrue.”
“No one excluded anyone,” he told POLITICO after the hearing.
“And the idea of saying that he was not wanted there because he had a different opinion … there were several people on the call who had the opinion that it might have been an engineered virus,” said Fauci, who retired from his government post at the end of last year.
Collins, who is now a science adviser to President Joe Biden, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. He has previously said he shares Fauci’s view that the virus likely came from nature, but that a lab leak was possible.
Redfield thought the highly infectious nature of the virus distinguished it from other coronaviruses and made it unlikely to have evolved naturally, he told representatives.
Fauci and others said it most likely came from a natural spillover from animals, as was the case with other coronaviruses, such as SARS and MERS, Redfield said.
The former CDC director said he later found out he was excluded from a Feb. 1, 2020, conference call with Fauci and Jeremy Farrar, a U.K. scientist who at the time led the Wellcome Trust, and other conversations that resulted in the publication of an article in Nature in March 2020 dismissing the possibility of the virus originating in a lab. Farrar is now the World Health Organization’s top scientist.

Fauci told POLITICO he was not involved in the drafting of the article.
But Republican representatives at the hearing accused Fauci of having orchestrated it to deflect attention from U.S. funding research at the Wuhan lab.
“I think Dr. Fauci and Dr. Collins got caught with their hands in the cookie jar. They got caught supercharging viruses in an unsecured Chinese lab,” said James Comer (R-Ky.), chairman of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee.
Fauci has repeatedly denied that the NIH financed so-called gain-of-function research at the Wuhan lab. That research aims to make viruses either more lethal or more transmissible or both to find ways to combat them.
Some Democratic representatives at the hearing warned that accusing Fauci of ill motives would further erode trust in government health officials, threatening public health.
“I want the facts, but I hope and say to my colleagues on the other side: We cannot go down a dangerous path by pushing unfounded conspiracies about Dr. Fauci and other long-serving career public health officials,” said Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.).
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#Trumps #CDC #director #Fauci #shut #debate #Covids #origin
( With inputs from : www.politico.com )

March 9, 2023
India slams Pak foreign min Bilawal for raking up Kashmir at UNSC debate

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United Nations: India tore into Pakistan after its foreign minister raised the issue of Jammu and Kashmir at a Security Council debate on women, peace, and security, saying it is “unworthy” to even respond to such “malicious and false propaganda”.
Responding to Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s remarks on Jammu and Kashmir, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj on Tuesday termed his statement as “baseless and politically motivated”.
“Before I conclude, let me dismiss the frivolous, baseless and politically motivated remarks made by the delegate of Pakistan regarding the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir,” she said.
Speaking at the UN Security Council open debate on Women, Peace and Security’, Kamboj said: “my delegation considers it unworthy to even respond to such malicious and false propaganda.”
“Rather, our focus is where it shall always be positive and forward-looking. Today’s discussion is critically important to strengthen our collective efforts to accelerate the full implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda. We respect the topic of the debate and recognise the importance of time. As such, our focus shall remain on the topic,” she said.
Kamboj’s sharp retort came after Pakistan Foreign Minister Zardari referred to Jammu and Kashmir in his remarks to the Council debate held under Mozambique’s Presidency for this month, on the eve of International Women’s Day.
India has previously told Pakistan that the entire territories of the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have been, are, and shall always be part of India.
India has been maintaining that it desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan, while insisting that the onus is on Islamabad to create an environment that is free of terror and hostility for such an engagement.

The ties between India and Pakistan came under severe strain after India’s warplanes pounded a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist training camp in Pakistan’s Balakot in February 2019 in response to the Pulwama terror attack.
The relations further deteriorated after India in August 2019 announced the withdrawal of Jammu and Kashmir’s special powers and the bifurcation of the erstwhile state into Union Territories.
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#India #slams #Pak #foreign #min #Bilawal #raking #Kashmir #UNSC #debate
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

March 8, 2023
What Is Kashmir’s Wartav and Guli Myiuth?

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by MJ Aslam
Wartav takes two shapes in the Kashmiri community: cash and kind. It can be either or both on given occasions depending upon the proximity and mutuality among the relations.
Wartav in Kashmiri connotes two different meanings operating in two different contexts. In one context, it is used as a verb and in another context, it is a noun.
As a verb, Wartav indicates a behaviour, conduct, how one conducts oneself, acts in a given task or assignment or manages an arrangement or how one deals with or treats others through one’s conduct and behaviour. It is more than equal to Urdu and Hindi word Bartav which means one’s salook with others. You can capture so many sentences in your mind of the verbal use of Wartav. To exemplify, one should always Rut Wartawun with all; it depends upon the host how he will distribute the goodies Chiz Wartavin at the marriage of his son and so on.
As a noun, Wartav is a socio-cultural custom of giving presents to each other on auspicious occasions of weddings Khandar, betrothals and engagements[ Nikkah Nishani, laying of foundation-stone of new house Ka’in Di’un, job-appointments Nokri Lagun, exam-passing matric, graduation or another exam/imtihan pass Karun, entering a new house Navis Makanas Manz Achun, setting up some business Kahn Business Shore Karinand such like.
Wartav takes two shapes in the Kashmiri community: cash and kind. It can be either or both on given occasions depending upon the proximity and mutuality among the relations. Under Shariah Law, it is called Hibba Bil Iwaz, a returnable gift. The basic purpose of making Wartav right from the olden days, which used to be invariably in cash, was mutual funding. To help out each other financially, the host who had to incur a lot of expenditure on arrangements for the wedding of his son and daughter was financially helped by cash-wartav.
The said purpose of Wartav has not diminished from the Kashmiri society but with the passage of time, it has taken new shapes under new traditions, more of a farce competition among show-offs or neo-rich in recent times with respect to the traditional concept of Wartav in the society. To iterate, people do give Wartav on weddings and other auspicious occasions to each other both in cash and in kind. The amount of money in cash Wartav is determined by the factors like the economic status and mutuality of Hi’uin Du’iun in their relations, friendships and other acquaintances. I have been told that in rural Kashmir Wartav is identified with the term Hi’uin Du’iun which is near to the meaning of Hiba Bil Iwaz.

The kind Wartav comes in the shape of gold ornaments, called Sone Vas, of gold-pound, gold coins, rings, chain pendulums, earrings, bangles, bracelets, tie-pin and buttons, for the bride and the bridegroom. Iterating, it is returnable gifts mostly with additions to the original under social traditions.
Wartav in Kashmir is also called Guli-Myiuth. Guli means hands, while Myiuth means kiss. Hence, it means kissing on the hands, and forearm, a gold ornament-like bracelet fastened on the forearm of a bride at a wedding by relations and other close friends.
While doing Watav, it is customary to kiss the hand or forehead of the bride or bridegroom by the wartav-giver and it appears that the term Guli Myiuth has come into use by the juxtaposition of the two terms side by side. It needs a mention here that Gui-Myuth is different from Athe-Myiuth. The latter is referred to as a lady who is very skilled in the preparation of tasty dainties and dishes and we say, she has Athe-Myuith. Guli-Myuth finds mention in some old Kashmiri marriage songs called Wanwun.
The Pohh Custom
In rural Kashmir, there was a custom of giving rice on marriage occasions as Wartav which was like a mutual-funding in a highly impoverished Kashmiri community of the olden days. This custom prima facie had roots in a Brahman tradition of Kashmiri Brahmans, Bataas, which is and was called Pohh-Bog.
MJ Aslam
From the times of spiritual transformation of the overwhelming Kashmiri community from Hinduism to Islam in the fourteenth century, several pre-Islamic traditions remained intact among the majority community. Pohh was one such tradition. Here cooked rice and fish were offered to an imaginary tutelary Devta of the house on a Tuesday or Saturday of the dark month of Pohh by Kashmiri Brahmans.
Etymologically, Pohh Rasm among rural Kashmiri Muslims had roots in Brahman Rasm of Pohh–Bog to Devis and Devtas who were considered as protectors of their households by Kashmiri Brahmans. The rural Kashmiri Muslims’ custom of Pohh was related to marriage occasions only but, obviously, like many other traditions of Musalmans of the valley, it was adopted over a period of time under the cultural influence of Brahmans.
(MJ Aslam is a published author and a columnist. Ideas are personal.)

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#Kashmirs #Wartav #Guli #Myiuth
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

March 2, 2023
What Is Gene Editing and Why It Is Very Important to Twentyfirst Century?

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by Prof Riaz A Shah
Genome editing in livestock has the potential to bring about significant improvements in productivity, health, and welfare, but there are still challenges that need to be addressed.
A SKUAST-K scientist at work
The livestock industry is facing a growing demand for animal-based foods to feed the increasing human population. This forces a need for a more sustainable approach to livestock production that considers factors such as climate change, deforestation, and conservation of biodiversity, as well as ensuring animal health and welfare. The traditional approach to increasing livestock production has been to increase the amount of land used for feeding animals, but this no longer stands feasible due to limited space for grazing land on the planet.
The twenty-first century’s cutting-edge technologies, such as gene editing, can thus be harnessed to transform the livestock industry towards efficient and safe food animal production systems.
Genome editing technology is a set of tools that precisely modifies an organism’s genetic components. There are four major types of genome editing technologies used by molecular biology scientists: Mega nucleases, Zinc Finger Nucleases (ZFNs), Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nucleases (TALENs), and Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR). All these technologies work by cutting the DNA at specific places which then triggers a repair mechanism. The repair process can either rejoin the broken ends of the DNA without the use of a template or with the help of a DNA template, which allows for the introduction of new sequences within the normal genes of the organism.
Amongst these four, CRISPR-based one is the most widely used genome editing tool due to its simplicity, efficiency, and low cost. However, the application of CRISPR-Cas9 technology in livestock (sheep, goat, cattle, and buffalo) requires advanced reproductive technologies for the delivery of editing components into reproductive cells or zygotes.
For effective gene editing, currently, the most common techniques are Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) and zygote microinjection, but these methods are technically challenging, labour-intensive, and costly, limiting their use to only a few specialized laboratories.
Gene Editing
Genome editing technology has been applied in various areas of livestock production, including breeding disease-resistant animals, improving animal performance, altering milk composition, and producing hornless animals etc. Besides, CRISPR is often used for gene knockouts in medical research and therapeutic purposes. The traditional methods of livestock breeding have limitations, such as a long breeding cycle and a limited pool of genetic resources, making it difficult to improve livestock through conventional genetics. With genome editing technology, it is possible to make precise and heritable changes to the genome of diverse livestock species, leading to improved productivity, fertility, sustainability, and animal welfare.

To realise the full potential of genome editing technology in the livestock industry, it is necessary to develop strategies to translate established genome editing protocols into livestock breeding systems. The advanced reproductive technologies make it possible to apply genome editing on-farm, with minimal infrastructure and moderate cost. However, there is still a need for further research and development to ensure that the technology can be efficiently applied at scale. In conclusion, genome editing technology offers a powerful tool for improving the livestock industry, and its application has the potential to enhance productivity and profitability in livestock production.
Applications and Prospects
CRISPR is a cutting-edge gene editing technology that is rapidly gaining popularity in the livestock industry. Compared to traditional gene editings methods like ZFNs and TALENs, CRISPR is more precise and effective in modifying the genomes of livestock species. In the coming years, it is expected that CRISPR-based gene editing will be widely used in livestock breeding.
One of the primary applications of genome editing in livestock is to improve the productivity of livestock species. This can be achieved through the introduction of new traits, such as increased growth rate, improved feed conversion efficiency, and increased meat yield.
For example, researchers have used genome editing to introduce a growth hormone gene into chickens, resulting in birds that grow faster and produce more meat.
Similarly, genetic modifications have been made to pigs that improve the efficiency with which they convert feed into meat, resulting in higher meat yields per kilogram of feed. Knocking out the myostatin gene in cattle and sheep can lead to a double-muscling phenotype, resulting in superior meat production and this has been demonstrated by generating double-muscled mice who had their myostatin gene knocked out.
CRISPR can also be used to modify specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that impact economically important traits in livestock, such as reproductive performance. CRISPR can also be used to improve the nutritional content of milk produced by livestock. For example, knocking out the caprine beta-lactoglobulin gene in goats and introducing human lactoferrin (hlf) leads to reduced levels of beta-lactoglobulin in milk, and an increase in human lactoferrin.
CRISPR in livestock is being widely investigated for the creation of animals that are resistant to various diseases. For example, pigs that are resistant to Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) can be produced by knocking out the scavenger receptor cysteine-rich receptor (CD163) gene. This leads to reduced economic costs and improved profitability of pig production, as well as reduced bio-security risks.
Cattle can also be made resistant to Mycobacterium bovis infection through genome editing, which causes significant economic losses and also poses a threat to human health. In cattle again genome editing has been used to develop cattle that are resistant to Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), a neurodegenerative disorder commonly referred to as mad cow disease. Likewise, CRISPR can be used to produce cattle that are resistant to Pasteurellosis, a respiratory disease caused by the bacterium Pasteurella hameolytica.
CRISPR-edited livestock are also relevant in biomedicine. For example, pigs can be edited to knock out certain genes, such as alpha-1, and 3-galactosyltransferase (GGTA1), to make them suitable for organ transplantation. Similarly, CRISPR can be used to generate livestock models for various human diseases, such as cardiovascular ailments, muscular dystrophy, and others. By knocking out the MHC system in pigs, CRISPR can also make them universal donors for organ xeno-transplantation.
Animal welfare is another important application of CRISPR in livestock breeding. Traditional methods of removing cattle horns can be painful and are not conducive to animal welfare. CRISPR-based gene editing offers a viable alternative by producing horn-free Holstein cattle.
Another application of genome editing in livestock is to improve their health, resistance to diseases and welfare. This can be achieved through the introduction of resistance genes, such as those that protect against specific viruses or bacteria, or through the elimination of genetic mutations that cause diseases. Animal welfare for example can be realized by genetic modifications to reduce the horns of cattle, reduce the need for painful dehorning procedures and reduce the risk of injury to both cattle and handlers.
Genome editing can also have a positive impact on the environment. By improving the efficiency with which livestock convert feed into meat, the demand for feed can be reduced, reducing the pressure on land used for crops and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from livestock.
Shortcomings
Regulation and Public Acceptance: The regulation and public acceptance of genome editing in livestock is still a challenge, as there are concerns about the safety and ethics of genetic modifications. There is resistance from consumers and regulatory bodies, and the regulatory environment for genome editing is still evolving, with different countries having different approaches to the technology.
Technical Challenges: The technical challenges associated with genome editing are another limitation, as the technology is still developing and has limitations in terms of precision and efficiency. The risk of unintended off-target effects and the difficulty of controlling the expression of edited genes are also challenges that need to be addressed.
Cost: The cost of genome editing is another limitation, as the technology is still relatively new and the cost of editing genes is high. The cost of commercializing genome-edited animals and bringing them to market is also high, which limits the ability of small farmers and start-ups to participate in this field.
‘We Are Nearly Successful In Creating Gene-edited, Cloned Embryos of High Yeilding Pashmina Goats’
Ethical Considerations: The ethical considerations associated with genome editing in livestock are also a challenge. There are concerns about the potential impact of edited genes on the environment and other species, as well as the potential for the creation of genetically modified organisms that could pose a threat to biodiversity.
While regulatory agencies may consider banning the production of such animals, this may be challenging to enforce due to the widespread availability of the technology. Instead of banning, it would be more effective to establish a registry of genome-edited livestock and monitor their reproduction and consumption through oversight mechanisms. This will help to identify any potential off-target mutations that may occur with the use of genome editing technology. Additionally, investment in public education to increase awareness of the risks and benefits of genome-edited livestock is crucial to ensure the responsible use of this technology.
In conclusion, genome editing in livestock has the potential to bring about significant improvements in productivity, health, and welfare, but there are still challenges that need to be addressed. The regulation and public acceptance of the technology, the technical difficulties associated with editing genes, the cost, and the ethical considerations are all those factors that need to be considered as the field of genome editing continues to develop.
(Prominent Kashmir scientist, Prof Riyaz A Shah is the Chief Scientist at Animal Cloning and Transgenic Laboratory, Division of Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences SKUAST-Kashmir. To his credit is the first live cloned buffalo, the first ever animal cloned ever, in India.)

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#Gene #Editing #Important #Twentyfirst #Century
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

March 1, 2023
Telangana: YS Sharmila dares KCR for an open debate on irrigation projects

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Hyderabad: In a scathing attack on the BRS-led Telangana government for its ‘gross failure’ to complete irrigation projects on time, YS Sharmila dared him to come on a public debate and discuss the 30 pending projects that have been receiving ‘ill-treatment’ by his government.
“After all his tall talk and fake oaths to complete all irrigation projects in Telangana on time, the KCR government has utterly failed the farming community by not completing any project. Having spent Rs 1.2 lakh crores on Kaleshwaram Project after redesigning and renaming Pranahita Chevella, all for the sake of commissions, only 57000 acres of land received irrigation. Barring this, no other project was accomplished in these nine years,” she stated.
ప్రాజెక్టులు అన్నీ పూర్తి చేశామని @KTRBRS చిన్నదొర గోబెల్స్ ప్రచారం చేసుకోవడం సిగ్గుచేటు. రాష్టంలోని పెండింగ్ ప్రాజెక్టులపై బహిరంగ చర్చకు సిద్ధమా?జలయజ్ఞం ప్రాజెక్టులపై సవతి తల్లి ప్రేమ ఎందుకు! చిన్నదొర సమాధానం చెప్పాలి. pic.twitter.com/k0mbjTMLPf
— YS Sharmila (@realyssharmila) February 28, 2023
Sharmila further said, “During late YSR’s rule, 33 projects were launched and fast-tracked too, and by 2016-17, the projects were in a decisive stage of advancement, running towards completion. Alisagar and Gaddenna Suddavagu were completed by 2017. After YSR’s demise in 2009, and until 2014, the pending projects’ fate continued to hang in a balance, and they still don’t see the light of the day, thanks to KCR’s apathy and his government’s anarchy.”
Sharmila alleged that the chief minister is reluctant to complete the remaining 10% works of the Jalayagnam projects.
“Just Rs 85 crore was all that was enough to complete 16 pending projects and give water to 35 lakh acre,” she claimed.
“On top of it, his statements make a joke of his government where he promises to irrigate one crore acres. I dare the father and son (KTR) to come on a public debate and I will show with proof, how and where the works are stuck. It is for votes that they are misleading people on these projects,” added Sharmila.

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#Telangana #Sharmila #dares #KCR #open #debate #irrigation #projects

( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

February 28, 2023
GOP primary candidates must agree to loyalty pledge in order to debate, RNC chair says

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Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel speaks at the committee’s winter meeting in Dana Point, Calif., Friday, Jan. 27, 2023. | Jae C. Hong/AP Photo
Any candidate who wants to take part in the GOP’s first primary debate in Milwaukee later this year will have to sign a pledge promising to support whoever wins the nomination, Republican National Committee chair Ronna McDaniel said Sunday.
“We’re saying you’re not going to get on the debate stage unless you make this pledge,” McDaniel said during an interview with CNN’s Dana Bash on “State of the Union.” McDaniel, who recently won her fourth term as RNC chair after a contentious battle against Harmeet Dhillon, said that Republican voters are tired of “infighting” within the party, and “want to see us come together.”
So far, three prominent candidates have entered the GOP presidential primary — former President Donald Trump, former Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley and conservative entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. More are expected to join the race, potentially including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
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#GOP #primary #candidates #agree #loyalty #pledge #order #debate #RNC #chair
( With inputs from : www.politico.com )

February 26, 2023