Modern biotechnology is making significant strides in contributing to the potential extension of human lifespan. Here are some of the key advancements driving this progress:

1. Advances in Genetic Engineering:
   • Genome editing techniques, such as CRISPR-Cas9, have enabled researchers to precisely manipulate the human genome, with the potential to correct genetic mutations and target age-related diseases.
   • These technologies hold promise for treating or preventing various age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and certain types of cancer.
2. Stem Cell Therapies:
   • Stem cell research has led to the development of regenerative therapies that aim to repair or replace damaged or dysfunctional cells and tissues.
   • The use of stem cells, including induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), has the potential to rejuvenate and restore the function of aging organs and tissues, potentially extending lifespan.
3. Telomere Research:
   • Telomeres are the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes, and their shortening is associated with cellular aging and age-related diseases.
   • Researchers are exploring ways to maintain or lengthen telomeres, either through genetic interventions or pharmacological approaches, as a means to delay or reverse the aging process.
4. Senescence and Cellular Senescence:
   • Cellular senescence, a state of irreversible cell cycle arrest, is a key driver of aging and age-related diseases.
   • Researchers are investigating ways to selectively target and eliminate senescent cells, known as “senolytic” therapies, which could potentially slow down or reverse the aging process.
5. Calorie Restriction and Metabolic Interventions:
   • Studies on calorie restriction and intermittent fasting have shown promise in extending lifespan and healthspan in various animal models.
   • Researchers are exploring the underlying mechanisms and potential applications of these interventions in humans, with the goal of developing targeted metabolic therapies to delay aging.
6. Bioinformatics and Data-Driven Approaches:
   • The integration of big data, machine learning, and bioinformatics is enabling the identification of novel biomarkers and the development of predictive models for age-related diseases.
   • These data-driven approaches are aiding in the design of personalized interventions and the optimization of existing therapies to maximize their impact on lifespan extension.

While these advancements in modern biotechnology hold significant promise, it’s important to note that the extension of human lifespan is a complex and multifaceted challenge. Ethical considerations, regulatory frameworks, and the need for rigorous clinical trials will be crucial in ensuring the safe and effective translation of these biotechnological innovations into real-world applications that can truly benefit human health and longevity.

The recent expansion of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) bloc under Russia’s presidency has had a significant impact on India’s position and influence within the group.

1. Expansion of BRICS membership:
   • During Russia’s presidency in 2023, the BRICS bloc expanded its membership by welcoming six new countries: Argentina, Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey.
   • This expansion has increased the size and diversity of the BRICS group, making it a more influential economic and geopolitical entity on the global stage.
2. Shifting Balance of Power within BRICS:
   • With the addition of major economies like Argentina, Iran, and Turkey, the balance of power within BRICS has shifted, diluting India’s relative influence compared to the larger economies.
   • The increased representation of Middle Eastern and Latin American countries has also introduced new dynamics and priorities that may not necessarily align with India’s interests.
3. Altered Geopolitical Dynamics:
   • The inclusion of countries like Iran and Saudi Arabia has added a new layer of complexity to the BRICS bloc, as it now encompasses nations with longstanding regional rivalries and tensions.
   • This could potentially complicate decision-making and limit the group’s ability to act cohesively on certain geopolitical issues, potentially undermining India’s ability to leverage the BRICS platform to advance its own foreign policy objectives.
4. Challenges to India’s Leadership Role:
   • As the BRICS bloc expands, India may face challenges in maintaining its leadership position and asserting its influence within the group.
   • The increased diversity of the bloc and the varying economic and political interests of the new members could make it more difficult for India to shape the group’s agenda and priorities.
5. Opportunities for India:
   • Despite the potential challenges, the expansion of BRICS also presents opportunities for India to engage with a broader range of countries and explore new avenues for economic cooperation and trade.
   • India can leverage its position as a founding member and its reputation as a responsible global power to shape the BRICS agenda and ensure that its interests are adequately represented.

In conclusion, the recent expansion of the BRICS bloc under Russia’s presidency has had a significant impact on India’s position and influence within the group. While it has increased the size and global significance of the BRICS, it has also introduced new dynamics that may pose challenges for India in maintaining its leadership role and advancing its interests within the bloc. Going forward, India will need to navigate these evolving circumstances carefully and explore ways to adapt its strategies to ensure that its voice and priorities are effectively represented within the expanded BRICS framework.

The increasing popularity of Korean culture and cinema has had a significant impact on human society in recent years. Here are some of the key ways it has influenced society:

1. Cultural Exchange and Understanding: The global spread of Korean entertainment, including K-pop music, Korean dramas, and films, has led to greater cultural exchange and understanding between Korea and other parts of the world. This has helped to break down barriers, foster cross-cultural appreciation, and promote diversity.
2. Economic Impact: The so-called “Korean Wave” (Hallyu) has had a substantial economic impact, both within Korea and globally. Korean entertainment exports have become a major industry, generating significant revenue and investment. This has created jobs and economic opportunities, not just in the entertainment sector but also in related industries like tourism.
3. Soft Power and Influence: The popularity of Korean culture has given Korea increased soft power and influence on the global stage. Korean entertainment and media have become a means of projecting Korean values, attitudes, and perspectives to international audiences, shaping perceptions and cultural norms.
4. Social and Behavioral Changes: The widespread consumption of Korean media has influenced social attitudes and behaviors in various ways. For example, the portrayal of certain relationship dynamics or beauty standards in Korean dramas has impacted perceptions, especially among younger generations.
5. Globalization and Cultural Homogenization: While the Korean Wave has increased cultural exchange, there are also concerns about the potential homogenization of global culture, as Korean media and content become more ubiquitous. This raises questions about the preservation of local and regional cultural identities.
6. Technological Innovation: The success of Korean entertainment has also driven technological innovation, as platforms and distribution methods evolve to meet the demand for Korean content globally.

Overall, the increasing popularity of Korean culture and cinema has had a multifaceted impact on human society, touching on social, economic, cultural, and geopolitical domains. As this trend continues, it will likely lead to further changes and adaptations in various aspects of global society.

India’s investment rate, though among the highest in the world, has declined to about 31% of GDP as an average of 2015-16 to 2019-2020 from its peak of 39% in FY2012 (CEIC data). Corporate sector accounts for only about half of total investments, amounting to about 15% of GDP. Considering the infrastructure deficit, the government of India has taken several steps to revive private investment e.g., National Asset Reconstruction Company Limited (NARCL), and India Debt Resolution Company Limited (IDRCL) for aggregation and resolution of Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) in the banking industry, Insolvency and Bankruptcy (Amendment) Code 2021, reduction in corporate tax, and the Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLI), etc. The share of private sector in gross fixed capital formation in India remains muted due to following reasons:

• Institutional issues: As per MoSPI report 2021, out of 1,514 projects (above Rs. 150cr), 384 reported cost overruns and as many as 713 projects were delayed because of issues in land acquisition, delays in obtaining forest and environment clearances, and lack of infrastructure support and linkages.
• Overall global slowdown: In wake of the economic slowdown owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, private consumption expenditure reduced. The supply constraints due to lockdown and high oil prices due to global factors increased the price level and impacted the purchasing power of people. This negatively affected the output of MSMEs as reflected in the reduced demand of bank credit from the MSME sector and decline of share of engineering goods in total exports (from 29% in 2021 to 24% in 2022).
• Twin balance sheets problem: Since mid-2000s, especially after the global financial crisis, both corporates and banks came under stress. Though adequate steps have been taken to resolve the twin balance sheet problem, the Gross Non-Performing Assets of banks still stood at 5.9% in March 2022, though it was a six-year low.
• Issue of capacity utilization: It has been pointed out that the degree of capacity utilization in Indian manufacturing industries has remained below 75% over the years, which may be indicative of low consumption demand in the manufacturing sector leading to a decline in sales.

If India has to achieve 8% plus real GDP growth on a sustained basis, it must revive private investment to over 25% of GDP from the current level of 15%. In budget 2022-23, the capital expenditure has been raised to 35.4% of GDP to continue the public investment-led recovery of the pandemic-battered economy. This, along with the global geo-political situation in Europe, tightening of monetary policy in the USA and relatively stable macroeconomic conditions in India, is expected to create a scenario where India can attract more private investments in the near future.