About Origami

• Origami in biology refers to the folding of biological molecules, such as DNA, into specific shapes or structures.
• This process is inspired by the traditional Japanese art of paper origami, where a flat sheet of paper is folded into a three-dimensional object without cutting or gluing.
• Similarly, origami techniques are used in biology to create complex structures from DNA, proteins or other biological molecules.

Applications of Origami in Biology

• Synthetic Biology: Researchers use principles of origami to design and construct new proteins and RNA molecules with desired functions. This includes creating novel enzymes, therapeutic proteins, and RNA-based sensors.
• Drug Design: Understanding how proteins fold and the structures they form helps in designing drugs that can interact with specific protein targets. Misfolded proteins can be targeted to correct folding errors.
• Nanotechnology: DNA origami is a technique where DNA is folded into precise shapes at the nanoscale. This has applications in creating nanoscale devices and materials for medical and technological purposes.

About United States–India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET)

• The Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) is a framework for cooperation between India and the United States on critical and emerging technologies, it was launched in January 2023.

Key Features iCET

• Focus areas: It aims to strengthen its strategic partnership and drive technology and defence cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, semiconductors, and wireless telecommunication.
• The partnership aims to position India and the United States as "trusted technology partners" to build supply chains and support the co-production and co-development of items.
• Private sector and academic involvement: The iCET requires the private sector, knowledge partners, and academia in both countries to give functional meaning to the outcomes and provide the necessary strategic and operational assurances to the private sector.

Progress:

• Quantum Coordination Mechanism: India and the United States of America have established a Quantum Coordination Mechanism to drive collaboration in quantum computing.
• Defence Industrial Cooperation: The two countries have concluded a roadmap for defence industrial cooperation and are close to finalising a mega jet engine deal.
• Semiconductor Supply Chain: An MoU has been signed to establish a semiconductor supply chain, paving the way for creating a semiconductor sub-committee.