DNA samples can today be used for creating a unique fingerprint or ID, for diagnosing cancer and heritable diseases, for telling you your ancestry or even paternity. The cost of sequencing the full genome of any human cost over a $100 million dollars at the start of the 21st century, and today costs just a few hundred dollars.

In this backdrop of DNA sequencing technology being used for criminal, civil, medical and other purposes -- The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2019 has been reintroduced in the Lok Sabha. Drs Mandira Kala and Shambhavi Naik are on Episode 107 of The Pragati Podcast to tell us all about the DNA bill.

The Pragati Podcast is a weekly talkshow on public policy, economics and international relations hosted by Pavan Srinath. Announcement: New episodes of The Pragati Podcast will be out every Wednesday, starting next week.

Shambhavi Naik is a cancer researcher turned bioscience policy researcher and entrepreneur. She is a Fellow for technology and policy at the Takshashila Institution, and the Founder of CloudKrate.

Mandira Kala is the Head of Research at PRS Legislative Research, and has a PhD in Public Policy from the University of Massachussets.

Suggested readings: - Bill Summary & Legislative Brief from PRS: http://prsindia.org/billtrack/dna-technology-use-and-application-regulation-bill-2019 - The DNA Bill is designed to fail, Shambhavi Naik in FirstPost: https://www.firstpost.com/india/dna-bill-is-designed-to-fail-6038751.html

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