♦ A team of researchers from the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences (SKUAST) in Srinagar has produced India’s first gene-edited sheep.

♦ This marking a historic milestone in the field of animal biotechnology. 

♦ The gene-editing of the sheep was possible after four years of research and will enhance the muscle mass of the animal by 30%.

♦ The team of researchers edited the myostatin gene of the lamb that is responsible for regulating the growth of muscle in the sheep.

♦ The project was sponsored by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

♦ Earlier, a team of researchers at the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) had developed a gene-edited embryo of a buffalo.

♦ Gene editing, also known as genome editing, is a group of technologies that allow scientists to precisely change an organism's DNA.

♦ These technologies enable the addition, removal, or alteration of genetic material at specific locations within the genome.