With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: 1. Biotechnology regulation is an evolving process. 2. Participation of people is needed in policy decisions regarding biotechnology regulation. 3. Biotechnology regulation should take into account socio-economic aspects in decision-making. 4. Wider involvement of political executive in biotechnology regulation improved its effectiveness in dealing with the country’s trade policies and international obligations. Which of the above assumptions are valid?

Passage

Although most of the Genetically Modified (GM) crops cultivated now are genetically engineered for a single trait, in future, crops genetically engineered for more than one trait will be the norm. Thus, biotechnology’s role in agriculture and the regulation of the same cannot be generation of GM crops. Instead, there is a need to take a comprehensive look, taking into account various aspects, including socio-economic impacts, so that the potential of the technology can be harnessed while minimizing negative impacts. Given the importance of biotechnology in developing varieties that can help in climate change mitigation and adaptation, not using biotechnology as a part of the climate change action plan cannot be an option. Domestic regulation of biotechnology cannot be viewed in isolation of trade policy and obligations under various international treaties and conventions.

QUESTION

CSAT

Easy

Comprehension

Prelims 2020

With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:

Biotechnology regulation is an evolving process.
Participation of people is needed in policy decisions regarding biotechnology regulation.
Biotechnology regulation should take into account socio-economic aspects in decision-making.
Wider involvement of political executive in biotechnology regulation improved its effectiveness in dealing with the country’s trade policies and international obligations.

Which of the above assumptions are valid?

Select an option to attempt

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct. The passage mentions that although most Genetically Modified (GM) crops currently focus on a single trait, in the future, crops engineered for multiple traits will become the norm. This indicates that biotechnology regulation is an evolving process, adjusting to the expanding potential of biotechnology, including socio-economic factors and climate change adaptation.

Statement 2 is incorrect. The passage does not discuss the participation of the public in policy decisions regarding biotechnology regulation, so this assumption is not supported.

Statement 3 is correct. The passage states, “Instead, there is a need to take a comprehensive look, taking into account various aspects, including socio-economic impacts, so that the potential of the technology can be harnessed while minimizing negative impacts.” This directly supports the assumption that a comprehensive approach is necessary for biotechnology regulation.

Statement 4 is incorrect. The passage does not mention the participation of the political executive in biotechnology regulation, so this assumption is unsupported.