Read the following passage and answer the item that follows. Your answer to this item should be based on the passages only. Although most of the Genetically Modified (GM) crops cultivated now are generally 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 understood solely in the context of the current 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 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. 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 improves its effectiveness in dealing with the country's trade policies and international obligations. Which of the above assumptions are valid?
1 and 3 only
Analyzing Biotechnology Regulation and GM Crops
The passage discusses the evolving nature of Genetically Modified (GM) crops and the corresponding need for a comprehensive approach to biotechnology regulation. It highlights that future GM crops will be more complex, having multiple traits, unlike the current generation which often has a single trait. This evolution necessitates a broader regulatory perspective that considers various factors beyond just the immediate characteristics of current GM crops. Key aspects mentioned for consideration include socio-economic impacts, the link with trade policy, and obligations under international treaties.
Evaluating Assumptions on Biotechnology Regulation
Let's examine each assumption based on the information provided exclusively in the passage.
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Assumption 1: Biotechnology regulation is an evolving process.
The passage implies this by stating that future crops genetically engineered for more than one trait "will be the norm," contrasting them with "most of the Genetically Modified (GM) crops cultivated now" which are engineered for a single trait. It also says that regulation "cannot be understood solely in the context of the current generation of GM crops." This strongly suggests that as GM crops and biotechnology evolve, so too must the regulation governing them.
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Assumption 2: Participation of people is needed in policy decisions regarding biotechnology regulation.
The passage mentions taking into account "various aspects, including socio-economic impacts," and the need for a "comprehensive look." While socio-economic impacts often relate to the public, the passage does not explicitly state or imply that *participation of people* in policy *decisions* is required for biotechnology regulation. It focuses on what aspects should be *considered* in regulation, not the process of decision-making itself.
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Assumption 3: Biotechnology regulation should take into account socio-economic aspects in decision making.
This assumption is directly supported by the passage. The text explicitly states, "...there is a need to take a comprehensive look, taking into account various aspects, including socio-economic impacts..." This confirms that socio-economic aspects are considered important for sound biotechnology regulation according to the passage.
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Assumption 4: Wider involvement of political executive in biotechnology regulation improves its effectiveness in dealing with the country's trade policies and international obligations.
The passage links domestic regulation of biotechnology to trade policy and international obligations. However, it does not discuss *who* should be involved in the regulation process (like the political executive) or claim that involving the political executive *improves effectiveness* in handling these international aspects. This assumption introduces an element (the role of the political executive) that is not discussed in the passage.
Conclusion on Valid Assumptions from the Passage
Based strictly on the provided passage:
- Assumption 1 is supported because the passage highlights the future evolution of GM crops and the consequent need for regulation to adapt.
- Assumption 2 is not supported as the passage doesn't mention public participation in decision making.
- Assumption 3 is supported because the passage explicitly states the need to consider socio-economic impacts.
- Assumption 4 is not supported as the passage doesn't discuss the involvement of the political executive or its effect on effectiveness.
Therefore, only assumptions 1 and 3 are valid based on the passage.
| Assumption | Support in Passage | Validity based on Passage |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Biotechnology regulation is an evolving process. | Yes, implied by discussion of future GM crops and moving beyond current generation. | Valid |
| 2. Participation of people is needed. | No, passage mentions socio-economic impacts but not public participation in decisions. | Not Valid |
| 3. Take into account socio-economic aspects. | Yes, passage explicitly states this. | Valid |
| 4. Wider political executive involvement improves effectiveness for trade/treaties. | No, passage links regulation to trade/treaties but doesn't discuss who should be involved or the effect on effectiveness. | Not Valid |
Revision Table: Key Concepts in Biotechnology Regulation
| Concept | Relevance in Passage | Implication for Regulation |
|---|---|---|
| Evolving GM Crops (Multi-trait) | Future norm | Regulation must adapt and be comprehensive. |
| Socio-economic Impacts | Should be taken into account | Regulation needs a broad perspective beyond technical aspects. |
| Trade Policy & International Treaties | Linked to domestic regulation | Regulation cannot be viewed in isolation. |
| Climate Change Action Plan | Biotechnology is important part | Cannot ignore the role of biotechnology. |
Additional Information: Understanding Biotechnology Regulation
Biotechnology regulation is complex because it deals with rapidly advancing science. As genetically modified organisms (GMOs), including GM crops, become more sophisticated (e.g., engineered for multiple traits like pest resistance and drought tolerance simultaneously), the potential benefits and risks change. Regulators need frameworks that can handle this complexity. A comprehensive approach means looking at the science, but also considering how these technologies affect society and the economy – for example, impacts on farmers, consumers, biodiversity, and market dynamics. Furthermore, because biotechnology products and related issues often cross borders, domestic rules must align with international agreements and trade policies to ensure smooth global interaction while managing potential risks.
The debate around biotechnology regulation often involves various stakeholders, including scientists, industry, farmers, consumers, and environmental groups. While the passage doesn't explicitly mention public participation, in many regulatory systems, processes are designed to allow for input from different groups to ensure that decisions are informed and consider a wide range of perspectives and potential socio-economic impacts. However, according to this specific passage, the focus is on *what* aspects should be considered, not *who* should be involved in the decision-making process itself, or the specific role of political executives.
Important Questions from Reading Comprehension
Why, according to the writer can't people be motivated to use a resource prudently?
1. They feel that others may overuse the resource
2. It is possible to substitute the resource
3. Abundance of the resource availability
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
When do people use resources exhaustively?
The self-interest of people affects the use of renewable resources
People rooted in a locality
Which among the following is closest in meaning with the word 'deplete'?
