UPSC Prelims 2020 CSAT Paper II · Q6 of 80 Comprehension medium

Passage

Passage—5 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 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 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.

Which one of the following statements best implies the crux of the passage?

  1. (a) Precautionary principle is not given importance in current debate on developing GM crops.
  2. (b) Biotechnology is not currently used in climate change mitigation and adaptation mechanisms.
  3. (c) Biotechnology's role is not confined to the current priorities of developing GM crops. ✓ UPSC's answer
  4. (d) The negative impacts of biotechnology are not properly understood.

Why the answer is (c)

• The passage opens by stating that while current GM crops are engineered for single traits, future crops will be engineered for multiple traits, indicating that the technology's scope is expanding beyond current applications.

• It explicitly argues that biotechnology's role in agriculture and its regulation cannot be understood solely in the context of the current generation of GM crops.

• The text emphasizes the need for a comprehensive view that includes socio-economic impacts and climate change mitigation, rather than focusing only on immediate agricultural outputs.

• Therefore, the central argument is that the significance and regulatory framework of biotechnology extend far beyond the present-day priorities of developing specific GM varieties.

• This aligns directly with option (c), which states that biotechnology's role is not confined to the current priorities of developing GM crops.

Why the other options are wrong

(a) Precautionary principle is not given importance in current debate on developing GM crops.
The passage does not discuss the precautionary principle or claim that it is ignored in current debates.
(b) Biotechnology is not currently used in climate change mitigation and adaptation…
The passage states that not using biotechnology for climate change action is not an option, implying it is a necessary tool, not that it is currently unused.
(d) The negative impacts of biotechnology are not properly understood.
The passage calls for minimizing negative impacts through comprehensive analysis but does not assert that these impacts are currently misunderstood.

Asked in the CSAT Paper II of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2020, held on 4 October 2020. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.

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