Question 1 to 10: Intelligence-Enhancing Gene Therapy: Progress or Concern?
Consider the passage below and answer the questions that follow.
Dr. Asha Verma and her team at a famous research center in India have found a gene linked to intelligence. They think gene therapy could make children smarter. The government is deciding if parents should be allowed to use this technology before a child is born.
People have different views on this:
- Supporters say it can help children learn better and make India strong in science and technology.
- Opponents worry that only rich families will afford it, increasing inequality.
- Religious and cultural leaders believe intelligence should come from hard work, not genetic changes.
- Evolutionary biologists say intelligence has evolved naturally, and changing genes might disturb this process.
- Others argue humans have already changed evolution through farming and medicine.
1. What should we consider before allowing gene therapy to increase intelligence?
2. Should gene therapy for intelligence be allowed despite some risks?
3. If gene therapy is allowed to increase intelligence, how can we make it fair for everyone?
4. Should we test gene therapy on animals before using it on humans?
5. If gene therapy can improve intelligence, should it also be used to change emotions?
6. How might gene therapy impact human evolution?
7. Who should decide the rules for gene therapy?
8. How might gene therapy affect human nature and behaviour?
9. Should gene modifications in humans be banned worldwide?
10. How should gene therapy rules respect different cultural and ethical beliefs?
Question11 to 20: Bt BRINJAL AND NATURE: SHOULD WE BE CONCERNED?
Consider the passage below and answer the questions that follow.
An agricultural company in India called Maharashtra Hybrid Seed Company Ltd. (Mahyco), created GM (Genetically Modified) Bt brinjal to protect crops from pests (harmful insects). This helps farmers grow more food using little chemicals (pesticides) to kill pests.
But some studies say:
- When pollen from Bt brinjal mixes with wild (natural) plants, it might change their genes, which could harm nature and reduce the variety of plants.
- If Bt brinjal pollen affects wild plants, it might change how bees pollinate plants.
- Over time, pests may also become stronger and resist effects of Bt brinjal, making it less useful.
The government needs to decide: Is Bt brinjal good for farming, or could it harm nature? What do you think?
11. Should Bt brinjal be allowed if it helps farmers but may harm bees and pollination?
12. Should Bt brinjal be allowed if its genes may spread to wild plants?
13. Should we worry if pests become resistant to Bt brinjal?
14. Is Bt brinjal the best way to reduce pesticide use?
15. Should we do more research before approving Bt brinjal?
16. Who should do more research on Bt brinjal’s effects on bees and nature?
17. Should all farmers have equal access to Bt brinjal?
18. Should GM food have labels?
19. Should GMO seed companies focus only on profit, or also consider farmers and nature?
20. Which is better: Research companies based in India or abroad?
Question 21 to 30: CLIMATE CHANGE: GLOBAL RESPONSIBILITY AND LOCAL IMPACT
Consider the passage below and answer the questions that follow.
India is growing rapidly, with new jobs, roads, schools, and hospitals are being built. But this growth depends on coal and other fuels, which cause pollution and global warming. Factories release harmful gases into the air, land, and water. This pollution is changing nature - some animals and plants are struggling to survive, while a few, like bacteria, are adapting.
International agreements like the Kyoto Protocol want to reduce pollution. Rich countries ask India to pollute less, but India argues rich nations caused most of the problem and that it also has the right to grow. Cutting forests and building cities also affect animals and their homes.
Some experts say India should use clean energy like solar and wind power, but these are expensive and could slow down the economy. Many workers in coal areas like Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh may lose jobs. At the same time, climate change is causing floods, heatwaves, and disasters.
Nuclear power generates electricity from uranium and plutonium without producing greenhouse gasses, making it cleaner than coal. But it has risks - radiation and nuclear accidents like Chernobyl (1986) and Fukushima (2011) can be dangerous. Many people worry about safety.
India must decide: How can it grow while protecting jobs and the nature?
21. Who should take the most responsibility for stopping climate change?
22. Should rich countries support poor countries in switching to green energy?
23. Should India follow global climate agreements even if it slows its economic growth?
24. How can India grow its economy while protecting nature?
25. Should India enforce strict laws and fines on industries that cause pollution?
26. Should India use nuclear power instead of coal, even if there are risks?
27. Should India let foreign companies control renewable energy for faster growth?
28. Should India build more big dams for green energy?
29. Should humans take responsibility for protecting species affected by pollution?
30. If you own a factory using fossil fuels, will you switch to renewable energy?
