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 related to intelligence. They believe that gene therapy might help make children smarter. Now, the government is thinking about whether parents should be allowed to use this technology before a child is born.
People have different opinions about this:
- Some people support it. They say it can help children learn better and make India stronger in science and technology.
- Some people are worried. They think only rich families will be able to use this, and that will create more inequality in society.
- Religious and cultural leaders say that intelligence should come from hard work, not from changing genes.
- Scientists who study evolution say intelligence has developed naturally over time, and changing genes might disturb this process.
- Other people argue that humans have already changed evolution through farming and medicine.
1. What should we consider before allowing gene therapy to increase intelligence?
2. Even if there are some risks, should parents be allowed to use gene therapy to make their children more intelligent?
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?