Question: Consider the following statements regarding new rules for supervise Biotechnology Research:
(1) India has drafted new rules to supervise biotechnology research with fines and bans against rogue scientists
(2) It proposes to classify technology used for extracting genetic materials, gene editing, gene transfer and stem cell research as “high risk”
Choose the incorrect statement:
(a) Only(1)
(b) Both(1) and (2)
(c) Only(2)
(d) Neither (1) nor (2)
Answer: (a)
Related facts:
- China has drafted new rules to supervise Biotechnology Research, with fines and bans against rogue scientists after a Chinese researcher caused a global outcry by claiming that he gene-edited babies.
- It was claimed by him in November that the world’s first gene-edited babies — twin girls — were born that same month after he altered their DNA to prevent them from contracting HIV by deleting a certain gene under a technique known as CRISPR.
- The claim shocked scientists worldwide, raising questions about bioethics and putting a spotlight on China’s lax oversight of scientific research.
- The rule proposes to classify technology used for extracting genetic materials, gene editing, gene transfer and stem cell research as “high risk”.
- Scientists can be fined 10 to 20 times the amount of “illegal income” earned from unauthorized research and be banned from their field of work for six months to one year.
- If the circumstances are serious, their medical practice license shall be revoked and the individual shall not engage in clinical research for life.
By Achyutanand Pandey
Links:
https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/china-eyes-bans-for-rogue-scientists/article26391008.ece