Biopiracy and Benefit Sharing — NEET Biology

Correct answer: B — S1, S3 and S4 are correct

The core concept here is biopiracy and the ethical challenges associated with the exploitation of traditional knowledge and bio-resources. S1 is correct: Biopiracy is defined as the unauthorized use of bio-resources without proper authorization or compensatory payment, typically affecting biodiversity-rich developing countries. (NCERT: "Biopiracy is the term used to refer to the use of bio-resources by multinational companies and other organisations without proper authorisation from the countries and people concerned without compensatory payment.") S2 is incorrect: GEAC (Genetic Engineering Approval Committee) makes decisions regarding the validity of GM research and the safety of introducing GM-organisms, not for granting patents on bio-resources or traditional knowledge. (NCERT: "Therefore, the Indian Government has set up organisations such as GEAC...which will make decisions regarding the validity of GM research and the safety of introducing GM-organisms for public services.") S3 is correct: Developing nations, despite their rich biodiversity, often struggle with legal protection against unauthorized exploitation. (NCERT: "There has been growing realisation of the injustice, inadequate compensation, and benefit sharing between developed and developing countries. Therefore, some nations are developing laws to prevent such unauthorised exploitation...") S4 is correct: The Basmati rice case is a prime example where a foreign company patented a variety derived from Indian traditional Basmati. (NCERT: "In 1997, an American company got patent rights on Basmati rice through the US Patent and Trademark Office... This ‘new’ variety of Basmati had actually been derived from Indian farmer’s varieties.") S5 is incorrect: While traditional knowledge can save time and effort in R&D, it does not bypass the necessity for rigorous clinical testing for modern drug development. The phrase "completely bypass the requirement for clinical testing" makes it false. (NCERT: "Traditional knowledge related to bio-resources can be exploited to develop modern applications and can also be used to save time, effort and expenditure during their commercialisation.") Therefore, statements S1, S3, and S4 are correct. Option A is incorrect because S2 is false. Option C is incorrect because S2 and S5 are false. Option D is incorrect because S2 and S5 are false. The correct answer is B because S1, S3 and S4 are correct.