Daily Current Affairs : 30-May-2024

The Philippine Court of Appeals has lately revoked the biosafety permits for the economic manufacturing of genetically changed Golden Rice and Bt eggplant. This choice has raised important questions about the safety protocols for genetically changed (GM) vegetation within the u . S .. The courtroom’s ruling emphasized that the authorities had did not establish adequate protection tracking mechanisms, which are crucial to making sure that those GM crops are safe for human consumption and the surroundings.

About Golden Rice

Golden Rice is a genetically changed type of rice designed to address the massive issue of Vitamin A deficiency, which impacts hundreds of thousands of humans, mainly in developing international locations just like the Philippines. The rice was approved for business manufacturing in 2021 and is engineered to supply beta carotene, the compound that gives it its yellow-orange shade. Beta carotene is a precursor to Vitamin A, an essential nutrient for keeping healthy imaginative and prescient, boosting the immune device, and supporting typical growth.

Key Characteristics of Golden Rice:
  • Genetically engineered to include beta carotene.
  • The beta carotene is identical to that found in vegetables and fruits.
  • It does not require special cultivation practices and has the same yield and taste as regular rice.
  • Its development aims to combat Vitamin A deficiency, a major health issue in many parts of the world.

Importance of Golden Rice

Vitamin A deficiency can cause severe health problems, including night blindness, weakened immune systems, and stunted growth, especially in children. Golden Rice was developed as a potential solution to this issue, providing a way to deliver an important nutrient through a staple food that is already widely consumed in rice-based regions.

Court’s Ruling and Safety Concerns

The decision by the Philippine Court of Appeals to revoke the biosafety permits was based on concerns over the lack of effective safety monitoring mechanisms. The court pointed out that, without these safeguards in place, there are risks to human health and the environment that need to be properly assessed before GM crops are allowed for commercial production.

Important Points:

  • The Philippine Court of Appeals revoked biosafety permits for the commercial production of Golden Rice and Bt eggplant.
  • The court’s decision was based on the government’s failure to establish adequate safety monitoring mechanisms for GM crops.
  • Golden Rice is genetically engineered to contain beta carotene, a precursor to Vitamin A.
  • Key features of Golden Rice:
  • Genetically modified to include beta carotene.
  • Beta carotene is the same as that found in fruits and vegetables.
  • No special cultivation practices required, with similar yield and taste to regular rice.
  • Aims to combat Vitamin A deficiency, which affects millions globally.
  • Vitamin A deficiency can lead to health problems like night blindness, weakened immune systems, and stunted growth, particularly in children.
  • The Court of Appeals emphasized the need for effective safety monitoring to assess the risks to human health and the environment before allowing GM crops for commercial use.
  • The ruling highlights the importance of comprehensive testing and oversight in the approval of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Why In News

The Philippine Court of Appeals recently revoked the biosafety permits for the commercial production of genetically modified Golden Rice and Bt eggplant, citing the government’s failure to implement proper safety monitoring mechanisms. This decision raises concerns about the oversight and regulation of genetically modified crops in the country, highlighting the need for stronger safeguards to ensure public health and environmental protection.

MCQs about Golden Rice

  1. Why did the Philippine Court of Appeals revoke the biosafety permits for Golden Rice and Bt eggplant?
    A. The crops were found to be ineffective in fighting Vitamin A deficiency.
    B. The government failed to establish safety monitoring mechanisms.
    C. The crops were deemed harmful to the environment.
    D. The crops did not meet the required yield standards.
    Correct Answer: B. The government failed to establish safety monitoring mechanisms.
    Explanation: The court’s decision was based on the government’s failure to implement proper safety monitoring mechanisms to assess the risks to human health and the environment, as required for the approval of GM crops.
  2. What is the main purpose of genetically modifying Golden Rice?
    A. To make the rice resistant to pests.
    B. To combat Vitamin A deficiency.
    C. To increase the rice’s yield.
    D. To improve the taste of rice.
    Correct Answer: B. To combat Vitamin A deficiency.
    Explanation: Golden Rice is genetically engineered to produce beta carotene, a precursor to Vitamin A, in order to address widespread Vitamin A deficiency, particularly in developing countries.
  3. What is the key characteristic of Golden Rice?
    A. It is genetically modified to include beta carotene.
    B. It grows faster than regular rice.
    C. It requires special cultivation practices.
    D. It is more resistant to climate change.
    Correct Answer: A. It is genetically modified to include beta carotene.
    Explanation: Golden Rice contains beta carotene, which gives it a yellow-orange color and provides a vital nutrient that helps combat Vitamin A deficiency.
  4. What health issues are associated with Vitamin A deficiency?
    A. Increased susceptibility to colds and flu.
    B. Night blindness, weakened immune systems, and stunted growth.
    C. Digestive problems and bloating.
    D. Hearing loss and joint pain.
    Correct Answer: B. Night blindness, weakened immune systems, and stunted growth.
    Explanation: Vitamin A deficiency can lead to serious health issues, particularly in children, including night blindness, a weakened immune system, and stunted growth.

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