Question

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Report on "Agriculture and Conservation"

The IUCN's flagship report delves into the intricate relationship between agriculture and biodiversity, highlighting both positive and negative impacts.

Impact of Agriculture on Biodiversity

1. Negative Impacts:

   • Agricultural activities threaten about 34% of species listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
   • Habitat conversion: Expanding agriculture leads to the transformation of natural ecosystems into farmland, plantations, and irrigation projects.
   • Agriculture promotes the spread of invasive species and contributes to issues like soil erosion, nutrient loss, and climate change through emissions and agrochemical use.

2. Positive Impacts:

   • Around 17% of species on the Red List benefit from agriculture as they inhabit cultivated landscapes.
   • Agricultural ecosystems can support biodiversity by providing biomass and genetic materials and aiding in nutrient cycling.

Impact of Biodiversity on Agriculture

• Provisioning Services: Biodiversity ensures the availability of biomass and other resources essential for agriculture.
• Regulation Services: Ecosystems regulate factors like water retention, pest control, and climate, promoting sustainable farming.
• Nutrient Management: Natural ecosystems facilitate nutrient cycling essential for crop health.

Recommendations for Sustainable Agriculture Aligned with Conservation:

1. Develop conservation strategies that ensure biodiversity can thrive alongside agriculture.
2. Preserve ecosystems critical to agriculture, including soil, water, and pollinators.
3. Align policies and subsidies with environmental objectives, promoting sustainable farming practices.
4. Promote plant-based diets to reduce agricultural pressure on biodiversity through lower meat consumption.

Answer 1

Delhi High Court’s Verdict on Posthumous Use of Cryopreserved Sperm

The Delhi High Court allowed the posthumous use of a deceased man’s cryopreserved sperm for reproduction, marking a significant legal precedent in India.

Key Aspects of the Judgment:

1. Legality of Posthumous Reproduction:

   • There is no legal restriction on using cryopreserved sperm or eggs for reproduction after the donor’s death, provided consent is established.
   • Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) can be employed to conceive a child using the gametes of a deceased individual.

2. Inheritance of Biological Material:

   • The court held that sperm or egg samples are a form of biological property and can be inherited by legal heirs.

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART):

• Definition: ART involves techniques for achieving pregnancy using sperm or eggs outside the natural reproductive process.
• Examples: In-vitro fertilization (IVF), surrogacy, gamete cryopreservation, and GIFT (Gamete Intra-Fallopian Transfer).

ART and Surrogacy Laws in India:

• ART (Regulation) Act, 2021:
  • Regulates the operation of ART clinics and banks, ensuring the ethical use of ART services.
• Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021:
  • Prohibits commercial surrogacy, allowing only altruistic surrogacy under specified conditions.

Answer 2

Prelims Questions

1. Which of the following is a positive impact of agriculture on biodiversity as per the IUCN report?
   a) Habitat conversion for agriculture
   b) Increase in invasive species
   c) Provisioning of biomass and genetic materials
   d) Soil erosion due to agriculture
   Answer: c) Provisioning of biomass and genetic materials
   Explanation: Agricultural ecosystems can support biodiversity by providing essential resources like biomass and genetic materials.

2. Consider the following statements regarding Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART):

   1. ART includes only in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and surrogacy.
   2. ART involves the use of gametes to achieve pregnancy through artificial methods.
   3. The ART (Regulation) Act, 2021, prohibits the misuse of ART services in India.
      Which of the above statements is/are correct?
      a) 1 and 2 only
      b) 2 and 3 only
      c) 1 and 3 only
      d) 1, 2, and 3
      Answer: b) 2 and 3 only
      Explanation: ART includes a range of techniques beyond IVF and surrogacy, and the ART (Regulation) Act aims to regulate ART services and prevent misuse.

3. What does the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, in India prohibit?
   a) All forms of surrogacy
   b) Commercial surrogacy
   c) Altruistic surrogacy
   d) Cryopreservation of gametes
   Answer: b) Commercial surrogacy
   Explanation: The Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, bans commercial surrogacy and permits only altruistic surrogacy under specific circumstances.

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Mains Questions

1. "Discuss the challenges and opportunities of aligning agricultural practices with biodiversity conservation as highlighted by the IUCN report."

   • Word Limit: 250
   • Points to Consider:
     • Negative and positive impacts of agriculture on biodiversity
     • Importance of sustainable agricultural practices
     • Recommendations to align agricultural policies with conservation goals

2. "Evaluate the significance of the Delhi High Court’s ruling on posthumous reproduction in the context of legal and ethical frameworks in India."

   • Word Limit: 300
   • Points to Consider:
     • Legal aspects of using cryopreserved gametes posthumously
     • Implications for inheritance and reproductive rights
     • Need for balancing ethical considerations with legal rights

3. "Analyze the role of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) in addressing fertility challenges in India. What are the key regulatory issues associated with ART services?"

   • Word Limit: 200
   • Points to Consider:
     • Definition and types of ART services
     • Regulatory challenges under the ART (Regulation) Act, 2021
     • Importance of ethical practices and patient rights