Q. With respect to the Biological Diversity Amendment Bill, 2021, which of the following categories must obtain NBA’s approval before applying for Intellectual Property Rights for obtaining biological resources?

1. Non-citizens
2. Non-resident citizens
3. Organizations not registered in India
4. Foreign-controlled companies registered in India 

Choose the correct answer using the codes given below:
Answer: 1, 2, 3 & 4
Notes: The Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2021 amends the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, focusing on conserving biological diversity, sustainable use, and equitable benefit-sharing of biological resources, which include plants, animals, and microorganisms. The Bill streamlines research and patent applications, promotes wild medicinal plant cultivation, and indigenous medicine practices. Non-citizens, non-resident citizens, unregistered organizations, and foreign-controlled companies must obtain National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) approval for biological resources before IPR grants. Others must inform the State Biodiversity Board (SBB) prior to access. Local communities and indigenous medicine practitioners are exempt from this requirement, with the exemption extended to registered AYUSH practitioners and cultivated medicinal plants. The Act establishes a 16-member NBA, with the Bill adding 11 members and designating the Member-Secretary as the chief coordinating officer. The Bill allows state governments to notify near-extinct species as threatened, following NBA consultation. It also mandates state governments to define the composition of Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) with 7 to 11 members and permits their formation at various local levels. Additionally, the Bill removes the provision making offences under the Act cognizable and non-bailable.