UPSC Prelims 2015 – Question 63

63.The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee is
constituted under the

1. a) Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
2. b) Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection. Act, 1999
3. c) Environment (Protection. Act, 1986
4. d) Wildlife (Protection. Act, 1972

The correct answer is Option 3. 

• The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee  
• It was constituted under the Environment Protection Act 1986. Hence, Option 3 is correct. 
• Ministry of Environment and Forest is the nodal ministry.   
• It is responsible for approving proposals regarding the release of genetically engineered organisms and products into the environment, as well as activities involving the large-scale use of hazardous and recombinants in industrial production.  
• Before releasing any genetically engineered organism into the environment, it conducts experimental field trials. 

• Important Points 
  • A GM crop is a transgenic crop. 
  • It is a plant that has a novel combination of genetic material obtained through biotechnology that adds a new quality to the parent crop like herbicide-tolerance.  
  • Bt cotton is the only non-food GM crop cultivated in India. 

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