Why in news
- The Supreme Court was urged to hear a contempt plea regarding alleged unapproved cultivation and release of herbicide-tolerant GM basmati rice.
Key terms
GEAC
Statutory body under MoEFCC responsible for approving environmental release of GM organisms.
Herbicide-Tolerant Crops
Crops genetically modified to withstand broad-spectrum chemical weedkillers.
Contempt of Court
Legal proceeding initiated for deliberate disobedience of judicial orders or directives.
Biosafety Protocols
Standard procedures designed to manage potential ecological and health risks of living modified organisms.
What is the Regulatory Framework for GM Crops?
- Genetically modified organisms are regulated under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and Rules, 1989.
- Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) under MoEFCC is the apex statutory approval body.
Key Issues Raised
- Concerns over unapproved open-field trials and commercial contamination risks to non-GM basmati exports.
- Potential breach of judicial directives requiring strict biosecurity protocols and risk assessments prior to open release.
Why it matters
- Direct impact on agricultural biodiversity, environmental safety, and trade integrity of premium basmati exports.
Prelims facts
- GEAC functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Mains discussion
- Regulatory gaps in biosecurity and impact of GM contamination on international trade.
Source: Hindu Business Line
Same topic · past papers
UPSC has asked this before
These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.
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2015 · Q63 · General Studies · 2 marks
The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee is constituted under the -
2024 · Q92 · General Studies · 2 marks
Consider the following statements : Statement-I : India does not import apples from the United States of America. Statement-II : In India, the law prohibits the import of Genetically Modified food without the approval of the competent authority. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements ? -
2018 · Q63 · General Studies · 2 marks
With reference to the Genetically Modified mustard (GM mustard) developed in India, consider the following statements: 1. GM mustard has the genes of a soil bacterium that give the plant the property of pest-resistance to a wide variety of pests. 2. GM mustard has the genes that allow the plant cross-pollination and hybridization. 3. GM mustard has been developed jointly by the IARI and Punjab Agricultural University. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? -
2021 · Q65 · General Studies · 2 marks
With reference to recent developments regarding 'Recombinant Vector Vaccine', consider the following statements: 1. Genetic engineering is applied in the development -
2017 · Q14 · General Studies · 2 marks
In the context of solving pollution problems, what is/are the advantage/advantages of bioremediation technique? 1. It is a technique for cleaning up pollution by enhancing the same biodegradation process that occurs in nature. 2. Any contaminant with heavy metals such as cadmium and lead can be readily and completely treated by bioremediation using microorganisms. 3. Genetic engineering can be used to create microorganisms specifically designed for bioremediation. Select the correct answer using the code given below: