UPSC Prelims 2015 GS Paper I · Q63 of 100 Environment & Ecology medium

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 ✓ UPSC's answer
  4. (d) Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972

Why the answer is (c)

• The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee, under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, is constituted under the Rules for Manufacture, Use, Import, Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms/Genetically Engineered Organisms, 1989, framed under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 — option (c).

• It approves large-scale release and commercial use of GMOs (e.g. Bt cotton, GM mustard).

• The other Acts do not govern GMOs.

• Hence option (c).

Why the other options are wrong

(a) Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
The FSS Act governs food safety, not GEAC.
(b) Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999
The GI Act concerns geographical indications.
(d) Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
The Wildlife Act does not constitute GEAC.

Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2015, held on 23 August 2015. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.

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