Context:
Article on the Hindu – Trouble with India’s guidelines on genetically modified insects
Bioeconomy in India:
- India’s bioeconomy contributes 2.6% to the GDP.
- The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) released (April 2023) its ‘Bioeconomy Report 2022’ envisions the contribution to be closer to 5% by 2030.
- With the recent advances in biotechnology, a variety of insects including mosquitoes, fruit flies, silkworms and some lepidopteran pests have been genetically engineered (GE) and are at various stages of research.
GE Regulation in India:
- In India, all activities related to Genetically Engineered organisms (GE organisms) or cells and hazardous microorganisms and products thereof are regulated as per the Rules for the Manufacture, Use, Import, Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms/Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells, 1989 (known as ‘Rules, 1989’)
- Notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC)
- Under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (EPA 1986).
Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC)
- India’s apex biotechnology regulatory body.
- A statutory body notified under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
- Ministry – Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change
- Purpose – To assess proposals regarding the release of genetically engineered products and organisms.
Source: The Hindu
Read about Gene drive technology and genetic control of mosquitoes
Read about Dhara Mustard Hybrid (DMH-11)
Previous year question
The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee is constituted under the [UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2015 Prelims]
(a) Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
(b) Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999
(c) Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
(d) Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
Answer: (c)
