Question

In India the organisation responsible for assessing the safety of introducing genetically modified organisms for public use is
A) Research Committee in Genetic Manipulation(RCGM)
B) Indian Council of Medical Research(ICMR)
C) Genetic engineering Appraisal Committee(GEAC)
D) Council for Scientific and Industrial Research(CSIR)

Answer 1

Genetically modified organisms ( GMOs) are living organisms whose genetic material has been artificially altered by genetic modification in the laboratory. This produces combinations of plant , animal, bacterial and virus genes that do not occur in nature or by conventional crossbreeding methods.

Complete answer:
The GEAC is the governing body for apex biotechnology in India. It is a significant government agency and is frequently featured in the news. The Genetic Engineering Assessment Committee (GEAC) is a legislative body set up under the 'Regulations for the Manufacture, Use/Import/Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms/Genetically Engineering Organisms or Cells, 1989' as notified under the Environmental Protection Act, 1986.
It was known as the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee and was changed to its current name in 2010.It operates under the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Climate Change.The body regulates the use, manufacture, storage, import and export of harmful microorganisms or genetically modified organisms and cells in India.
Features
To analyse practises involving large-scale use of harmful microorganisms and recombinants in research and industrial development from an environmental perspective.
To test plans for the release into the world of genetically modified organisms and goods, including experimental field trials.
The Committee or any individual approved by it has the power to take punitive action under the Environmental Protection Act.

The Correct Answer is option (C)Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee.

Note: The Committee is headed by the Special Secretary / Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Climate Change, GOI, and co-chaired by the Department of Biotechnology.There are also other participants who meet each month to discuss applications in the area of the Committee. The members include experts from other ministries and organisations such as ICAR, ICMR, CCMB, etc.