Daily News Analysis

Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee- Bio pollution

stylish_lining

The Supreme Court recently questioned the Centre on why reports of the court-appointed Technical Experts Committee (TEC) on the biosafety of genetically modified (GM) crops were not looked into by the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC).

GEAC

It is the statutory committee constituted under the “Rules for the Manufacture, Use/Import/Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms/Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells (Rules, 1989)” framed under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.It functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). 

Functions:

  • It is responsible for the approval of activities involving large-scale use of hazardous living microorganisms and recombinants in research and industrial production from an environmental perspective.
  • The committee is also responsible for the appraisal of proposals relating to the release of genetically engineered (GE) organisms and products into the environment, including experimental field trials
  • Clearance of GEAC is mandatory for the environmental release of GM crops. 

The committee or any person authorized by it has the power to take punitive action under the Environment Protection Act.

Composition:

  • GEAC is chaired by the Special Secretary/Additional Secretary of MoEF&CC and co-chaired by a representative from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
  • Presently, it has 24 members and meets every month to review the applications in the areas indicated above.
  • The members comprise experts from other ministries as well as institutions such as the ICAR, ICMR, CCMB, and so on.

Indian Ports Act, 2025

Why is the Indian Ports Act, 2025 in the News? The President of India has granted assent to the Indian Ports Act, 2025, which replaces the previous Indian Ports Act of 1908. This new Act aims t
Share It

Private Sector in Defense Production

The growth in private sector participation in India's defense production marks a significant shift in the country’s defense strategy and industrial landscape. The private sector share in
Share It

India-Mauritius

The visit of the Prime Minister of Mauritius to Varanasi marked a significant milestone in strengthening the India-Mauritius bilateral ties. Describing India as a trusted partner in Mauritius'
Share It

solar manufacturing ecosystem

India's ambitious plan to develop a fully indigenous solar manufacturing ecosystem by 2028 is an essential step towards achieving energy security, sustainability, and enhancing its position as
Share It

Political Unrest in Nepal

Nepal’s ongoing political unrest, exacerbated by Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli’s resignation and youth-led protests, has created a volatile environment that directly impacts India&rsqu
Share It

Karnataka Platform-Based Gig Workers

Karnataka has recently passed the Karnataka Platform-Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill, 2025, aimed at safeguarding the rights and welfare of gig workers. Key Provisions of t
Share It

Income Tax Act 2025

The Income Tax Act, 2025 has received Presidential assent and will replace the Income Tax Act, 1961. The new Act is designed to simplify tax laws, modernize existing provisions, and improve the ef
Share It

Cotton Sector

The Union Government has taken significant steps to support the cotton sector in India, addressing key challenges related to rising imports, farmer welfare, and low domestic production. These meas
Share It

Aircraft Leasing: Wet and Dry Lease

In light of the ongoing global aircraft shortage exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain disruptions, airlines have increasingly turned to wet and dry leases as solutions. These leas
Share It

India and Israel Sign New Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT)

India and Israel have recently signed a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT), marking a significant development in their bilateral relationship. This agreement, which replaces the older BIT signed in
Share It

Newsletter Subscription


ACQ IAS
ACQ IAS