UPSC Prelims 2012 · Question 64 of 98
UPSC Prelims 2012 question on Bt Brinjal Opposition
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2012
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectScience and Technology
- TopicBiotechnology
- DifficultyMedium
- TypeStatement
What are the reasons for the people’s resistance to the introduction of Bt brinjal in India?
1. Bt brinjal has been created by inserting a gene from a soil fungus into its genome.
2. The seeds of Bt brinjal are terminator seeds and therefore, the farmers have to buy the seeds before every season from the seed companies.
3. There is an apprehension that the consumption of Bt brinjal may have adverse impact on health.
4. There is some concern that the introduction of Bt brinjal may have adverse effect on the biodiversity.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Show answer
Answer: C. 3 and 4 only
Verdict
Correct Answer: 3 and 4 only
Analysis
Bt brinjal is a genetically modified brinjal developed to resist the fruit and shoot borer pest.
The main objections in India were related to possible health risks and impact on biodiversity.
Statement by statement
1. Bt brinjal has been created by inserting a gene from a soil fungus — Incorrect
This is scientifically incorrect.
Bt brinjal contains a gene from Bacillus thuringiensis, which is a soil bacterium, not a fungus.
2. The seeds of Bt brinjal are terminator seeds — Incorrect
Bt brinjal seeds are not terminator seeds.
Terminator seeds are genetically designed to produce sterile seeds in the next generation, but Bt brinjal is not based on this technology.
3. There is apprehension regarding adverse impact on health — Correct
One major concern was the possible long-term impact of Bt brinjal on human health.
Critics raised issues such as potential toxicity, allergy and inadequate long-term biosafety studies.
4. There is concern regarding adverse effect on biodiversity — Correct
India is a major centre of diversity for brinjal.
There were concerns that the Bt gene could spread to local varieties or wild relatives through cross-pollination, affecting indigenous biodiversity.
Extra UPSC info
* Bt stands for Bacillus thuringiensis, a soil bacterium.
* Bt crops produce proteins toxic to specific insect pests.
* Bt brinjal targets the fruit and shoot borer.
* In 2010, India imposed an indefinite moratorium on commercial release of Bt brinjal.
* GEAC is the apex regulatory body for approval of genetically modified crops in India.
* Bt cotton is the only GM crop widely cultivated in India.
* GM mustard DMH-11 has received regulatory clearance for environmental release but remains legally contested.
How to crack it
The opposition to Bt brinjal was mainly due to health and biodiversity concerns, while the claims about soil fungus and terminator seeds are incorrect.
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