UPSC Prelims 2015 Question:

The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee is constituted under the

Explanation:

• The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) 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.
  
  
• As per Rules, 1989, it is responsible for the appraisal of activities involving large-scale use of hazardous microorganisms and recombinants in research and industrial production from the environmental angle. The committee is also responsible for appraisal of proposals relating to release of Genetically Engineered (GE) organisms and products into the environment including experimental field trials.
  
  
• GEAC is chaired by the Special Secretary/Additional Secretary of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and co-chaired by a representative from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
  
  

Therefore, option (3) is the correct answer.

Subject: Environment | Environmental Organisations and Conventions