Solution (c)

The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) is the apex body that allows for commercial release of GM crops.

In India, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and the products thereof are regulated under the “Rules for the manufacture, use, import, export & storage of hazardous microorganisms, genetically engineered organisms or cells, 1989” (referred to as Rules, 1989) notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

Use of the unapproved genetically modified (GM) variant can attract a jail term of 5 years and fine of Rs. 1 lakh under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a statutory body established under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.

FSSAI is responsible for protecting and promoting public health through the regulation and supervision of food safety. FSSAI is also authorised to regulate the imported crops in India.

Article Link: Centre allows import of GM soymeal to support poultry industry

Solution (b)

Wadhvana Wetland from Gujarat is internationally important for its birdlife as it provides wintering ground to migratory waterbirds, including over 80 species that migrate on the Central Asian Flyway. 

They include some threatened or near-threatened species such as the endangered Pallas’s fish-Eagle, the vulnerable Common Pochard, and the near-threatened Dalmatian Pelican, Grey-headed Fish-eagle and Ferruginous Duck.

This site has recently received recognition as Ramsar site.

Article Link: Four new Ramsar sites recognized in India

Solution (c)

IndiGau is the India’s first Cattle Genomic Chip for the conservation of pure varieties of indigenous cattle breeds like, Gir, Kankrej, Sahiwal, Ongole etc.

This indigenous chip was developed by the concerted efforts of scientists of National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NAIB), Hyderabad, an autonomous institution under the aegis of the Department of Biotechnology.

This chip will have practical utility in the Governments schemes to achieve the goal of conservation of our own breeds with better characters and help towards doubling of farmers’ income by 2022.

Jersey and Holstein Friesian are exotic cattle breed:

• Jersey is the smallest of the dairy types of cattle developed on island of Jersey, U.K.
• Holstein Friesian  breed was developed in the northern parts of Netherlands, especially in the province of Friesland.

Article Link: India’s first Cattle Genomic Chip

Solution (a)

The Thol Lake Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Gujarat. 

It lies on the Central Asian Flyway and more than 320 bird species can be found here. 

The wetland supports more 30 threatened waterbird species, such as the critically endangered White-rumped Vulture and Sociable Lapwing, and the vulnerable Sarus Crane, Common Pochard and Lesser White-fronted Goose.

It is recently designated as the Ramsar Site.

Article Link: Four new Ramsar sites recognised in India

Solution (a)

The Youth Development Index (YDI), developed by the Commonwealth Secretariat, measures the status of young people in 183 countries around the world.

The index is a comprehensive measure across 5 domains that are critical to youth development:

• education
• health
• employment
• civic participation
• political participation.

In the recently released report:

• India was ranked at 122nd position among 181 countries.
• Singapore was ranked at the top for the first time.
• It is followed by Slovenia, Norway, Malta and Denmark.
• Bottom countries in the index include- Chad, Central African Republic, South Sudan, Afghanistan and Niger.
• Top five improvers include- India, Afghanistan, Russia, Ethiopia, and Burkina Faso. 

Article Link: India ranked 122nd in 2020 Global Youth Development Index