Q. The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), that was recently in news, operates under which Ministry?
Answer:
Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change
Notes: The Supreme Court recently questioned the Centre about the oversight of court-appointed Technical Experts Committee (TEC) reports on the biosafety of genetically modified (GM) crops by the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC). GEAC, a statutory committee under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, operates under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. Responsible for approving large-scale hazardous microorganism use, it also assesses proposals for the release of genetically engineered organisms, including GM crops. GEAC, chaired by a MoEF&CC official, comprises 24 members and convenes monthly for reviews.