UPSC Prelims 2024 Q92: Current Affairs – International Relations & Treaties
- (a) Both Statement - I and Statement - II are correct and Statement - II explains Statement - I
- (b) Both Statement - I and Statement - II are correct, but Statement - II does not explain Statement - I
- (c) Statement - I is correct, but Statement - II is incorrect
- (d) Statement - I is incorrect, but Statement - II is correct
Answer: (d) Statement - I is incorrect, but Statement - II is correct
Explanation
India-USA Apple Imports + GM Food Policy
| Statement | Claim | Verdict | Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | India does not import apples from the United States of America | FALSE | India DOES import apples from the USA. Washington State (USA) is a major apple exporter, and India imports US apples especially in the off-season for domestic production. Despite sometimes high import duties, the trade exists. |
| II | In India, the law prohibits the import of Genetically Modified food without the approval of the competent authority | TRUE | Under the Environment (Protection) Act 1986 and Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSAI) regulations, import of GM food products in India requires prior approval from the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) under the Ministry of Environment. |
Statement I is incorrect (India does import apples from USA). Statement II is correct (GM food imports need GEAC approval).
Answer: (d) Statement - I is incorrect, but Statement - II is correct.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement I is false - India imports apples from the USA. If both were correct and II explained I, it would mean GM law caused apple non-imports - India does import US apples regardless.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement I is false - India does import US apples. The premise of Statement I being correct is wrong.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement I is false - India imports apples from the USA. Statement II is correct but Statement I is wrong.
- (d) CORRECT. Statement I is incorrect (India DOES import apples from USA). Statement II is correct (India's law requires GEAC approval for GM food imports).
Key point
India IMPORTS apples from the USA (Statement I is FALSE). GM food imports in India require GEAC approval under Environment Protection Act - Statement II is TRUE.
Remember
India does import apples from the United States. GM food imports in India require approval from the competent authority (GEAC) under the Environment Protection Act.
Common mistakes
- Assuming India does not import US apples because of high tariffs - India has at times imposed retaliatory tariffs on US agricultural goods (including apples), but trade does occur.
- Not knowing GEAC as the approval body for GM food imports - the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) under MoEF is the competent authority for GM food import approvals.
- Thinking India's GM food ban is absolute - it is not a total ban but a conditional approval system; GM food imports require regulatory clearance.
Exam tip
India imports apples from USA (Washington State), New Zealand, and other countries. GM food import = needs GEAC approval. Note: India has approved commercial cultivation of very few GM crops (Bt Cotton is the main one). GM food imports are regulated, not banned outright.
Sources
- APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) - India Import Data
- FSSAI - GM Food Regulations in India