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Q63 (IAS/2018) Science & Technology › Biotechnology & Health › Genetically modified crops Official Key

With reference to the Genetically Modified mustard (GM mustard) developed in India, consider the following statements : 1. GM mustard has the genes of a soil bacterium that give the plant the property of pest-resistance to a wide variety of pests. 2. GM mustard has the genes that allow the plant cross-pollination and hybridization. 3. GM mustard has been developed jointly by the IARI and Punjab Agricultural University. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

Result
Your answer: —  Âˇ  Correct: B
Explanation

The correct answer is option B (Statement 2 only).

**Statement 1 is incorrect:** GM mustard has the genes of a soil bacterium that give the plant the property of pest-resistance to a wide variety of pests[1] is mentioned in one source, but this contradicts the actual purpose of GM mustard. The technology was developed for hybrid seed production through inducing male sterility and fertility restoration system for hybrid seed production (Barnase and barstar gene from bacterium)[2], not for pest resistance.

**Statement 2 is correct:** The bar gene was introduced to overcome this problem by conferring resistance to the weedicide, phosphinothricin. This enabled the breeders to spray the weedicide to remove plants that did not have male sterility and retain only those plants with the sterility gene; this would produce 100% pure seeds.[3] The genes enable stable male sterility under all conditions, and the subsequent restoration of fertility to produce hybrids with pure seeds[4], which facilitates cross-pollination and hybridization.

**Statement 3 is incorrect:** The much-delayed genetically modified mustard developed by the University of Delhi[5] shows it was developed by Delhi University, not jointly by IARI and PAU. While trials have been approved at two locations–Punjab Agriculture University (PAU), Ludhiana and Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi[6], conducting trials is different from developing the technology.

Sources
  1. [2] https://cbseacademic.nic.in/web_material/Curriculum/Vocational/2018/Introductory%20Agriculture%20IX%20(408).pdf
  2. [3] https://www.nabard.org/hindi/auth/writereaddata/tender/0612233042epw_special-issue.pdf
  3. [4] https://www.nabard.org/hindi/auth/writereaddata/tender/0612233042epw_special-issue.pdf
  4. [6] https://www.downtoearth.org.in/agriculture/geac-approves-field-studies-of-gm-mustard-on-honey-bee-61947
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Don’t just practise – reverse-engineer the question. This panel shows where this PYQ came from (books / web), how the examiner broke it into hidden statements, and which nearby micro-concepts you were supposed to learn from it. Treat it like an autopsy of the question: what might have triggered it, which exact lines in the book matter, and what linked ideas you should carry forward to future questions.
Q. With reference to the Genetically Modified mustard (GM mustard) developed in India, consider the following statements : 1. GM mustard ha…
At a glance
Origin: Mostly Current Affairs Fairness: Low / Borderline fairness Books / CA: 0/10 ¡ 10/10
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This is a classic 'Depth over Breadth' question. Merely knowing 'GM Mustard is in news' fails here; you needed the specific functional mechanism (hybridization vs pest resistance) and the developer identity. It punishes aspirants who conflate all GM crops with 'Bt' (pest resistance).

How this question is built

This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.

Statement 1
Does the Genetically Modified mustard (GM mustard) developed in India contain genes from a soil bacterium that confer pest resistance to a wide variety of pests?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 5/5
"GM mustard has the genes of a soil bacterium that give the plant the property of pest-resistance to a wide variety of pests."
Why this source?
  • Directly states that GM mustard has genes from a soil bacterium.
  • Specifically links those genes to conferring pest-resistance to a wide variety of pests.
Web source
Presence: 3/5
"Fulfilling the requirements of desirable gene (s) not present in the species (Crystal protein (Cry) genes from bacterium to plants)."
Why this source?
  • Explains that crystal protein (Cry) genes from bacteria are used to confer pest-resistance in plants.
  • Provides the general mechanism by which bacterium-derived genes can give pest-resistant traits, supporting the claim about GM crops.

Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 9: Agriculture > GENETICALLY MODIFIED (GM) CROPS > p. 301
Strength: 5/5
“• According to WHO, Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) are the plants, animals or microorganisms in which the hereditary material (DNA) is altered in a manner that does not happen normally by mating or potentially regular recombination. It is also known as modern biotechnology/gene technology.• When genetic modification of a plant is performed, foreign gene (transgene) or gene of some other organism is artificially inserted into the plant's own genes. This is gene modification.”
Why relevant

Gives the general rule that GM plants receive foreign genes (transgenes) from other organisms when modified.

How to extend

A student could use this rule to ask whether the specific DMH‑11 description lists a transgene and from which organism it was sourced (e.g., check GEAC/ICAR documents).

Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 11: Agriculture - Part II > 11.8 Genetically Modified (GM) Crops > p. 342
Strength: 4/5
“GM crops are plants whose DNA (a molecule that encodes the Genetic Information) has been modified using Genetic Engineering. The following are some benefits of GM crops: • More nutritional value• Resistance to bacteria, virus and other components that can damage the plant• Longer shelf life• Less costly GM foods and higher yields The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is the apex body for regulating GM crops, in the Ministry of Environment and Forest under the Environment Protections Act 1986. At present, the government allows commercial production of only one GM crop which is BT cotton and is allowed since 2002.”
Why relevant

States that one purpose of GM crops is to provide resistance to bacteria, viruses and other damaging agents, showing pest‑resistance is a common engineered trait.

How to extend

A student could therefore look for trait summaries of DMH‑11 to see if pest‑resistance is the engineered trait and how it is achieved.

Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 11: Agriculture - Part II > GM Mustard > p. 343
Strength: 5/5
“• In Oct. 2022, The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) constituted under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 has recommended the environmental release of the genetically modified (GM) mustard variety DMH (Dhara Mustard Hybrid)-11, paving the way for the commercialisation of the country's first GM food crop.• But GEAC nod is not the final approval for commercial release but a step forward. It remains to be seen if the Central Government will accept the GEAC's recommendations or not.• While giving the nod, the GEAC has said that simultaneous field studies will have to be conducted with ICAR on the effect of GM mustard on honeybees and other pollinators• DMH-11 has been shown to deliver 30 per cent higher yields than existing varieties.”
Why relevant

Notes that GEAC reviewed and recommended DMH‑11 (GM mustard) for environmental release and required studies on pollinators — indicating official dossiers exist describing DMH‑11 traits.

How to extend

A student could consult the GEAC recommendation/report referenced here to find technical details about the inserted genes and their source.

Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 9: Agriculture > 9.16 Indian Economy > p. 302
Strength: 3/5
“• In 2016, GM mustard or Dhara Mustard Hybrid-11 (DMH-11) was cleared by GEAC for field trail. However, GEAC has demanded more tests of DMH-11 to allow its commercial cultivation. • "It is for reference that GEAC recommended the commercial release of Bt brinjal in 2007 but it was blocked by the government in 2010". The Biotechnology Regulatory Authority Bill, which envisages creating a regulatory body for uses of biotechnology products including GM organisms, is pending in the Parliament since 2008. Higher crop yields ensures food security. Reduced farm costs and increased farm Can contaminate other fields through cross- pollination. • Col1: Can withstand weather fluctuations and decrease the use of pesticides and herbicides. • Col3: There is a danger of allergens entering into the food chain.”
Why relevant

Mentions prior GEAC clearances and the regulatory process (e.g., Bt brinjal, Bt cotton) indicating that GM crops with pest‑resistance traits have been evaluated in India.

How to extend

Using this pattern, a student could compare the documented trait sources in previously evaluated GM crops to the DMH‑11 dossier to see if a soil bacterium gene was used.

Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 11: Agriculture - Part II > GM Mustard > p. 344
Strength: 3/5
“But it promotes constant exposure to a single herbicide to which the weeds eventually become resistant. And to control these weeds, desperate farmers increase the use of these herbicides manifold which is very hazardous to human health.• 3. The GM mustard, if introduced in India, will affect every Indian who consumes mustard in any form, as he will consume the herbicide residues in it; the millions of poor women who depend on weeding to support their family who will be displaced; the bee keepers whose honey will be contaminated; farmers whose yields will fall eventually as bees die out; and the Indian nation, which will find that it has lost its seed diversity and the international competitive advantage of its non-GM mustard and honey.• 4.”
Why relevant

Discusses specific environmental/management consequences of particular engineered traits (herbicide resistance) showing that different transgenes confer distinct resistances.

How to extend

A student could use this example to reason that DMH‑11’s documented trait will specify whether it is herbicide resistance, pest resistance, or another trait, and then verify gene origin.

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Statement analysis

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