Current Affairs Quiz 22 March 2025

Answer: b) 2 and 3 only

Explanation:
• Statement 1 is Incorrect – The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), not the Ministry of Science and Technology. It was established under the Environment Protection Act, 1986 and plays a key role in regulating the release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in India.
• Statement 2 is Correct – GEAC is the apex regulatory body in India responsible for granting approval for the environmental release and commercial cultivation of GM crops.
• Statement 3 is Correct – In 2022, GEAC granted conditional approval for the commercial cultivation of GM Mustard (Dhara Mustard Hybrid-11 or DMH-11). However, this decision faced legal challenges, leading to a case in the Supreme Court.

Answer: a) 1 and 2 only

Explanation:
• Statement 1 is Correct – The BioE3 policy aims to expand India’s bio-economy by integrating biotechnology applications in multiple sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, energy, and industry.
• Statement 2 is Correct – The policy encourages advancements in genetic engineering, precision agriculture, and biopharmaceuticals to enhance productivity, disease resistance, and healthcare solutions. It also promotes biomanufacturing and bio-energy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
• Statement 3 is Incorrect – The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under the Ministry of Science and Technology is the key implementing body for BioE3. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is responsible for environmental regulations and approvals for GMOs but does not implement the BioE3 policy.

Answer: b) Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC)

Explanation:
• Role of GEAC: The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
• It is the apex body responsible for approving the environmental release and commercial cultivation of GM crops in India.
• GEAC evaluates the biosafety, environmental impact, and socio-economic considerations before granting approval.

Answer: b) 1 and 3 only

Explanation:
• Statement 1 is Correct – According to IMD criteria, a heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature is at least 4.5°C to 6.4°C above normal for that region. If it exceeds 6.4°C above normal, it is classified as a severe heatwave.
• Statement 2 is Incorrect – Heatwaves are more frequent in inland areas, particularly in northwest, central, and eastern India, rather than coastal regions. Coastal areas experience high humidity, but they do not frequently meet IMD’s heatwave criteria.
• Statement 3 is Correct – Scientific studies indicate that climate change is increasing the intensity, frequency, and duration of heatwaves due to rising global temperatures and changing atmospheric circulation patterns.
Thus, option (b) is correct.

Correct Answer: c) 1 and 3 only

Explanation:
• Statement 1 is Correct – India’s airspace is managed by both the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Ministry of Defence. The Indian Air Force (IAF) controls military airspace, while civilian airspace is regulated by the Ministry of Civil Aviation through the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
• Statement 2 is Incorrect – The DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) is responsible for aviation safety, airline regulations, pilot licensing, and accident investigations. However, it does not manage air traffic.
• Statement 3 is Correct – The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is responsible for air traffic management (ATM) and air navigation services (ANS) for civilian flights. It operates air traffic control (ATC) towers at airports and ensures safe air traffic operations within Indian airspace.
Thus, option (c) is correct.