Consider the following statements : Statement-I : India does not import apples from the United States of America. Statement-II : In India, the law prohibits the import of Genetically Modified food without the approval of the competent authority. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements ?
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- ABoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
- BBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
- CStatement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
- DStatement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
Show answer
Answer: (D) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
Correct Answer: (d) Statement-I is incorrect, Statement-II is correct.
Statement I: India does not import apples from the US — ✗ WRONG.
India does import US apples.
In 2019, India imposed a 20% retaliatory tariff on US apples (after the US revoked India's GSP benefits), which reduced imports.
But India later dropped that tariff, and US apple exports to India surged (16 times higher than the previous year by 2024).
Statement II: Indian law prohibits importing GM food without approval — ✓ CORRECT.
Import of genetically modified food requires prior approval from GEAC (Genetic Engineering Approval Committee) under the Ministry of Environment, plus clearance from FSSAI.
India imports US apples despite periodic tariff disputes - in 2019 India imposed 20% retaliatory tariffs on US apples but later removed them, leading to surge in imports by 2024.
All GM food imports require mandatory approval from GEAC (Genetic Engineering Approval Committee) under Environment Ministry plus FSSAI clearance.
UPSC is testing whether students follow trade policy changes and understand India's GM food regulatory framework through seemingly simple import statements.
India-US Apple Trade
Indian Economy apples United States
India-US Apple Trade: Tariffs, Disputes & Recent Trends
India does import apples from the US — Statement I is incorrect
India imposed 20% retaliatory tariff on US apples in 2019 after US revoked GSP benefits
India later dropped the tariff, leading to 16x surge in US apple imports by 2024
Context
The question tests whether students know India's actual trade patterns with the US, particularly in agriculture. Many assume India doesn't import US apples due to past tariff disputes, but this is outdated information.
Timeline of India-US Apple Trade
Year | Event | Impact on Apple Trade |
|---|---|---|
2019 | US revokes India's GSP benefits | India imposes 20% retaliatory tariff on US apples |
2019-2023 | Reduced but continued imports | Higher prices due to tariff barrier |
2024 | India drops the tariff | US apple exports surge 16 times over previous year |
Key Trade Facts
Washington State is the primary source of US apple exports to India
India is among the top 5 apple importing countries globally
Domestic production in Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh competes with imports
US apples are premium varieties, typically sold in metro markets
Trap: Assuming India doesn't import US apples due to the 2019 tariff dispute — tariffs were later dropped
Trap: Confusing temporary trade restrictions with permanent import bans
Current status: India actively imports US apples post-2024 tariff removal
GM Food Import Regulations
Indian Economy Genetically Modified food approval competent authority
GM Food Import Regulations: GEAC Approval & Legal Framework
GEAC approval mandatory for importing GM food — Statement II is correct
FSSAI clearance also required for food safety compliance
Regulations under Environment Protection Act 1986 and Food Safety Act 2006
Legal Framework
India has strict regulations on GM food imports to ensure biosafety and food security. No GM food can be imported without prior approval from competent authorities, making Statement II correct.
GM Food Approval Process
Authority | Full Form | Ministry | Role in GM Food Imports |
|---|---|---|---|
GEAC | Genetic Engineering Approval Committee | Environment & Forests | Primary approval for GM organisms |
FSSAI | Food Safety Standards Authority of India | Health & Family Welfare | Food safety clearance and labeling standards |
RCGM | Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation | Science & Technology | Technical review and recommendations |
GM Food Import Process
%%{init: {"flowchart": {"wrappingWidth": 460}}}%%
flowchart TD
s1["`**Application Submission**
Importer applies to **GEAC** with safety data`"]
s2["`**Technical Review**
**RCGM** evaluates biosafety aspects`"]
s3["`**GEAC Decision**
Committee approves/rejects based on risk assessment`"]
s4["`**FSSAI Clearance**
Food safety authority clears for human consumption`"]
s5["`**Import Permitted**
GM food can be imported with proper labeling`"]
s1 --> s2
s2 --> s3
s3 --> s4
s4 --> s5Current GM Food Status
No GM food crops are currently approved for cultivation in India
Bt Cotton is the only GM crop approved (non-food use)
Soybean oil from GM soy is imported and consumed after GEAC approval
Labeling mandatory for all GM food products above 1% threshold
Trap: Thinking GM foods are completely banned — imports are allowed with approval
Trap: Confusing cultivation ban with import ban — cultivation banned, imports regulated
Key distinction: GM crops vs GM food products have different approval processes
India's Agricultural Imports
Indian Economy
India's Agricultural Imports: Key Commodities & Trade Patterns
India imports edible oils, pulses, fruits to meet domestic demand
Palm oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil are major import items
Apples, almonds, cashews imported to supplement domestic production
Import Necessity
Despite being an agricultural powerhouse, India imports specific commodities due to demand-supply gaps, climate limitations, and quality preferences in urban markets.
Major Agricultural Import Categories
Category | Key Items | Major Suppliers | Import Value (approx) |
|---|---|---|---|
Edible Oils | Palm oil, Soybean oil, Sunflower oil | Indonesia, Malaysia, Ukraine | ₹1.2 lakh crore |
Pulses | Lentils, Peas, Chickpeas | Canada, Myanmar, Australia | ₹15,000 crore |
Fruits & Nuts | Apples, Almonds, Dates | USA, Afghanistan, Iran | ₹8,000 crore |
Spices | Black Pepper, Cinnamon | Vietnam, Sri Lanka | ₹2,000 crore |
Strategic Considerations
Food security requires diversified import sources to reduce dependency
Quality standards enforced through FSSAI and Agmark certification
Seasonal imports help stabilize domestic prices during lean periods
WTO commitments limit India's ability to impose high agricultural tariffs
Trap: Assuming India is self-sufficient in all agricultural products — significant import dependency exists
Reality check: Even agricultural exports like basmati rice coexist with imports of other varieties
GEAC & Biosafety Regulations
Science And Technology GEAC Genetic Engineering Approval Committee
GEAC: India's Genetic Engineering Regulatory Authority
GEAC is India's apex body for approving GM organisms and products
Functions under Ministry of Environment & Forests since 1989
Applies precautionary principle for biosafety assessment
Mandate & Authority
GEAC operates under the Environment Protection Act 1986 and is India's statutory body for regulating genetic engineering activities. It ensures biosafety before any GM organism enters the environment or food chain.
GEAC Functions
# GEAC Powers
## Research Approval
- Contained research
- Field trials
- Safety studies
## Commercial Release
- Environmental release
- Commercial cultivation
- Import for release
## Import Regulation
- GM food imports
- Research material
- Processing approval
## Monitoring
- Post-release surveillance
- Compliance audits
- Risk assessment updatesGEAC Composition
Member Type | Representation | Expertise Area |
|---|---|---|
Chairperson | Additional Secretary (Environment) | Policy and administration |
Co-Chairperson | Representative from Biotechnology Dept | Biotechnology research |
Members | Scientists from ICMR, ICAR, CSIR | Medical, agricultural, environmental sciences |
Members | State government representatives | Implementation and monitoring |
Key Decisions & Precedents
Bt Cotton approved in 2002 — only GM crop allowed for cultivation
Bt Brinjal moratorium imposed in 2010 despite GEAC approval
GM mustard under consideration with multiple scientific reviews
Imported GM soy/canola oil approved for food use after safety assessment
Trap: Confusing GEAC with FSSAI — GEAC handles biosafety, FSSAI handles food safety
Trap: Thinking GEAC only deals with crops — covers all GM organisms including microbes
Key point: GEAC approval is mandatory by law, not optional