Consider the following statements:Statement I: India does not import apples from the United States o

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Question

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?

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: D — Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correctStep-by-step Solution:Statement I — India does not import apples from USA: This is incorrect. India does import apples from the United States. In fact, India decided to drop its 20% retaliatory tariff on US apples in early 2024, which had been imposed in 2019 in retaliation against the Trump administration's removal of India's GSP (Generalised System of Preferences) benefits. Following this tariff reduction, US apple imports to India surged dramatically — reportedly 16 times more than the previous year's figures in early 2024. Before the retaliatory tariff, US was a significant apple supplier to India. ✗Statement II — Indian law prohibits import of GM food without competent authority approval: This is correct. Under India's regulatory framework, import of Genetically Modified (GM) food, GM seeds, and Living Modified Organisms (LMOs) requires prior approval from the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), as well as clearance from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Indian Customs cannot clear GM food products without the requisite approvals/NOC from FSSAI. ✓Why other options are incorrect:Option A: Incorrect. Statement I is factually wrong — India does import US apples.Option B: Incorrect. Statement I is incorrect.Option C: Incorrect. Statement I is incorrect, and Statement II is correct (not the other way round).Key Concept: India–USA trade relations: GSP dispute: In 2019, USA removed India from GSP (duty-free export access for developing countries); India retaliated with higher tariffs on 28 US products including apples, walnuts, almonds; Both countries subsequently negotiated a partial resolution. GM food regulation in India: GEAC (Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee) — under MoEFCC; gives approval for environmental release of GM organisms and products; FSSAI — regulates food safety including GM food labelling and import NOC; Environment Protection Act 1986 + Rules 1989 — foundational legislation for GM regulation. Only GM crop approved for commercial cultivation in India: Bt Cotton (since 2002). No GM food crop has been approved for commercial cultivation in India, though field trials for Bt Brinjal, GM Mustard (HT Mustard DMH-11) and others have been debated. India is a large apple producer (Himachal Pradesh, J&K) but also imports premium varieties from USA, New Zealand, and South Africa.

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