2012 GS Paper I, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2012 · GS Paper I

Question 64: Science and Technology

What are the reasons for the people's resistance to the introduction of Bt brinjal in India?

  1. 1.Bt brinjal has been created by inserting a gene from a soil fungus into its genome.
  2. 2.The seeds of Bt brinjal are 'terminator' seeds and therefore, the farmers have to buy the seeds before every season from the seed companies.
  3. 3.There is an apprehension that the consumption of Bt brinjal may have adverse impact on health.
  4. 4.There is some concern that the introduction of Bt brinjal may have adverse effect on the biodiversity.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

a1, 2 and 3 only
b2 and 3 only
c3 and 4 only
d1, 2, 3 and 4

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).

Bt brinjal carries a gene from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis, not from a fungus, to resist the fruit and shoot borer. It is not a terminator-seed crop. The concerns that fuelled opposition, leading to a moratorium in 2010, were possible effects on human health and on biodiversity, including brinjal's many local varieties.

  • 1. The gene is from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis, not a fungus.
  • 2. Bt brinjal seeds are not terminator seeds.
  • 3. Possible health effects were a key concern.
  • 4. Effects on biodiversity were a key concern.

How you could have got this

  1. If you were sure statement 2 is not correct, (a), (b) and (d) go: each of them includes 2.

    What you needed to know: Bt brinjal seeds are not terminator seeds.

Only (c) is left. You didn’t need statements 1, 3 or 4.

Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Wrong: the gene comes from a bacterium, and the seeds are not terminator seeds.
  • (b) Wrong: statement 2 on terminator seeds is false; the health concern is right but biodiversity is missing.
  • (c) Correct: health and biodiversity concerns.
  • (d) Wrong: statements 1 and 2 are false.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2012, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.