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Correct answer : (c) Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

Explanation

The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is a statutory body constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986:

• Legal Basis:

1. 1. • GEAC was established under the "Rules for the Manufacture, Use/Import/Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms/Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells, 1989" (Rules, 1989), framed under Section 6 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
      • The EPA, 1986 provides the legal framework for environmental regulation, including biotechnology oversight.

• Functions:

1. 1. • Regulates activities involving hazardous microorganisms and genetically engineered organisms (GMOs) in research, industrial production, and environmental release.
      • Approves field trials and commercial release of GMOs (e.g., Bt cotton).
      • Monitors compliance with biosafety guidelines to prevent ecological risks.

• Structure:

1. • It operates under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
   • Chaired by the Special Secretary/Additional Secretary of MoEF&CC, with members from institutions like the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

Why Other Options Are Incorrect

• (a) Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006: Focuses on food safety regulations, not GMOs.
• (b) Geographical Indications Act, 1999: Protects regional products (e.g., Darjeeling tea), unrelated to genetic engineering.

(d) Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Aims to conserve wildlife, not regulate biotechnology.

The correct answer is (c) 1 and 3 only.

Analysis of Pairs

1. Alma-Ata Declaration- Healthcare of the people

• Correct.
  • The Alma-Ata Declaration (1978) focuses on primary healthcare as the cornerstone of achieving "Health for All". It emphasizes equitable access, community participation, and addressing social determinants of health.

2. Hague Convention- Biological and chemical weapons

• Incorrect.
  • The Hague Conventions (1899, 1907) primarily addressed laws of war, prohibiting certain weapons (e.g., expanding bullets) and methods. The 1925 Geneva Protocol specifically banned chemical and biological weapons, not the Hague Convention.

3. Talanoa Dialogue- Global climate change

• Correct.
  • The Talanoa Dialogue (2017–2018) was a UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) process to assess global climate efforts under the Paris Agreement, aiming to limit temperature rise to 1.5°C.

4. Under2 Coalition- Child rights

• Incorrect.
  • The Under2 Coalition is a global alliance of subnational governments committed to climate action (net-zero emissions by 2050). It has no link to child rights, which are addressed in other frameworks like the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

Answer:
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Explanation:

• Carriers of Drugs and Antigens (Statement 1):

1. 1. • Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are widely used as drug delivery carriers for anticancer agents (e.g., doxorubicin, paclitaxel) and antigen delivery in vaccines. Functionalized CNTs enhance drug solubility, target specificity, and reduce toxicity.

• Artificial Blood Capillaries (Statement 2):

1. 1. • While CNTs have shown some promising biomedical applications, the development of functional artificial blood capillaries using CNTs remains beyond the current state of technology.

• Biochemical Sensors (Statement 3):

1. 1. • CNTs are used in electrochemical, optical, and field-effect biosensors for detecting pathogens, heavy metals, and biomarkers. Their high surface area and electrical conductivity make them ideal for sensing applications.

• Biodegradability (Statement 4):

1. • Functionalized CNTs can be biodegraded by oxidative enzymes (e.g., myeloperoxidase) and microbes (e.g., bacteria, fungi). This property addresses long-term toxicity concerns.

The correct answer is (c) 1 and 3 only.

Explanation:

• Plant cells have cellulose cell walls, while animal cells do not:

1. 1. • Correct. Plant cells have a rigid cellulose cell wall outside the plasma membrane, providing structural support. Animal cells lack cell walls.

• Plant cells do not have a plasma membrane, unlike animal cells:

1. 1. • Incorrect. Both plant and animal cells have a plasma membrane. The cell wall in plants is an additional outer layer.

• Mature plant cell has one large vacuole whilst animal cell has many small vacuoles.:

1. • Correct. Mature plant cells contain a large central vacuole (occupies ~80% of cell volume) for storage and turgor pressure. Animal cells have smaller, multiple vacuoles.

Additional Info

Correct Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

Analysis of Statements:

Statement 1: The leader of an elephant group is a female.

Correct

• Elephant herds are matriarchal, led by the oldest female (matriarch). She guides the group in finding food, water, and ensuring safety.

Statement 2: The maximum gestation period can be 22 months.

Correct

• Indian elephants have the longest gestation period among land mammals, lasting 18–22 months.

Statement 3: An elephant can normally go on calving till the age of 40 years only.

Incorrect

• Female elephants typically start breeding at 12–14 years and continue until 50–60 years, not 40.
• The average lifespan of an elephant is 70 years, with reproductive activity extending well beyond.

Statement 4: Among the States in India, the highest elephant population is in Kerala.

Incorrect

• Karnataka has the highest elephant population (6,399 as of 2023), followed by Assam (5,719) and Kerala (3,054).
• Kerala ranks third, making this statement factually incorrect.