The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee is constituted under the

The correct answer is C) Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. GEAC is constituted under the Rules for the Manufacture, Use, Import, Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms/Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells, 1989, which were framed under the EP Act. It functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and appraises proposals involving the release of genetically engineered organisms into the environment, including GM crop field trials.

• A) Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006: This Act governs food standards and FSSAI. Food safety rules do touch GM foods, but GEAC does not derive its authority from this Act.
• B) Geographical Indications of Goods Act, 1999: It protects products linked to a place of origin, such as Darjeeling tea. It has no role in regulating genetic engineering.
• D) Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: It deals with protected areas and wild species. It has no link to GEAC.

The core concept is the environmental regulation of biotechnology under umbrella legislation. For Mains (GS-III), this connects to biosafety and the GM mustard debate, where GEAC's role in approving environmental release drew scrutiny. The proposed Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India has been discussed for years, but to my knowledge it has not been enacted, so GEAC's basis still rests on the EP Act route.

Trap: candidates pick the Food Safety Act because GM food feels like a food issue. The real hook is regulation of release into the environment.