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Topic Genetically modified crops
Asked 6 times across 2 UPSC exams over 44 years (1979–2023), peaking in 2010.
Key insights
- Most tested in CSE — 5 of 6 PYQs
- Most asked in 2010
- Recurs across 5 years (1979–2023)
How it travelled across exams
First appearance in each exam — the same idea, reframed.
CSE 1979 → GEO 2023
How the concept evolved
Long-running — most appearances (4 of 6) predate 2016, and it still returns.
Related concepts
Ideas UPSC tests alongside this one — keep exploring.
Sample questions
You've seen the pattern — here are a few of the actual PYQs.
GEO2023
Bt Cotton is a genetically modified crop with a foreign gene from
- A Bacillus thermolactis
- B Bacillus thuringiensis ✓
- C Bacillus thermophilus
- D Bacillus tequilensis
✓ Correct answer: (B)
Science & Technology › Biotech & Genetics
CSE2021
Bollgard I and Bollgard II technologies are mentioned in the context of
- A clonal propagation of crop plants
- B developing genetically modified crop plants ✓
- C production of plant growth substances
- D production of biofertilizers
✓ Correct answer: (B)
Science & Technology › Biotech & Genetics
CSE2012
What are the reasons for the people's resistance to the introduction of Bt brinjal in India?
- Bt brinjal has been created by inserting a gene from a soil fungus into its genome
- The seeds of Bt brinjal are terminator seeds and therefore, the farmers have to buy the seeds before every season from the seed companies
- There is an apprehension that the consumption of Bt brinjal may have adverse impact on health
- 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 :
- A 1 and 2 only
- B 3 and 4 only
- C 1, 2 and 4 only ✓
- D 1, 2, 3 and 4
✓ Correct answer: (C)
Science & Technology › Biotech & Genetics
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