GM maize and its health implications for humans
Michael Antoniou, head of the Nuclear Biology Group in the UK, has been studying the health effects of genetically modified (GM) crops since 1995.…
'They asked me to withdraw my court case'
P PARDHA SARADHI is tenacious. This mild-mannered professor at the Department of Environmental Studies at the University of Delhi (DU) has …
GEAC has power only to withdraw permission
Arjula R Reddy, a plant geneticist, was appointed co-chairperson of the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) in 2009. At present, he …
Everyone is stealing germplasm
When agronomist Ralladoddi Hampaiah was advisor to the Russian government, he discovered how easy it was to take genetic resources out of India. …
Who is watching GM crops?
As India gets ready to unleash a vast number of genetically modified (GM) food crops, politicians have joined activists in opposing engineered …
European Parliament opposes import of three herbicide-resistant GM crops
The three GM soybeans are engineered to tolerate spraying with glyphosate or a combination of glyphosate and other herbicides
The Pellipadugu Declaration on Food Sovereignty
Adivasi, dalit, pastoralist and peasant communities declare food security can only be met through Food Sovereignty
Why the world is worried about this new biotechnology
In the Convention on Biological Diversity, a moratorium on biotechnology, like genetically engineered mosquitoes, takes centre stage
‘BRAI will benefit both private and public sectors’
Introduction of the Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India (BRAI) Bill has brought cheers to the agri-biotechnology industry that was facing …
Biotech is not just GM
Michael Antoniou teaches Molecular Genetics at King's College, London. In his spare time, he likes to help non-profits with information on the …
Science meets fiction
Down To Earth invites sci-fi buffs and writers to take its readers on a guided tour of the world of science fiction that throws a mirror to the …
Delhi University's gene mystery
Department of Science and Technology has no idea where GM lines in a high-profile case came from and who gave permission for research
Even Japan not equipped to protect biosafety, says anti-GM group
Consumers' Union of Japan says its government has been unable to deal with the health and livelihood problems arising from imported GM canola
Regulatory battle
Industry and activists have expressed conflicting opinions on GM crops. GEAC has a difficult decision to make
GM food debate hots up again
Gilles-Eric Seralini, one of the first scientists to warn the world about the dangers of genetically modified food, counters pro-GM scientists in …
Act of omission
Public institutions do not seek permission from the biodiversity authority before genetically manipulating crops
Funds a major constraint in implementing Cartagena Protocol
Parties to the protocol emphasise on need for capacity building for managing risks from genetically engineered products
Test tube brinjal
Indian regulators are keen to clear Bt brinjal for commercial cultivation. This would be India’s first genetically modified food crop. If …
Biosafety conference urges for ratification of protocol on liability and redress for damage caused by GMOs
Ad hoc expert committee will look into socio-economic considerations of impacts of genetically modified organisms
The GM maize rats
Findings of the Seralini lab on effect of Monsanto’s GM maize on rats set off a global furore
Decision on capacity building to handle GMOs tops biosafety meet agenda
Countries have reported they lack appropriate legal, institutional and technical capacity for decision making on genetically modified organisms
Pro-GM farmers stage protest near Parliament
Farmers' organisations demand rejection of technical experts committee report recommending indefinite ban on field trials of GM crops
Civil society groups appeal against sacrificing biosafety for biotech companies
Urge governments to implement biosafety protocols and adopting cautious approach towards risky technologies like genetic engineering
Rogue GM crops wreak havoc
Monsanto’s unauthorised GM wheat in the US has spooked the world, but contamination is widespread
Activists object to food safety draft issued by FSSAI for GM crops; demand amendments
FSSAI notification lacks tests for potential toxicity, allergenicity and checking for long-term effects