Question

India has become the first country in the world to develop a genome-edited variety of rice with the help of ICAR.

• A. IR64
• B. Matta
• C. Genome-edited
• D. MTU-1010

Hint:

Remember: Genome-edited rice in India \(\rightarrow\) MTU-1010 ICAR + CRISPR technology + MTU-1010 is an important current affairs and agricultural biotechnology fact frequently asked in examinations.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Concept: Genome editing is a modern biotechnology technique that allows scientists to make precise modifications within an organism's DNA. Unlike conventional genetic modification that may involve inserting foreign genes, genome editing can alter existing genes with great accuracy. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has played a significant role in advancing agricultural biotechnology and developing improved crop varieties for food security and sustainable agriculture.

Step 1: Understanding genome editing in agriculture. Genome editing technologies such as CRISPR-Cas9 enable scientists to:

• Improve crop productivity.

• Enhance disease resistance.

• Increase drought tolerance.

• Improve nutrient-use efficiency.

• Strengthen climate resilience.
Because the modifications are highly targeted, genome editing is regarded as one of the most promising tools in modern agricultural science.

Step 2: Examining India's achievement. Scientists associated with ICAR successfully developed a genome-edited rice variety, making India the first country to achieve this milestone in rice improvement. The achievement demonstrates India's growing capabilities in:

• Agricultural biotechnology.

• Precision breeding.

• Food security research.

• Sustainable farming innovation.

Step 3: Identifying the rice variety involved. The rice variety selected for genome editing was: \[ \boxed{\text{MTU-1010}} \] MTU-1010 is a widely cultivated, high-yielding rice variety popular in several Indian states. Scientists used genome-editing techniques to improve its performance while maintaining its desirable agricultural characteristics.

Step 4: Analyzing Option (A) IR64. IR64 is a famous high-yielding rice variety developed by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). However, it was not the variety associated with India's genome-editing breakthrough. Therefore, Option (A) is incorrect.

Step 5: Analyzing Option (B) Matta. Matta rice is a traditional rice variety cultivated mainly in Kerala. Although nutritionally valuable and culturally important, it was not the genome-edited variety developed through this project. Therefore, Option (B) is incorrect.

Step 6: Analyzing Option (C) Genome-edited. This option describes a scientific technique rather than the name of a rice variety. Therefore, Option (C) cannot be the correct answer.

Step 7: Analyzing Option (D) MTU-1010. MTU-1010 is the specific rice variety that underwent genome editing under the ICAR-led initiative. Therefore, Option (D) is correct.

Step 8: Final conclusion. India became the first country to develop a genome-edited rice variety using: \[ \boxed{\text{MTU-1010}} \] Therefore, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{\text{(D) MTU-1010}} \]