Bt Cotton — Predicted 2026

AI-Predicted Question Angles for UPSC 2026

Based on trend analysis, current affairs, and recurring themes in Bt Cotton.

The future of Bt cotton in India amidst evolving pest resistance and the push for new GM traits. (GS-III: Science & Technology, Agriculture)

High

The emergence of pink bollworm resistance to Bollgard-II Bt cotton is a critical and ongoing challenge. This necessitates the development and approval of new stacked gene events or alternative GM traits. The policy debate around herbicide-tolerant (HT) cotton is also very active. UPSC often focuses on current challenges and future directions in key agricultural technologies. This angle allows for discussion of scientific innovation, regulatory hurdles, and farmer welfare. Vyyuha's Exam Radar indicates this is a high-probability question, requiring knowledge of specific Cry genes, resistance mechanisms, and the regulatory process for new GM crops.

Critically evaluate India's regulatory framework for GM crops, particularly in light of the Bt cotton experience and the Cartagena Protocol. (GS-III: Science & Technology, Environment; GS-II: Governance)

Medium-High

The regulatory framework for GM crops in India is robust but often criticized for delays, lack of transparency, and enforcement issues. The Bt cotton experience provides a rich case study to evaluate the effectiveness of bodies like GEAC and RCGM. Questions linking domestic regulation to international agreements like the Cartagena Protocol are common. This angle tests knowledge of institutional mechanisms, legal frameworks, and their practical application, which is crucial for governance and environment sections. Vyyuha's Exam Radar suggests this could be a Mains question requiring a critical assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the regulatory system.

Beyond Bt cotton: Discuss the role of agricultural biotechnology in enhancing food security and farmer income in India, considering ethical and environmental dimensions. (GS-III: Science & Technology, Agriculture, Economy)

Medium

While Bt cotton is a specific application, UPSC often broadens the scope to the general role of agricultural biotechnology, with Bt cotton serving as a primary example. This question allows for discussion of other GM crops (e.g., Golden Rice development [VY:SCI-07-03-01], GM mustard), gene editing technologies (CRISPR), and their potential to address food security and farmer income challenges. It also requires an examination of the ethical (e.g., corporate control, farmer choice) and environmental (e.g., biosafety, sustainability) dimensions, making it a comprehensive question. Vyyuha's Exam Radar highlights the importance of connecting specific technologies to broader developmental goals and their associated challenges.