Genome India project

11.01.2025

Genome India project

Why in the news?   

The Prime Minister of India lauded the successful completion of the Genome India Project, calling it a historic step in India's research landscape.

About Genome India Project:

• It is a national initiative started in January 2020 to map the genetic diversity of India's population.
• It is a multi-institution consortium project which is supported and funded by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India.
• It aims to decode the genetic diversity of India's population through large scale genome sequencing

Objectives of the Genome India Project :

• Create an exhaustive catalog of genetic variations (common, low frequency, rare, single nucleotide polymorphisms, or SNPs, and structural variations) in Indians.
• Create a reference haplotype structure for Indians. This reference panel can be used for imputing missing genetic variation in future studies.
• Design genome-wide arrays for research and diagnostics at an affordable cost.
• Establish a biobank for DNA and plasma collected for future use in research.

Key highlights of the project:

○Genome sequencing of 10,000 individuals: The project successfully sequenced genomes of 10,074 samples, covering 99 ethnic groups.

○Creation of a genetic database: Data is securely stored at the Indian Biological Data Centre and will serve as a reference for researchers.

○Genetic insights for public health: The study revealed unique genetic variations, some with clinical significance, paving the way for precision medicine.

○Phase 1 analysis: Detailed quality checks and joint genotyping of 5,750 samples have uncovered rare genetic variations unique to Indian populations.

• This ‘Genome India’ database will now be available to researchers across the world for investigations and is housed at the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC), in Faridabad, Haryana.
• Significance: It can help advance the treatment of genetic and infectious diseases.

                                                                  Source: India Today

Consider the following statements regarding the ‘Genome India Project’:

Statement-I:It is an initiative to map the genetic diversity of India's population.

Statement-II:It is supported and funded by the World Health Organisation.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

A.Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.

B.Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I.

C.Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect.

D.Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct.

Answer C