Genome India Initiative

GS-III: Genome India Initiative

Context

India is planning to launch its first Human Genome Mapping project.

What is Genome?

A genome is an organism’s complete set of DNA, including all its genes.
It contains all the information needed to build and maintain that organism.
By sequencing the genome, researchers can discover the functions of genes and identify which of them are critical for life.

Genome Initiative

The project involves scanning of 20,000 Indian genomes (in the next five years) in order to develop diagnostic tests and effective therapies for treating diseases such as cancer.
It is to be implemented by The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology.

The project is to be carried out in two phases:

The first phase of the project involves sequencing the complete genomes of 10,000 healthy Indians.
The second phase involves genome sequencing of 10,000 diseased individuals.
Data on human sequencing would be accessible to researchers through a proposed National Biological Data Centre envisaged in Biological Data Storage, Access and Sharing Policy.

Significance

Healthcare: For new advancements in medical science (like predictive diagnosis and precision medicine, genomic information) and in disease management, genome sequencing can play a crucial role.

Through genome sequencing methodology, researchers and clinicians can easily detect the disease related to genetic disorders.
Genetic Screening: The genome project will lead to improved techniques of genetic screening for diseases prior to birth.

Way Forward

Discrimination: Discrimination based on genotype is a possible consequence of genome sequencing.
Ownership and Control: Apart from the issue of privacy and confidentiality, questions of ownership and control of genetic information become critical.
Fair Use of Genetic Data: For insurance, employment, criminal justice, education, adoption, and the military is necessary.

Source: The Hindu

Join Our Telegram

Biometric Token System

From Plate to Plough: In the shade of solar trees.

Formation Day

03 Dec, 25
SHARE

On 1st November, eight Indian states—Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu—along with five Union Territories—Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Delhi, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry—celebrate their Formation Day. This date marks an important milestone in India

Turtle (Kachhua) Wildlife Sanctuary

02 Dec, 25
SHARE

The Turtle Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as the Kachhua Sanctuary, is located in the Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh. It is recognised as India’s first freshwater turtle wildlife sanctuary, established to conserve endangered turtle species and support the ecological health of the Ganga River. Location and Extent The sanctuary co

Introduction of AI and Computational Thinking (CT) in

02 Dec, 25
SHARE

The Ministry of Education plans to introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Computational Thinking (CT) from Class 3 onwards in the 2026–27 academic year. This initiative is part of the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023 and aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The aim is to prepare student

Sal Tree

02 Dec, 25
SHARE

Scientists from the Environment Department of Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) in Shimla have recently revealed that the Sal tree (Shorea robusta) is the most effective natural air purifier for combating rising pollution levels. Their findings highlight the tree’s superior capacity to trap dust, absorb gases, and cleanse the air compared

US Resumes Nuclear Weapon Testing

02 Dec, 25
SHARE

The President of the United States has ordered the resumption of nuclear weapon testing after a gap of 33 years, the last test being in 1992. This decision marks a significant shift in global nuclear policy and has far-reaching implications for geopolitics, the environment, and international security. Status of Global Nuclear Weapon Testing