New Delhi, Jan 9: On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the genome sequencing data of 10,000 Indian citizens, marking a significant advancement in biotechnology research.
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The Genome India Data, which reflects the genetic diversity of the nation, will be accessible to researchers at the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC) via “managed access”.
“I firmly believe this will be a pivotal moment in the domain of biotechnology research,” Modi stated in a video message presented at the Genomics Data Conclave convened by the Department of Biotechnology.
He noted that over 20 esteemed research institutions, including IITs, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), have contributed significantly to this initiative.
According to the Prime Minister, this national database encapsulates the remarkable genetic diversity of the country and is poised to become an essential scientific asset.
“It will aid in advancing treatment options for genetic and infectious diseases, encourage the development of novel drugs and precision medicine techniques, and facilitate research into the lifestyles and habits of various communities,” Modi remarked.
Present at the event were Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh, Principal Scientific Adviser Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Secretary of the Department of Health Research Rajiv Bahl, and Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology Rajesh S Gokhale. (PTI)
