Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi announced that India is no longer dependent on foreign genomic data. This was made at the Genome India Data Conclave.
Dr. Jitendra Singh unveiled the Indian Genomic Data Set and launched the ‘Framework for Exchange of Data Protocols (FeED)’ and the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC) Portals, making 10,000 whole genome samples accessible to researchers across India and the globe.
India has developed its own genomic data set, a monumental achievement that will fuel future medical and scientific breakthroughs. The entire collection of 10,000 whole genome samples, archived at IBDC, is now made available for research purposes not only within India but globally. This data set will serve as a critical resource for genomics research, contributing to advancements in personalized healthcare and medicine.Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology
India is diverse not only in food, culture and geography but also in Genome.Dr. Jitendra singh
While the announcement of the completion of ‘10,000 genome’ project came in February, 2024 the emphasis on the ‘GenomeIndia’ project holds the greatest importance for India's self-reliance in genomic data.
On saying about the significance of GenomeIndia project Dr. Singh emphasized that The data will serve as a foundation for cutting-edge research and will catalyze innovations in areas such as mRNA-based vaccines, protein manufacturing, and genetic disorder treatments.
The minister hails that this prospective growth is the gift of India's new Bioeconomy Policy to make India lead the 4th Industrial Revolution.
These are introduced in 2021 and provide a great hail for India for its commitment to ethical and secure data sharing.
‘Framework for Exchange of Data (FeED)’ Protocols launched under the Biotech-PRIDE Guidelines ensure that high-quality, nation-specific data will be shared in a transparent, fair, and responsible manner.
Dr. Singh also announced future targets for India to achieve an idea of collaborating with prominent institutions to expand this initiative further.
Many renowned personnel hailed the success on various social media platforms and shared their wishes with Indian superbrains.
With the available Genomic Data we can counter genetic and hereditary diseases.Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary of DBT
Though costs are a limiting factor, a million would dramatically scale insight into India's genetic diversity.Kumarasamy Thangaraj of the Centre for Cellular Microbiology, Hyderabad
In the video message, Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi Congratulated the scientific community and reiterated that this success would act as Knowledge hub and Innovation Hub and contribute to make Viksit Bharat @2047.
The ‘GenomeIndia’ project is poised to make India a global hub for genomic research, positioning the country at the forefront of the next scientific and medical revolution.PIB
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Dr. Jude Bencia/MSM)