Official UPSC Format

Which of the following statements with regard to GenomeIndia Project is/are correct ?
1. It is a part of the Human Genome Project.
2. The project is funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India.
3. Its primary aim is to build a catalogue of genetic diversity of the Indian population.
Select the answer using the code given below :

1. It is a part of the Human Genome Project.

2. The project is funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India.

3. Its primary aim is to build a catalogue of genetic diversity of the Indian population.

⚡ Quick Recall Snippet

The Department of Biotechnology funds the GenomeIndia Project to catalogue the genetic diversity of the Indian population. The Indian initiative operates independently of the international Human Genome Project.

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Detailed Solution & Authority Citations

Correct Answer is Option B
Let us analyze the structure of this biotechnology initiative based on the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) official mandate:
  • Statement 1 is Incorrect: The GenomeIndia Project (launched in 2020) is a strictly independent, pan-India initiative. It is not a part of the historic international Human Genome Project (which successfully concluded in 2003). GenomeIndia was conceived precisely because the original global project severely underrepresented South Asian genetics.

  • Statement 2 is Correct: The project is a massive indigenous effort fully funded and spearheaded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under the Government of India, coordinating with over 20 premier research institutions.

  • Statement 3 is Correct: The fundamental scientific goal is to sequence 10,000 whole genomes across 99 distinct ethnic and linguistic groups. This creates a comprehensive reference catalogue of the genetic diversity of the Indian population, which is crucial for advancing localized predictive and precision medicine.
    • Conclusion: Statements 2 and 3 correctly describe the project.

    🚨 The Examiner's Trap

    The examiner relies on name association. By stating it is 'a part of the Human Genome Project,' they bait candidates into assuming this is simply an Indian branch of the famous 1990s international effort, rather than a modern, independent Indian response to it.

    Active Recall Flashcard

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    Which government department is responsible for funding the GenomeIndia Project?

    The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), under the Ministry of Science and Technology.

    Concept Flow Mapping

    GenomeIndia Project
    Funded By
    Department of Biotechnology
    GenomeIndia Project
    Maps
    Indian Genetic Diversity
    GenomeIndia Project
    Is Independent Of
    Human Genome Project

    Logic Quest

    "Why does India need its own Genome project?"

    Not analyzing core concepts like National Genetic Sovereignty and Diversity through the lens of Previous Year Questions is a serious miss-out. This PYQ engine is specifically designed to help you decode the examiner's mindset and master highly probable Science & Technology questions for your upcoming Prelims.