Question

<!--td {border: 1px solid #ccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}--> Understanding the vast genetic diversity of India has multiple benefits, yet mapping of Indian genome tends to be controversial. In this context, examine the Genome India Project.

Answer 1

Answer:

Introduction
The Indian subcontinent has been the site of huge migrations which has made India a very special case of almost all races and types intermingling genetically. India presents with the endless variety of physical features and racial diversity.
Every organism comprises a genetic code which is in DNA. The complete set of DNA is called Genome. It consists of all genes which have every information regarding physical features, diseases and traits.

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Genome India Project:
India has initiated a gene mapping project called the ” genome India project “ with the approval of the ministry of science and technology and by the collaboration of 20 institutions including Indian institute of science and some IITs.
This project is funded by the department of biotechnology to sequence the 1st stage of at least 10,000 Indian genomes.
It has a goal to build the grid of Indian reference genome by collecting information and conducting research to understand the type and nature of disease and traits that comprise in Indian diverse population.

Benefits of this Project:
Genome Indian Project will enable new efficiencies in medicine, agriculture and the life care sciences.
Precision Health: The objective of GIP is to develop personalised medicine, anticipate the disease before they develop and modulate the treatment according to the genome of patients. For Ex. Strokes caused to residents of Africa and the cardiovascular disease generally leads to heart attract in South Asians
Sustainable Agriculture: A better understanding of the genome of plants will determine how pests, insects and others issue affecting their productivity and the elements which are favourable to it. This reduces the dependence on chemicals.
International Cooperation: Global science would also benefit a mapping project in one of the world’s most diverse gene pools. This project has aims to study both horizontal and vertical diversity in India horizontal diversity means periodic migration in India from various other countries and vertical diversity means there has been endogamy or inter-marriage practice among distant groups resulting in some traits inherited by just some groups.
Challenges involved in this Project:
Fear of Scientific Racism: GIP raises a social issue as in India, there is already racism and groups (superior Race and inferior race), divided with identity politics. This project may add a genetic dimension to this.
Data and Storage – After sample collection, questions of the anonymity of the data and its use and misuse must be addressed. Keeping data in the cloud is fraught with problems and it raises questions about ownership. India has not yet ratified the Data Privacy Bill with appropriate security measures. Therefore, launching the Genome India project before the privacy question is resolved could lead to another set of problems.
Medical Ethics: A major concern is that doctors may in private practice initiate the genetic modification and selective breeding (eugenics) which is controversial since time immemorial and even before DNA was discovered. Recently Scientist of China created the world's 1st gene-edited baby and he got the punishment of 3 years. The lure to “intervene” may be much more if this kind of knowledge is available, without one being fully aware of the attendant risks

Conclusion:
Genomics is the field of science focusing on the function, structure, mapping, evolution and editing of genes.
To procure India should train the manpower capable of interpreting it to take advantage of the genomics revolution.
The information required has to come from a large and sustained collection of data fully sequenced individual genomes along with medical histories. And there will be a need to have a Data protection system for the individuals to become volunteers for this effort.
National genetic research provides an opportunity to explain the genetic background of the country’s residents. Observing symptoms or disorders can help to understand the genetic distribution of the population of a country. Therefore, genetic data can be a useful source for health care and support, especially for those with a high-risk. In this way, a national genetic project is a tool not only to describe the group that comprises a country but also how to deal with social events in society.