Which of the following statements with regard to GenomeIndia Project is/are correct? 2. The project is funded by the Department o…

Science & Technology ·Previously asked in Union Public Service Commission Civil Services Examination 2026

View the full solved paper: GS Paper I 2026

Question

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.

  1. A. 1 only
  2. B. 2 and 3 only (Correct answer)
  3. C. 1 and 2 only
  4. D. 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer

Option B — B

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Option B.

Key Points

  • Statement 2 is correct: the GenomeIndia Project is funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India.
  • Statement 3 is correct: its primary aim is to build a comprehensive catalogue of the genetic diversity of the Indian population by sequencing thousands of genomes across India's many communities.
  • Statement 1 is incorrect, and is the key: GenomeIndia is a standalone Indian initiative — it is not part of the international Human Genome Project, which was completed in 2003.
  • GenomeIndia sequenced 10,000 healthy Indian genomes in its first phase to create a reference database, which will help study disease susceptibility and enable precision medicine tailored to Indian populations.

Exam Tip

  • distinguish the global Human Genome Project (finished 2003) from newer national efforts like GenomeIndia — conflating the two is the trap.