UPSC Prelims 2026 · Question 73 of 96

UPSC Prelims 2026 question on Genomeindia Project

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. 1 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 2 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3
Show answer

Answer: B. 2 and 3 only

Verdict

Statements 2 and 3 are correct, so the answer is Option (b).

Analysis

The GenomeIndia Project is an indigenous initiative of India and is independent of the Human Genome Project, which was an international effort completed in 2003. The project is funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, and is coordinated by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, along with multiple partner institutions. Its primary objective is to create a comprehensive reference database by mapping the genetic diversity of the Indian population through genome sequencing of individuals from diverse ethnic and linguistic groups.

Statement by statement

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Human Genome Project was a global initiative completed in 2003, whereas the GenomeIndia Project is an independent Indian programme focused on studying genetic variations specific to India's population.

Statement 2 is correct: The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) serves as the principal funding agency for the GenomeIndia Project under the Government of India.

Statement 3 is correct: The project seeks to sequence 10,000 Indian genomes to create a reference database that reflects the genetic diversity across India's various population groups.

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