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Source – This post on Phenome India Project has been created based on the article “CSIR’s ‘Phenome India’ Project Hits Target with 10,000 Samples Collected, Aims for New Era in Precision Medicine” published in “PIB” on 4 June 2024.
Why in News?
Recently, CSIR completed the first phase of its longitudinal health monitoring project, Phenome India, and hosted a special event called Phenome India Unboxing 1.0.
About Phenome India Project
| Aspects | Description |
| About Phenome India-CSIR Health Cohort Knowledgebase | 1) Phenome India-CSIR Health Cohort Knowledgebase (PI-CheCK) is a project launched by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) on December 7, 2023. 2) This is the first pan-India longitudinal health monitoring study that focuses on cardio-metabolic diseases. 3) Participants: Nearly 10,000 individuals including CSIR employees, pensioners, and their spouses from 17 states and 24 cities are involved. 4) Data Collection: The study collects a wide range of data, including clinical questionnaires, lifestyle and dietary habits, anthropometric measurements, imaging/scanning data, and extensive biochemical and molecular data. |
| Purpose | The initiative aims to create India-specific risk prediction models for cardio-metabolic diseases, including diabetes, liver diseases, and cardiac diseases. |
| Significance | 1) The study is critical for understanding the risk and prevalence of cardio-metabolic disorders in the Indian population, which may vary from Western populations due to ethnic diversity and different lifestyle patterns. 2) CSIR is leveraging this project to promote Predictive, Personalized, Participatory, and Preventive (P4) healthcare, which is customized for the unique phenotypic and genetic profiles of the Indian population. |
About Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
| Aspects | Description |
| About | 1. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is India’s largest research and development (R&D) organization. 2. It was established in September 1942. 3. It operates as an autonomous body under the Societies Registration Act of 1860. 4. CSIR receives its funding from the Ministry of Science and Technology. |
| Headquarters | The headquarters is situated in New Delhi. |
| Focus Areas | CSIR is dedicated to scientific research and development across diverse fields including aerospace, biology, chemistry, earth sciences, engineering, and medical sciences. |
| Organizational Structure | President: The Prime Minister of India serves as the President (Ex-officio). Vice President: The Union Minister of Science and Technology holds the position of Vice President (Ex-officio). |
| Governing Body | Leadership: The Director-General heads the governing body. Members: It includes other ex-officio members like the finance secretary responsible for expenditures. Term Length: Members typically serve terms of three years. |
| CSIR Advisory Board | Composition: It consists of a 15-member panel including distinguished experts from various scientific and technological fields. Role: The board advises the governing body on matters related to science and technology. Member Tenure: Each member’s term also lasts for three years. |
UPSC Syllabus: Polity and nation
