Biotech-PRIDE

Why in News

Recently, Biotech-PRIDE (Promotion of Research and Innovation through Data Exchange) Guidelines was released by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology.

  • Further, a website of Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC) was also launched.

Key Points

  • Biotech-PRIDE Guidelines:
    • These guidelines envisage to bridge other existing biological datasets/data centres with the IBDC, which will be called Bio-Grid.
      • This Bio-Grid will be a National Repository for biological knowledge, information and data.
      • Also, Bio-Grid will be responsible for enabling its exchange, developing measures for safety, standards and quality for datasets and establishing detailed modalities for accessing data.
    • These guidelines will be implemented through Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC).
    • Currently, India ranks number 4 amongst the top 20 countries contributing biological databases.
  • Need for Bio-Grid and its Advantages:
    • With a large population of over 135 crore and heterogeneous character of the country, India needs its own exclusive database for Indian research and solutions.
    • This indigenous database will have a huge enabling mechanism for exchange and adoption of data by young scientists and researchers for the benefit of Indian citizens.
    • Sharing a wide range of large scale data advances the understanding of the molecular and biological processes.
      • This will contribute to human health, agriculture, animal husbandry, fundamental research and thus will extend to societal benefits.
    • Advances in DNA sequencing with a steep drop in DNA sequencing cost have enabled government agencies to fund research towards generation of large volumes of biological data in various sectors of Biosciences.
  • Important Schemes and Policies Regarding Biotech:

Source: PIB