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Indian Express
2 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
Gujarat to create genome database of tribal communities: what's the project, why
In a first in the country, the Gujarat government has announced a genome sequencing project to create a database from 29 tribal groups across 17 districts of the state. The exercise, a local extension of the recently completed Genome India Project (GIP), will be carried out over the next five years. The entire eastern belt of Gujarat, which shares borders with Rajasthan in the north, Madhya Pradesh in the east and Maharashtra in the south, has districts with a predominantly tribal population. The Genome India Project — its report was released by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January — saw 10,000 genomes from 83 diverse groups processed and stored at the Indian Biological Data Centre. It had around 1,800 samples from Gujarat, which included around 100 samples from tribal communities, not enough to represent them. Thus, the Gujarat Tribal Genome Sequencing Project aims to gain critical insight into the genetic makeup of these tribal groups, which, at 15% of the state's population, consist of approximately 1 crore people. This initiative is also expected to enrich the Central Genome India dataset. The project, approved in the Gujarat budget of 2025-26, will be helmed by the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC). Implications of the project Mona Khandhar, Principal Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, said the understanding of genome characteristics will help the government in making more focused programmes. Subject enrollment will take place after a formal launch of the project by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, so that awareness begins before field researchers go to the villages. 'Our field teams will seek help from the local administration, communities, as well as the political leadership. This is why it was important to explain the project to MPs and MLAs. We are also taking help from researchers at Birsa Munda Bhavan and the Tribal Development Department,' said a scientist involved in the project. The project's six-point agenda includes capturing the unique diversity of India's population, improving diagnosis of rare diseases, supporting development of novel drugs, developing precision medical treatments tailored to genetic profiles, building a genomic reference panel for the tribal population, and boosting public health research infrastructure. Many among the tribal communities from Gujarat have excelled in sports. Director of GBRC Prof Chaitanya Joshi said, 'These tribes can be very good in, say, archery, or skills other communities may not have. So what are the genes associated with that? With this project, skill sets associated with genes can be identified.' Health aspect Health problems like malnutrition, anaemia, low BMI, prevalence of genetic diseases like sickle cell anaemia, G6PD deficiency are common in the tribal communities in Gujarat. Scientist and Joint Director at the GBRC Amrutlal K Patel said, 'So far, the medicines developed have been studied on the western population and we haven't explored the Indian genome. Diseases are more prevalent in specific communities and ethnicity also due to the Indian tradition of endogamy, as a result of which genome variations are conserved within castes.' Patel gave an example of how deaths due to organ failure were reported in certain tribes when they crossed 30 years of age. Two years ago, the GBRC researched some patients and their first degree family members, and found this was due to the mutation of the transthyretin (TTR) gene, resulting in the aggregation of protein that reached the organs, causing failure. Some mutations increase the chances of a disease, for instance BRCA1 and 2 genes in breast cancer. These are generally detected after 50 years of age and after tests. 'We can identify these in advance and design a policy that can prevent the prevalence of breast cancer. All these measures decline the disease burden on the community and thus the state government,' a scientist said. The process As part of this project, scientists will collect samples from 4,158 individuals from various tribal communities, including data on their physical measurements and blood biochemistry, and create a 2,000-strong diverse database of tribal genomes. 'We will genotype the samples and remove those that are genetically close to each other. Out of 4,158, we will do SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) type genotyping and take those with the most diverse genetics. The precaution is also because there might be bias during sample collection, which can then be eliminated at the analysis stage,' an official said. Of these, 378 will be trio samples. This means that samples will be taken of three members of the same family, including an individual as well as his/her biological parents. The other 3,780 will be individual samples. Apart from blood samples, stool samples will also be collected for microbial information. The role of the tribal department, according to Shahmeena Husain, principal secretary, will be to facilitate the technical team. 'We will facilitate the technical team as it will be a task to convince people to give samples.' Apart from name, education, medical history, information collected would include genealogical tree and addictions, physical characteristics like height, weight, BP, blood sugar, and waist measurement. The analysis After the samples have been collected, they will be stored at GBRC, where haematological and biochemical analysis of blood samples will take place. 'First, when the samples come from the field to the lab in Gandhinagar, they will be given Unique IDs. So those who receive the samples will neither know the gender nor the tribe of the person whose sample they are running through the process. This first round of encryption will be stored in our servers. Then, when it goes into the final process of Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), the data will be encrypted for the second time,' said a researcher close to the project. Joshi said Odisha and Madhya Pradesh, which have 22% and 21% tribal population respectively, have shown interest in the project. 'Modalities on whether they want to be a part of it or contribute to it will be decided by the state, but if they approach us, we are ready.'
Indian Express
05-07-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
‘Gujarat's recent policy initiatives closely aligned with India's national vision for services sector'
Written by Jay Jani Gujarat's recent policy initiatives are closely aligned with India's national vision for the services sector, said Mona Khandhar, Principal Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), at a round table recently organised by the Gujarat Department of Science and Technology (DST) and HSBC at the GIFT City to promote Global Capability Centres (GCC) Policy 2025-30. Around 27 Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) and senior executives of 27 leading national and international companies participated in the event. Addressing the gathering on Thursday, Khandhar said, 'In just the past year, the Gujarat government has implemented over five key policies to promote innovation, investment, and institutional development.' She also underlined Gujarat's strengths, including 'a robust legal-administrative framework and gender-inclusive business environment, making it one of the most trusted and investment-friendly destinations in India'. Opening the discussion, Mr Avasar Vipathi, CEO of HSBC and Head of GIFT City Branch, reiterated HSBC's commitment to supporting investment and innovation in Gujarat. Avantha Vamshra, Managing Director and Head of Markets and Securities Services, HSBC India, praised the state's fast-paced development and emphasised the crucial role GCCs could play in the next growth phase. She noted that Gujarat's ecosystem offers structural support for Research & Development (R&D), talent development, and sustainable expansion. During the session, officials from GIFT City and the DST gave detailed presentations on the government's key industry incentives and the policy framework supporting GCC growth. Industry participants expressed enthusiasm about expanding their operations in Gujarat and praised the 'clarity and pro-investor approach' of the GCC policy. Many remarked that the CaPEX (Capital Expenditure) and OpEX (Operational Expenditure) support offered would significantly aid long-term organisational planning and scalability. (Jay Jani is an intern with The Indian Express)
Time of India
16-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Tata Electronics builds India's 1st semiconductor fabrication unit: Gujarat enables 1,500 residential units; mainly for Tata Group staff, suppliers
The first chip production from Dholera would commence by December 2026. (AI image) India's 1st semiconductor fabrication unit: Gujarat is facilitating the construction of 1,500 residential accommodations for expatriates and staff members of the Tata Group and its vendors at Dholera, Ahmedabad district, where the organisation is establishing India's first semiconductor fabrication facility. The development is taking place within the Dholera Special Investment Region. The Rs 91,000 crore Tata Electronics fabrication facility is projected to create over 20,000 skilled employment opportunities, both direct and indirect. Construction has commenced on an additional 1,000 units, supplementing the existing 500 apartments, with completion anticipated by February-March next year. These serviced accommodations offer options of one, two or three bedrooms. "There is an availability of about 275 apartments currently of which about 250 have been occupied by the Tata Group and their suppliers and other ecosystem companies, while 225 are nearing completion," said Mona Khandhar, principal secretary at the Department of Science and Technology in Gujarat according to an ET report . "They are in Dholera, in the vicinity of the upcoming fab and have been occupied by the teams presently stationed there. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo " At the ground-breaking event of the Tata facility in Dholera in March 2024, union minister for electronics and information technology Ashwani Vaishnaw said that the first chip production from Dholera would commence by December 2026. Tata Electronics semiconductor unit "The Gujarat government hasn't directly constructed these (residential) facilities," Khandhar explained. "Private developers have undertaken the projects on plots auctioned through a special purpose vehicle established by the Gujarat government. These dwellings are separate from those the Tata Group plans to develop independently." Also Read | Big win! China companies now exporting 'Made in India' smartphones & electronics to US, West Asia; notable shift for Chinese brands The initial phase involves a 10-acre allocation to the Tata Group, with plans to complete 530 apartments by mid-2027, she indicated. "As the Tata Group serves as an anchor investor, we ensure their consultation when necessary to maintain coordinated efforts," she said. The Gujarat government is facilitating infrastructure development for Tata Group employees and suppliers, including expatriate staff. The development encompasses a fire station, school, hospital, desalination plant, hotel and additional facilities including a 'Global Tent City'. The Gujarat government intends to create an environment in Dholera reminiscent of expatriates' native countries. The Global Tent City will feature culinary streets representing Taiwan, Korea, Japan, the US and various European nations. Plans also include a premium mall and accommodation facilities. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Economic Times
16-06-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Gujarat eyes 1,500 apartments to house Tata fab staff, suppliers
ETtech ETtech Live Events The Gujarat government is enabling the setting up of 1,500 residential units to house expats and other employees of the Tata Group and its suppliers at Dholera in Ahmedabad district where the conglomerate is building India's first semiconductor fabrication unit."There is an availability of about 275 apartments currently of which about 250 have been occupied by the Tata Group and their suppliers and other ecosystem companies, while 225 are nearing completion," said Mona Khandhar, principal secretary at the Department of Science and Technology in Gujarat. "They are in Dholera, in the vicinity of the upcoming fab and have been occupied by the teams presently stationed there."Apart from these 500 units, construction has begun for another 1,000 apartments which will be available by around February-March next year, she said. These are like serviced apartments and come with one, two or three facilities are being built in the Dholera Special Investment Region. Tata Electronics' upcoming Rs 91,000 crore fab is expected to generate more than 20,000 direct and indirect skilled at the ground-breaking ceremony of the Tata unit at Dholera in March 2024, union minister for electronics and information technology Ashwani Vaishnaw predicted that the first chip from Dholera would be out by December 2026."The Gujarat government has not built these (residential) facilities directly," Khandhar said. "The plots have been auctioned by the special purpose vehicle set up by the Gujarat government and private developers have taken on the projects. These apartments are different from the ones that the Tata Group is looking to set up on their own."In the first phase, 10 acres have been allotted to the Tata Group and it is expected that they will complete 530 apartments by mid-2027, she said."Since the Tata Group is an anchor investor, whenever they need to be consulted, we consult them so that everyone works in tandem," she Gujarat government is also providing support by building facilities for the employees of Tata Group and its suppliers, many of whom are expats. A fire station, school, hospital, desalination plant, hotel and other amenities like a 'Global Tent City' are also being set up reported on March 29 that the Gujarat government was aiming to recreate the 'look and feel' of the home countries of the expats in Dholera. The Global Tent City, for instance, is expected to house food streets from Taiwan, Korea, Japan, the US and some European nations. A high-end mall and a hotel or guesthouse will also come up Electronics has been hiring top executives from chip makers like Intel and GlobalFoundries. ET reported on May 26 that the company had hired Tim McIntosh from Intel as vice-president and head of operations and manufacturing excellence of Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test (TSAT).Tata Electronics chief executive and managing director Randhir Thakur too had come from Intel. In April, the company appointed GlobalFoundries' Asia president KC Ang as president and head of Tata Semiconductor Manufacturing.
Time of India
16-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Gujarat eyes 1,500 apartments to house Tata fab staff, suppliers
The Gujarat government is enabling the setting up of 1,500 residential units to house expats and other employees of the Tata Group and its suppliers at Dholera in Ahmedabad district where the conglomerate is building India's first semiconductor fabrication unit. "There is an availability of about 275 apartments currently of which about 250 have been occupied by the Tata Group and their suppliers and other ecosystem companies, while 225 are nearing completion," said Mona Khandhar, principal secretary at the Department of Science and Technology in Gujarat. "They are in Dholera, in the vicinity of the upcoming fab and have been occupied by the teams presently stationed there." ETtech Apart from these 500 units, construction has begun for another 1,000 apartments which will be available by around February-March next year, she said. These are like serviced apartments and come with one, two or three bedrooms. ETtech These facilities are being built in the Dholera Special Investment Region. Tata Electronics' upcoming Rs 91,000 crore fab is expected to generate more than 20,000 direct and indirect skilled jobs. Discover the stories of your interest Blockchain 5 Stories Cyber-safety 7 Stories Fintech 9 Stories E-comm 9 Stories ML 8 Stories Edtech 6 Stories Speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony of the Tata unit at Dholera in March 2024, union minister for electronics and information technology Ashwani Vaishnaw predicted that the first chip from Dholera would be out by December 2026. "The Gujarat government has not built these (residential) facilities directly," Khandhar said. "The plots have been auctioned by the special purpose vehicle set up by the Gujarat government and private developers have taken on the projects. These apartments are different from the ones that the Tata Group is looking to set up on their own." In the first phase, 10 acres have been allotted to the Tata Group and it is expected that they will complete 530 apartments by mid-2027, she said. "Since the Tata Group is an anchor investor, whenever they need to be consulted, we consult them so that everyone works in tandem," she said. The Gujarat government is also providing support by building facilities for the employees of Tata Group and its suppliers, many of whom are expats. A fire station, school, hospital, desalination plant, hotel and other amenities like a 'Global Tent City' are also being set up there. ET reported on March 29 that the Gujarat government was aiming to recreate the 'look and feel' of the home countries of the expats in Dholera. The Global Tent City, for instance, is expected to house food streets from Taiwan, Korea, Japan, the US and some European nations. A high-end mall and a hotel or guesthouse will also come up there. Tata Electronics has been hiring top executives from chip makers like Intel and GlobalFoundries. ET reported on May 26 that the company had hired Tim McIntosh from Intel as vice-president and head of operations and manufacturing excellence of Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test (TSAT). Tata Electronics chief executive and managing director Randhir Thakur too had come from Intel. In April, the company appointed GlobalFoundries' Asia president KC Ang as president and head of Tata Semiconductor Manufacturing.
