INSACOG (Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium) was established for:

Explanation

INSACOG is a consortium of government laboratories used for genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 samples. It was set up to monitor genomic variations in SARS-CoV-2 through whole genome sequencing and to help track variants of concern. The PIB release supports that purpose: positive samples were sent to INSACOG labs for genome sequencing after reports of a mutant SARS-CoV-2 variant, and enhanced genomic surveillance was considered critical in addition to the existing surveillance strategy. That makes INSACOG a surveillance and sequencing network, not a logistics, vaccine-production, or training programme.

Why the other options are wrong

• (A) Distributing oxygen cylinders is a pandemic logistics function, whereas INSACOG is a laboratory consortium for genome sequencing and genomic surveillance.
• (B) Manufacturing vaccines is separate from INSACOG's role of monitoring SARS-CoV-2 genomic variations through whole genome sequencing.
• (D) Training healthcare workers is a capacity-building activity, while INSACOG is linked by the PIB release to sequencing samples and enhanced genomic surveillance.

Concept

Genomic surveillance in public health belongs to the Science and Technology theme. It recurs in RAS because COVID-era institutions and variant-tracking mechanisms connect biotechnology with governance and disaster response.

Source

• Press Information Bureau, Government of India

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