CONTEXT

• Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recently launched a high-performance computing facility.
• Located at the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune.
• Initiative under Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PMABHIM).

CONCEPT

• Named NAKSHATRA – High-Performance Computing (HPC) cluster.
• Designed for advanced virological and genomic research.
• Contains 12 compute nodes, 700 processing cores, and 1 petabyte storage.
• Optimised for bioinformatics workflows like:
  • Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)
  • Transcriptomics
  • Metagenomics
  • Phylogenetics
  • Structural bioinformatics
• Accelerates AI-driven vaccine & drug development.
• Supports national data repository for sequencing.
• Core component of the High-Performance Computing Next Generation Sequencing Hub project.

CURRENT  

• Reduces genomic sequence analysis time from weeks to 24–48 hours.
• Enables rapid detection of new disease threats.
• Boosts real-time outbreak response and surveillance systems.
• Enhances pandemic preparedness via faster data analysis.
• Acts as a central support unit for VRDLs (Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories).
• Initially supports 5 ICMR institutes, with possible expansion.
• Contributes to a self-reliant India in public health infrastructure.
• Promotes scientific collaboration and data centralisation.
• Facilitates the transition to precision public health.