PRELIMS
Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma–MedTech Sector (PRIP Scheme)
Why in News: The Government of India has invited proposals for research and innovation projects under the Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma-MedTech Sector (PRIP) scheme.
Nodal Ministry: Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Aim: To transform India’s pharma and medtech sector into a globally competitive, innovation-driven industry through targeted R&D support.
Budget & Coverage:
- Total outlay: ₹5,000 crore
- Target: ~300 projects
- Expected R&D investment: ₹11,000 crore
Objectives:
- Promote innovation in new medicines, complex generics, biosimilars, and medical devices.
- Develop solutions for rare diseases, antimicrobial resistance, tropical and pandemic-related diseases, and vaccines.
- Strengthen India’s capacity for advanced healthcare innovation.
Project Categories & Financial Assistance:
- Early-stage projects: Cost up to ₹9 crore
- MSMEs/startups: Up to ₹5 crore support
- 100% funding for projects ≤ ₹1 crore; beyond that, 50% assistance (max ₹5 crore)
- Later-stage projects: Cost up to ₹285 crore
- Support up to ₹100 crore (35–50% of cost depending on priority area)
Strategic Priority Innovation (SPI) Areas:
- Rare diseases
- Antimicrobial resistance
- Vaccine-preventable & tropical diseases
- Pandemic-related pathogens
Private Helicopter Assembly Line
Why in News: Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) have partnered to establish India’s first private helicopter final assembly line at Vemagal, Kolar district, Karnataka.
Nodal Entities:
- Airbus Helicopters (Global aerospace major)
- Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL)
Objective: To manufacture ‘Made in India’ Airbus H125 helicopters, boosting India’s civil and defence aviation capabilities and promoting self-reliance in aerospace manufacturing.
Key Features:
- The facility will assemble H125 light utility helicopters for civil and para-public services.
- Military variant (H125M) planned — to include indigenous technologies and components.
- The first helicopter delivery expected by early 2027.
Strategic Significance:
- Strengthens India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem and reduces import dependence.
- Supports operations in high-altitude and icy terrains, especially in the Himalayan region.
- Enhances regional connectivity and aids nation-building in remote areas.
Economic & Industrial Impact:
- Makes TASL the first private Indian company to build helicopters.
- Built on the successful C295 military aircraft project (Airbus–Tata plant, Vadodara).
- Positions India as a South Asian hub for helicopter manufacturing and exports.
Srisailam Temple
Why in News: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has undertaken restoration works at the Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh.
About the Temple:
- Location: Srisailam town, on the banks of the Krishna River, surrounded by the Nallamala Hills.
Deities Worshipped:
- Lord Shiva as Mallikarjuna
- Goddess Parvati as Bhramaramba
Unique Feature:
- It is both a Jyotirlinga (1 of 12) and a Shakti Peetha (1 of 52) — the only temple in India with this dual distinction.
Historical Background:
- Antiquity: Existence traced back to the Satavahana dynasty (2nd century CE) through inscriptions.
Later Contributions:
- Major expansions by King Harihara I of Vijayanagar Empire (14th–15th centuries).
- Chenchu tribals actively involved in rituals during the 18th–19th centuries.
Architecture:
- Built in Dravidian style, featuring lofty gopurams (towers) and spacious courtyards.
- Exemplifies Vijayanagar architectural brilliance.
Cultural & Spiritual Significance:
- Visited by saints and rulers such as Adi Shankaracharya, Sri Krishna Devaraya, and Chhatrapati Shivaji.
- Maha Shivaratri is the main festival — celebrated with devotional music, dance, and elaborate rituals.
U.S. Government Shutdown
Why in News: The U.S. is witnessing its 15th government shutdown since 1981, following a deadlock in Congress over budget approval.
About:
- A U.S. government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to pass a budget or temporary funding bill, leading to the suspension of non-essential federal services.
- Reflects partisan divisions —
- Republicans: Emphasize fiscal restraint and immigration control.
- Democrats: Focus on healthcare access, Affordable Care Act (ACA), Medicaid, and health insurance subsidies.
Impact of Shutdown:
- Operations Halted: Federal agencies must stop work when no appropriated funds are available, except for essential services (defense, law enforcement, emergency healthcare).
- Employees Affected: Federal workers face furloughs or delayed paychecks; contractors lose payments.
- Public Services Hit: Museums, parks, and administrative processing suspended.
- Economic Impact: Disrupts economic activity, reduces public confidence, and affects millions dependent on federal programs.
Previous Shutdown:
- The 2018–19 shutdown under President Donald Trump lasted 35 days, the longest in U.S. history, causing major economic losses and governance disruption.
