Maharashtra

• 18 Mar 2025

Industry Dialogue on PRIP Scheme

Why in News? 

The Department of Pharmaceuticals, Government of India, hosted an Industry Dialogue in Mumbai to promote research and innovation under the Pharma-MedTech Sector (PRIP) Scheme. 

 Key Points 

• Key Discussions & Participation: 
  • The event provided a platform for industry leaders, associations, and research institutes from Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), and National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs). 
  • Discussions focused on strengthening industry-academia linkages, fostering collaboration, and leveraging government initiatives to accelerate R&D and commercialization of innovative solutions in pharmaceuticals and medical technology. 
• Government Initiatives: 
  • PRIP Scheme: Detailed insights on its role in supporting research and innovation. 
  • ICMR Initiatives: 
    • PATENT MITRA – Support for patent filing. 
    • MEDTECH MITRA – Assistance in the innovation journey and clinical trials. 
    • INTENT – Facilitation of research and development efforts. 
• Government’s Vision for Pharma-MedTech: 
  • Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals emphasized: 
    • The importance of futuristic products and affordable healthcare solutions. 
    • The transformative role of data-driven markets in shaping Pharma-MedTech R&D. 
    • India’s unique advantage in precision and personalized medicine due to its diverse gene pool and large population. 
    • The PRIP Scheme’s role in supporting cost-effective and innovative healthcare solutions for global impact. 

 Indian Council of Medical Research 

• Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is the apex body in India for the formulation, coordination and promotion of biomedical research. 
• Its mandate is to conduct, coordinate and implement medical research for the benefit of the Society; translating medical innovations into products/processes and introducing them into the public health system. 
• It is funded by the Government of India through the Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. 

 Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) 

• About: CSIR is the largest research and development (R&D) organisation in India. CSIR has a pan-India presence and has a dynamic network of 37 national laboratories, 39 outreach centres, 3 Innovation Complexes and 5 units. 
• Established: September 1942 
• Headquarters: New Delhi 
  • It is funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology and it operates as an autonomous body through the Societies Registration Act, 1860. 
• CSIR covers a wide spectrum of streams – from radio and space physics, oceanography, geophysics, chemicals, drugs, genomics, biotechnology and nanotechnology to mining, aeronautics, instrumentation, environmental engineering and information technology. 
  • It provides significant technological intervention in many areas with regard to societal efforts which include the environment, health, drinking water, food, housing, energy, and farm and non-farm sectors. 

First Temple of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

Why in News? 

The Chief Minister of Maharashtra inaugurated Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's first temple in Bhiwandi, Thane district, to mark the Maratha warrior king’s birth anniversary according to the Hindu lunar calendar. 

 

Key Points 

• National Temple: 
  • The CM referred to the temple as a “national temple”, emphasizing its inspirational value. 
  • He highlighted that the temple honours Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy, allowing devotees to witness the glory of the Maratha king. 
  • Shivaji Maharaj fought battles for God, country, and faith, ensuring the right to worship Ishta Devas (personal Gods). 
• Structure & Design: 
  • The first grand temple of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Maharashtra spans four acres in the Marade Pada region, Thane district. 
  • Architect Vijaykumar Patil designed the temple’s structure. 
  • Sculptor Arun Yogiraj, who also created the Ram temple idol in Ayodhya, carved the 6.5-feet idol of Shivaji Maharaj for this temple. 
• Efforts for UNESCO Recognition & Memorial in Agra: 
  • The Maharashtra government has approached UNESCO to recognize 12 forts associated with Shivaji Maharaj under the Maratha Military Landscape of India. 
  • These 12 forts are: 
    • Maharashtra: Lohagad, Salher, Raigad, Pratapgad, Shivneri, Suvarnadurg, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg, Panhala, Khanderi Fort. 
    • Tamil Nadu: Gingee Fort. 
  • The State has also sought permission from Uttar Pradesh to build a memorial in Agra, marking Shivaji Maharaj’s escape from Aurangzeb’s captivity in 1666. 

 Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj 

• Birth: 
  • He was born on 19th February, 1630 at Shivneri Fort in District Pune in the present-day state of Maharashtra. 
  • He was born to Shahaji Bhonsle, a Maratha general who held the jagirs of Pune and Supe under the Bijapur Sultanate and Jijabai, a pious woman whose religious qualities had a profound influence on him. 
• Early Life: 
  • He displayed his military zeal for the first time in 1645 when as a teenager, he successfully got control of the Torna Fort which was under Bijapur. 
  • He also acquired the Kondana Fort. Both these forts were under Adil Shah of Bijapur. 
• Granted Title: 
  • He was crowned as the king of the Marathas on 6th June , 1674, at Raigad. 
  • He took on the titles of Chhatrapati, Shakakarta, Kshatriya Kulavantas and Haindava Dharmodhhaarak. 
  • The Maratha Kingdom founded by Shivaji grew larger over time and became the dominant Indian power in the early 18th century. 
• Death: 
  • He died on 3rd April 1680.