Morning Brief: India Makes Key Drugs Under PLI Scheme To Cut China Dependence; Chandrayaan-5 Mission To Land 250 Kg Rover Cleared; PM Modi Counters 2002 Riots Narrative In New Podcast; And More

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India Makes Key Drugs Under PLI To Cut China Dependence

India has begun producing key pharmaceutical ingredients under the PLI scheme to reduce dependence on China, Mint has reported. The initiative focuses on manufacturing essential raw materials used in antibiotics and medicines for chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. Bulk drugs made up 63 per cent of India's pharmaceutical imports in FY 2018-19, highlighting the country’s reliance on foreign suppliers. In FY25 (April-December), India achieved a slight trade surplus in bulk drugs, with exports reaching $3,520 million and imports at $3,504 million. Launched in 2020 with a financial outlay of Rs. 6,940 crore, the PLI scheme has so far commissioned 34 projects to boost domestic drug production of 25 bulk drugs.

Chandrayaan-5 Mission To Land 250 Kg Rover On Moon Cleared

ISRO Chairman V Narayanan has announced that the Centre has approved the Chandrayaan-5 mission. Unlike Chandrayaan-3, which carried the 25-kg rover 'Prayagyaan' to the Moon’s surface, this mission will carry a 250-kg rover for further exploration. Speaking at an event in Bengaluru, he confirmed that the mission will be conducted in collaboration with Japan. India made history with Chandrayaan-3 by becoming the first country to successfully land near the Moon’s South Pole. Chandrayaan-4, set for launch in 2027, aims to collect lunar soil samples and return them to Earth, with several key technology tests already completed. Chandrayaan-5 will build upon the findings from these missions. Narayanan also discussed ISRO’s broader ambitions, including the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission and the planned Bharatiya Antariksh Station.

PM Modi Counters 2002 Riots Narrative in Podcast

In a podcast with Lex Fridman, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the discourse around the 2002 Gujarat riots was an attempt to push a false narrative, asserting that courts had found him innocent despite political attacks. He dismissed claims that the riots were the "biggest ever," calling it misinformation. Modi recalled that the Godhra incident occurred just three days after he took office in a tense national atmosphere following events like the Kandahar hijacking and Parliament attack. He highlighted Gujarat’s history of communal violence, noting that the state had seen over 250 significant riots before 2002, including the 1969 riots that lasted six months. He said riots frequently erupted over minor issues before he entered politics, with curfews being imposed regularly.

Other Developments

India’s First CAR T-Cell Therapy Shows 73 Per Cent Success

India’s first CAR T-cell therapy has shown a 73 per cent success rate in clinical trials, according to results published in The Lancet. The Phase I and II trials confirmed the therapy’s safety and effectiveness, making it the first Indian CAR T-cell trial to be featured in an international journal. Developed by IIT Bombay-incubated start-up ImmunoAct, the treatment costs one-twentieth of similar global therapies and is now available at major hospitals like Apollo, Fortis, Amrita, and Max. India’s drug regulator approved the therapy in 2023 based on preliminary results, bypassing a large Phase III trial due to its use in patients with no other options. However, ImmunoAct is required to monitor all treated patients for 15 years.

Russia Demands NATO Ban On Ukraine In Peace Deal

Russia will seek guarantees that NATO will exclude Ukraine from membership and that Ukraine remains neutral in any peace deal, Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said. He stated that "ironclad security guarantees" must be part of the agreement, including NATO's refusal to admit Ukraine. As ceasefire talks continue, US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are expected to speak soon, with the US and Ukraine proposing a 30-day ceasefire. While Putin has expressed support for a ceasefire, he has also set tough conditions, including addressing security concerns in Russia’s western Kursk region, where Ukraine had launched an incursion last year. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Putin of trying to sabotage diplomatic efforts for an immediate ceasefire.

US Defense Start-Up Faces Scrutiny Over Chinese Engine Allegations

A US defense contractor, Mach Industries, is under scrutiny over allegations that its latest missile system may be using a Chinese-made jet engine. The controversy arose after viewers noticed similarities between the missile’s engine and the Swiwin SW800 Pro, a model manufactured in China. Founded in 2022 by 21-year-old Ethan Thornton, Mach Industries recently secured a contract with the US Army to develop a vertical take-off precision cruise missile called "Strategic Strike." The missile, designed for long-range precision attacks, has a range of 290km and can carry a warhead of over 10kg. It is also expected to feature AI-powered visual recognition and RF sensing technologies. In India, several drone manufacturers have faced scrutiny for using Chinese-made parts.

From The States

Kejriwal Back In Action With Focus On Punjab

A month after AAP's defeat in the Delhi Assembly polls, party chief Arvind Kejriwal has resumed political activity in Punjab following a 10-day Vipassana session. He will stay in Amritsar until Monday (17 March) and, along with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, visit the Golden Temple, Durgiana Temple, and Valmiki Tirath Sthal. The loss in Delhi was a major setback for AAP, and the party now faces challenges in Punjab, its only remaining stronghold. AAP has struggled in local elections across the state, including in Tarn Taran, Ludhiana, Amritsar, and Sangrur, but has managed to install its mayors with support from Independents and defecting councillors. With its Delhi-style welfare politics in Punjab, AAP is now focused on retaining its voter base in the state.

Maharashtra: VHP, Bajrang Dal Warn Of 'Babri-Like' Action On Aurangzeb’s Tomb

The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal have demanded the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb in Maharashtra’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, warning of a "Babri-like" repeat if it is not taken down. The groups plan to launch statewide protests on Monday, with security tightened around the tomb in Khuldabad. They have urged the Maharashtra government to act quickly, warning of roadblocks and potential demolition through karseva if no action is taken. State minister Sanjay Shirsat, from Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, has backed the demand, questioning why Aurangzeb’s tomb should be preserved. He argued that a ruler infamous for oppression does not deserve such recognition.

You’re all caught up—until next time.