Prelims Current Affairs includes National Legal Services Day, World Freedom Day, World Science Day for Peace and Development, World Public Transport Day, World Immunization Day, BIMSTEC–India Marine Research Network (BIMReN) Conference, Sharavathi Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Project (Karnataka), Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma & MedTech (PRIP) Scheme.

IMPORTANT DAY

1. NATIONAL LEGAL SERVICES DAY

Current Context: Observed every year on 9th November

Aim: To spread awareness about legal literacy and access to justice in remote and underprivileged areas.
Introduced Under: Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987
Effective From: 1995

Objective:

• To ensure free legal aid to weaker sections of society
• To educate citizens about their legal rights

Significance:

• Promotes equality before law and justice for all
• Encourages alternative dispute resolution methods like Lok Adalats and Legal Aid Clinics

2. WORLD FREEDOM DAY

Observed annually on 9 November

Aim: To commemorate the fall of the Berlin Wall (1989) — a defining moment symbolising the triumph of freedom over oppression.
Established By: United States in 2001

Purpose:

•  To celebrate the victory of democracy and liberty
• To honour those who fought against authoritarian regimes

3. WORLD SCIENCE DAY FOR PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT

Observed every year on 10 November

Aim: To emphasize the role of science in promoting peace, sustainable development, and public engagement in scientific issues.
Established By: UNESCO in 2001
Theme (2025): “Trust, Transformation, and Tomorrow: The Science We Need for 2050”

Objective:

• To connect science with society
• To highlight the importance of scientific literacy and responsible innovation

4. WORLD PUBLIC TRANSPORT DAY

Observed annually on 10 November

Aim: To promote sustainable urban mobility and reduce carbon emissions through mass transport systems.

Significance:

• Encourages governments to improve metro, bus, and rail systems
• Promotes environment-friendly commuting and reduced traffic congestion

Focus Areas:
Accessibility, affordability, and safety in urban transit networks

5. WORLD IMMUNIZATION DAY

Celebrated every year on 10 November

Objective: To promote awareness about immunization programs and to stress the importance of timely vaccines against diseases like measles, polio, influenza, and diphtheria.

ORGANISATION

6. BIMSTEC–INDIA MARINE RESEARCH NETWORK (BIMREN) CONFERENCE

Current Context: Kochi hosted the first BIMSTEC–India Marine Research Network Conference (BIMReN) to promote cooperation in the Blue Economy among Bay of Bengal nations.

ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

Announced: By the Prime Minister of India at the Colombo BIMSTEC Summit (2022)
Launched: In 2024 by the Ministry of External Affairs
Type: Biennial regional platform for marine research collaboration

Key Features:

• Connects 25 institutions and 50+ researchers from BIMSTEC member countries
• Focuses on marine resource management, ecosystem health, and policy innovation
• Aligns with India’s strategic frameworks: Neighbourhood First, Act East Policy, Indo-Pacific, and MAHASAGAR Vision
• Promotes scientific networking and regional cooperation in sustainable marine development

SCHEME

7. SHARAVATHI PUMPED STORAGE HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT (KARNATAKA)

Current Context: The Environment Ministry’s Forest Advisory Committee expressed concern that the Sharavathi Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Project may harm Western Ghats biodiversity.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Location: Shivamogga district, Karnataka
River: Sharavathi River
Capacity: 2,000 MW

Design:

• Pumped storage between Talakalale (upper) and Gerusoppa (lower) reservoirs
• Water pumped uphill during off-peak hours, released to generate power during peak demand
  

Significance:
Modeled on Telangana’s Kaleshwaram Project, it aims to provide drinking water to Bengaluru

Environmental Concern:
Located in the Eco-Sensitive Zone of Sharavathi Wildlife Sanctuary — home to the lion-tailed macaque and other endemic species

ABOUT SHARAVATHI RIVER 

Flows westward into the Arabian Sea at Honnavar (Uttara Kannada)
Length: 128 km
Major Feature: Forms Jog Falls (253 m) — one of India’s highest waterfalls
Tributaries: Nandihole, Haridravathi, Mavinahole, Hilkunji, Yennehole, Hurlihole, Nagodihole

8. PROMOTION OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN PHARMA & MEDTECH (PRIP) SCHEME

Current Context: The Central Government has extended the deadline for applications under the PRIP Scheme to boost India’s pharmaceutical and MedTech innovation ecosystem.

ABOUT PRIP SCHEME

Launched By: Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Financial Outlay: ₹5,000 crore
Aim: To transform India into a global R&D hub in the Pharma and MedTech sectors.

Key Components:

• Component A – Strengthening R&D Infrastructure
  Establishment of Centres of Excellence (CoEs) at National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs).
• Component B – Promotion of Research and Innovation
  Encourages private and academic collaboration in drug development, diagnostics, and medical devices.

Significance:

• Reduces dependence on imports
• Enhances domestic innovation capacity
• Supports India’s goal of becoming a self-reliant pharmaceutical innovation hub

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