DBT, BIRAC & CEPI Renewed ‘Engagement Strategy’ for Cooperation on Vaccine R&D

Current Context: On 5 December 2025, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), BIRAC (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council), and CEPI (Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations) renewed their Engagement Strategy.

• Aim: to strengthen cooperation in vaccine R&D and accelerate development of vaccines against emerging infectious diseases.
• Focus: pandemic preparedness, rapid response platforms, and equitable access to vaccines.
• The partnership builds on earlier collaborations during COVID‑19 and expands to future threats.
• It emphasizes joint funding, technology sharing, and global partnerships.
• Significance: enhances India’s role in global health security and innovation in biotechnology.
• Highlight: supports Make in India and ensures faster vaccine availability for both domestic and international needs.

Question:

Q.1 The renewed Engagement Strategy supports Make in India by:
a) Restricting vaccine imports
b) Encouraging public-sector manufacturing only
c) Ensuring faster vaccine availability through domestic innovation
d) Privatizing biotechnology research

Answer: c) It supports Make in India by promoting domestic innovation and faster vaccine availability for domestic and international needs.