The recent introduction of the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP) represents a major change in how India recognizes scientific achievements. Replacing the long-established Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (SSB) awards, the RVP aims to honor scientists at various career stages and across different fields. However, while this shift seeks to elevate the status of scientific recognition in India, it also brings to light the deeper issues faced by the country’s research community, such as insufficient funding and inadequate research infrastructure.
| GS Paper | General Studies III |
| Topics for UPSC Prelims | Covaxin, Vaccine Maitri, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Centre for Development of Telematics, Indian Space Policy 2023, Chandrayaan-3, National Quantum Mission, PARAM Siddhi-AI, National Supercomputing Mission, IFFCO Nano Urea, GenomeIndia Project, Economic Survey 2023-24. |
| Topics for UPSC Mains | India’s Achievements in Science and Technology, Status of Research and Development in India. |
This editorial is based on “Perfunctory panacea: On the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar,” published in The Hindu on August 12, 2024. The article discusses the new scientific awards and the need for increased funding and support for researchers.
For UPSC students, understanding this topic is crucial as it touches upon key areas of the GS Paper 3 syllabus, including science and technology, research and development, and the indigenization of technology. It offers insights into the current state of India’s research ecosystem and can aid in answering questions related to scientific advancements and policy initiatives.
The recent introduction of the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP) to replace the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (SSB) awards has brought India’s R&D landscape into focus. This transition is significant for UPSC aspirants as it highlights the evolving framework for scientific recognition in India. The new award system underscores the importance of nurturing talent across various career stages and disciplines, which aligns with previously asked UPSC questions on scientific advancements and policy changes. Understanding this shift is crucial for analyzing India’s approach to fostering innovation and addressing systemic challenges in the research ecosystem.
The recent announcement of the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP) marks a significant shift in India’s approach to recognizing scientific excellence. Replacing the long-standing Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (SSB) awards, the RVP introduces a new framework for honoring scientists across various career stages and disciplines. This change aims to streamline and elevate the recognition of scientific achievements in India, ensuring a more inclusive acknowledgment of contributions to science and technology.
With the rapid development and production of indigenous vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic, the research and development sector of India has made multiple achievements in science and technology.
India’s biotechnology sector showcased its capabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic with the development of Covaxin by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with ICMR. Covaxin’s success in both domestic and global vaccine distribution, under initiatives like Vaccine Maitri, highlights India’s strength in vaccine research and production. This achievement underscores the nation’s potential to contribute to global health crises.
India has made remarkable strides in renewable energy, particularly in solar and green hydrogen technologies. The country has achieved record-low solar power costs and pioneered projects like the Kayamkulam Floating Solar Power Plant. These advancements are crucial for meeting India’s ambitious target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 and positioning the nation as a leader in renewable energy innovations.
Significant progress in agricultural biotechnology has been made to improve crop resilience and productivity. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research has developed numerous high-yielding, climate-resilient crop varieties. These advancements are vital for ensuring food security and sustainable agriculture in the face of climate change, addressing both productivity and environmental concerns.
India is actively developing indigenous 5G technology and preparing for 6G advancements. The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) has successfully tested a fully indigenous 5G NSA Core. Additionally, Nokia’s establishment of a 6G Lab in Bangalore signifies India’s commitment to leading in next-generation telecommunications technology, reducing dependence on foreign vendors.
India’s space program achieved a historic milestone with the successful soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon’s south pole. This mission demonstrated India’s growing capabilities in space exploration and precision landing technology. The Indian Space Policy 2023 and initiatives like IN-SPACe are pivotal for future lunar exploration and potential resource utilization missions.
India has made significant strides in quantum technology research, exemplified by the establishment of the I-Hub Quantum Technology Foundation at IISER Pune. The National Quantum Mission aims to develop quantum computers, communication systems, and sensors, positioning India as a potential leader in this cutting-edge field, essential for future technological advancements.
India’s advancements in supercomputing are highlighted by the development of PARAM Siddhi-AI, one of the world’s most powerful supercomputers. This system supports advanced research in artificial intelligence, scientific simulations, and big data analytics. The National Supercomputing Mission has further bolstered research capabilities by installing high-performance computing systems across multiple institutions.
The GenomeIndia Project, launched in 2020, aims to sequence 10,000 Indian genomes to create a comprehensive reference database. This initiative is crucial for personalized medicine and understanding India’s genetic diversity. Indian researchers have also significantly contributed to global efforts in sequencing the SARS-CoV-2 virus, aiding in tracking mutations and variants.
Indian researchers have made notable progress in nanotechnology, particularly in developing innovative nanomaterials. For instance, IIT Madras developed a nano-coated magnesium alloy for biodegradable implants, and IFFCO introduced Nano Urea. These advancements demonstrate India’s potential to revolutionize various industries, including healthcare and agriculture.
India has made significant progress in robotics, especially in healthcare applications. IIT Madras’ development of the Polycentric Prosthetic Knee, “Kadam,” highlights the nation’s growing capabilities in integrating robotics and AI for practical applications. These innovations promise improved quality of life and enhanced healthcare solutions.
Despite several achievements, India lags due to multiple factors. Some of them are listed below. Due to these factors, India faces significant challenges, with many researchers and scientists leaving for better opportunities.
India’s investment in R&D remains critically low, at just 0.7% of GDP, compared to the global average of 1.8%. This underinvestment leads to fewer grants, outdated equipment, and limited resources for researchers. Private sector contributions are also low, exacerbating the resource crunch and hindering significant scientific progress.
India faces a significant brain drain, with many top researchers moving abroad for better opportunities. Approximately 87% of Indian nationals who completed STEM PhD programs in the US between 2000 and 2015 still reside there. This exodus deprives India of its brightest minds, limiting the growth of a robust domestic research ecosystem.
The Indian research landscape is often mired in bureaucratic red tape, slowing progress. Complex procurement procedures, delayed fund releases, and excessive paperwork create significant hurdles. For instance, importing specialized scientific equipment in India can take 6-12 months, compared to 1-2 months in many developed countries.
India’s education system often fails to nurture research skills and innovation at early stages. The disconnect between academic curricula and industry needs results in a shortage of skilled researchers. The emphasis on rote learning over critical thinking hampers the development of research aptitude from an early age, affecting employability and innovation.
Despite India’s high research output, quality concerns persist. While India was the world’s third-most prolific publisher of research papers in 2022, it ranked only 153rd in citations per paper. This discrepancy highlights the emphasis on quantity over quality, affecting the overall impact and integrity of Indian research.
India faces a significant gender disparity in scientific research. Only 35% of STEM students in higher education are women, with even fewer in leadership positions. This gender gap deprives the field of diverse perspectives and represents an untapped talent pool that could significantly boost India’s research capabilities.
India’s performance in intellectual property creation is subpar compared to its research output. In 2020-2021, 58,503 patent applications were filed in India, much lower than in China or the US. The low patent grant rate indicates gaps in applied research and missed economic opportunities from potential commercialization.
Indian research often lacks interdisciplinary collaboration, crucial for innovation in emerging fields like AI, biotechnology, and nanotechnology. The silo mentality limits cross-pollination of ideas, hindering the ability to tackle complex, multifaceted research challenges. This divide stifles innovation and progress in integrating multiple disciplines for holistic solutions.
Increasing public R&D spending to at least 2% of GDP and providing tax incentives for private R&D investments are crucial. Establishing a national research foundation and a sovereign innovation fund would support high-risk projects and startups, enhancing the financial ecosystem for research and innovation in India.
Launching a “Reverse Brain Drain” program with competitive salaries and research grants can attract Indian scientists working abroad. Implementing a “Flexi-Return” policy and establishing a “Global Indian Scientist Network” would facilitate collaborations and knowledge transfer, reclaiming intellectual capital.
Mandating that 2% of CSR funds be allocated to joint research projects with academic institutions can strengthen industry-academia linkages. Establishing sector-specific “Innovation Clusters” and a national portal for industry-academia collaborations would drive more applied research, benefiting both sectors.
Introducing a national research integrity office, a tiered journal ranking system and mandatory research methodology courses can improve research quality. A national mentorship program pairing early-career researchers with eminent scientists would further enhance research output and integrity.
Launching a “Women in STEM” scholarship program and implementing gender-sensitive policies would promote diversity and inclusion. Creating research positions reserved for women and establishing STEM outreach centers in rural areas can help tap into the untapped talent pool, enriching the research ecosystem.
Establishing technology business incubators in universities and implementing a “Lab to Market” grant program can foster innovation and commercialization. A national IP bank and an “Innovation Challenge” series would facilitate easier patent licensing and solving key national problems, driving economic value.
Establishing joint research centers with top global universities and launching an “International Research Fellowship” program would boost global collaborations. A “Global Science Diplomacy” initiative and fast-track visas for international researchers would further enhance India’s participation in global scientific endeavors.
Launching a “Research Infrastructure Modernization” program and establishing national research facilities in frontier areas can provide world-class facilities. A national research cloud computing platform and a shared equipment program would optimize resource utilization, supporting cutting-edge research.
Establishing Centers of Interdisciplinary Research Excellence and implementing a “Discipline Hopping” fellowship can promote interdisciplinary research. Interdisciplinary PhD programs and a “Convergence Research” grant program would encourage collaboration across multiple disciplines, fostering innovation.
| Political: The introduction of the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP) highlights a government commitment to recognizing scientific achievement across various stages and disciplines, promoting a supportive political climate for R&D. However, bureaucratic hurdles that slow progress indicate a need for political reforms to streamline processes. Economic: India’s economic investment in R&D (0.7% of GDP) is significantly lower than the global average. Increasing this funding to at least 2% of GDP, as suggested, could enhance economic outputs from R&D sectors, potentially elevating India’s position in global innovation indexes. Social: Social challenges include a pronounced gender gap in STEM fields and an education system that does not sufficiently nurture research skills. Addressing these issues through targeted scholarships and educational reforms could improve the social fabric of the R&D sector, leading to a more diverse and skilled research community. Technological: Technological advancements are evident in various sectors such as biotechnology, renewable energy, and space exploration. The development of indigenous technologies like 5G and quantum computers showcases India’s potential to be a leader in tech innovation. However, there’s an urgent need to modernize the infrastructure to support these advancements. Environmental: India’s strides in renewable energy and the development of climate-resilient crop varieties demonstrate a focus on environmental sustainability. Further investment in green technologies and sustainable practices in R&D could position India as a leader in eco-friendly innovations. Legal: Intellectual property challenges, reflected in low patent outputs, highlight the need for stronger legal frameworks to protect and promote innovations. Strengthening IP laws and enhancing enforcement mechanisms could encourage more robust R&D outputs and commercialization of research. |
In conclusion, while the introduction of the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar is a commendable step towards recognizing scientific talent, it is essential to address the deeper issues that plague India’s R&D landscape. For India to truly emerge as a global leader in innovation, a holistic approach encompassing increased funding, infrastructure enhancement, and fostering an environment conducive to cutting-edge research is imperative. UPSC aspirants must contemplate these multi-faceted challenges and opportunities as they prepare to shape the future of India’s scientific endeavors.
| UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) Mains Q. Discuss the measures required to improve the research and development ecosystem in India to achieve the vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat”. (GS Paper III, 2022). Q. Evaluate the role of India’s “Vaccine Maitri” initiative in strengthening global health partnerships during the COVID-19 pandemic. How has this initiative influenced India’s soft power on the international stage? |
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