14 March 2024 : The Hindu Editorial Notes PDF

The Hindu Editorial

14-March-2024

1. India’s R&D funding, breaking down the numbers

Topic: GS2 – Social Justice – Education GS2 – Governance – Government policies – Issues arising out of their design & implementation. From a UPSC perspective, understanding India’s R&D funding landscape is crucial for assessing its innovation potential and economic competitiveness.

Context

The article discusses India’s R&D funding landscape, emphasizing the need for increased private sector involvement and stronger industry-academia collaboration to foster innovation and economic growth.

 Introduction:

• The interim Budget for 2024-25 announced a ₹1 lakh crore corpus to bolster India’s research and innovation ecosystem, sparking enthusiasm within scientific and research communities.
• The rebranding of the slogan ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’ to ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan, Jai Anusandhan’ underscores the emphasis on research and innovation for national development.

Current R&D Funding Landscape in India

• GERD Growth: India’s Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD) has shown significant growth from ₹6,01,968 million in 2010-11 to ₹12,73,810 million in 2020-21.
• Low R&D Investment as Percentage of GDP: India’s R&D investment as a percentage of GDP stands at 0.64%, lagging behind major economies like China (2.4%), Germany (3.1%), South Korea (4.8%), and the United States (3.5%).

Research Output and Innovation

• Academic Talent: India annually produces 40,813 PhDs, ranking third globally after the United States and China.
• Research Output: India ranks third globally with over 3,00,000 publications in 2022, showcasing a robust research ecosystem.
• Patent Grants: India secured the sixth position globally with 30,490 patents granted in 2022, indicating an evolving innovation landscape.

Government Sector Dominance in R&D Funding

• Primary Driver: Government sector contributes significantly to GERD, with the central government, State governments, HEIs, and public sector industry contributing substantially.
• Key Agencies: Major scientific agencies like the Defence Research and Development Organisation, Department of Space, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, and Department of Atomic Energy receive substantial funding.

Private Sector Lag and HEIs Contribution

• Private Sector Contribution: Private industries contribute only 37% of GERD in India, contrasting with global trends where business enterprises typically contribute over 65%.
• HEIs Role: Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) contribute 8.8% to R&D investment, indicating a minor role compared to other stakeholders.

Need for Stronger Industry-Academia Collaboration

• Global Trends: Leading innovative economies emphasize strong industry-academia collaboration, driven by market forces and profit motives.
• Indian Scenario: India’s R&D ecosystem could benefit from stronger industry-academia collaboration to foster innovation and knowledge transfer.

Impact of Initiatives

• National Deep Tech Startup Policy (NDTSP): Signals a commitment to technological progress and innovation, incentivizing private sector engagement in R&D.
• Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) Act: Aims to bridge the R&D investment gap and foster a robust research culture within HEIs, promising to elevate R&D spending in India.

Challenges and Future Prospects

• Equitable Fund Distribution: Ensuring fair distribution of funds and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations.
• Global Standards: Upholding global standards in research and innovation.
• Policy Implementation: Ensuring effective implementation of initiatives to encourage private sector-led research and innovation.

Conclusion

• India’s commitment to bolstering its research and innovation ecosystem is evident through initiatives like the NDTSP and ANRF Act.
• However, addressing challenges such as private sector involvement and equitable fund distribution is crucial to realizing the full potential of India’s R&D landscape.
• With strategic planning and collaboration among diverse stakeholders, India can further strengthen its position as a global leader in research and innovation.

PYQ: Scientific research in Indian universities is declining, because a career in science is not as attractive as our business operations, engineering or administration, and the universities are becoming consumer oriented. Critically comment. (200 words/12.5m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-3 2014)

Practice Question:  Discuss the significance of private sector involvement and industry-academia collaboration in India’s R&D landscape for fostering innovation (150 Words /10 marks)

2. Higher engagement, better learning

Topic: GS2 – Social Justice – Education The topic is crucial for UPSC as it addresses challenges in education, impacting social development and governance.

Context

The article discusses India’s persistent learning deficit despite high enrollment rates, emphasizing the need for active student engagement and practical teacher training to foster meaningful learning experiences and improve educational outcomes.

 Learning Deficit in India:

• The Annual Status of Education Report 2023 reveals that while over 86.8% of individuals aged 14-18 are enrolled in educational institutions, one-fourth of them struggle to read a Class 2-level text fluently in regional languages.
• Despite increased awareness, little progress has been made in addressing the learning deficit, with low attendance in public schools contributing to ineffective learning experiences.

Challenges in Classroom Engagement:

• Classroom engagement remains a challenge in India due to traditional teaching methods that fail to motivate students or create meaningful learning environments.
• Teachers often focus on a few students in the front rows, while others passively copy from the blackboard, leading to limited cognitive and emotional engagement.

Importance of Active Learning:

• Active learning involves random student participation, peer collaboration, hands-on learning experiences, and real-time feedback from teachers.
• This approach fosters student engagement, ownership of learning, and a supportive learning environment for all learners, regardless of background or ability.

Barriers to Implementing Active Learning:

• Inadequate teacher allocation, systemic governance issues, outdated teaching practices, and lack of teacher support and coaching hinder the widespread adoption of active learning.
• Teacher training in India tends to be theoretical, lacking practical experience and opportunities for engagement-based learning.

Addressing Teacher Training Needs:

• Teacher education should prioritize practical experience, providing a balance of 70% practice and 30% theory to engage teachers as active learners themselves.
• Additionally, ongoing coaching and support are essential to help teachers implement new teaching practices effectively.

Focusing on Student Engagement:

• Student engagement is crucial for driving better learning outcomes, emphasizing structured lessons, high-quality teacher-student relationships, and student autonomy.
• Simple changes in classroom techniques can significantly improve the learning environment and outcomes.

Shifting Focus to the Right to Learning:

• While discussions have centred on the Right to Education, it’s essential to shift focus to the Right to Learning, ensuring meaningful educational experiences for all students.
• Addressing the learning deficit requires a holistic approach that prioritizes student engagement and active learning practices.

Conclusion:

• In summary, addressing the learning deficit in India requires overcoming challenges in classroom engagement and prioritizing active learning approaches.
• This involves providing practical teacher training, ongoing support, and creating supportive learning environments that foster student engagement and ownership of learning.
• Shifting focus to the Right to Learning will be essential for ensuring meaningful educational experiences and driving better learning outcomes for all students.

Lack of Quality Education in Indian Schools

Reasons for Lack of Quality Education in Indian Schools: Infrastructure Deficiency: Many schools lack basic facilities such as proper classrooms, libraries, and sanitation facilities. Teacher Shortage: There is a significant shortage of trained and qualified teachers, leading to overcrowded classrooms and poor student-teacher ratios. Low Teacher Training: Insufficient training and professional development for teachers result in ineffective teaching methods and outdated pedagogical approaches. Curriculum Challenges: Outdated curriculum content and teaching methods fail to engage students and meet the demands of a modern workforce. Socio-economic Disparities: Disparities in access to education, especially in rural areas and among marginalized communities, exacerbate the problem. Way Forward to Improve Quality Education: Investment in Infrastructure: Government investment in school infrastructure to ensure adequate facilities for effective learning. Teacher Training: Comprehensive training programs to equip teachers with modern teaching techniques and subject expertise. Curriculum Reform: Regular review and updating of the curriculum to make it more relevant and engaging for students. Technology Integration: Incorporating technology in education to enhance teaching methods and provide access to digital resource Community Involvement: Engaging parents, communities, and local stakeholders in the education process to foster a supportive learning environment.

PYQ: The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 remains inadequate in promoting incentive-based system for children’s education without generating awareness about the importance of schooling. Analyse. (250 words/15m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-2 2022)

Practice Question:  Discuss the significance of promoting active student engagement and practical teacher training to address India’s learning deficit (150 Words /10 marks)

3. India’s free trade pact with four EU nations matters even if gains are limited

Topic: GS2 – International Relations – Agreements involving India or affecting India’s interests The topic is crucial for UPSC as it assesses India’s trade policy shifts and implications on economic growth and diplomacy.

Context

The article discusses India’s recent Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), highlighting its benefits, significance, and inclusion of non-trade issues.

Introduction:

• India signed a Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), comprising Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
• Negotiations had started in 2008 but gained momentum after the UPA government’s exit, aiming to boost trade, investment, and job creation.

Benefits for Indian Services Firms:

• The TEPA offers Indian services firms easier access to European markets, with simplified visa rules, benefiting professionals like architects, accountants, and nurses.
• It aims to attract $100 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) into India and create a million jobs over 15 years.

Tariff Reductions and Consumer Benefits:

• Most Indian goods exports already receive duty-free treatment in Switzerland, the largest EFTA trade partner.
• Indian consumers can expect cheaper imports like wines and chocolates, while producers gain access to more affordable machinery.

Long-Term Impact and Assessment:

• India’s tariff cuts are tied to investment inflows, with a comprehensive assessment of outcomes expected after 20 years.
• Continuous efforts from both sides are essential to achieve the stated goals.

Significance of the EFTA Deal:

• The swift conclusion of the EFTA deal reflects India’s commitment to expanding its trade partnerships, following agreements with the UAE and Australia.
• It signifies a departure from past hesitancy in engaging in trade pacts and demonstrates India’s willingness to embrace free trade.

Inclusion of Non-Trade Issues:

• The TEPA includes non-trade issues such as labour, human rights, environment, and gender, marking a significant departure from traditional economic agreements.
• While the necessity of including these issues in trade deals may be debated, it signals India’s willingness to address broader concerns, potentially enhancing its relations with allies like the EU.

Conclusion:

• The TEPA with the EFTA marks a significant milestone in India’s trade policy, aiming to boost economic growth, investment, and job creation.
• Its inclusion of non-trade issues signals India’s evolving stance on free trade and its willingness to engage in comprehensive agreements for mutual benefit.

India’s hesitancy in engaging in trade pacts and willingness to embrace free trade

Reasons for India’s Hesitancy: Protectionism: Historical protectionist policies to safeguard domestic industries. Agricultural Concerns: Fear of cheap imports impacting livelihoods of small-scale farmers. Industrial Competitiveness: Concerns about domestic industries’ ability to compete globally. Regional Disparities: Fear of exacerbating economic disparities between regions. Geopolitical Considerations: Strategic concerns influencing trade alliances. Impact of Hesitancy: Limited Growth: Hindered integration into global supply chains, limiting economic growth potential. Missed Opportunities: Failure to capitalize on potential gains from trade agreements. Deteriorating Competitiveness: Reduced exposure to global competition may harm domestic industries in the long run. Stifled Innovation: Limited exposure to global markets may hinder innovation and technological advancement. Isolationism Risks: Risk of being marginalized in global trade dynamics, affecting diplomatic and economic relations. Recent Steps by the Indian Government: Trade Policy Review: The government initiated a comprehensive review of trade policies to align with emerging global trade dynamics and domestic economic priorities. Bilateral Agreements: Focus on negotiating bilateral trade agreements with key partners like the United States, European Union, and United Kingdom to explore mutually beneficial trade opportunities. Export Promotion Schemes: Introduction of export promotion schemes and incentives to boost outbound trade and enhance competitiveness in global markets. Domestic Reforms: Implementation of structural reforms to enhance ease of doing business, promote manufacturing, and attract foreign investment. Way Forward: Balanced Approach: Striking a balance between protecting domestic industries and embracing free trade to leverage opportunities for economic growth. Diversification: Diversifying export markets and products to reduce dependence on specific regions and sectors. Capacity Building: Investing in infrastructure, technology, and skill development to enhance competitiveness in global trade. Stakeholder Consultation: Engaging with stakeholders, including industry associations and trade experts, to formulate inclusive trade policies. Adaptive Strategy: Continuously adapting trade policies to evolving global economic dynamics while addressing domestic socio-economic challenges.

PYQ: How would the recent phenomena of protectionism and currency manipulations in world trade affect macroeconomic stability of India? (250 words/15m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-3 2018)

Practice Question:  Discuss the significance of India’s recent Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) for its economic growth and international trade relations. (150 Words /10 marks)

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