2 December 2024 : The Hindu Editorial Analysis

1. Research security should be a national priority

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 8)

Topic: GS2 – Governance, GS3 – Science and Technology

Context

● The article discusses the critical role of science and technology in India’s strategic development goals by 2047 and highlights the emerging risks to research security. ● Issues like foreign interference, cyberattacks, and intellectual property theft threaten national interests. ● It emphasizes the need for a balanced framework to secure sensitive research while fostering innovation.

 

Importance of Science and Technology for India’s Development

• By 2047, India aims to achieve its developmental objectives through strategic investments in science and technology.
• Cutting-edge technologies like space, semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), and quantum technology are vital for economic growth and societal challenges.
• Research security is critical to safeguarding strategic research from breaches that may compromise national interest and technological advancements.

Emerging Threats to Research Security

• Challenges include foreign interference, intellectual property theft, cyberattacks, and insider threats.
• Notable global incidents highlight these risks:
  • Harvard University professor’s undisclosed Chinese funding links.
  • Cyberattacks on COVID-19 vaccine research facilities in 2020.
  • Cyber intrusions at the European Space Agency (ESA) to steal sensitive data.

Global Response to Research Security

• United States:
  • CHIPS and Science Act addresses research security.
  • Frameworks by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) guide protection efforts.
• Canada:
  • Policies like National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships safeguard sensitive technologies.
• European Union:
  • Recommendations emphasize risk-based, proportionate regulations.
  • Horizon Europe program includes research security measures.
• China:
  • Military-civil fusion policy links defense, universities, and research institutions to exploit dual-use technologies.

Need for Research Security in India

• India’s research ecosystem faces vulnerabilities in foreign influence, personnel access, and sensitive research infrastructure.
• Collaboration with trusted international partners could build capacity and awareness.
• Strategic research categorization is necessary based on national security, economic value, and potential risks.

Steps to Enhance Research Security

• Systematically map vulnerabilities in research labs and universities.
• Develop a research security framework with proportionate risk responses.
• Create surveillance mechanisms to monitor emerging threats.
• Engage intelligence agencies with researchers to classify and secure sensitive areas.

Challenges in Implementing Research Security

• Restrictive policies might infringe academic freedom and international collaboration.
• Balancing research security with open science initiatives is critical.
• Administrative burdens may stifle researchers and institutions.
• Political interference in academic institutions must be avoided.

Policy Recommendations

• Establish a dedicated office for research security within the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).
• Build a cadre of professionals for research security implementation.
• Prioritize inclusive decision-making with researchers.
• Follow the principle of “as open as possible and as closed as necessary.”

Conclusion

• Research security in India requires a holistic approach balancing open science with security needs.
• Adequate funding, effective communication, and international partnerships are essential for safeguarding strategic research while fostering 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: Examine the importance of research security in safeguarding India’s strategic technological advancements. Discuss the challenges of implementing research security while ensuring academic freedom and international collaboration. (250 Words /15 marks)

 

2. India’s cities, their non-communicable disease burden

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 8)

Topic: GS2 – Social Justice – Health

Context

● The death of a Bengaluru bus driver from cardiac arrest highlights poor health outcomes among urban marginalised workers, including sanitation workers and gig economy participants. ● Fragmented urban healthcare systems and limited access to primary care worsen the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). ● Addressing these requires integrated policies and community-driven solutions.

 

Introduction

• The tragic death of a Bengaluru bus driver from cardiac arrest highlights the poor health outcomes faced by urban workers, including gig workers, sanitation workers, and bus drivers.
• Marginalised groups, often lacking contracts and health insurance, face precarious health and workplace conditions.

Policy Gaps and Implementation Challenges

• India has a national non-communicable diseases (NCD) surveillance policy, promoting community-level screening and preventive care.
• Despite its potential, the policy suffers from poor implementation due to fragmented health systems, rapid urbanisation, and weak urban design.
• Globally, urbanisation is projected to reach 70% by 2050, while in India, 41 million people migrate between states, with 49% of the urban population residing in slums (UN-Habitat/World Bank, 2022).

Health Burden in Urban Areas

• Urban marginalised communities bear a triple health burden:
  • Hazardous work environments.
  • Limited healthcare access.
  • Financial vulnerability during health crises.
• Data from NFHS surveys reveal rising hypertension, diabetes, and obesity rates despite declines in tobacco and alcohol consumption.
• The lack of preventive screening and awareness about NCDs exacerbates out-of-pocket (OOP) healthcare expenses, jeopardising family livelihoods.

Social Determinants of Health (SDoH)

• Factors like workplace, housing, employment, and community connections critically impact health outcomes for marginalised communities.
• Publicly-run primary healthcare is insufficient for urban marginals, failing the principles of universal health coverage and exacerbating intergenerational poor health outcomes.

Technology for Health Monitoring

• Digital tools can enable real-time health monitoring, empowering individuals with hypertension or diabetes to manage their conditions effectively.
• Community-based screening can serve dual purposes:
  • Provide population-level data for epidemiological planning.
  • Create awareness at individual and community levels.
• Such initiatives reduce the burden on health systems while promoting sustainable health education and referral pathways.

Need for Integrated Efforts

• State-level action plans for NCD healthcare must prioritise marginalised groups, including migrants and informal workers.
• Collaboration among urban local bodies, health departments, and community organisations is essential to create inclusive solutions.
• Community-led NCD surveillance systems should be scaled up to address the needs of informal settlements effectively.

Conclusion

• Addressing urban health challenges requires co-creating solutions with communities and stakeholders to ensure equitable healthcare access.
• Holistic and sustainable approaches are critical for transforming urban areas into healthy cities for all.

Practice Question:  Urbanisation in India has intensified health vulnerabilities among marginalised communities, particularly in addressing non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Discuss the challenges and suggest measures to ensure equitable access to healthcare for urban informal workers and slum-dwellers.(250 Words /105marks)