1 May April 2024 : Indian Express Editorial Analysis

This topic is relevant for both Prelims and Mains as the analysis of China’s technological ambitions, the US response, and global technological coalitions sheds light on contemporary international relations dynamics.

• The discourse surrounding technology policy is often considered esoteric in India’s current political landscape. However, with rapidly unfolding technological changes impacting major economies, geopolitical rivalries, and global governance, the next government in Delhi will face significant challenges.
• This analysis delves into the implications of China’s aggressive campaign to master new productive forces, the Biden administration’s efforts to regain US leadership in advanced technology sectors, Macron’s call for Europe to reclaim technological power, and India’s historical and current approach to science and technology in its developmental strategy.

• ·       The policy framework prioritizes areas such as biotechnology, nanotechnology, renewable energy, space exploration, and information technology to address national challenges and enhance global competitiveness.
• How does India promote research and innovation in Science & Technology?
• ·       India promotes research and innovation in S&T through various mechanisms such as funding initiatives, establishment of research institutions, and fostering collaborations between academia, industry, and government.
• ·       Programs like the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) provide grants, fellowships, and incentives to support R&D activities.
• ·       Additionally, initiatives like the Atal Innovation Mission and Startup India encourage entrepreneurship and technology-driven solutions.
• What measures does India take to address societal challenges through Science & Technology?
• India integrates S&T into policy frameworks to address societal challenges such as healthcare, agriculture, education, and environmental sustainability.
• For instance, initiatives like the National Health Mission focus on leveraging technology for affordable healthcare delivery, while schemes like the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture promote innovations in agriculture and rural development.
• Furthermore, programs like Digital India and Smart Cities Mission harness technology for inclusive growth and urban development.
• How does India collaborate internationally in the field of Science & Technology?
• India actively collaborates with international partners in S&T through bilateral agreements, joint research projects, and participation in global initiatives.
• Collaborative efforts include partnerships with countries like the United States, Japan, and European Union members, as well as engagement with multilateral organizations such as the United Nations and UNESCO.
• These collaborations facilitate knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and capacity building, contributing to global scientific advancements and addressing shared challenges.
• What is India’s vision for the future of Science & Technology policy?
• India’s vision for the future of S&T policy is centered on fostering innovation-driven growth, enhancing global competitiveness, and addressing emerging challenges through advanced technologies.
• Key priorities include promoting interdisciplinary research, strengthening the innovation ecosystem, enhancing R&D infrastructure, and increasing investments in transformative technologies such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and quantum computing.
• The goal is to position India as a leading global hub for scientific research, technological innovation, and sustainable development.

This topic is relevant for both Prelims and Mains as the analysis provides insights into India’s economic growth trajectory, highlighting recent performance and future projections.

• The Indian economy surpassed expectations last year, with the National Statistical Office’s second advance estimates projecting a growth rate of 7.6 percent for the full year.
• This positive trajectory is corroborated by international institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which labeled India as a “source of repeated positive growth surprises” in its Regional Economic Outlook report.
• The IMF’s latest World Economic Outlook has revised upwards its growth projections for India, forecasting a growth rate of 6.8 percent for 2024-25, an increase from the earlier projection of 6.5 percent.
• Similarly, the Reserve Bank of India and the Asian Development Bank have expressed optimism, projecting growth rates of 7 percent for the current year.

• Reaping the Demographic Dividend: India has a large and young population that can provide a huge potential workforce for the economy. However, this also requires creating enough jobs, improving the quality of education and skills, and increasing the labour force participation, especially of women.
• Boosting Private Investment: Private investment is a key driver of economic growth, as it increases productivity, innovation and competitiveness. The government has taken several initiatives to improve the ease of doing business, reduce corporate tax, provide credit guarantees, and attract foreign direct investment. However, more reforms are needed in areas such as land, labour and logistics to reduce the cost and risk of doing business in India.
• Increasing Competitiveness: India needs to enhance its competitiveness in the global market by diversifying its exports, improving its infrastructure, promoting innovation and digitalization, and integrating with regional and global value chains.
• The government has announced several schemes to support manufacturing, such as Production Linked Incentive (PLI), Phased Manufacturing Programme (PMP), and Make in India.
• However, these schemes need to be complemented by trade liberalization and regulatory simplification to ensure a level playing field for domestic and foreign firms.
• Promoting Green Growth: India has committed to reduce its carbon intensity and increase its renewable energy capacity as part of its climate change goals. The government has also introduced green bonds to finance green infrastructure projects. However, more efforts are needed to address the environmental challenges such as air pollution, water scarcity, waste management and biodiversity loss that pose a threat to India’s growth and well-being.
• Maintain Stability in the Economy: India could maintain a stable and low inflation rate, which can foster confidence and investment. India could also ensure adequate liquidity and credit availability for productive sectors, especially for small and medium enterprises. India could also develop its financial markets and institutions to facilitate savings and investment.
• Increase Integration with the Global Economy: India could increase its integration with the global economy by reducing trade barriers, diversifying its export basket, and enhancing its competitiveness. India could also pursue regional and bilateral trade agreements that can create new markets and opportunities for its products and services.
• Promote the Key Sectors: India could promote the development of key sectors that have high potential for growth, employment, and innovation, such as manufacturing, services, agriculture, and renewable energy.

(a) Industrial output fails to keep pace with agricultural output.

(b) Agricultural output fails to keep pace with industrial output.

(c) Poverty and unemployment increase.

(d) Imports grow faster than exports.

Ans: (c)