10 July 2024 : Indian Express Editorial Analysis

 1. The desperate neighbour

(Source: Indian Express; Section: The Editorial Page; Page: 12)

Topic: GS2– International Relations – Bilateral Relations. GS3 – Internal Security

Context:

In the last two days, seven security personnel have tragically lost their lives in Jammu and Kashmir due to terror attacks. This incident follows a series of four consecutive terror attacks in June, highlighting the persistent threat in the region. Reports indicate that Pakistan’s involvement is a significant factor in these events, underscoring the long-standing issue of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in India.

Historical Context and Complacency

• The recent attacks serve as a grim reminder that despite over four decades of suffering from Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and numerous peace initiatives, India’s efforts to eradicate this menace remain incomplete.
• There has been a sense of complacency within certain segments of India’s strategic community and the public, partly due to the perceived restraint in Pakistan’s terror activities in recent years.
• However, the internal challenges faced by Pakistan since 2021 and shifting geopolitical dynamics have not led to a complete cessation of terror activities.

Misconceptions About Pakistan’s Stability

• Contrary to some beliefs, Pakistan is not on the verge of collapse. The international community, especially major countries, does not favor such an outcome due to the region’s volatility and Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal.
• The Pakistani establishment continues to support terrorism, albeit with strategic adaptations in response to international scrutiny and India’s security measures.
• The revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status has not resolved the underlying issues related to Pakistan’s stance on the region.

Challenges in Reducing Tensions

• The principle that “terror and talks cannot go together” has resonated deeply with the Indian public, limiting the government’s diplomatic options.
• Despite this, behind-the-scenes bilateral contacts have occurred sporadically, contributing to the restoration of the Line of Control ceasefire in 2021.
• However, the political landscape in Pakistan, especially the polarisation and the stance of the army-led establishment, complicates efforts to resume trade and engage in meaningful dialogue.

Diplomatic and Security Approaches

• India’s current approach relies heavily on its security apparatus and international diplomatic efforts to isolate Pakistan.
• However, this strategy has limitations, especially given the growing military nexus between China and Pakistan and the nuclear dimension of the conflict.
• As a result, Pakistan is likely to continue its terror activities in Jammu and Kashmir.

Future Directions

• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has emphasized the need to address Pakistan’s cross-border terrorism as a priority.
• Strengthening India’s counter-terrorism capabilities and maintaining a punitive approach are crucial steps.
• However, any punitive measures must be carefully calibrated to avoid escalating violence.
• Diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions remain essential, as Pakistan, dealing with internal problems and a volatile western frontier, could benefit from a more stable eastern frontier.

What Measures can India Adopt to Curb the Menace of Terrorism?

Focus on Rehabilitation, Not Just Punishment: Developing deradicalization programs for individuals caught in the early stages of radicalization. These programs should address the root causes of radicalization and provide participants with opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration into society. Establishing a National Counter-Terrorism Database: Developing a centralized and secure database that integrates intelligence from various agencies, including law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and financial institutions. Leveraging advanced data analytics and machine learning techniques to identify patterns, connections, and potential threats, enabling proactive action. Enhancing Physical Security Measures: Improving physical security measures at critical infrastructure, public spaces, and potential high-risk targets, including surveillance systems, access control, and perimeter security. Conducting regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify and address potential weaknesses. Implementing robust crisis management protocols and evacuation plans in case of terrorist attacks. Open-Source Intelligence Training for Police: Training police forces in open-source intelligence (OSINT) techniques to analyze publicly available data on social media and online forums to identify potential threats and track terrorist activities. Strengthening Cybersecurity and Online Counterterrorism Capabilities: Investing in developing advanced cybersecurity measures to protect critical infrastructure and online systems from cyber attacks and digital espionage by terrorist organizations. Empowering Communities, Not Just Security Forces: There is a need to educate communities, particularly in vulnerable regions, about early signs of radicalization and how to report suspicious activity. Address socio-economic grievances in areas susceptible to extremist influence. Improve education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities to create a sense of hope and discourage radicalization. The Himayat and UMEED Scheme in Jammu and Kashmir is a significant step in this direction. Khelo India Centres could be established in areas prone to radicalization as a means of redirecting the youth. Mainstreaming terrorism prone areas as highlighted by India during its G20 Presidency meetings in Jammu and Kashmir and thereby Winning their Hearts and Minds. It’s the high time for promoting national security as a shared responsibility. Weakening the Financial Lifeline of Terror: Exploring the use of blockchain technology to track financial transactions and identify suspicious patterns associated with terror funding. The transparency and immutability of blockchain can make it harder for terrorists to move funds.

PYQ: The scourge of terrorism is a grave challenge to national security. What solutions do you suggest to curb this growing menace? What are the major sources of terrorist funding? (250 words/15m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-3 2017)

Practice Question:  Discuss the persistent issue of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting the recent surge in terror attacks and the loss of security personnel. What are the limitations of the current security-centric approach, and how can India balance its punitive measures with diplomatic initiatives to achieve a long-term resolution to this ongoing conflict? (250 words/15 m)

 2. Budgeting for science

(Source: Indian Express; Section: The Ideas Page; Page: 13)

Topic: GS3– Science & Technology – Development & their applications GS2 – Governance – Government policies – Interventions for development in various sectors

Context:

Every prime minister, from Jawaharlal Nehru to Narendra Modi, has emphasized the importance of investing in science and technology. Nehru, in particular, played a pivotal role in initiating India’s space research and atomic energy programs. Despite his deep affinity for science, substantial progress has been limited primarily to these areas, with defense seeing some advancements. However, overall R&D spending remains low, between 0.6% and 0.7% of GDP, far below the often-discussed target of 2%.

Global Comparison and India’s Position

• Comparing India’s R&D expenditure to other nations reveals a significant gap.
• Countries like the US (2.8% of GDP), China (2.1%), Israel (4.3%), and South Korea (4.2%) invest far more in R&D.
• The Economic Advisory Council’s report highlighted this discrepancy and provided recommendations for improvement.
• For instance, China’s R&D spending increased from 0.7% of GDP in the 1990s to 2.1% currently, making it the second-largest spender globally in purchasing power parity terms.
• In contrast, India spent $58.7 billion in 2018, a fraction of China’s $525.7 billion in 2019.

Lessons from Successes in Space and Atomic Energy

• India’s remarkable achievements in space and atomic energy offer valuable lessons.
• These sectors benefited from liberal investment and significant autonomy. The Space Commission and Atomic Energy Commission, chaired by senior scientists and empowered to make decisions without bureaucratic constraints, exemplify this approach.
• Such autonomy has been instrumental in driving progress and achieving notable successes.

Challenges in R&D Structure and Private Sector Involvement

• In India, the government sector accounts for 56% of R&D expenditure, unlike other countries where government spending is much lower.
• Attempts to incentivize private sector R&D through tax concessions largely failed as companies misused these benefits.
• Additionally, 44% of India’s R&D expenses go towards capital development, unlike countries like China and the UK, which spend almost nothing in this area.
• This misallocation indicates that much government R&D funding is likely directed towards construction and real estate rather than genuine research.

Future Directions and Budget Considerations

Role of the Upcoming Union Budget

• The upcoming Union Budget presents an opportunity for a significant leap forward in science and technology.
• Prime Minister Modi has highlighted the importance of science, technology, research, and development in building a robust economy.
• The Finance Minister, in collaboration with top scientists, can introduce transformative measures.
• One suggestion is to merge all scientific institutions into a few overarching bodies, similar to the Space and Atomic Energy Commissions, granting them substantial autonomy.

Encouraging Private Sector Involvement

• To foster genuine private sector research, a mandate requiring companies to allocate 2% of their profits to R&D, similar to corporate social responsibility, could be introduced.
• Unspent funds could be directed to the National Research Foundation (NRF), which would support state governments, educational institutions, and corporations in R&D initiatives.
• Additionally, excluding construction costs from R&D expenditure figures and developing a research mentality in higher education institutions are crucial steps.

Supporting State-Level Initiatives

• State governments could be allowed to raise additional funds for R&D by increasing their gross state domestic product (GSDP) allocation through loans, exclusively for research projects approved by the NRF.
• This would enable state-level councils to undertake significant R&D initiatives, contributing to national development goals.

Conclusion

• Investing in science and technology is vital for India’s growth and development.
• The upcoming Union Budget could mark a turning point by implementing bold measures to enhance R&D expenditure, foster private sector involvement, and streamline scientific institutions.
• By learning from past successes and addressing current challenges, India can achieve significant advancements in science and technology, driving economic and social progress.

What are the Government Initiatives related to R&D?

Development of Centres of Excellence.Creation of National Research FoundationVAIBHAV FellowshipGlobal Innovation Index 2023: India secured the 40th position in the latest GII 2023. Atal New India Challenge 2.0Announcement of New Science Awards (Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar).Post-Doctoral Fellowships (PDFs): The government has increased the number of Post-Doctoral Fellowships (PDFs) from 300 annually to 1000.   In addition, the SERB-Ramanujan Fellowship, SERB-Ramalingaswami re-entry Fellowship and SERB-Visiting Advanced Joint Research Faculty Scheme (VAJRA) have been devised to promote brain gain by attracting bright researchers of Indian origin to work and contribute to STI (science, technology and innovation) ecosystem in India.

PYQ: For outstanding contribution to which one of the following fields is Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize given? (2009)   (a) Literature (b) Performing Arts (c) Science (d) Social Service Ans: (c)

Practice Question:  Discuss the persistent issue of underinvestment in Research and Development (R&D) in India. Propose strategic measures that the upcoming Union Budget could incorporate to enhance R&D expenditure and foster innovation in science and technology (250 words/15 m)