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 |
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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:
Establishing a National Counter-Terrorism Database:
Enhancing Physical Security Measures:
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:
Empowering Communities, Not Just Security Forces:
Weakening the Financial Lifeline of Terror:
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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 |
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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? |
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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) |