28 March 2025 : The Hindu Editorial Analysis

1. The role of communities in conserving water

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 9)

Challenges in Rural Water Policies

• Water policies in rural areas need to be improved to address new environmental challenges.
• The understanding of ecosystems is evolving, and policies must adapt to support sustainable water management.

1. Role of Communities in Water Management

• Indigenous and local communities have deep knowledge of their ecosystems.
• While policies allow their participation, decision-making power remains with state authorities.
• Instead of recognizing local water management practices, policies introduce uniform methods that may not be suitable for all regions.
• Example: Water User Associations were created in different States for participatory irrigation management, but members lack real authority in decision-making.

2. Addressing the Needs of Vulnerable Groups

• Some social and economic groups are more affected by water crises than others.
• Within these groups, individuals facing multiple layers of disadvantage are the most vulnerable.
• Water policies should not only address their needs but also recognize their role in managing water resources.
• These groups must have an active role in decision-making for effective and fair water management.

3. Lack of Coordination in Water Management

• Different aspects of the environment, such as forests, water, land, and biodiversity, are managed separately.
• This fragmented approach leads to ineffective policies and limits conservation efforts.
• An integrated approach is necessary to ensure that different environmental elements work together.
• Example: In western India, sacred forests (orans) play a significant role in water conservation by increasing tree and grass cover, which helps in rainwater harvesting.

4. Considering Nature in Water Policies

• Current policies focus only on human water needs, ignoring the importance of water for the environment.
• Courts have acknowledged the rights of nature, but water policies do not reflect this perspective.
• Example: Some communities manage water resources by ensuring that animals also have access to water before using it for irrigation.

5. Impact of Climate Change on Water Resources

• A study published in a scientific journal highlights that rising global temperatures will widen India’s water gap.
• Climate and water policies should work together to create climate-resilient water systems and improve existing ones.

Enhancing Community Involvement in Water Conservation

• Local and indigenous communities can contribute significantly to water management.
• Policies must move beyond just acknowledging their role and actively involve them in decision-making.
• While traditional practices should be encouraged, any limitations should be addressed through awareness and training. 

2. The issue is about the ‘quality’ of India’s publications

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

Claim About India’s Scientific Growth

• The Union Minister for Science and Technology stated that India is expected to surpass the United States in scientific publications by 2029.
• China leads in research output with 8,98,949 publications, followed by the United States with 4,57,335 and India with 2,07,390 papers.
• China’s research success is attributed to heavy investments in education and science, supported by a long-term development plan since 2006.
• For India to make significant progress, large-scale investments in research and education are essential.

International Comparison of Research Investments

• A comparison of spending on civilian research as a percentage of GDP highlights India’s low investment.
• The figures for research spending are:
  • Israel – 6.3%
  • South Korea – 4.9%
  • Japan – 3.3%
  • United States – 3.46%
  • Germany – 3.13%
  • China – 2.4%
  • India – 0.67%
• India’s limited investment raises concerns about achieving the goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.

Reality of India’s Research Output

• According to Clarivate data (February 2025), India’s total publications in science and engineering for 2024 stood at 1,91,703, while the U.S. had 6,48,905.
• Out of 30 ranked countries, India ranks 28th in research quality.
• Despite having 5,351 Indian scientists in the top 2% globally, their rankings vary widely, highlighting inconsistencies in research impact.

Quality vs. Quantity in Research Publications

• High research output does not always mean high-quality research.
• The impact of scientific work is measured by citations and its contribution to the global scientific community.
• Indian research publications do not meet global benchmarks like the H-Index (Hirsch Index) and Impact Factor (IF) of reputed journals.
• The Indian contribution increases in lower-ranked journals, indicating a quality gap.

India’s Science and Technology Infrastructure

• China’s Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) has 444 publications in JACS, whereas all CSIR laboratories in India have only 29.
• Top Chinese universities such as Peking University, Tsinghua, and Fudan contribute significantly more research than India’s premier institutions.
• All IITs combined have only 68 publications in JACS, five times less than a single second-tier Chinese university.
• China’s success is attributed to large-scale investment in university research and training young scientists effectively.

Challenges in Indian Scientific Research

• Misleading claims about India’s scientific progress create a false sense of achievement.
• Unethical practices in research have led to fraudulent publications and low-quality output.
• A study in 2018 estimated that 62% of all standalone fake journals in the world originate from India.
• Around 10% of India’s total research output may be fake or unverified.
• In 2019, a Hyderabad-based publishing group was fined $50 million by a U.S. court for deceptive practices, impacting India’s global research reputation.

Need for Real Reform

• India must prioritize research quality over quantity by investing in education, training, and ethical research practices.
• Strengthening university research programs and ensuring strict peer-review standards will help improve India’s global scientific standing.
• Instead of focusing on publication numbers, India should address systemic issues in research funding, infrastructure, and academic integrity to achieve meaningful scientific progress. 

Read more- 27 March 2025 : The Hindu Editorial Analysis