Innovation Ecosystem in India
[pib] Cu-Phen Metallo-Nanozymes and its Applications
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Metallo-Nanozymes
Why in the News?
Researchers from the CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Chennai has developed a new nanozyme, Cu-Phen, using a catalyst-by-design strategy. A nanozyme is a type of synthetic enzyme made from nanomaterials (extremely tiny particles) that can mimic the function of natural enzymes in biological systems.
About the Metallo-Nanozymes
- Cu-Phen (Copper-Phenylalanine) is a type of metallo-nanozyme developed by Indian researchers.
- It is a synthetic enzyme that mimics the functions of natural enzymes in the body, particularly in controlling the flow of energy at the cellular level.
- It is made by combining copper ions (Cu²⁺) with phenylalanine, an amino acid, using a special design method called “catalyst-by-design”.
- It forms a self-assembled nano-structure with a well-defined active site, which is where the enzyme’s function occurs.
- This structure helps Cu-Phen control the electron transfer process, which is important for many biological functions.
- Unlike traditional nanozymes, which often have poorly defined active sites, Cu-Phen has a precisely structured active site, allowing it to work more efficiently like natural enzymes in the body.
- Cu-Phen interacts with cytochrome c, a protein that plays a key role in the electron transport chain, which is part of how our body generates energy.
- It helps reduce oxygen to water without producing harmful substances called reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can damage cells.
Potential Applications
- Cu-Phen could be used to make energy systems more efficient, like in bioenergy (energy from living things), by mimicking natural energy-making processes.
- It could help treat diseases like neurodegenerative diseases and cancer by controlling energy production in cells and reducing harmful effects on the body.
- These nanozymes can help clean water and make energy systems work better, while reducing pollution and harmful by-products.
- Cu-Phen can also be used in factories to help make useful products like medicines and chemicals by working like artificial enzymes.
- This new nanozyme is a step forward in creating artificial enzymes that could be used in many areas like medicine, energy, and manufacturing.
| [UPSC 2022] Consider the following statements :
1. Other than those made by humans, nanoparticles do not exist in nature. 2. Nanoparticles of some metallic oxides are used in the manufacture of some cosmetics. 3. Nanoparticles of some commercial products which enter the environment are unsafe for humans. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? (a) 1 only (b) 3 only (c) 1 and 2 (d) 2 and 3 |
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Innovation Ecosystem in India
Technology and Innovation Report, 2025
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Technology and Innovation Report
Why in the News?
The Technology and Innovation Report, 2025 was recently issued by United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
About the Technology and Innovation Report
- The report is released by the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
- It addresses critical issues related to science, technology, and innovation, with a particular focus on developing countries. The report emphasizes policy-relevant analysis and conclusions.
- The theme for the 2025 edition is “Inclusive Artificial Intelligence for Development.”
Key Highlights of the Report:
- Global Highlights:
- Developed countries lead in technology preparedness, but nations like China, India, and Brazil outperform their income levels.
- AI market projected to reach USD 4.8 trillion by 2033, fuelling global digital transformation.
- 100 companies, mostly in the U.S. and China, account for 40% of global corporate R&D spending.
- AI will affect 40% of jobs globally, raising concerns over automation and job displacement.
- U.S. leads in AI investment with USD 67 billion, followed by China (USD 7.8 billion) and India (USD 1.4 billion).
- AI Governance Gap: 118 countries, mainly from the Global South, are absent from global AI governance discussions.
- Indian Prospects:
- India ranks 36th in the Readiness for Frontier Technologies Index in 2024, up from 48th in 2022. It ranks 10th globally with USD 1.4 billion in AI investments.
- India has a talent pool of 13 million AI developers, contributing significantly to open-source platforms like GitHub.
- The India AI Mission (2024) focuses on AI innovation through collaborations with the private sector and academia.
- India leads in nanotechnology and has AI excellence centres like IIT Hyderabad and IIT Kharagpur.
| [UPSC 2019] The Global Competitiveness Report is published by the:
(a) International Monetary Fund (b) United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (c) World Economic Forum (d) World bank |
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Innovation Ecosystem in India
India to launch first Human Underwater Submersible (Deep-Sea Manned Vehicle)
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Deep Ocean Mission (DOM)
Why in the News?
India is set to launch its first human underwater submersible (deep-sea manned vehicle) in 2025, marking a significant achievement in the country’s scientific and technological journey.
About the Submersible:
- The submersible will initially operate at a depth of 500 meters, with the goal of reaching a depth of 6,000 meters by next year.
- Part of the Deep Ocean Mission, the initiative focuses on exploring untapped underwater resources and advancing India’s blue economy.
- The submersible is being developed using 100% indigenous technology, demonstrating India’s commitment to self-reliance in advanced science and innovation.
- The mission aims to unlock vast underwater resources, including: Critical minerals, Rare metals and undiscovered marine biodiversity.
About the Deep Ocean Mission (DOM):
Important updates in DOM: Samudrayaan and Matsya6000:
|
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Innovation Ecosystem in India
Rudra High-Performance Green Propulsion System
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Rudra 1N System
Why in the News?
Bellatrix Aerospace, the Bengaluru-based space startup, has announced a significant milestone with the successful demonstration of its Rudra High-Performance Green Propulsion System during the PSLV C-60 mission, onboard the POEM-4 platform.
About Rudra 1N System:
- The Rudra 1N System is an advanced green mono-propellant propulsion system developed by Bellatrix Aerospace, a Bengaluru-based space technology start-up.
- It is a cutting-edge solution for space propulsion, designed to enhance efficiency, precision, and sustainability in satellite and space platform operations.
- Features and Significance:
- Demonstrated a 1.4-degree/sec disturbance on the Yaw axis and an 80-degree angular rotation during its operational tests, highlighting its precise manoeuvering capabilities.
- Utilizes a non-toxic, environmentally friendly propellant to minimize ecological impact during space missions.
- Offers a cleaner alternative to traditional chemical propulsion systems.
- Entirely designed and manufactured in-house, showcasing Bellatrix Aerospace’s technological independence.
- Suitable for a variety of satellite sizes and mission profiles, offering scalability.
About the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM-4)
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Innovation Ecosystem in India
Param Rudra Supercomputer
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Param Rudra Supercomputer
Why in the News?
PM has dedicated three “PARAM Rudra” Supercomputers along with High-Performance Computing (HPC) systems, ‘Arka’ and ‘Arunika’, to the nation.
What are High-Performance Computing (HPC) Systems?
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What is PARAM Rudra?
- PARAM Rudra is a high-performance computing (HPC) system and part of India’s PARAM series of supercomputers.
- It is developed indigenously by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) under the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM).
Applications of PARAM Rudra
- Astronomy: Used by the Giant Metre Radio Telescope (GMRT) in Pune to study Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) and other astronomical phenomena.
- Atomic Physics and Material Science: The Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC) in Delhi uses PARAM Rudra for research in these areas.
- Physics, Cosmology, and Earth Sciences: The supercomputer at the SN Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences in Kolkata supports advanced studies in these domains.
- Weather Forecasting and Agriculture: The supercomputers enhance weather forecasting, benefiting industries like agriculture, where improved predictions help farmers make informed decisions.
Back2Basics: National Supercomputing Mission (NSM):
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Innovation Ecosystem in India
What are retractions and why do they matter?
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Issues related to retraction;
Why in the News?
The ‘Retraction Watch’ database reports an Indian scientist in Lucknow with 45 retractions, while a Kolkata researcher, who published 300 papers in a year, had six papers retracted.
What is retraction?
What is retraction index?
How It’s Calculated:
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What are the primary reasons for retraction?
- Plagiarism: Copying or presenting someone else’s work without proper attribution.
- Fabrication/Falsification: Deliberate manipulation of data, experiments, or results to present false findings.
- Image Manipulation: Altering figures or graphical representations, especially in fields like biology and medicine.
- Paper Mills: Fake or low-quality papers produced by organizations and sold to researchers to inflate publication counts.
- Ethical Violations: Including authorship disputes, undisclosed conflicts of interest, and failure to obtain proper consent for studies.
- Errors in Data: Honest mistakes in data collection, interpretation, or analysis that render the findings invalid.
How do retractions affect the credibility of scientific research?
- Erosion of Trust: Scientific integrity relies on trust; retracted papers can cause scientists to lose confidence in published research.
- Hindrance to Scientific Progress: Retractions delay progress, as future research may be based on faulty or retracted studies.
- Impact on the Reputation of Researchers and Institutions: Scientists and institutions involved in retractions often face damage to their credibility and career prospects.
- High-Impact Journals at Greater Risk: More retractions occur in high-impact journals, suggesting a vulnerability due to the pressure to publish groundbreaking work quickly.
- Harm to Public Perception: High-profile retractions, especially in fields like medicine, can damage public trust in science and scientific institutions.
What is the process of retracting a paper?
- Detection: Retractions are often initiated when errors or misconduct are identified through peer reviews, investigations, or by other researchers who question the validity of the work.
- Investigation: The journal and, in some cases, the author’s institution will conduct an inquiry to determine whether the issues warrant retraction.
- Notification: Once a decision is made, the journal issues a notice of retraction. This document typically explains why the paper is being retracted (e.g., misconduct or error).
- Publication of Retraction Notice: The retraction notice is published in the journal, often linked to the original paper. The original article is marked as retracted but remains in the journal archives for transparency.
- Database Update: Retractions are indexed in databases like PubMed, Retraction Watch, and others, so researchers are informed of flawed studies.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Peer Review and Use AI Tools: Implement advanced AI tools to detect plagiarism, data manipulation, and image alteration during the peer review process to prevent flawed papers from being published.
- Shift Focus from Quantity to Quality: Encourage institutions to prioritize the quality of research over the sheer number of publications to reduce the pressure on researchers and discourage reliance on paper mills.
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Innovation Ecosystem in India
What is Quantum Non-Locality?
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Quantum Non-Locality
Why in the News?
A recent study published in Physical Review Letters by Indian researchers has revealed that a universal standard for measuring quantum non-locality is impossible.
What is Quantum Nonlocality?
- Quantum Nonlocality is a mysterious connection between distant objects that challenges the classical idea of local realism, where no faster-than-light communication is allowed.
- It’s crucial for technologies like secure communication, random number generation, and cryptographic key creation.
- Easy Explanation:
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- Imagine two particles that are created together and then move far apart, even to opposite ends of the universe.
- In classical physics, any effect on one particle would need a signal to travel to the other, taking time.
- But in quantum physics, Quantum Nonlocality means these particles are instantly connected, affecting each other no matter the distance, as if linked by an invisible thread that works faster than light.
Historical Background: Bell’s Theorem (1964)
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Recent Research and Findings
- The research demonstrates that a universal standard for measuring and comparing quantum nonlocality is impossible.
- It shows that the nature of nonlocality varies based on the type of correlation, with infinite unique points on the correlation boundary.
- There is no single, universal resource in the realm of quantum nonlocality; instead, each nonlocal resource is unique, capable of performing specific tasks that others cannot.
- This observation plays a key role in secure communication, random number certification, and cryptographic key generation.
PYQ:[2022] Which one of the following is the context in which the term “qubit” is mentioned? (a) Cloud Services (b) Quantum Computing (c) Visible Light Communication Technologies (d) Wireless Communication Technologies |
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Innovation Ecosystem in India
[pib] REACHOUT Scheme
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: REACHOUT Scheme
Why in the News?
The Indian student team, supported by the REACHOUT (Research, Education, Training and Outreach) scheme, achieved remarkable success at the 17th edition of the International Earth Sciences Olympiad (IESO) held in Beijing, China.
What is the REACHOUT Scheme?
- It is an initiative by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) under the broader PRITHVI (PRITHvi Vigyan) program.
- The scheme aims to enhance the understanding and dissemination of Earth system sciences through research, education, and outreach activities.
About the International Earth Sciences Olympiad (IESO)
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India’s Participation:
- India has participated in the IESO since 2007 and hosted the 10th edition in Mysore.
- The Indian National Earth Science Olympiad (INESO) serves as a national-level prelude to the IESO, held across schools in India.
- Top-performing students from INESO represent India at the IESO, with support from MoES and the Geological Society of India.
PYQ:[2019] Atal Innovation Mission is set up under the (a) Department of Science and Technology (b) Ministry of Labour and Employment (c) NITI Aayog (d) Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship |
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Innovation Ecosystem in India
Hints of the corporatization of science research in India
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Role of Private sector in RandD;
Why in the News?
The establishment of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation and its funding structure clearly signals the government’s intended direction.
Research Policy in India
- Shift Towards Corporatisation: The Indian government’s approach encourages research institutions to generate revenue through external sources, moving away from reliance on public funding.
- This trend aligns with the 2015 Dehradun Declaration, which advocated for marketing patents to self-finance research initiatives.
- Focus on Market-Driven Research: The ANRF aims to align research outcomes with market needs, promoting the idea that scientific advancements should have immediate applications.
- This is evident in the emphasis on prototype development, which assesses the marketability of research products, which was highlighted in the 2024 Budget speech.
- Integration of Industry and Academia: The ANRF is designed to forge collaborations between research institutions and the private sector by earmarking a substantial portion of its funding (approximately 72%) from private sources, bridging the gap between scientific research and commercial application.
| Note: The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) is a significant initiative in India’s research landscape, established under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation Act, 2023. |
Funding Mechanism of ANRF
- Budget Allocation: The ANRF will be allocated ₹50,000 crore over five years, with a significant portion expected to come from non-government sources, including industry and philanthropic contributions.
- Governance Structure: The ANRF will be governed by a board that includes industry representatives and experts, ensuring that funding decisions align with market demands and technological advancements.
What are the signals despite the stated objective of ANRF? (challenges)
- Potential Undermining of Curiosity-Driven Research: The private sector does not want to fund basic research because it has no immediate commercial applications which ultimately leads to a decline in foundational scientific exploration.
- Public Funding Concerns: The government’s expectation for private sector funding raises questions about the sustainability of public investment in research.
- The current ratio of public funding for science research in India (0.6% to 0.7% of GDP) is significantly lower than that of countries like South Korea (around 4.8% of GDP).
India’s Achievements Despite a Low GDP Investment in R&D:
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Comparison with Other Countries
As of 2023, India’s gross expenditure on R&D stands at approximately 0.64% of its GDP.
- United States: The U.S. invests about 3.46% of its GDP in R&D
- South Korea: South Korea leads with an impressive 4.8% of GDP allocated to R&D.
- Germany: Germany’s R&D spending is around 3.1% of GDP.
- China: China’s investment in R&D is approximately 2.4% of GDP.
- Taiwan: Taiwan also invests around 3.77% of its GDP in R&D.
Way Forward:
- Strengthening Public Funding for Basic Research: To ensure a balanced research ecosystem, the government should increase public investment in foundational scientific research.
- Enhancing Industry-Academia Collaboration: The government should facilitate stronger partnerships between research institutions and the private sector while maintaining a focus on both applied and basic research.
Mains PYQ:
Q What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology? How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of the society? (2021)
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Innovation Ecosystem in India
Inaugural Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar, 2024 announced
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar
Why in the News?
G Padmanabhan, the Chandrayaan-3 team, Annapurni Subramaniam, and 30 others have been chosen for the inaugural Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP), India’s new national science awards established last year.
What is Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar?
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Ceremony Details:
- These awards shall be announced on the National Technology Day (11th May) every year.
- The Award Ceremony for all categories of awards shall be held every year on the National Space Day on 23rd August.
- The Hon’ble President of India / The Hon’ble Vice President of India may confer the Awards.
Notable Awardees
- G Padmanabhan: At 86, G Padmanabhan, a renowned biochemist known for his work on the malaria parasite, has been named a Vigyan Ratna, recognizing his lifetime achievement in science. Padmanabhan is a towering figure in Indian science and has been honored with the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan.
- Chandrayaan-3 Team: The team behind Chandrayaan-3, which successfully landed India’s first spacecraft on the Moon last year, has been awarded the Vigyan Team award for their collaborative research work.
- Vigyan Yuva Puraskar Recipients:
- Vivek Polshettiwar (Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai): A chemist working on carbon capture technologies.
- Urbasi Sinha (Raman Research Institute, Bengaluru): A leading expert in quantum research.
- Roxy Mathew Koll (Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune): A climate scientist.
- Annapurni Subramaniam:
- Among the 13 scientists selected for the Vigyan Shri award, Annapurni Subramaniam’s main research focuses on the formation and evolution of star clusters and galaxies.
- Other Vigyan Shri Recipients:
- Jayant Bhalchandra Udgaonkar: A biologist and former director of IISER Pune.
- Naba Kumar Mondal: A particle physicist from Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata.
PYQ:[2009] For outstanding contribution to which one of the following fields is Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize given? (a) Literature (b) Performing Arts (c) Science (d) Social Service |
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Innovation Ecosystem in India
ICAR launches ‘One scientist, One product’ Scheme
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: ICAR; One scientist, One product’ Scheme.
Why in the News?
- The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is set to launch its ‘One Scientist-One Product’ program. This initiative aims to enhance research in agriculture and animal husbandry.
About the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
Functions of ICAR:
Structure and Organization:
Significant feats achieved by ICAR:
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What is the “One Scientist One Product” Scheme?
- The “One Scientist One Product” initiative is a strategic research plan launched by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
- It aims to enhance agricultural productivity by assigning specific research targets to individual scientists within the organization in the next 5 years.
Key Objectives of the Scheme:
- Target-Oriented Research: Each scientist is given a specific target to develop a product. For example- seed variety, technology, research paper, or a conceptual model.
- Avoiding Duplication: The initiative ensures that efforts are not duplicated by carefully mapping and assigning unique research targets to each scientist.
- Regular Monitoring: Progress will be monitored every three months at the official level and twice a year by the researchers themselves.
Implementation Details:
- All 5,521 scientists of ICAR have been registered under this scheme.
- At the beginning of each year, scientists must identify and inform about the product they aim to develop.
- While the focus is on individual contributions, there will be instances where a product will be developed by a group of scientists.
Long-Term Goals:
- Product Development: The initiative is part of a broader plan to release 100 new seed varieties across various crops within the government’s 100-day plan.
- Climate-Resilient Crops: A significant target is to increase the area under climate-resilient paddy seeds to 25% of the total kharif acreage, up from the current 15%.
Announcement of New Crop Varieties
- Event Details: ICAR will announce the release of 323 new crop varieties during a function in Delhi. The new releases include cereals, oilseeds, forage crops, and sugarcane.
- Variety Breakdown: Among these, there are 289 climate-resilient varieties and 27 bio-fortified varieties.
- Upcoming Initiatives: ICAR aims to develop 100 new seed varieties and 100 farm technologies within 100 days as part of a national 100-day action plan.
Progress in Bio-fortification and Climate Resilience
- ICAR reports significant progress in the adoption of bio-fortified crop varieties, with a total area of 16 million hectares under these varieties.
- The organization emphasizes the success of its climate-resilient technologies, noting enhanced production even during years with abnormal weather conditions.
PYQ:[2018] With reference to the Genetically Modified mustard (GM mustard) developed in India, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Innovation Ecosystem in India
Hydrogen Line: A Unique Signal
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Hydrogen Line and its significance in interstellar studies
Why in the News?
The hydrogen line stands as a pivotal tool in contemporary astronomy, serving various purposes from studying distant stars to questing for extraterrestrial intelligence, should it exist.
What is a Hydrogen Line?
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Why is it Important?
- Hydrogen is everywhere in the universe. It’s the simplest and most abundant element, making up about 75% of the universe’s elemental mass.
- So, studying the hydrogen line allows us to understand a lot about the composition and distribution of matter in the universe.
- By observing the hydrogen line’s emission from different regions of space, astronomers can create maps showing where hydrogen gas is located.
- Secrets about the early Universe: The hydrogen line also holds secrets about the early universe. Shortly after the Big Bang, the universe was filled with hydrogen gas.
- By studying the hydrogen line from distant parts of the universe, astronomers can learn about its conditions and evolution billions of years ago.
How Do We Interpret Hydrogen Line?
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What’s Next?
- New Discoveries: Scientists are continually developing new technologies and techniques to improve the sensitivity and resolution of radio telescopes.
- This enables them to detect fainter signals and uncover new insights into the universe’s hydrogen content.
- Exploring Dark Matter: The hydrogen line observations could also contribute to understanding dark matter, an invisible substance that makes up about 27% of the universe’s total mass-energy content.
- By studying the hydrogen distribution in relation to the gravitational effects observed in galaxies, scientists hope to shed light on the nature of dark matter.
PYQ:[2012] A team of scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory including those from India created the heaviest anti-matter (anti-helium nucleus). What is/are the implication/implications of the creation of anti-matter?
Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Innovation Ecosystem in India
125 years of Kodaikanal Solar Observatory
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KoSO)
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
This year marks 125th Year of the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KoSO).
About Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KoSO)
- The idea for an Indian solar observatory emerged in the late 19th century, with then government sanctioning the establishment of the Solar Physics Observatory in Kodaikanal in August 1893.
- Kodaikanal in the Palani hills of Tamil Nadu was chosen as the site for the observatory due to its favorable atmospheric conditions, following surveys conducted by Charles Michie Smith.
- The foundation stone for KoSO was laid by Lord Wenlock, the then Governor of Madras, in 1895.
- Systematic observations at KoSO began on March 14, 1901.
- KoSO initially housed instruments for solar observations, including telescopes for examining sunspots, prominences, and solar radiations.
- Presently, KoSO houses advanced instruments like the H-alpha telescope and the White light Active Region Monitor (WARM) for high-resolution solar imaging.
Do you know?
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Historical Perspective
- Ancient Legacy: Throughout history, seafarers, mathematicians, astronomers, and physicists have meticulously studied the Sun and its celestial phenomena.
- British Era Initiatives: In 1792, the British East India Company established the pioneering Madras Observatory, marking a significant milestone in astronomical research in the region.
- Madras Observatory’s Legacy: The Madras Observatory documented crucial astronomical observations during 1812-1825, laying the groundwork for solar research in India.
- Shift to Systematic Observations: Dedicated solar observations commenced in 1878, fostering a deeper understanding of solar phenomena.
- Advancements in Methodology: The adoption of systematic observational techniques paved the way for more comprehensive and detailed studies of the Sun’s behavior.
Need for such Observatory
- Great Drought of 1875-1877: This event triggered by scanty rainfall, propelled the need for comprehensive solar studies to comprehend its implications on weather patterns.
- India’s Geographical Significance: India’s drought was part of a larger global phenomenon, affecting several countries and leading to widespread famine.
- Scientific Inquiry: Scientists recognized the potential role of solar variability in influencing climatic patterns, prompting inquiries into the Sun’s behavior and its correlation with environmental phenomena.
Scientific Endeavors of KoSO
- The observatory made significant contributions to solar physics, including the discovery of the radial motion of sunspots, known as the Evershed Effect.
- Over time, KoSO expanded its research areas beyond solar physics to include cosmic rays, radio astronomy, ionospheric physics, and stellar physics.
- In April 1971, KoSO was brought under the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru, as part of the separation of astrophysics from the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Repository of the KoSO
- Between 1904 and 2017, all solar observations were traced onto photographic films and plates
- A new telescope mounted with CCD cameras has taken over and, since 2017, continued to observe the Sun.
- Digitization of the records was initiated in 1984 by Prof J C Bhattacharyya, and others continued the effort.
- KoSO is now home to a digital repository of a whopping 1.48 lakh solar images adding up to 10 terabyte of data.
- These include 33,500 white-light images (showing sunspots), 45,000 images of the Ca II K spectral line (which reveals plages), and 70,000 H-alpha photographic plates that show prominences.
PYQ:2019: On 21st June, the Sun- (a) does not set below the horizon at the Arctic Circle (b) does not set below the horizon at Antarctic Circle (c) shines vertically overhead at noon on the Equator (d) shines vertically overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn
Practice MCQ:Which of the following statements correctly describes the ‘Evershed Effect’ in Sun? (a) It refers to the bending of light waves around obstacles, demonstrated by the diffraction pattern observed in a single-slit experiment. (b) It is the phenomenon of a magnetic field being generated by the motion of charged particles in the convective zone of the Sun. (c) It describes the deflection of moving charged particles, such as electrons, in a magnetic field, leading to the creation of an electric potential difference. (d) It is the radial flow of gases in the Sun’s outer atmosphere, observed as a redshift in the spectrum of light emitted by the photosphere. |
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Innovation Ecosystem in India
Drop the ‘garland model’ to let science in India blossom
Mains PYQs
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Why in the News?
The persistence of outdated frameworks in the conduct of scientific meetings in India is affecting its scientific practice.
Context:
- There is a need to revamp the traditional mode of scientific conferences in India to align with contemporary values of egalitarianism, diversity, inclusivity, accessibility, and sustainability.
- By modernizing these conferences, India can enhance its position in the global science and technology research ecosystem.
- The article emphasizes ‘‘No Garland Neuroscience’ that science in India should reflect and promote these values in its practice and dissemination to support broader societal conversations.
How are the present scientific meetings held in India?
- The Core groups of organizers are responsible for planning, inviting experts, disseminating info, and fundraising. It includes invited speakers and paid attendees sharing the latest research discoveries.
- Scientific meetings, or conferences, are where researchers with similar or aligned areas of interest gather and serve as important avenues for the discussion and dissemination of science.
- These meetings often include presentations or talks on contemporary research findings, along with expert interactions on topics of science and professional development.
Challenges associated with the Traditional ‘bouquet giving’ model:
- Persistent outdated practices:
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- Persistent outdated practices perpetuate long-standing academic challenges and career-stage inequities.
- For example, continued reliance on bureaucratic, hierarchical frameworks, prolonged opening speeches by science administrators, delayed commencement due to dignitary arrivals, and hierarchical seating arrangements.
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- Ignoring gender and diversity issues:
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- Inclusivity: Lack of gender and diversity awareness evidence lines up for the limited acknowledgment of wider diversity issues.
- For example, all-male speakers or panelists and sessions such as ‘Women in Science’ completely fail to account for larger diversity issues in science, such as historically marginalized groups and LGBTQIA+ scientists.
- Scientific ecosystem: In light of demands for secular scientific practice, gender, and social inclusivity, it is essential to reassess the practices like – religiously symbolic conference materials (like lamp lightening) or devotional songs during inaugurations, and gifting rituals in the Indian context.
What is the ‘No Garland Neuroscience’ (NGN) model?
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How ‘No Garland Neuroscience’ (NGN) model can be significant for Indian scientists?
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- Can counter the Traditional Framework: The contemporary implementation of NGN can counterbalance the long-standing issue of outdated frameworks in the conduct of the majority of scientific meetings in India.
- The conduct of scientific meetings can make planning and budgetary room for improved practices such as hybrid and multi-hub conference formats.
- Can counter the Traditional Framework: The contemporary implementation of NGN can counterbalance the long-standing issue of outdated frameworks in the conduct of the majority of scientific meetings in India.
- Can Revamp the Ecosystem: Outdated practices fuel inequities and overlook diversity challenges. Hybrid conference formats, code of ethics, diversity inclusion, care caregiver support can propose towards new scientific ecosystem in India.
- To enhance India’s position in the global science ecosystem a more equitable and progressive scientific community can be built using the capability of NGN model.
Conclusion: Revamping scientific conferences in India to align with modern values of inclusivity, diversity, and sustainability is crucial for fostering a more equitable and progressive scientific community. Embracing these changes can not only address current challenges but also position India as a leading player in the international science and technology research landscape.
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Innovation Ecosystem in India
Drop the ‘garland model’ to let science in India blossom
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Neuroscience
Mains level: Policies related to Science in India; ‘No Garland Neuroscience’ (NGN) model
Mains PYQs
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Why in the News?
The persistence of outdated frameworks in the conduct of scientific meetings in India is affecting its scientific practice.
Context:
- There is a need to revamp the traditional mode of scientific conferences in India to align with contemporary values of egalitarianism, diversity, inclusivity, accessibility, and sustainability.
- By modernizing these conferences, India can enhance its position in the global science and technology research ecosystem.
- The article emphasizes ‘‘No Garland Neuroscience’ that science in India should reflect and promote these values in its practice and dissemination to support broader societal conversations.
How are the present scientific meetings held in India?
- The Core groups of organizers are responsible for planning, inviting experts, disseminating info, and fundraising. It includes invited speakers and paid attendees sharing the latest research discoveries.
- Scientific meetings, or conferences, are where researchers with similar or aligned areas of interest gather and serve as important avenues for the discussion and dissemination of science.
- These meetings often include presentations or talks on contemporary research findings, along with expert interactions on topics of science and professional development.
Challenges associated with the Traditional ‘bouquet giving’ model:
- Persistent outdated practices:
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- Persistent outdated practices perpetuate long-standing academic challenges and career-stage inequities.
- For example, continued reliance on bureaucratic, hierarchical frameworks, prolonged opening speeches by science administrators, delayed commencement due to dignitary arrivals, and hierarchical seating arrangements.
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- Ignoring gender and diversity issues:
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- Inclusivity: Lack of gender and diversity awareness evidence lines up for the limited acknowledgment of wider diversity issues.
- For example, all-male speakers or panelists and sessions such as ‘Women in Science’ completely fail to account for larger diversity issues in science, such as historically marginalized groups and LGBTQIA+ scientists.
- Scientific ecosystem: In light of demands for secular scientific practice, gender, and social inclusivity, it is essential to reassess the practices like – religiously symbolic conference materials (like lamp lightening) or devotional songs during inaugurations, and gifting rituals in the Indian context.
What is the ‘No Garland Neuroscience’ (NGN) model?
|
How ‘No Garland Neuroscience’ (NGN) model can be significant for Indian scientists?
-
- Can counter the Traditional Framework: The contemporary implementation of NGN can counterbalance the long-standing issue of outdated frameworks in the conduct of the majority of scientific meetings in India.
- The conduct of scientific meetings can make planning and budgetary room for improved practices such as hybrid and multi-hub conference formats.
- Can counter the Traditional Framework: The contemporary implementation of NGN can counterbalance the long-standing issue of outdated frameworks in the conduct of the majority of scientific meetings in India.
- Can Revamp the Ecosystem: Outdated practices fuel inequities and overlook diversity challenges. Hybrid conference formats, code of ethics, diversity inclusion, care caregiver support can propose towards new scientific ecosystem in India.
- To enhance India’s position in the global science ecosystem a more equitable and progressive scientific community can be built using the capability of NGN model.
Conclusion: Revamping scientific conferences in India to align with modern values of inclusivity, diversity, and sustainability is crucial for fostering a more equitable and progressive scientific community. Embracing these changes can not only address current challenges but also position India as a leading player in the international science and technology research landscape.
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Innovation Ecosystem in India
[pib] MnBi2S4: Multiferroic Material for Energy-Efficient Data Storage
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: MnBi2S4 and its properties
Mains level: NA
Introduction
- Researchers have identified a unique mechanism of electric polarization via magnetic ordering in a novel mineral named “MnBi2S4”, which can be useful for energy-efficient data storage.
About Magnetoelectric Multiferroics
- This special class of materials is renowned for their rarity and unique properties, capable of exhibiting both magnetism and ferroelectricity simultaneously.
- They find applications in advanced technology like spintronics, electronic memory devices, actuators, and switches.
What is MnBi2S4?
- Also known as mineral gratianite, it belongs to the ternary manganese chalcogenide family.
- It showcases distinct magnetic structures, including a spin density wave, cycloidal, and helical spin structures.
- Notably, the latter two spin structures induce ferro-electricity in the material.
- MnBi2S4 is centro-symmetric and undergoes magnetic ordering at low temperatures (27, 23, and 21.5 Kelvins).
Significance of the Study
- This finding highlights the strong coupling between magnetism and electric polarization.
- The unique mechanism, driven by magnetic frustration, represents a breakthrough in magnetoelectric coupling.
- If the material can exhibit the same phenomena at room temperature, it could revolutionize data storage by reducing energy consumption during writing processes.
- Additionally, these findings could aid in the development of a four-state logic memory system, providing additional degrees of freedom for device performance compared to current binary logic systems.
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Innovation Ecosystem in India
The wrong cooks spoiling the scientific broth
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: na
Mains level: a shift in the approach of Indian scientists towards addressing real-life problems
Central Idea:
The article argues for a shift in the approach of Indian scientists towards addressing real-life problems by integrating knowledge from various disciplines, including the humanities. It emphasizes the need for scientists to engage with societal issues, collaborate across disciplines, and embrace diverse forms of knowledge to find holistic solutions.
Key Highlights:
- Critique of the current scientific paradigm in India, where pursuit of quick rewards and adherence to disciplinary boundaries hinder problem-solving.
- Advocacy for a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates insights from the humanities and social sciences.
- Emphasis on the importance of understanding human complexities and societal context in scientific endeavors.
- Proposal for scientists to engage with communities, embrace humility, and recognize diverse forms of knowledge.
- Criticism of the hierarchical and reductionist tendencies within the scientific community.
- Assertion that addressing complex problems requires creativity, flexibility, and integration of diverse perspectives.
Key Challenges:
- Resistance from scientists accustomed to disciplinary silos and reductionist methodologies.
- Lack of institutional support and incentives for interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Need for a shift in mindset among scientists to prioritize societal impact over academic achievements.
- Overcoming entrenched power dynamics within the scientific community.
- Bridging the gap between academic research and practical problem-solving.
- Incorporating diverse forms of knowledge while ensuring rigor and reliability.
Main Terms:
- Scientific temper
- Reductionism
- Multidisciplinary approach
- Human sciences
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Social embeddedness
- Empirical testing
- Holistic understanding
Important Phrases:
- “Science-society border”
- “Climb down from the ivory tower”
- “Human complexities”
- “Tacit knowledge”
- “Integration of knowledge”
- “Extended peer community”
- “Proper scientific temper”
- “Cross-cultural conversation”
Quotes:
- “While religion is a sacred cow that doubles up as a cash cow, science is a cash cow that can often double up as a sacred cow in India.”
- “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”
- “Science leaves this kind of integration of knowledge from other sources out of the ‘scientific method’ altogether.”
- “A traditional puzzle solver scientist is like the mediocre artist who starts with a clearly visualized picture in mind and ends up painting it without leaving any scope for growth and change during the process.”
Useful Statements for mains value addition:
- “The time has come for a large chunk of scientific forces to be re-deployed on the science-society border to scout for solutions to real-life problems.”
- “The natural sciences then need to work in tandem with human sciences.”
- “A variety of perspectives and methods from different disciplines need to be brought to bear on a complex real-life problem.”
- “Philosophy has interacted fruitfully with business and medicine on issues of ethics and reproductive technologies.”
- “Science must confront the uncomfortable prospect of dealing with human complexities.”
Examples and References for qauality enrichment:
- The frothing Bellandur lake in Bengaluru vs. scholarly papers on the “giant gravity hole in the Indian Ocean.”
- Collaborations between philosophy, business, and medicine on ethical issues.
- Real-life problems such as human cloning, stem cell research, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with religious components.
Facts and Data:
- Reference to Manu Rajan, a retired information scientist from the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru.
- Mention of the threats posed by developments such as artificial intelligence.
- Reference to the prevalence of disciplinary silos and reductionist approaches in Indian scientific institutions.
Critical Analysis:
The article provides a compelling critique of the current scientific paradigm in India, highlighting its limitations in addressing real-life problems. It emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the integration of knowledge from the humanities and social sciences. However, it could provide more concrete examples of successful interdisciplinary efforts and practical strategies for fostering collaboration. Additionally, the article could address potential challenges in implementing its proposed changes, such as institutional resistance and resource constraints.
Way Forward:
- Promote interdisciplinary research initiatives and provide incentives for collaboration.
- Establish platforms for dialogue and knowledge exchange between scientists and diverse stakeholders.
- Invest in education and training programs that emphasize holistic problem-solving skills.
- Foster a culture of humility, curiosity, and openness to diverse perspectives within the scientific community.
- Encourage partnerships between academic institutions, government agencies, and civil society organizations to address pressing societal challenges.
In conclusion, the article advocates for a paradigm shift in Indian science towards a more inclusive, interdisciplinary approach that prioritizes real-life problem-solving and societal impact. By embracing diverse forms of knowledge and collaborating across disciplines, scientists can better address the complex challenges facing society.
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Innovation Ecosystem in India
Launched on International Day For Girls and Women in Science, will SWATI break old habits?
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Indian STEM fields
Mains level: Launch of SWATI portal in 2024
Central Idea:
The article discusses the efforts of Indian science academies to address the gender gap in STEM fields, focusing on initiatives such as the launch of the SWATI portal. It highlights the evolution of these efforts, challenges faced, and the need for more inclusive and effective strategies.
Key Highlights:
- Launch of SWATI portal by Indian science academies to create a database of women in science.
- Evolution of initiatives starting from the INSA report in 2004, highlighting discrimination and proposing solutions.
- Efforts like Lilavati’s Daughters compendium and national conferences to address gender gap issues.
- Gendered perceptions uncovered by sociologists and scientists regarding women leaving academia.
- Critique of initiatives focusing solely on “fixing” women instead of addressing systemic issues.
- Newer policies like GATI charter and STIP 2020 adopting more progressive language and inclusive approaches.
- Concerns about the effectiveness and sustainability of new initiatives like SWATI.
Key Challenges:
- Deep-rooted discrimination based on gender, caste, transgender identity, and disability.
- Lack of accountability for addressing systemic issues within the scientific community.
- Need for rules and laws to ensure gender equity and address unique challenges faced by marginalized groups.
- Risk of new initiatives losing momentum and failing to deliver on promises.
Main Terms:
- Gender gap: Disparity between men and women in STEM fields.
- Discrimination: Unfair treatment based on gender, caste, or other factors.
- Gender equity: Fair treatment regardless of gender.
- Inclusive policies: Strategies that consider diverse identities and experiences.
- STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
Important Phrases:
- “Gender gap in STEM”
- “Discrimination in the workplace”
- “Systemic issues”
- “Inclusive group”
- “Gendered perceptions”
Quotes:
- “It is the females who need to be ‘fixed.'”
- “Equity is not just a women’s issue.”
Anecdotes:
- Launch of SWATI portal on International Day for Girls and Women in Science.
- Announcement of promises by then Science and Technology Minister Kapil Sibal at a national conference in 2008.
Useful Statements:
- “Initiatives focusing solely on ‘fixing’ women overlook systemic issues.”
- “Newer policies like GATI charter and STIP 2020 adopt more progressive language.”
Examples and References:
- Indian National Science Academy (INSA) report in 2004.
- Lilavati’s Daughters compendium by the Indian Academy of Sciences (IASc).
- Launch of SWATI portal in 2024.
Facts and Data:
- Collaboration between scientists and social scientists in the INSA report in 2004.
- Survey of about 800 scientists revealing gendered perceptions in academia.
- Announcement of promises for women scientists by Kapil Sibal in 2008.
Critical Analysis:
The article provides a comprehensive overview of efforts to address the gender gap in Indian STEM fields, highlighting both progress made and persistent challenges. It critiques initiatives that focus solely on individual women without addressing systemic issues and emphasizes the need for more inclusive and effective strategies.
Way Forward:
- Implement and monitor policies that address discrimination and promote gender equity.
- Engage diverse stakeholders, including marginalized groups, in policy development and implementation.
- Ensure transparency and accountability in initiatives like SWATI to maintain momentum and effectiveness.
- Foster a culture of inclusivity and support within the scientific community to retain and empower women in STEM.
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Innovation Ecosystem in India
The problem with India’s science management
Central Idea:
The central idea of the article is that India’s scientific progress is hindered by the dominant role of senior scientists in the administrative aspect of science. The author argues that the current paradigm, where scientists are also administrators, is flawed and proposes a separation between scientists and administrators to enhance the efficiency and resilience of India’s scientific endeavors.
Key Highlights:
- The government is revamping India’s science establishment, emphasizing the importance of scientific advances for sustained economic progress.
- India’s low expenditure on research and development is highlighted, urging the need for wise allocation of funds and focus on high-impact projects.
- The author criticizes the current scientific administration for its failures in areas like space exploration, nuclear energy, genomics, robotics, and artificial intelligence.
- The article emphasizes the outsized role of senior scientists in India’s science administration and argues that their dual roles as scientists and administrators lead to inefficiencies.
Key Challenges:
- Inadequate funding for research and development in India.
- Inefficiencies and failures in key scientific projects.
- Dominance of senior scientists in administrative roles.
- Lack of comprehensive training for scientists in administrative tasks.
- Conflicts of interest and unethical practices in the scientific community.
Key Terms/Phrases:
- National Research Foundation (NRF).
- Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
- Gatekeepers in the scientific community.
- Administrative tasks and scientific endeavors.
- Separation of scientists and administrators.
- All-India transfers of scientists.
- System insiders as regulators.
Key Quotes:
- “Sustained economic progress… fueled by scientific advances translated into deployable technologies.”
- “India’s low overall expenditure on research and development… pivotal to allocate money wisely.”
- “The defining feature of India’s science administration is the centrality of its senior scientists.”
- “Administration is something which has to be taught and practiced separately from the subject matter being administered.”
- “The separation of administrators and scientists is something which most robust science establishments generally embrace.”
Key Statements:
- India’s scientific progress is linked to wise allocation of funds and focus on high-impact projects.
- The dual role of senior scientists as administrators hinders effective science management.
- Comprehensive training is needed for scientists in administrative tasks.
- The dominance of gatekeepers in the scientific community leads to conflicts of interest.
- Administration should be separate from scientific expertise for optimal outcomes.
Key Examples and References:
- Indian Space Research Organisation’s ranking in launch numbers.
- Latecomers in nuclear energy and unrealized thorium ambitions.
- Challenges in genomics, robotics, and artificial intelligence.
- Instances of conflicts of interest, plagiarism, and unethical practices in Indian science.
Critical Analysis:
- The article critically evaluates the shortcomings in India’s science administration, citing specific examples of failures.
- It challenges the assumption that scientists make effective administrators and emphasizes the need for specialized administrative skills.
- The historical context of gatekeepers and their influence on the scientific community is analyzed to understand the roots of the current issues.
- The article provides a comparative perspective, citing the U.S. model as an example of the separation between scientists and administrators.
Way Forward:
- Advocate for the separation of scientists and administrators in India’s science establishment.
- Establish an all-India pool of a science administration central service for training and selecting science administrators.
- Emphasize the importance of comprehensive training for scientists taking on administrative roles.
- Address conflicts of interest and unethical practices within the scientific community.
- Encourage a shift in the culture of Indian science towards professionalism, accountability, and transparent practices.
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Innovation Ecosystem in India
‘Authenticity’ in a post-authentic world
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: AI
Mains level: awareness and critical evaluation of information in the age of AI and deep fakes
Central idea
The article explores the evolving concept of authenticity in the context of AI, deep fakes, and post-truths, highlighting the challenges of discerning between real and fake information. It emphasizes concerns about declining trust in a potential “post-authentic” era and advocates for increased awareness, technological solutions, and ethical AI use to safeguard societal norms and integrity.
Key Highlights:
- Merriam-Webster’s word of the year for 2023 is “authentic,” following the 2022 choice of “gaslighting.”
- The article explores the evolving concept of authenticity in the context of AI, deep fakes, and post-truths.
- The rise of AI-generated content poses challenges to distinguishing between real and fake, impacting trust and societal norms.
Key Challenges:
- The prevalence of deep fakes and AI-generated content challenges the authenticity of information, leading to a blurred line between truth and falsehood.
- The post-authentic era raises concerns about the potential misuse of AI in creating deceptive narratives, impacting trust in various fields, including journalism and research.
- The article questions whether we are entering an era of “post-authenticity,” marked by a decline in trust and a growing inability to take information at face value.
Key Terms:
- Deep Fakes: Realistic-looking audio, video, or textual content generated by artificial intelligence.
- Post-Truth Era: A period characterized by the prioritization of emotional or personal beliefs over objective facts.
- Infocalypse: The potential information and communications crisis in the age of AI and social media.
Key Phrases:
- “To thine own self be true.”
- “Post-authentic age”
- “Trust No One”
- “Infocalypse”
- “Liar’s dividend”
Key Quotes:
- “When we question authenticity, we value it even more.” – Merriam-Webster
- “Trust No One” – Journalist Michael Grothaus
- “Infocalypse,” the biggest information and communications crisis in world history, is imminent.” – AI scientist Nina Schick
Key Examples and References:
- Instances of AI-generated content, including deep fakes of well-known personalities and manipulated images of public figures.
- The fake news incident regarding Amartya Sen’s passing in October.
Key Statements:
- The article suggests that the rise of AI and social media may lead to a “post-authentic” era, where trust becomes a casualty.
- The concept of “Trust No One” is highlighted as a potential consequence of the evolving technological landscape.
Key Facts:
- Merriam-Webster’s word of the year for 2023 is “authentic.”
- Concerns are raised about the impact of AI on the integrity of data and text in various societal aspects, such as GDP, employment, and COVID-19 statistics.
Critical Analysis:
- The article critically examines the challenges posed by AI and post-truth dynamics to the notion of authenticity, emphasizing the potential consequences for trust in society.
- Hazy lines between truth and falsehood are highlighted as a significant issue in the post-authentic era.
Way Forward:
- Emphasize the need for increased awareness and critical evaluation of information in the age of AI and deep fakes.
- Advocate for the development and implementation of technologies to detect and counter AI-generated deceptive content.
- Promote a culture of transparency and ethical use of AI to mitigate the potential negative impacts on trust and authenticity.
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Innovation Ecosystem in India
The IITs are overcommitted, in crisis
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Key data from article
Mains level: Technological education and research
Central idea
The article focuses on challenges facing IITs, such as quality concerns, faculty shortages, and questionable overseas expansions. The central idea emphasizes prioritizing quality, addressing faculty shortages, evaluating international ventures carefully, and promoting collaboration with industries for sustained excellence in Indian higher education.
Key Highlights:
- IITs as Crown Jewels: IITs are globally renowned, known as India’s premier higher education institutions, producing leaders in high-tech fields.
- Global Ventures: IIT-Madras opens a branch in Zanzibar, raising questions about international expansion and its purpose.
- Domestic Expansion: IIT system expanded post-2015, facing challenges in maintaining high standards and faculty shortages.
Challenges:
- Quality Concerns: New IITs struggle to match the standards of traditional institutes, with varying levels of prestige.
- Faculty Shortage: Severe shortage of academics in the IIT system, hindering quality education.
- Overseas Campus Questions: Questions arise about the motivation and preparedness for IITs’ international expansion, such as the Zanzibar venture.
- Standard Disparity: Unequal standards among IITs, with new institutions struggling to meet the excellence of traditional ones.
Analysis:
- Quality Building Challenge: Ensuring quality in new IITs becomes a significant challenge, affecting the prestige of the entire system.
- Faculty Shortage Impact: Severe academic shortages affect the overall functioning and reputation of the IIT system.
- Domestic Expansion Questioned: The wisdom of expanding the IIT system domestically is questioned, considering the challenges faced.
Key Data:
- IIT Enrollment: Enrolment in all 23 IITs exceeds 1,20,000, indicating increased access and opportunity.
- Vacant Seats: In 2021-22, 361 undergraduate, 3,083 postgraduate, and 1,852 PhD seats remained empty in new IITs.
- Faculty Vacancies: Out of 10,881 sanctioned posts in 2021, 4,370 were vacant, signaling a severe shortage
Background:
- Established in 1950, the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) emerged as premier higher education institutions. Initially rooted in partnerships with foreign technological universities, they aimed to contribute to national development by producing leaders in high-tech fields.
- The early IITs, such as Kharagpur, built a reputation for excellence through collaborations with institutions in the United States, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and Germany.
Objectives:
- Excellence in Technology: The primary objective was to excel in technological education and research, aligning with global standards.
- National Development: IITs aimed to contribute significantly to India’s development by producing skilled professionals in engineering and technology.
- Global Recognition: Striving for global recognition, IITs sought to establish themselves as hubs of cutting-edge research and innovation.
- Industry Interface: Bridging the gap between academia and industry, fostering collaborations to address real-world challenges.
The vision behind IITs
- Nurture Talent: Fosters and nurtures exceptional talent in the field of science, engineering, and technology.
- Drive Innovation: Serves as a catalyst for innovation, pushing the boundaries of research and technological advancements.
- Contribute Globally: Produces graduates and research outputs that make substantial contributions at both the national and global levels.
- Maintain Quality: Upholds a commitment to maintaining high academic standards and a reputation for excellence.
Way Forward:
- Quality Over Quantity: Prioritize quality in new IITs over rapid expansion.
- Address Faculty Shortage: Attract and retain top talent through competitive salaries.
- Evaluate Overseas Ventures: Assess the purpose and viability of overseas campuses, ensuring high standards.
- Standardization Efforts: Implement measures to standardize the quality and prestige across all IITs.
- Industry Collaboration: Foster collaboration with industries to bridge the gap between academia and emerging sectors.
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Innovation Ecosystem in India
Lessons in how to build an innovation ecosystem
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs), Global Innovation Index
Mains level: Challenges in Innovation Infrastructure
Central idea
India’s innovation journey, seen in Global Innovation Index (GII) progress and Amul’s community success, faces challenges in maintaining Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs). Collaborative clusters like ATL Sarthi highlight the need for a community-driven shift. The way forward involves community ownership, dialogue, and resource provision for continued success in innovation.
Key Facts:
- ATL Sarthi Impact: Over 90% of schools in clusters demonstrating high attendance and performance.
- Green and White Revolutions: Past successes serving as inspiration for future triumphs.
- ATL Utilization: Challenge of uniform and effective utilization addressed in the ATL Sarthi experiment.
- Government Vision: Push towards liberating innovation and entrepreneurship from complex processes.
Key Terms:
- GII: Global Innovation Index, measuring a nation’s innovation capabilities.
- ATL: Atal Tinkering Labs, fostering innovation in middle and high schools.
- ATL Sarthi: Clusters of ATLs overseen by a guidance committee for efficiency.
- Neoteric Innovators: Term defining students keeping pace with rapidly changing technology.
Key highlights of India’s innovation landscape
- GII Leap: From 81 to 40 India’s substantial improvement in the Global Innovation Index showcases a dedicated commitment to fostering innovation.
- Community-Driven Success Lessons from Amul: Examining the cooperative model of Amul as a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives in achieving global milestones.
- ATLs Nurturing the Next Generation Innovators : Understanding the role of Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) in cultivating a million “neoteric innovators” among middle and high school students.
- Government’s Vision of Liberating Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Analyzing the impact of the government’s push towards liberating innovation and entrepreneurship from complex processes.
Key Data:
- GII Progress: India’s notable rise from 81 to 40 in the Global Innovation Index.
- ATL Impact: Over 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) engaging more than 75 lakh students.
- Rural Emphasis: 60% of ATLs strategically located in rural areas.
- ATL Sarthi Clusters: Implementation in states like Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir.
Challenges in Innovation Infrastructure
- Infrastructure Expansion: The challenge of efficiently expanding and maintaining the infrastructure of Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs).
- Rural-Urban Disparities: The disparities in ATL infrastructure between urban and rural areas, with 60% of ATLs located in remote regions.
- Ensuring Effective Use of ATLs: The challenge of uniform and effective utilization of ATLs, particularly in schools facing economic and geographical constraints.
- Innovation Hubs: The ATL Sarthi experiment, exploring the creation of clusters overseen by a guidance committee to enhance ATL efficiency.
Way Forward
- Unlocking Maximum Potential: Emphasizing the timeless lesson that community ownership is essential to unlock the maximum potential of government-led initiatives.
- Green and White Revolutions Redux: Drawing parallels with past successes like the Green and White Revolutions, envisioning a similar triumph in the age of innovations.
- Fostering Dialogue: Advocating for the importance of fostering dialogue between government bodies, schools, and communities for sustained success.
- Resources and Support: Exploring the need for providing resources and support to communities, ensuring their active participation in the innovation ecosystem.
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Innovation Ecosystem in India
MoD signs 250th contract under ‘Innovations for Defence Excellence’
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Innovations for Defence Excellence (IDEX)
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- Innovations for Defence Excellence (IDEX), the flagship initiative of the Ministry of Defence (MoD), has achieved a milestone with the signing of the 250th contract.
- The first contract under Mission DefSpace and the 100th SPRINT (Navy) contract were signed on May 15.
What is Innovations for Defence Excellence (IDEX)?
- IDEX is a government initiative launched in April 2018.
- Its objective is to contribute to the modernization of the Defence Industry.
- The initiative focuses on promoting innovation and technology development in the Defence and Aerospace sectors.
- Industries, including MSMEs, start-ups, individual innovators, R&D institutes, and academia, are engaged under iDEX.
- IDEX provides funding and support to these industries to carry out Research & Development activities.
- The Defence Innovation Organization (DIO) funds and manages IDEX, serving as its executive arm.
Key achievements of IDEX
- The first IDEX contract of Mission DefSpace was exchanged between officials of the MoD and InspeCity, a winner of the challenge for developing a micro propulsion system for CubeSats.
- InspeCity is working on a gas-based compact micro propulsion system that can be integrated with satellites, including the CubeSat swarm under Mission DefSpace.
- IDEX has received over 7,500 applications from individual innovators, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and startups.
- The initiative has generated thousands of jobs and attracted India’s talent back to the country.
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Innovation Ecosystem in India
National Manufacturing Innovation Survey (NMIS), 2021-22
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: National Manufacturing Innovation Survey (NMIS)
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea: The Department of Science and Technology under the Ministry of Science & Technology has released the National Manufacturing Innovation Survey (NMIS) 2021-22.
About National Manufacturing Innovation Survey
| Details | |
| Undertaken by | DST and United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) |
| History | First National Innovation Survey in 2011 |
| Focus | Manufacturing competitiveness |
| Purpose | Innovation performance of Indian manufacturing firms |
| Insights | Enabling activities and identifying barriers to innovation |
| Processes | Examines innovation processes, outcomes, and barriers faced by firms |
| State/Sector | Evaluates performance of states and sectors in producing new products, services, and business processes |
| Key manufacturing sectors | 5 sectors: textiles; food & beverage; automotive; pharma; ICT. |
Components of the survey
(1) Firm-level survey
- It captured data related to types of innovations and innovative measures taken by firms.
- Includes: the process of innovation, access to finance, resources, and information for innovation, besides also recording the factors impacting the innovation activities in a firm.
- One in four firms have successfully implemented an innovation in the observation period.
- Over 80% of these firms benefitted significantly in expanding markets and production and reducing costs.
(2) Sectorial System of Innovation survey
- It mapped the manufacturing innovation system and its role in achieving innovations in firms.
- It measures the interactions between stakeholders of the innovation ecosystem, barriers to innovation, and the convergence or divergence of policy instruments in select 5 key manufacturing sectors important to the Indian economy.
Key highlights
- Karnataka is the most “innovative” State, followed by Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu (DNH&DD), Telangana, and Tamil Nadu.
- Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu had the highest share of innovative firms at 46.18% ,39.10% and 31.90%, respectively.
- Odisha, Bihar, and Jharkhand reported the lowest share of such firms at 12.78%, 13.47% and 13.71%, respectively.
- Nearly three-fourths of the 8,000-odd firms surveyed, most of them micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME), neither made any innovative product nor process innovation.
- However, nearly 80% of the firms that did report significant gains such as expanding markets and reducing production costs.
Barriers identified
- The most frequent “barriers to innovation” were the lack of internal funds, high innovation costs, and lack of financing from external sources.
- Gujarat and DNH&DD reported the highest frequencies of barriers to innovation, despite being among India’s most industrialised States.
Significance of the survey
- It will help in the Make-in-India programme, specifically the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes.
- It will help to boost manufacturing in a variety of sectors, including electronics, pharmaceuticals, and automobiles.
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Innovation Ecosystem in India
The Brain Economy: Navigating a New World
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Brain Economy, opportunities and challenges
Central Idea
- The nature of labor has changed drastically in the last century, moving from physical labor to skill-based labor to brain-based labor. Technology is driving this change and reshaping industries, and we must adapt to this new reality to stay globally relevant. We need to move away from outdated stereotypes of evil corporations and embrace technology to facilitate meaningful dialogue around the trade-offs in the brain economy.
What is mean by Brain Economy?
- Knowledge-based economy: The Brain Economy refers to the shift towards a knowledge-based economy where the primary source of economic growth is driven by innovation and creativity, and the ability to generate, process, and use knowledge effectively.
- In contrast with labour intensive economy: It is often contrasted with previous economies, such as the Industrial Economy and the Agricultural Economy, which were based on physical labor and the production of tangible goods
“Every successful innovation is built on a graveyard of failures”
Unlimited Capacity of Technology
- The technology will continue to advance and develop beyond just the fields of software, artificial intelligence, and data analytics.
- It will also spread rapidly across other fields such as brain sciences, which includes the study of the brain and its functions; quantum computing, which involves the use of quantum mechanics to perform calculations; genetic engineering, which involves the manipulation of DNA to create new organisms or modify existing ones; 3D printing, which is the process of creating physical objects from digital models; nanotechnology, which involves the manipulation of matter on a molecular or atomic scale.
- The combination of these technologies will lead to new and innovative solutions in various industries.
Potential benefits of the brain economy
- Increased Innovation: Brain-based work is about rapid innovation and creation, driven by technology. This can lead to new products, services, and technologies that can enhance people’s lives.
- Higher Productivity: With advancements in technology and automation, the brain economy has the potential to significantly increase productivity and efficiency.
- Improved Quality of Life: Brain-based work can create jobs that are less physically demanding and more intellectually stimulating. This can lead to an improved quality of life for those who work in the brain economy.
- Economic Growth: The brain economy has the potential to fuel economic growth by creating new industries and opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs.
- Increased Collaboration: The brain economy requires collaboration across different fields, disciplines, and cultures. This can lead to increased cooperation and understanding among people from diverse backgrounds.
- Social Progress: Technology and brain power can be used to address social and environmental challenges, such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and healthcare.
- Flexibility: With technology, brain-based work can be done from anywhere, at any time, providing greater flexibility for workers and businesses.
- Access to Information: Technology has made it easier than ever to access information and knowledge, which can help to create a more informed and educated society.
- Personal Development: Brain-based work requires continuous learning and personal development, which can lead to increased self-awareness, creativity, and adaptability.
Challenges for the brain economy
- Inequality: The brain economy has the potential to exacerbate inequality by assigning exponentially differential values to body, skill, and brain. This can lead to a widening gap between those who have access to education and training in advanced technology and those who do not.
- Job displacement: The rise of the brain economy may result in the displacement of jobs that require physical labor or lower levels of skill, leading to job losses in certain sectors. This may also require significant retraining and upskilling of workers in order to adapt to the new demands of the economy.
- Ethical dilemmas: As technology continues to evolve and become more integrated into the brain economy, ethical dilemmas around privacy, inclusivity, fairness, and the impact on social issues such as gender parity and wealth sharing may arise.
- Regulatory challenges: The fast-paced nature of technology development in the brain economy may pose regulatory challenges for policymakers and regulators. There may be a need for more agile and responsive regulatory frameworks to keep pace with technological developments.
- Access to technology: Not everyone may have access to the technology required to participate in the brain economy, leading to a digital divide and further exacerbating inequality.
- Societal impacts: The widespread adoption of technology in the brain economy may have significant societal impacts, such as changes to the nature of work, social relationships, and human behavior. It will be important to monitor these impacts and take steps to mitigate any negative effects.
- Environmental impact: The growth of the brain economy may lead to increased energy consumption and environmental impact, particularly as new technologies such as quantum computing and genetic engineering become more prevalent. It will be important to consider the environmental impact of these technologies and take steps to mitigate any negative effects.
How India can balance Brain economy and concerns associated with it?
- Encourage innovation: The government should encourage innovation and research in emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and biotechnology, by providing funding and incentives to startups, universities, and research institutions.
- Promote digital literacy: The government should promote digital literacy and technology education at all levels of education to equip citizens with the necessary skills to participate in the brain economy.
- Ensure regulatory compliance: The government should ensure that emerging technologies are developed and deployed in compliance with ethical, legal, and social norms. This includes establishing regulatory frameworks, guidelines, and standards for emerging technologies.
- Invest in infrastructure: The government should invest in physical and digital infrastructure, such as broadband networks, data centers, and cloud computing, to support the growth of the brain economy.
- Foster collaboration: The government should foster collaboration between academia, industry, and government to accelerate innovation and create new opportunities for economic growth.
- Protect workers’ rights: The government should ensure that workers in the brain economy are protected by labor laws, including social security benefits, health insurance, and fair wages.
- Address inequality: The government should address the growing inequality in the brain economy by investing in education, training, and social safety nets to ensure that all citizens can participate in the new economy. This includes measures to bridge the urban-rural divide, gender gap, and socio-economic disparities.
Conclusion
- In a country the size of India, it’s impossible to transition everyone to the brain economy overnight. The biggest component of the body economy in India is agriculture. We need our agriculture to be technology-enabled, not body driven. The bigger issue of inequality is the inequality between nations. In the brain economy, the alternative to technology and innovation is total irrelevance. To be a globally relevant player, India needs to embrace the concept of this new world of the brain economy, adapt its mindset and appropriate its resources accordingly.
Mains Question
Q. What do you understand by mean Brain Economy? Discuss the potential advantages and challenges of Brain economy in India and suggest a way ahead.
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Innovation Ecosystem in India
Untitled
Central Idea
- India’s research and development (R&D) expenditure-GDP ratio of 0.7% is very low when compared to major economies and is much below the world average of 1.8%. The main reason is the low investment in R&D by the corporate sector.
An overview: Spending on R&D
- While the corporate sector accounts for about two-thirds of gross domestic expenditure on R&D (GERD) in leading economies, its share in India is just 37%. There is evidence, however, suggesting that India’s GERD data are an underestimate.
- A 2022 infobrief of the National Science Foundation (NSF) of the United States on Foreign R&D by U.S.-based multinational corporations (MNCs) shows a spend of $9.5 billion (₹649.7 billion) on R&D in India in 2018, which increased to $9.8 billion (₹690.2 billion) in the following year.
- There are MNCs from other leading countries also spending on R&D in India.
- But the latest Research and Development Statistics, published by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) in 2020, has provided an estimate of ₹60.9 billion R&D spending in 2017-18 by foreign MNCs, which is only about 10% of what U.S. firms have reported to have spent in India on R&D
What is gross domestic expenditure on R&D (GERD)?
- Gross domestic spending on R&D is defined as the total expenditure (current and capital) on R&D carried out by all resident companies, research institutes, university and government laboratories, etc., in a country.
- It includes R&D funded from abroad, but excludes domestic funds for R&D performed outside the domestic economy.
- This indicator is measured in USD constant prices using 2015 base year and Purchasing Power Parities (PPPs) and as percentage of GDP.
- It is often used as an indicator of a country’s level of innovation and technological progress.
Issues with the current system
- NSTMIS compiles GERD data: The National Science and Technology Management Information System (NSTMIS) of the DST is the agency that compiles GERD statistics in India.
- Challenge is to collect data from private sector: It is easier to gather the information on R&D by the government sector, the higher education sector and public sector enterprises. The challenge lies in collecting data from the private corporate sector.
Two key factors that make the official R&D estimates grossly inadequate
- The method used for identification of R&D performing firms does not capture all the R&D performing firms.
- NSTIMS uses DSIR and Prowess to identify R&D units: A study found only 11% of 298 firms receiving foreign investment (2004-16) for R&D were registered with DSIR. Prowess covers only 3.5% of currently active registered enterprises in India. Leading enterprises in new technology areas may not be listed in both databases, such as SigTuple Technologies.
- The DSIR list may not have many of the actual R&D performers for two reasons: Firms which consider government incentives as not attractive enough or that are sensitive about sharing critical information with the DSIR may not be inclined to register themselves with the DSIR. 2. It may be difficult for R&D firms in services such as software and R&D services to meet the requirement of having separate infrastructure for R&D to distinguish it from their usual business. In fact, many of the R&D performing enterprises in new technology areas may come under the services category.
- The survey conducted by the NSTMIS is the key source of R&D statistics of India
- Data from Secondary sources works only if firms disclose their R&D spending: If firms don’t respond to the survey, data is collected from secondary sources like annual reports and Prowess. Some firms don’t report R&D spending despite their technology activities, patents and innovators. They may not feel obliged to report accurately to Indian regulatory authorities.
- For instance: A review of the documents submitted to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) by some R&D-oriented firms shows that there are firms which do not report any spending on R&D in spite of their declarations that suggest that they are engaged in activities of technology development, adoption and adaptation.
What is to be done?
- Short term measure: the NSTMIS should use the patents granted data, both in India and the U.S., in addition to its current method to identify R&D performing enterprises.
- Mandatory disclosure: Annual R&D estimates can be prepared from mandatory disclosures that the enterprises are required to make to the MCA.
- Technologies can be employed to ensure compliance and proper reporting: In order to ensure compliance and proper reporting, technologies can be used like in the case of revamped income-tax return forms where various sections are interlinked.
- Spending data should be made an essential component of ESG: Additionally, proper disclosure of information to regulatory agencies, including R&D spending data, should be made an essential component of the environmental, social and governance (ESG) ranking of enterprises.
Conclusion
- Concrete data on R&D spending is crucial as it helps to identify areas needing investment, promotes economic growth, informs policymaking decisions, tracks progress, and evaluates policy effectiveness in promoting innovation and technological development. Transforming India’s R&D statistics to truly reflect the R&D ecosystem calls for short-term and medium-term measures.
Mains question
Q. What is Gross domestic expenditure on R&D? It is said that official R&D estimates grossly inadequate in India. In this backdrop discuss the significance of having concrete data on spendings on R&D.
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Innovation Ecosystem in India
APJ Abdul Kalam SLV: India’s 1st Hybrid Rocket launched
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Hybrid Rocket
Mains level: India's success in rocketry
India’s first hybrid sounding rocket by private players was launched by some students from Pattipulam village off Tamil Nadu coast.
About APJ Abdul Kalam SLV
- Martin Foundation in association with Dr APJ Abdul Kalam International Foundation and Space Zone India successfully completed the project known as Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Satellite Launch Vehicle Mission 2023.
- The student team included 200 from the fishermen community in Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry, 100 students from tribal communities across India, and 60 from Tamil Nadu.
What is a Hybrid Rocket?
- A hybrid rocket is a type of rocket engine that combines features of both liquid-fueled and solid-fueled rockets. In a hybrid rocket, a solid fuel is burned in combination with a liquid or gaseous oxidizer to produce thrust.
- The solid fuel in a hybrid rocket is typically made of a polymer, such as hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB), which is cast into a cylindrical shape and placed inside the rocket motor.
- The oxidizer, which is typically nitrous oxide (N2O), is stored in a separate tank and fed into the combustion chamber of the rocket motor.
How does it work?
- When the oxidizer is introduced into the combustion chamber, it reacts with the solid fuel, producing a hot gas that is expelled through a nozzle at the end of the rocket.
- The combustion process can be controlled by adjusting the flow rate of the oxidizer, making hybrid rockets more controllable than solid rockets.
Benefits offered over conventional rockets
- Hybrid rockets are generally simpler and less expensive to manufacture than liquid rockets, while providing more control than solid rockets.
- They are also safer than both liquid and solid rockets, since the fuel and oxidizer are stored separately and can be easily shut off in case of an emergency.
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Innovation Ecosystem in India
Ideal Train Profile: Railways’ AI-based project to shorten ticket waitlists
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Ideal Train Profile
Mains level: AI, Machine Learning
The Indian Railways has concluded the trial of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) program it built to fix a perennial issue — long waiting lists for tickets.
Ideal Train Profile
- Ideal Train Profile was made by Railways’ in-house software arm Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS).
- It was fed with information like how millions of passengers booked tickets on these trains, which origin-destination pairs were a hit and which were flops at what time of the year, which seats remained vacant for what portion of a journey, etc.
- This project has been in the works for the past two years, wherein the AI has been “taught” ticket booking data and trends of the past few years.
- It has come up with the best possible combination of how many berths to keep for which sectors and at what time.
- The combination of “training data” the AI has been fed goes back three years.
Significance of the project
- The AI-driven program has, for the first time, allocated vacant berths in over 200 trains in such a way that fewer people need to turn away without a confirmed ticket.
- The waiting lists on these trains, as a result, have seen a curtailment.
Need for AI in ticket booking
- Currently, the passenger is handed out a wait-listed ticket and asked to wait until four hours prior to departure, when the final seat chart is prepared, to see if she made the list.
- This is because a large number of berths are earmarked for various quotas and various origin-destination combinations of the train’s routes.
- If there are 60 halts in a long-distance train, then there are 1,800 possible ticket combinations of origin and destination.
- If there are 10 halts, there are typically about 45 ticket combinations and so on.
- The Ideal Train Profile’s AI tells the Passenger Reservation System how best to give out confirmed tickets and for which sectors.
Way forward
- The AI does data-driven remote location selection, completely automates the process of quota distribution, and suggests optimal quota for different ticket combinations based on historical demand.
- The project has got the Railway Board excited about the possibility of how it can manage busy season rush, when the demands of confirmed tickets are at a peak.
- So the coming summer vacation season will be the first big test for the new system.
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Innovation Ecosystem in India
India ranks 40th in the Global Innovation Index of WIPO
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: GII
Mains level: Innovation in India
India climbed six notches to 40th position in the Global Innovation Index 2022 on account of improvement in several parameters. India was at 46th position in 2021 and at 81st rank in 2015.
Global Innovation Index
- The Global Innovation Index (GII) is an annual ranking of countries by their capacity for, and success in, innovation.
- It is published by Cornell University, INSEAD, and the World Intellectual Property Organization, in partnership with other organizations and institutions.
- It is based on both subjective and objective data derived from several sources, including the International Telecommunication Union, the World Bank and the World Economic Forum.
- The index was started in 2007 by INSEAD and World Business, a British magazine. It was created by Prof. Soumitra Dutta.
Components of GII
- The GII is computed by taking a simple average of the scores in two sub-indices, the Innovation Input Index and Innovation Output Index, which are composed of five and two pillars respectively
Global scenario
- Switzerland, the US, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands are the world’s most-innovative economies.
- China is on the threshold of the top 10.
- Other emerging economies are also showing consistently strong performance, including India and Turkey, both of which enter the top 40 for the first time.
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Innovation Ecosystem in India
Scientific temper
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: article 51 a
Mains level: scientific literacy
Context
- India has not produced any Nobel Prize winner in science in the last 85 years — largely because of the lack of a scientific environment in the country.
What is scientific temper?
- Jawaharlal Nehru coined the term ‘scientific temper’; he defines it as an attitude of logical and rational thinking. An individual is considered to have scientific temper if she employs the scientific method when making decisions.
Why it is important?
- Scientific temper is very important for bringing forth a progressive society. It is free from superstitions. Irrational practices in developing the nation are in all aspects like political, economic and social.
Its components
- The vital parts of scientific temper are discussion, argument, and analysis. Various elements like fairness, equality, and democracy. The most important characteristic of a scientific temper is: – untiring search for truth with an open mind and spirit of inquiry.
Constitutional mandate of scientific temper
- In 1976, the Government of India reemphasised its commitment to cultivate scientific temper through a constitutional amendment (Article 51A).
- Article 51A in the 42nd Amendment of the Constitution in 1976 says “It shall be the duty of every citizen of Indian to develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of enquiry and reform.”
Importance of scientific temper in nation building
- Formation of public policy: Scientific temperament can become a part of the policy formation and plan through analyzing the performance of our nations, especially all the hardships and shortfalls that occurred in the past years.
- Self -Reliance: There is a relationship between scientific temperament and becoming self-reliant. Our country is becoming self-reliant with the available technology and industrial infrastructure.
- Quality education: It will help the children to assimilate the knowledge acquired through the practical observations in a scientific framework; thus, laying down a basis for the growth of a scientific perspective in the children.
Challenges before scientific temper
- Political unwillingness: Most of the policymakers and the politicians to increase their vote banks include the stagnant ideologies and beliefs of the people in their public policies, and the government tends to give away in the popular public opinion rather than try to improve their thinking by including a more scientific approach to the various societal problems.
- Prevalent orthodoxy: In India, people still have an orthodox ideology and will not adhere to the scientifically obtained solutions.
- Low budget: Even after seventy years of independence, Indian Scientists are working on tight budgets, and they don’t have resources like other nations for conducting scientific research.
- Pseudoscience: Pseudoscience is everywhere, whether in denying the science of climate change or the evolution theory that explains the secret of diversity that we see around us.
Value addition / case study / Innovation
An IIT Kanpur alumni Mr.Arvind Gupta tries to inculcate a spirit of inquiry among children through toys made from inexpensive everyday items.
What can be done?
- Directional efforts: Activities focused on school children can be undertaken like nature walks, visit to museums etc. ‘Science Express’, a collaborative effort of Ministry of railways and Ministry of Environment & Forests & Climate Change, is a progressive step because it provides a platform that can expose children and common people in far-flung areas of the country to scientific aspects of our everday life.
- Policy initiatives: Children’s Science Congress organized by National Council for Science & Technology Communication (NCSTC) is a good way to encourage scientific temper in children.
- Public initiative: Civil Society organizations like, Kerala Sastra Sahitya Parishad (KSSP) and Delhi Science Forum, which are People’s Science Movement, can also go a long way in boosting scientific temper amongst the community.
- From Sensationalism to Sensible Science Journalism:The media must monitor the content to discourage and limit superstition and blind belief.
- Scientific journalism: Science communicators do the critical job of bridging the gap between science, society, and policymakers. Science journalism should be promoted at the university level. Science agencies should fund science communication activities in their domains.
- From Exclusive to Inclusive Science: Inequitable participation concerning gender and social diversity must be eliminated. The ‘open source science’ or ‘open science’ movement includes, at the core, open access, open data, open-source, and available standards that offer unfettered dissemination of scientific discourse.
- Open science: Government has a significant role in facilitating open science and promoting and preserving a free-thinking, open-minded society.
Conclusion
- Let’s hope that someday all cultures free themselves from the shackles of blind faith with science likely to play a major hand in this endeavour. Unto a similar goal, we should celebrate India’s constitutional provision for the scientific temper and vigorously safeguard it.
Mains question
Q. The shrinking space for scientific temper in India today is worrisome for some reasons. Do you think so? Identify these reasons and suggest way forward for scientific future of India.
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Innovation Ecosystem in India
Journey towards innovation
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Samba mashuri rice, Wax Deoiling Technology
Mains level: CSIR ,IPR regime
Context
- Senior scientist Nallathamby Kalaiselvi was appointed the director general of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), on Saturday, August 6, 2022. This makes her the first woman to head the largest research and development organisation in India, which runs 38 laboratories and institutes, 39 outreach centres, and three innovation centres.
What is CSIR?
- The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, abbreviated as CSIR, was established by the Government of India in September 1942 as an autonomous body that has emerged as the largest research and development organisation in India.
- CSIR covers a wide spectrum of science and technology – from oceanography, geophysics, chemicals, drugs, genomics, biotechnology and nanotechnology to mining, aeronautics, instrumentation, environmental engineering and information technology.
Who established it?
- Dr Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar
- He was the Founder Director (and later first Director-General) of CSIR who is credited with establishing twelve national laboratories. He played a significant role in the building of post-independent Science and Technology infrastructure and in the formulation of India’s S & T policies
CSIR’s Vision
- “Pursue science which strives for global impact, technology that enables innovation – driven industry and nurture trans-disciplinary leadership thereby catalyzing inclusive economic development for the people of India”
Why CSIR is important?
- Innovation: Regarding intellectual property, the CSIR has over 2971 patents filed internationally with 1592 patents filed in India. Since its inception in 1942 over 14000 patents have been granted worldwide. It was awarded the National Intellectual Property Award in 2018 by the India Patent Office.
- Pandemic handling: CSIR identified the unmet needs, assessed its strengths and capabilities for addressing the pandemic and adopted a multi-pronged strategy of working on diagnostics, surveillance, drugs, hospital assistive devices, personal protective equipment and supply chain and logistics. This strategy is now beginning to yield exciting solutions.
Contribution of CSIR
Strategic Sector
- Head-Up-Display (HUD) In high-tech areas, CSIR-NAL made significant contribution by developing indigenous Head-Up- display(HUD) for Indian Light Combat Aircraft, Tejas. HUD aids the pilot in flying the aircraft and in critical flight maneuvers including weapon aiming.
- Design and Development of Indigenous Gyrotron: Addressing the challenges of technology denial:Design and development of indigenous gyrotron for nuclear fusion reactor has been accomplished.
Energy & Environment
- Solar Tree: On July 22nda solar tree designed by CSIR- CMERI lab in Durgapur was launched which occupies minimum space to produce clean power.
- Wax Deoiling Technology:Technology developed for recovery of wax developed in collaboration with Engineers India Limited (EIL) and Numaligarh Refinery Ltd., (NRL). Country’s largest wax producing (50,000 metric ton) plant has been commissioned at NRL with investment of over Rs 600 crore.
Value added Agriculture
- Medicinal and Aromatic Plants:Enhanced cultivation of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in the country brought about through development of new varieties and agro-technologies.
- Samba Mahsuri Rice Variety – Bacterial Blight Resistant:CSIR has in collaboration with DRR (ICAR) and DBT part funding developed an improved bacterial blight resistant Samba Mahsuri variety.
- Rice Cultivar (Muktashree) for Arsenic Contaminated Areas:A rice variety has been developed which restricts assimilation of Arsenic within permissible limit. The variety has been released to farmers of West Bengal.
- White-fly resistant Cotton variety:Developed a transgenic cotton line which is resistant to whiteflies. It is expected to render it commercially cultivable in 10 years, after due regulatory clearances.
Healthcare
- JD Vaccine for Farm Animals:Vaccine developed and commercialized for Johne’s disease affecting Sheep, Goat, Cow and Buffalo so as to immunize them and increase milk and meat production.
- Plasma Gelsolin Diagnostic Kit for Premature Births, and Sepsis related Deaths:A new kit is being developed to diagnose pre-mature birth and sepsis.
- Genomics and other omics technologies for Enabling Medical Decision – GOMED: Genetic diseases, though are individually rare, cumulatively affect a large number of individuals. A programme called GOMED (Genomics and other omics technologies for Enabling Medical Decision) has been developed by the CSIR which provides a platform of disease genomics to solve clinical problems.
Food & Nutrition
- Ksheer-scanner: The Ksheer Scanner, a new technological invention by CSIR-CEERI detects the level of milk adulteration and adulterants in 45 seconds at the cost of 10 paise,
- Double-Fortified Salt:Salt fortified with iodine and iron having improved properties developed and tested for addressing anaemia in people. To be launched in the market soon.
- Anti-obesity DAG Oil:Oil enriched with Diacylglycerol (DAG) instead of conventional triacylglycerol (TAG) developed. To be launched in the market soon.
Water
- Aquifer Mapping of Water Scarce Areas: Heliborne transient electromagnetic and surface magnetic technique based aquifer mapping carried out in six different geological locations in Rajasthan (2), Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.
- Understanding the Special Properties of the Ganga Water:Assessment of Water Quality & Sediment Analysis of Ganga from different parts being done.
Some of the challenges faced for sustainable growth of R&D in India are
- Low research professionals: India has an estimated full-time equivalent R&D professional strength of only 150 professionals per million, compared to that of other countries.
- Low investment: Indian research is mostly skewed towards basic research and lacks in application oriented R&D. The vast majority of organizations would rather go for quick acquisition of technology rather than invest in internal R&D.
- IPR enforcement: Inadequate enforcement of intellectual property rights (IPR). While India has improved its IPR regime, the protection of intellectual property remains weak in some areas owing to inadequate laws and ineffective enforcement.
Some positive suggestions to improve innovation
- Embrace technology: Technologies, such as machine learning, can be used to improve R&D decision-making. Documents need to be filed throughout the R&D process, for example, and the process could be automated to free up employees to do more complex tasks.
- Invest in innovation hubs: Companies that invest in innovation hubs expand talent and relationships with local universities and startups can support a two-way learning process and faster innovation cycles.
- Promoting startups: Most radical innovations are coming from startups and more of them are needed. Tilting higher education towards science and encouraging more students to take degrees in science-based subjects can provide the people needed for R&D.
Conclusion
India is a strong contender in the field of Global R&D. For India to derive maximum growth and sustainability of R&D, its R&D fundamentals have to be strong and excellent.
Mains question
Q.Culture of innovation is needed in national growth in this context discuss what is IPR regime? How CSIR has helped to consolidate it?
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Innovation Ecosystem in India
Karnataka tops India Innovation Index List
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: India Innovation Index
Mains level: Not Much
Karnataka has bagged the top rank in NITI Aayog’s India Innovation Index, 2022, which determines innovation capacities and ecosystems at the sub-national level.
India Innovation Index (III)
- The release of the second edition of the index—the first was launched in October 2019—demonstrates the Government’s continued commitment to transforming the country into an innovation-driven economy.
- The index attempts to create an extensive framework for the continual evaluation of the innovation environment of all states and UTs in India.
- It intends to perform the following three functions-
- Ranking of states and UTs based on their index scores
- Recognizing opportunities and challenges, and
- Assisting in tailoring governmental policies to foster innovation
- The states have been bifurcated into three categories: major states, northeast and hill states, and union territories/city-states/small states.
Significance
- The study examines the innovation ecosystem of Indian states and union territories.
- The aim is to create a holistic tool that can be used by policymakers across the country to identify the challenges to be addressed and strengths to build on when designing policies.
Highlights of the 2022 index
- Karnataka has held this position, under the Major States category, in all three editions of the Index so far.
- It was followed by Telangana, Haryana, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Bihar and Gujarat were at the bottom of the index.
- In the Index, Manipur secured the lead in the Northeast and Hill States category, while Chandigarh was the top performer in the Union Territories and City States category.
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Innovation Ecosystem in India
India scores 46th rank in the Global Innovation Index 2021
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Global Innovation Index
Mains level: Innovation ecosystem in India
India has climbed 2 spots and has been ranked 46th by the World Intellectual Property Organization in the Global Innovation Index 2021 rankings.
Global Innovation Index
- The Global Innovation Index (GII) is an annual ranking of countries by their capacity for, and success in, innovation.
- It is published by Cornell University, INSEAD, and the World Intellectual Property Organization, in partnership with other organizations and institutions.
- It is based on both subjective and objective data derived from several sources, including the International Telecommunication Union, the World Bank and the World Economic Forum.
- The index was started in 2007 by INSEAD and World Business, a British magazine. It was created by Prof. Soumitra Dutta.
Components of GII
- The GII is computed by taking a simple average of the scores in two sub-indices, the Innovation Input Index and Innovation Output Index, which are composed of five and two pillars respectively.
India’s performance
- India has been on a rising trajectory, over the past several years in the Global Innovation Index (GII), from a rank of 81 in 2015 to 46 in 2021.
- India attributed its improved performance due to the pivotal role played by the Department of Atomic Energy, the Department of Science and Technology, the Department of Biotechnology and the Department of Space.
Global scenario
- Switzerland topped the league table, followed by Sweden, the US and the UK.
- Among Asian economies, South Korea jumped to the fifth position, up from 10 last year.
- China was in the 12th position.
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Innovation Ecosystem in India
India’s investment in research unsatisfactory: UNESCO report
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: UNESCO Science Report
Mains level: India's expenditure on research and development
While India has made ‘solid progress’ towards the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets concerning the industry, infrastructure, and innovation, the country’s investment in research remains unsatisfactory, the UNESCO Science Report has observed. UNESCO Science Report.
This newscard provides useful data about India’s expenditure on R&D and its adequacy.
UNESCO Science Report
- The UNESCO Science Report is a global monitoring report published regularly by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
- Every five years, this report maps the latest trends and developments in national and regional policy landscapes, against the backdrop of shifting socio-economic, geopolitical and environmental realities.
Data on research funding in India
- India has one of the lowest GERD/GDP ratios among the BRICS nations, according to the report.
- The gross domestic expenditure on research (GERD) has been stagnant at 0.7% of the GDP for years, although, in absolute terms, research expenditure has increased.
Why flag such slowdown?
- India’s research intensity has been declining since 2014.
- The Science and Technology Policy of 2003 fixed the threshold of devoting 2% of GDP to research and development (R&D) by 2007.
- This target date was set back to 2018 in the new Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (2013) then again to 2022 by the Economic Advisory Council of the Prime Minister.
- In 2020, the task force drafting the country’s new Science and Technology Policy recommended pushing back the target date to a more realistic 2030.
Rise of private enterprises
- R&D in the government sector has been in steady decline since 2015, whereas the share of private business enterprises in it has shot up to 42%.
- While in theory this is a positive trend, the R&D is focused primarily on sectors such as pharmaceuticals, automotive, and information technology.
- Even in these industries, it is concentrated in a small number of firms, the report said.
- It further noted that investment in R&D by foreign multinationals is on the rise, accounting for as much as 16% of private-sector investment in R&D in 2019.
- The report noted that the majority of the software-related patents were being bagged by MNCs operating from Indian soil, while pharma patents were obtained mostly by domestic firms.
Few successes to count
- On the bright side is the encouraging increase in scientific publications by Indian researchers on cutting-edge technologies.
- Total publications have risen from 80,458 in 2011 to 1.61 lakh in 2019.
- Indian researchers are publishing between 1.5 and 1.8 times the global average on green technologies, complementing the government’s push to expand green energy sources.
- But then again, patenting by domestic corporations, research institutes, universities, and individuals remain low in India.
Key suggestions
- The UNESCO Science Report underscores the need for ‘policy bridges’ for fostering a more effective interaction between foreign and local research firms.
- Given the large number of multinational corporations now engaged in R&D, it is imperative that the host economy benefits from this activity the report said.
- It also called for improved linkages between the start-up ecosystem and manufacturers to push technological development in sectors where India enjoys a global presence.
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Innovation Ecosystem in India
[pib] PRISM Scheme
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: PRISM Scheme
Mains level: Not Much
The Ministry of Science & Technology has inaugurated an Alignment and Awareness Event for the publicity of the DSIR-PRISM Scheme.
Crux lies in the acronym. Remember the primary aim and objectives. UPSC can also go with numbers esp. the grants.
PRISM Scheme
- PRISM stands for Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Start-ups and MSMEs.
- It is an initiative of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR).
- It is aimed at transforming an individual innovator into a successful technopreneur by promoting, supporting, and funding implementable and commercially viable innovations created for society.
- Under the initiative, an Indian innovator- student, professional and common citizen – is provided technical, strategic, and financial assistance by DSIR for idea development, prototype development and pilot scaling, and patenting.
- The programme is implemented across various sectors from energy to healthcare to waste management and others.
Grants under the scheme
The grant is given in two phases:
- Phase I and Phase II, catering to both the initial innovation stage and the advanced enterprise setup phase through DSIR outreach-cum-cluster innovation centres available throughout India.
- The grant amount in Phase I is around Rs. 2.0 lakhs to Rs. 20.00 lakhs and in Phase II maximum of Rs. 50.00 lakhs.
Success of the scheme
- The scheme has been instrumental in supporting individual innovators enabling inclusive development of India.
- It has extended its support to any citizen through direct benefit transfer in the core technology areas such as-
Affordable Healthcare, Water, Sewage Management, Green Technology, Clean Energy, Industrially Utilizable Smart Materials, Waste to Wealth aligned with our national objectives
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Innovation Ecosystem in India
[pib] US India Artificial Intelligence (USIAI) Initiative
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: USIAI Initiative
Mains level: Not Much
The US India Artificial Intelligence (USIAI) Initiative was recently launched.
USIAI Initiative
- This initiative focuses on AI cooperation in critical areas that are priorities for both countries.
- It has been launched by the Indo-U.S. Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF).
- The IUSSTF is a bilateral organisation funded by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), the GOI and the U.S. Department of States.
- USIAI will serve as a platform to discuss opportunities, challenges, and barriers for bilateral AI R&D collaboration, enable AI innovation, help share ideas for developing an AI workforce etc.
- AI R&D is being promoted and implemented in the country through a network of 25 technology hubs working as a triple helix set up under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS).
Back2Basics: Artificial intelligence (AI)
- Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think like humans and mimic their actions.
- The term may also be applied to any machine that exhibits traits associated with a human mind such as learning and problem-solving.
- The ideal characteristic of artificial intelligence is its ability to rationalize and take actions that have the best chance of achieving a specific goal.
- A subset of artificial intelligence is machine learning, which refers to the concept that computer programs can automatically learn from and adapt to new data without being assisted by humans.
- Deep learning techniques enable this automatic learning through the absorption of huge amounts of unstructured data such as text, images, or video.
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Innovation Ecosystem in India
Technology and Innovation Report, 2021
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Country-Readiness Index
Mains level: Frontier technologies
According to UNCTAD’s Technology and Innovation Report 2021, India is the greatest outperformer among developing countries to use, adopt and adapt frontier technologies than their per capita GDPs.
Q.What do you mean by Frontier technologies? Discuss their potential for path-breaking technological change that will profoundly affect markets and societies. (250W)
Technology and Innovation Report, 2021
- The report critically examines the possibility of frontier technologies such as AI, robotics, and gene-editing widening existing inequalities and creating new ones.
What are Frontier technologies?
- Frontier technologies include AI, IoT, big data, blockchain, fifth-generation mobile telephony, 3D printing, robotics, drones, gene-editing, nanotechnology, and solar power — the ones that take advantage of digitalization and connectivity.
- Frontier technologies are essential for sustainable development, but they also could accentuate initial inequalities.
Country-Readiness Index
- The country-readiness index released by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) under this report.
- The index analyzed the progress of countries in using frontier technologies, considering their national capacities related to physical investment, human capital, and technological effort.
India’s performance
- India’s actual index ranking was 43, while the estimated one based on per capita income was 108.
- This meant that India overperformed other countries by 65 ranking positions.
- It was followed by the Philippines, which overperformed by 57 ranking positions.
Global performance
- China was at position 25; both India and China performed well in research and development.
- This was reflective of their abundant supplies of qualified and highly skilled human resources available at a comparatively low cost.
- The Philippines has a high ranking for the industry—because of high levels of foreign direct investment in high-technology manufacturing, especially electronics.
- The United States, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom were “best prepared” for frontier technologies, the report highlighted.
- Most of the best-prepared countries are from Europe, except the Republic of Korea, Singapore, and the United States. Some transition economies, such as Russia, also perform well on the index.
Major takeaways of the report
The report urges all developing nations to prepare for a period of deep and rapid technological change that will profoundly affect markets and societies.
- Developing countries should align science, technology, and innovation policies with industrial policies.
- New technologies can re-invigorate traditional production sectors and speed up industrialization and economic structural transformation.
- It is up to policymakers to reduce this risk and make frontier technologies contribute to increasing equality, says the report.
- Low-and middle-income developing countries and the least developing countries cannot afford to miss the new wave of rapid technological change.
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Innovation Ecosystem in India
[pib] Second edition of India Innovation Index 2020
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Indian innovation index
Mains level: Innovation ecosystem in India
NITI Aayog is set to release the second edition of the India Innovation Index 2020 tomorrow.
*Statewise rankings will be updated tomorrow.
Updated on 21st Jan, Thursday.
India Innovation Index (III)
- The release of the second edition of the index—the first was launched in October 2019—demonstrates the Government’s continued commitment towards transforming the country into an innovation-driven economy.
- The index attempts to create an extensive framework for the continual evaluation of the innovation environment of 29 states and seven UTs in India.
- It intends to perform the following three functions-
- Ranking of states and UTs based on their index scores
- Recognizing opportunities and challenges, and
- Assisting in tailoring governmental policies to foster innovation
- The India Innovation Index 2019 is calculated as the average of the scores of its two dimensions – Enablers and Performance.
- The states have been bifurcated into three categories: major states, north-east and hill states, and union territories/city-states/small states.
Significance
- The study examines the innovation ecosystem of Indian states and union territories.
- The aim is to create a holistic tool which can be used by policymakers across the country to identify the challenges to be addressed and strengths to build on when designing policies.
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Innovation Ecosystem in India
[pib] TiHAN: India’s first Testbed for Autonomous Navigation Systems
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: TiHAN
Mains level: Not Much
Union Minister of Education laid the foundation stone of ‘TiHAN-IIT Hyderabad’, India’s first Testbed for Autonomous Navigation Systems (Terrestrial and Aerial).
Must read:
https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/regulations-for-flying-of-drones/
TiHAN
- TiHAN is an acronym for Technology Innovation Hub on Autonomous Navigation and Data Acquisition Systems (UAVs, RoVs, etc.).
- It is a multi-departmental initiative, including researchers from Electrical, Computer Science, Mechanical and Aerospace, Civil, Mathematics, and Design at IIT Hyderabad.
- It would focus on addressing various challenges hindering the real-time adoption of unmanned autonomous vehicles for both terrestrial and aerial applications.
Why need TiHAN?
- One major requirement to make unmanned and connected vehicles more acceptable to the consumer society is to demonstrate its performance in real-life scenarios.
- However, it may become dangerous. Especially in terms of safety, to directly use the operational roadway facilities as experimental test tracks for unmanned and connected vehicles.
- In general, both UAV and UGV testing may include crashes and collisions with obstacles, resulting in damage to costly sensors and other components.
- Hence, it is important to test new technologies developed in a safe, controlled environment before deployment.
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Innovation Ecosystem in India
[pib] Global Innovation Index 2020
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Global Innovation Index
Mains level: Innovation ecosystem in India
India has climbed 4 spots and has been ranked 48thby the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in the Global Innovation Index 2020 rankings.
Try this PYQ from CSP 2016:
Q.India’s ranking in the ‘Ease of Doing Business Index’ is sometimes seen in the news. Which of the following has declared that ranking?
a) Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)
b) World Economic Forum
c) World Bank
d) World Trade Organization (WTO)
About the Global Innovation Index
- The GII is an annual ranking of countries by their capacity for, and success in, innovation. It was started in 2007 by INSEAD and World Business a British magazine.
- It is published by Cornell University, INSEAD, and the WIPO, in partnership with other organisations and institutions.
- It is based on both subjective and objective data derived from several sources, including the International Telecommunication Union, the World Bank and the World Economic Forum.
- The GII is commonly used by corporate and government officials to compare countries by their level of innovation.
- The theme of the 2019 GII is Creating Healthy Lives – The Future of Medical Innovation, which aims to explore the role of medical innovation as it shapes the future of healthcare.
Components of GII
Five input pillars capture elements of the national economy that enable innovative activities under GII are:
- Institutions,
- Human capital and research,
- Infrastructure,
- Market sophistication, and
- Business sophistication.
Two output pillars capture actual evidence of innovation outputs:
- Knowledge and technology outputs and
- Creative outputs
India’s performance this year
- In midst of the COVID -19 pandemic, it comes as uplifting news for India and is a testament of its robust R&D Ecosystem.
- India was at the 52nd position in 2019 and was ranked 81st in the year 2015.
- The WIPO had also accepted India as one of the leading innovation achievers of 2019 in the central and southern Asian region, as it has shown a consistent improvement in its innovation ranking for the last 5 years.
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Innovation Ecosystem in India
Importance of the post academic research
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Not much.
Mains level: Issue of Research and Development in India
Post-academic research have a direct bearing on national development. India needs to focus on it along with academic research. This article explains this issue.
Context
- The Government of India is in the process of revisiting the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Policy.
- At this stage we need to ponder the question: what kind of research should be funded?
How to measure the maturity level of a particular technology?
- Experts have come up with frameworks and terminology to provide a comprehensive picture and avoid any value judgement.
- One approach was proposed by NASA in the form of Technology Readiness Levels (TRL).
- TRL-1 corresponds to observation of basic principles. Its result is publications.
- TRL-2 corresponds to formulation of technology at the level of concepts.
- Then the TRL framework advances to proof of concept, validation in a laboratory environment, followed by a relevant environment, and then to prototype demonstration, and ending with actual deployment.
- An alternative is to use the terminology ‘Academic Research (AR)’, and ‘Post-Academic Research (PAR)’.
- To provide some granularity, one can divide PAR into early-stage PAR, and late-stage PAR.
- Late-stage PAR has to be done by large laboratories (national or those supported by industry).
- AR and early-stage PAR can be done at higher education institutions and large laboratories.
Importance of Post-Academic Research(PAR)
- From the perspective of national development, pursuit of AR alone, while necessary, is not sufficient.
- AR and PAR, when pursued together and taken to their logical conclusion, will result in a product or a process,
- Or it can also result in a better clinical practice, or a scientifically robust understanding of human health and disease, or provide inputs for a policy decision.
Issues in comparing investment in research among countries
- 1) We cannot compare data with other countries without having correspondence between India’s data and data reported by others.
- Countries belonging to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) report research statistics according to the Frascati Manual.
- 2) India has to decide where to increase investment: in AR or in PAR.
Research and national development
- Investment in research can translate into national development only through pursuit of PAR.
- Our industry has not reached a stage where they can absorb research being done by higher education institutions.
- This reveals that research being pursued is either not addressing national needs or is limited to AR.
Way forward
- Judging the growth of Science-and-Technology based only on publications (e.g. research papers) provides an incomplete picture.
- We should increasing the technology intensity of industry, which was identified as one of the goals of the STI policy issued in 2013.
- This needs reiteration and a mechanism should be devised to monitor progress with the objective of becoming an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.
- The STI policy should emphasise PAR to ensure that investment in research results in economic growth.
- To motivate the research community to pursue at least early-stage PAR, the reward system needs significant reorientation.
- Academics in higher education institutions pursuing AR should pursue early-stage PAR themselves, or team up with those who are keen to pursue PAR.
Consider the question “Examine the factors that responsible for the lack of research and development in India? Also, elaborate on the importance of post-academic research in the country.”
Conclusion
These factors are sufficient to indicate that academic research is necessary, but not sufficient and we must focus on PAR adequately.
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Innovation Ecosystem in India
[pib] Atal Innovation Mission launches ‘AIM-iCREST’
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: AIM-iCREST
Mains level: Innovation ecosystem in India
NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), has launched AIM iCREST – an Incubator Capabilities enhancement program for a Robust Ecosystem, focused on creating high performing Startups.
Note the following things about AIM-iCREST
1) Meaning of the acronym as it gives the central idea of the initiative
2) Aims and objective
3) Technological partners
AIM-iCREST
- AIM iCREST, as the name suggests, has been designed to enable the incubation ecosystem and act as a growth hack for AIM’s Atal and Established incubators across the country.
- Under the initiative, the AIM’s incubators are set to be upscaled and provided requisite support to foster the incubation enterprise economy that will help them to significantly enhance their performance.
- This will be complemented by providing training to entrepreneurs, through technology-driven processes and platforms.
- The program aims at going beyond incubator capacity building. This is a first of its kind initiative for advancing innovation at scale in India.
Various partners
- AIM has joined hands with Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Wadhwani Foundation – organizations that can lend credible support and expertise in the entrepreneurship and innovation space.
- These partnerships will provide global expertise and showcase proven best practices to the AIM’s incubator network.
An initiative for incubators
- India needs world-class incubators fostering world-class startups leveraging the tremendous innovation talent of our country.
- For the first time in the Government, the Incubator capacity development program is being extended to the entire portfolio of supported Atal incubators.
- This programme is unique also in its design – it is a combination of interactive practices in the field of incubation; enabling the incubators to support sustainable and successful startups.
Back2Basics: Atal Innovation Mission
- Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) is NITI Aayog’s flagship initiative to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in India
- AIM has been established to create and promote an ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship in a holistic manner through various initiatives at school, university and industry levels
- The Atal Innovation Mission has thus two core functions:
- Innovation promotion: to provide a platform where innovative ideas are generated.
- Entrepreneurship promotion: Wherein innovators would be supported and mentored to become successful entrepreneurs at Incubation Centres.
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Innovation Ecosystem in India
[pib] “Samadhan” Challenge
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: SAMADHAN Challenge
Mains level: NA
A mega online challenge – SAMADHAN – has been launched to test the ability of students to innovate.
“Samadhan” Challenge
- The Innovation Cell of the Ministry of HRD and All India Council for Technical Education in collaboration with Forge and InnovatioCuris has launched this online challenge.
- Under the challenge, the students and faculty will be motivated for doing new experiments and new discoveries and provide them with a strong base leading to spirit of experimentation and discovery.
- The students participating in this challenge will search and develop such measures that can be made available to the government agencies, health services, hospitals and other services for quick solutions to the Coronavirus epidemic and other such calamities.
- Apart from this, through this challenge, work will be done to make citizens aware, to motivate them, to face any challenge, to prevent any crisis and to help people get livelihood.
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Innovation Ecosystem in India
Private: [pib] Young Scientist Programme (YUVIKA)
Note4students
Mains Paper 3: Science & Technology | Awareness in the fields of IT, Space etc.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: Young Scientists Programme
Mains level: Read the attached story
News
Young Scientist Programme
- ISRO has launched a special programme for School Children called “Young Scientist Programme” “YUva VIgyani KAryakram from this year.
- The Program is primarily aimed at imparting basic knowledge on Space Technology, Space Science and Space Applications to the younger ones with the intent of arousing their interest in the emerging areas of Space activities.
- The residential training programme will be of around two weeks duration during summer holidays and it is proposed to select 3 students each from each State/ UTs to participate in this programme covering state, CBSE, and ICSE syllabus.
- Those who have just finished 9th standard (in the academic year 2018-19) and waiting to join 10th standard (or those who have started 10th Std just now) will be eligible for the programme.
- The selection will be based on the 8th Std marks.
- Students belonging to the rural area have been given special weightage in the selection criteria.
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Innovation Ecosystem in India
Private: EKAM Fest
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: EKAM fest
Mains level: Various initiaitves for Divyangjans
Union Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has inaugurated the Exhibition-cum-Fair “EKAM Fest” organised by National Handicapped Finance Development Corporation (NHFDC).
EKAM Fest
- It is an effort for promoting entrepreneurship and knowledge among Divyangjan community, generating awareness among society about potentialities of PwDs; providing a major marketing opportunity to PwDs entrepreneurs.
- NHFDC Foundation is making efforts for the development of a brand and platform for marketing of products of these determined entrepreneurs.
- Accordingly, name of the brand has arrived at Ekam (Entrepreneurship, Knowledge, Awareness, Marketing).
About NHFDC
- NHFDC is an Apex corporation under the aegis of Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment and is working since 1997.
- It is registered as a company not for profit and provides financial assistance to the Divyangjan/Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan/PwDs) for their economic rehabilitation and provides number of skill development programmes to empower them to grow & sustain their enterprises.
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