News

The NITI Aayog has proposed a $10-billion National Research Fund along with expanded scholarships and fellowships to “globalise” India’s higher education ecosystem. The proposal aims to boost international collaboration, attract global talent, and enhance India’s research output in line with national education reforms.

Key Points

1. $10-billion Research Fund: Proposed to support high-quality research, innovation, and global academic collaboration across Indian universities.
2. Global scholarships & fellowships: Expansion of student and faculty mobility to enable international exposure and joint research.
3. Erasmus-style programme: The fund draws inspiration from the EU’s Erasmus Programme, focusing on cross-border academic exchange.
4. Focus on quality & rankings: Aimed at improving India’s presence in global university rankings and research indices.
5. Alignment with reforms: Supports the internationalisation goals of the National Education Policy 2020.
6. Talent retention: Seeks to reduce brain drain by creating world-class research opportunities within India.

• NITI Aayog was established on 1 January 2015, replacing the Planning Commission to suit India’s federal and market-oriented economy. Unlike the centralized, top-down planning model, it promotes a Bottom-Up approach and embodies the spirit of Cooperative Federalism, aligned with the vision of “Maximum Governance, Minimum Government.”

• Chaired by the Prime Minister, NITI Aayog functions as an advisory think tank, bringing together the Centre, States, domain experts, and research institutions. It does not allocate funds but focuses on policy formulation, strategic planning, innovation, and best practices.

• NITI Aayog plays a crucial role in addressing India’s diverse developmental needs by encouraging state-specific solutions, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, and ensuring inclusive and sustainable growth. Through initiatives such as the Aspirational Districts Programme, SDG India Index, Atal Innovation Mission, and e-AMRIT Portal, it seeks to improve governance and service delivery.

• Overall, NITI Aayog aims to act as a catalyst for reform, strengthening Centre–State cooperation and supporting India’s long-term development agenda.

Prelims MCQ

Q1. With reference to the recent deepasthoon issue in Madurai, consider the following statements:

1. A deepasthoon is associated with ceremonial lamp-lighting during festivals like Karthigai Deepam.

2. The Madras High Court completely prohibited devotees from visiting the temple and dargah.

3. Administrative restrictions on religious practices can be imposed in the interest of public order.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 and 2 only

b) 1 and 3 only

c) 2 and 3 only

d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: b) 1 and 3 only