The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 27th March 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

The Role of Communities in Conserving Water

Why in News?

• The need to conserve water for current and future generations was emphasized on March 22, World Water Day.
• A nationwide initiative was launched, focusing on community participation in water conservation efforts.

Challenges in Rural Water Policies

Water policies in rural areas require improvement to tackle new environmental challenges. As our understanding of ecosystems evolves, these policies must adapt to support sustainable water management effectively.

Role of Communities in Water Management

• Indigenous and local communities possess extensive knowledge of their ecosystems.
• However, while policies permit their involvement, decision-making authority remains with state authorities.
• Policies tend to impose uniform methods rather than acknowledging local water management practices, which may not be suitable for all regions.
• For instance, Water User Associations were established in various states for participatory irrigation management, but members lack real decision-making power.

Addressing the Needs of Vulnerable Groups

• Certain social and economic groups are more severely impacted by water crises than others.
• Within these groups, individuals facing multiple layers of disadvantage are the most vulnerable.
• Water policies should not only address their needs but also acknowledge their role in managing water resources.
• It is crucial for these groups to have an active role in decision-making to ensure effective and equitable water management.

Lack of Coordination in Water Management

• Various aspects of the environment, including forests, water, land, and biodiversity, are managed separately.
• This fragmented approach results in ineffective policies and hampers conservation efforts.
• An integrated strategy is essential to ensure that different environmental elements work in harmony.
• For example, in western India, sacred forests (orans) play a crucial role in water conservation by enhancing tree and grass cover, which aids in rainwater harvesting.

Considering Nature in Water Policies

• Existing policies primarily focus on human water needs, overlooking the significance of water for the environment.
• While courts have recognized the rights of nature, water policies do not incorporate this perspective.
• For instance, some communities manage water resources by ensuring that animals have access to water before using it for irrigation.

Impact of Climate Change on Water Resources

• Research indicates that rising global temperatures will exacerbate India’s water gap.
• Therefore, climate and water policies should be aligned to develop climate-resilient water systems and enhance existing ones.

Enhancing Community Involvement in Water Conservation

• Local and indigenous communities can play a vital role in water management.
• Policies need to go beyond merely acknowledging their role and actively engage them in decision-making processes.
• While promoting traditional practices, any limitations should be addressed through awareness and training initiatives.

The Issue is About the ‘Quality’ of India’s Publications

Why in News?

India aims to surpass the U.S. in scientific publications by 2029, but concerns remain over research quality, low R&D investment (0.67% of GDP), and unethical practices.

China’s success highlights the importance of strategic investments in education, research, and high-impact journals.

Claim About India’s Scientific Growth

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

International Comparison of Research Investments

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

Reality of India’s Research Output

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

Quality vs. Quantity in Research Publications

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

India’s Science and Technology Infrastructure

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

Challenges in Indian Scientific Research

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

Need for Real Reform

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