PIB Summary- 18th November, 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) Initiative

Context

The Centre recently launched an initiative called Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) to support research in universities, especially central and state public universities.

Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) Initiative

Objectives

• Stimulate Innovation: PAIR seeks to invigorate scientific innovation in institutions with limited research capacities by adopting a mentorship approach, utilizing the knowledge and resources of top-tier institutions.
• Support Internationally Competitive Research: The initiative focuses on supporting research activities that can compete on an international scale and have a substantial impact.
• Foster Collaborative Networks: PAIR aims to establish productive and successful collaborations between diverse educational institutions.
• Advance Institutional Capabilities: The initiative will help institutions upscale their research infrastructure, improve the quality of research, and integrate best practices and a strong research culture.

Methodology

• Mentorship-Driven Model:Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, PAIR operates on a mentorship-driven hub and spoke model where ‘hub’ institutions guide ‘spoke’ institutions.
  • Hub Institutions: Include the top 25 institutions from the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) and Institutions of National Importance within the top 50 NIRF ranking.
  • Spoke Institutions: Comprise central and state public universities, selected NITs, and IIITs.
• Phased Implementation: Initially, eligibility is limited to top-ranking institutions and selected universities. The scope will expand in subsequent phases to include more diverse institutions.

Participation and Eligibility

• Network Composition: Each PAIR network will consist of one hub and up to seven spoke institutions.
• Proposal Submission: Only one proposal per hub is allowed, involving multi-departmental faculty teams from spoke institutions.
• Ensuring Diversity: The initiative ensures regional diversity among participating institutions to foster a widespread research ecosystem.

Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)

• Establishment: The ANRF was established under the ANRF 2023 Act, incorporating the former Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB).
• Aim: ANRF is designed to seed, grow, and promote R&D, fostering a vibrant culture of research and innovation across India’s academic and research landscapes.

Functions

• Strategic Direction: As an apex body, ANRF provides high-level strategic direction for scientific research in India, guided by the recommendations of the NEP.
• Collaborations: It facilitates collaborations among industry, academia, and government, creating interfaces for industry and state government participation alongside scientific ministries.

Unified Complex Radio Antenna

Context

India and Japan recently signed a Memorandum of Implementation (MoI) for the “co-development” of the UNICORN (Unified Complex Radio Antenna) mast for deployment on Indian Navy ships.

India’s First Military Technology Transfer Pact with Japan

• Strategic Partnership: The technology transfer pact between India and Japan marks a significant milestone in the strategic relationship between the two nations. This pact is India’s first military technology transfer agreement with Japan, coming nine years after the initial agreement on the “transfer of defence equipment and technology” was signed to deepen strategic ties.
• Technological Interest: Among the key technologies of interest under this pact, the stealth mast, specifically the Unified Complex Radio Antenna (UNICORN), is a primary focus for the Indian Navy, alongside other strategic technologies such as the US-2 amphibian aircraft.

Details about Unified Complex Radio Antenna (UNICORN)

• Integration and Stealth: The UNICORN is an advanced integrated antenna system developed jointly by three Japanese companies—NEC Corporation, Sampa Kogyo K.K., and The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. This system is featured on Japan’s Mogami-class frigates and is designed to enhance the stealth capabilities of naval ships.
• Structure: Unlike conventional masts that have multiple antennas attached at various points, UNICORN consolidates these antennas into a single structure within a radar dome, known as a radome. This consolidation significantly reduces the ship’s cross-section, enhancing its stealth characteristics by minimizing the electronic signatures that are detectable by enemy radar.
• Operational Advantages:
  • Enhanced Detection: The optimal placement of antennas within the radome improves the maximum detection distance of radio waves, enhancing the ship’s operational capabilities.
  • Simplified Maintenance: By consolidating various antennas into a single unit, the UNICORN simplifies maintenance and installation processes, reducing the time and resources needed for these activities.

Strategic Implications

• Stealth Efficiency: The integration of UNICORN into naval platforms plays a crucial role in modern naval warfare, where stealth and electronic warfare capabilities are paramount. The reduced electronic signature allows ships to operate more covertly, increasing their survivability and effectiveness in hostile environments.
• Bilateral Cooperation: The adoption of this technology underlines the deepening military and strategic cooperation between India and Japan. It not only enhances the capabilities of the Indian Navy but also strengthens the defense technological base of India, contributing to self-reliance in defense manufacturing.