The Hindu Newspaper Analysis

Editorial Topic : Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar: A Perfunctory Panacea?

 GS-3 Mains Exam : Science and Technology

Revision Notes

Introduction

The Indian government has recently replaced the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (SSB) awards with the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP). This overhaul aims to recognize scientific excellence more comprehensively. However, a closer look reveals potential shortcomings.

The SSB: A Brief Overview

• Awarded to scientists under 45 by CSIR.
• Recognized achievements in various scientific fields.
• Included a certificate, cash prize, and additional benefits.

The RVP: A New Approach

• Replaces SSB with a medal and certificate.
• Introduces new categories: Vigyan Shri, Vigyan Ratna, and Vigyan Team.
• Caps the total number of awards at 56.
• Focuses on both individual and team contributions.

Concerns and Analysis

• Limited Scope: While the RVP aims to broaden recognition, the cap on the total number of awards might limit the number of deserving scientists honored.
• Dominance of Elite Institutions: Most awardees hail from prestigious institutions like IITs, IISERs, CSIR, and atomic energy establishments. This indicates a potential bias towards certain institutions.
• Lack of Tangible Impact: Similar to the Padma awards, the RVP might not directly incentivize groundbreaking research with immediate practical applications.
• Insufficient Budgetary Allocation: Despite the emphasis on scientific excellence, the government’s budgetary allocation for research and development remains inadequate.
• Focus on Quantity Over Quality: The proliferation of awards might dilute their prestige and significance.

Conclusion

The RVP is a step in the right direction but falls short of being a panacea for India’s scientific aspirations. To truly foster a thriving scientific ecosystem, the government must:

• Increase research funding significantly.
• Promote interdisciplinary research and collaboration.
• Create an environment that encourages risk-taking and innovation.
• Establish robust mechanisms to evaluate the impact of scientific research.
• Provide long-term career prospects for scientists.

Ultimately, India needs more than just awards to become a global scientific powerhouse. Substantial investments in research infrastructure, talent development, and policy reforms are essential to achieve this goal.

Key Points:

• RVP replaces SSB with a broader scope.
• Limited number of awards and dominance of elite institutions raise concerns.
• Awards alone cannot substitute for increased research funding and support.
• India needs a holistic approach to scientific development.

 

 

The Hindu Newspaper Analysis

Editorial Topic : Bail is the Rule, Not the Exception

 GS-2 Mains Exam : Polity

Revision Notes

The Sisodia Case and Bail Law Basics

• Presumption of Innocence: The Supreme Court’s bail order for Manish Sisodia reaffirmed the fundamental principle that bail is the norm, not the exception.
• Grounds for Denial: Bail can be denied primarily in two situations:
  • Flight risk: The accused is likely to flee to avoid trial.
  • Tampering with Evidence: The accused is likely to influence witnesses or tamper with evidence.
• Prolonged Trials: Delayed or protracted trials are grounds for granting bail.

The Delhi Liquor Policy Case

• Politically Charged Case: The case against Manish Sisodia and Arvind Kejriwal has been highly politicized.
• Abuse of PMLA: The Supreme Court criticized the use of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to deny bail, emphasizing that it should not be a tool for prolonged detention.
• Judicial Overreach: Lower courts were criticized for ignoring the Supreme Court’s emphasis on speedy trials and for denying bail on technical grounds.

The Need for Judicial Reform

• Upholding Constitutional Rights: The case highlights the importance of protecting the rights of accused persons, including the presumption of innocence and the right to a speedy trial.
• Strengthening the Judiciary: The Supreme Court’s intervention is a step towards ensuring that lower courts adhere to established legal principles.
• Public Trust: The misuse of bail provisions can erode public trust in the judiciary.

Key Points:

• Bail is a fundamental right, not a privilege.
• Prolonged detention without trial is a violation of human rights.
• Judges must prioritize speedy trials and avoid unnecessary delays.
• The misuse of anti-corruption laws to deny bail is a concern.
• The judiciary must be independent and impartial in its decisions.