The Hindu Newspaper Analysis

Editorial Topic : India’s Paris Olympics 2024

 GS-3 Mains Exam : Sports

Revision Notes

Medal Tally

• Total Medals: 6
• Silver: 1
• Bronze: 5
• Decrease from Tokyo 2020: 1 medal (1 gold, 2 silver in Tokyo)

Key Points

• Government and Corporate Support: High expectations for double-digit medals due to increased support.
• New Heroes: Emergence of shooters Manu Bhaker, Sarabjot Singh, Swapnil Kusale, and wrestler Aman Sehrawat.
• Hockey Success: Men’s hockey team secured a podium finish for the second consecutive Olympics.
• Javelin Star: Neeraj Chopra won silver, adding to his Tokyo gold.

Challenges

• Dependence on Few Athletes: Need for consistent performance across different formats.
• Limited Participation: Poor representation in sports like swimming, gymnastics.
• Disqualification: Wrestler Vinesh Phogat disqualified for being overweight.

Solutions

• Increased Funding: Equitable distribution for grassroots development.
• Governance Reform: Accountability and decentralization to curb corruption and nepotism.
• Sports Infrastructure: Investment in capacity building.

Global Perspective

• Exceptional Performances: Examples of outstanding athletes like Sifan Hassan (Netherlands), Faith Kipyegon (Kenya), Mijain Lopez (Cuba), Novak Djokovic (Serbia), Imane Khelif (Algeria), Armand Duplantis (Sweden), Katie Ledecky (USA), Simone Biles (USA), Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (USA).
• France’s Success: Host nation wins 16 gold medals, with Leon Marchand as the star.
• Athletics Challenge: Search for a new dominant figure post-Usain Bolt.

Conclusion

• Olympics as a Platform: Showcase of human will and national identity.
• Focus on Empowerment: Investing in athletes and sports infrastructure crucial for future success.

 

 

The Hindu Newspaper Analysis

Editorial Topic : Corporatization of Science Research in India

 GS-3 Mains Exam : Science and Technology

Revision Notes

Introduction

• PM Modi’s vision: “Innovate, patent, produce, prosper” at 107th Science Congress.
• Shift towards market-oriented research.

Past Trends

• Revenue generation: Labs directed to earn from external sources.
• Dehradun Declaration (2015): Patent marketing for self-financing.
• Corporatization: Converting state-owned entities into market-driven models.
• Research centers: Encouraged to form Section 8 companies for private investment.

ANRF and Research

• ANRF Act (2023): Funding research, improving industry-academia links.
• Focus: Basic research and prototype development.
• Funding: ₹50,000 crore over 5 years, 72% from private sector.
• US model: R&D heavily funded by private sector, primarily in IT and pharma.
• Integration: Science and technology closely integrated, leading to marketable products.
• Intellectual property: Universities selling patents to corporations.
• Neoliberal influence: Increased private sector involvement in science funding.  

 

Concerns

• Market vs. curiosity-driven research: Private sector prioritizes profit over knowledge.
• Government focus: Less priority for “Indian Knowledge Systems”.
• Funding gap: Public funding for science research low (0.6-0.7% GDP) compared to South Korea (2-3% GDP).

Conclusion

• Increased government funding: Essential for basic science and non-profit research.
• Public trust: Avoid decline of curiosity-driven research.
• Autonomy: Grant more autonomy to research institutes.
• Collaboration: Government, private sector, and citizens for a scientific society.