Context:
NIT-Rourkela selected as PAIR hub under Anusandhan Foundation’s research initiative
Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) Programme:
- An initiative launched by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) to enhance research capabilities in Indian universities.
- Objective – To stimulate scientific innovation in institutions with limited research infrastructure through mentorship from leading universities.
- Follows a hub-and-spoke model, where top-tier institutions mentor emerging universities to foster innovation and research excellence.
- Mentorship Approach –
- Hubs provide guidance, resources, and expertise to spoke institutions.
- Facilitates collaborative research networks to bridge institutional gaps.
- Eligibility Expansion – Initially limited to select institutions, but eligibility will expand in future phases to include more universities.
Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF):
- An apex body established under the ANRF Act, 2023 to provide strategic direction for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in India.
- Objective – To seed, nurture, and promote research in various fields, including natural sciences, engineering, health, agriculture, and social sciences.
- Replacement of SERB – The Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), which previously handled research funding, has been subsumed into ANRF.
- Funding Allocation – ANRF has a budget of ₹50,000 crore for the period 2023-2028, aiming to boost India’s research infrastructure.
- Private Sector Participation – Encourages private sector investment in research, reducing reliance on government funding.
- Alignment with NEP 2020 – Supports the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 by promoting research excellence in higher education institutions.
- Administrative Oversight – The Department of Science and Technology (DST) serves as the administrative department for ANRF.
- Research Expansion – Funds competitive peer-reviewed grant proposals to eligible researchers and institutions.
- Global Collaboration – Enhances India’s role in international research and fosters global partnership
Source: The New Indian Express
Previous Year Question
What is the purpose of Vidyanjali Yojana’?
1. To enable the famous foreign educational institutions to open their campuses in India.
2. To increase the quality of education provided in government schools by taking help from the private sector and the community.
3. To encourage voluntary monetary contributions from private individuals and organizations so as to improve the infrastructure facilities for primary and secondary schools.
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2017 Prelims]
(a) 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 2 and 3 only
Answer: (a)