Daily Current Affairs : 29-June-2023

In a significant move, the Union Cabinet has approved the National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill, 2023, in the Parliament. This bill aims to establish the NRF as an apex body to provide high-level strategic direction to scientific research in India, aligning with the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP). With an estimated cost of ₹50,000 crore from 2023-28, the NRF is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of research and innovation in the country.

Establishment and Governance:

Under the NRF Bill, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) will serve as the administrative Department of NRF. The foundation will be governed by a distinguished Governing Board comprising eminent researchers and professionals from various disciplines. The Prime Minister will assume the role of ex-officio President of the Board, while the Union Minister of Science & Technology and the Union Minister of Education will serve as ex-officio Vice-Presidents. Furthermore, the NRF’s functioning will be overseen by an Executive Council, chaired by the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. This hierarchical structure will ensure effective decision-making and strategic guidance for research activities.

Key Objectives of NRF:

The primary objective of the NRF is to foster collaboration among industry, academia, government departments, and research institutions. By creating an interface mechanism, the foundation will enable participation and contribution from industries and state governments, alongside scientific and line ministries. This multi-stakeholder approach is expected to accelerate research and development (R&D) efforts in the country. The NRF will also prioritize research funding, with the Executive Council playing a crucial role in determining the areas that require support. Additionally, the foundation aims to establish a policy framework and regulatory processes that encourage industry participation and increased investment in R&D.

Significance and Implications:

The approval of the NRF Bill holds tremendous significance for India’s research ecosystem. It will provide a significant boost to research initiatives within higher education institutions, fostering an environment conducive to innovation. By facilitating collaborations between academia, industry, and research institutions, the NRF will address pressing challenges faced by the nation. This collaborative approach is vital in making India a frontrunner in research and innovation, contributing to national development and progress.

The Role of National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO):

In other news, the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) has issued a warning regarding private websites and social media posts promoting and offering organs for trade. Such activities are in violation of the Transplantation of Human Organ and Tissue Act (THOTA), 1994, and its associated rules. Recognizing the need to combat organ trafficking, India has updated its organ donation and transplant guidelines, eliminating the domicile requirement. Furthermore, the Ministry emphasized the importance of updating communication and awareness strategies to encourage potential organ donors, especially with India’s growing geriatric population. While India possesses numerous medical hospitals and colleges, the provision of transplants remains limited to specialized facilities.

Important Points:

National Research Foundation Bill 2023:

  • Union Cabinet approved the NRF Bill, 2023, establishing the NRF as an apex body for scientific research in India.
  • NRF will provide high-level strategic direction to scientific research based on NEP recommendations.
  • Estimated cost of ₹50,000 crore from 2023-28.
  • NRF will be administered by the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
  • NRF’s governance structure includes a Governing Board, with the Prime Minister as ex-officio President, and the Union Ministers of Science & Technology and Education as ex-officio Vice-Presidents.
  • NRF’s functioning will be overseen by an Executive Council chaired by the Principal Scientific Adviser.
  • NRF will prioritize research funding and determine areas that require support.
  • The bill will repeal the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) and subsume it into NRF.

Objectives of NRF:

  • Forge collaborations among industry, academia, government departments, and research institutions.
  • Create an interface mechanism for participation and contribution from industries, state governments, and scientific/line ministries.
  • Focus on policy framework and regulatory processes to encourage industry spending on R&D.

Significance:

  • Enhance the research ecosystem in higher education institutions.
  • Promote collaboration among academia, industry, and research institutions.
  • Make India a frontrunner in research and innovation.

National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO):

  • NOTTO issued a warning against private websites and social media posts promoting organ trading.
  • Violation of Transplantation of Human Organ and Tissue Act (THOTA), 1994.
  • Updated organ donation and transplant guidelines, eliminating domicile requirement.
  • Emphasized the importance of updating communication and awareness strategies.
  • Transplants remain limited to specialized hospitals despite numerous medical facilities.
Why In News

The Union Cabinet’s approval of the National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill, 2023, in the Parliament is a significant step towards fostering a culture of innovation and research in the country. This landmark legislation aims to streamline and enhance the funding and coordination of research activities across various disciplines, propelling India’s scientific and technological progress to new heights.

MCQs about NRF Bill 2023

  1. Which body does the National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill, 2023 aim to establish?
    A. National Education Policy (NEP)
    B. Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB)
    C. Department of Science and Technology (DST)
    D. National Research Foundation (NRF)
    Correct Answer: D. National Research Foundation (NRF)
    Explanation: The NRF Bill, 2023 aims to establish the National Research Foundation as an apex body for scientific research in India.
  2. Who will serve as the ex-officio President of the Governing Board of the NRF?
    A. The Prime Minister
    B. The Union Minister of Science & Technology
    C. The Principal Scientific Adviser
    D. The Union Minister of Education
    Correct Answer: A. The Prime Minister
    Explanation: As per the NRF Bill 2023, the Prime Minister will serve as the ex-officio President of the Governing Board of the NRF.
  3. What is the primary objective of the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO)?
    A. Promoting collaboration among academia, industry, and research institutions
    B. Providing strategic direction to scientific research in India
    C. Combatting organ trafficking and promoting organ donation
    D. Prioritizing funding for specialized medical facilities
    Correct Answer: C. Combatting organ trafficking and promoting organ donation
    Explanation: NOTTO’s main role, as mentioned in the essay, is to combat organ trafficking and promote organ donation.
  4. What is the significance of the NRF Bill 2023 for India’s research ecosystem?
    A. Enhancing research initiatives within higher education institutions
    B. Fostering collaboration between industries and state governments
    C. Increasing funding for specialized medical facilities
    D. Expanding scientific research globally
    Correct Answer: A. Enhancing research initiatives within higher education institutions
    Explanation: The NRF Bill 2023 is expected to enhance research initiatives within higher education institutions, creating an environment conducive to innovation and research advancement.

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