Syllabus: GS3/Science and Technology An analysis of the headcount from data in annual reports over the last three decades shows that ’s current sanctioned strength vis-a-vis available employees is at which is the lowest in recent times. The developments have revolved around unprecedented failures, slowdown of projects with top billing, fears of attrition and the emergence of nascent competition in the form of homegrown startups.
This CurrentPulse analysis synthesizes unique exam-relevant inputs from the following sources.
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Prelims: Science & Technology — institutions, terminology and factual features connected with the development.
Mains: GS-3 — contemporary application of the relevant syllabus theme.
Current–static link: Revise the underlying institution, policy or concept together with this development.
Recent Failures and Slowdown: Back-to-back failure of the PSLV C61 and C62; delays in the realization of a first unmanned test flight G1 for the maiden Indian human spaceflight mission Gaganyaan.
Rigid Hierarchy: Many of India’s laboratories continue to operate within rigid hierarchies that would appear strange in leading scientific institutions elsewhere in the world.
Low Spending on R&D: India’s Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD) as a percentage of GDP remained between 0.6% to 0.7% which is below the global average and lower than countries like China, South Korea and the US.
There is a relatively low investment by India’s private sector, accounting for only around 36%, whereas in the aforementioned countries, private sector contributions are more than 70%.
The developments have revolved around unprecedented failures, slowdown of projects with top billing, fears of attrition and the emergence of nascent competition in the form of homegrown startups.
Recent Failures and Slowdown: Back-to-back failure of the PSLV C61 and C62; delays in the realization of a first unmanned test flight G1 for the maiden Indian human spaceflight mission Gaganyaan.
Scientists Leaving ISRO: There have been requests for voluntary retirement and resignation from Group A scientific technical personnel of ISRO including those associated with the prestigious Gaganyaan and other important projects.
This severely impacts implementation of projects of national importance.
Rigid Hierarchy: Many of India’s laboratories continue to operate within rigid hierarchies that would appear strange in leading scientific institutions elsewhere in the world.
Switch to Private Sectors: Researchers are moving to private research organisations, emerging deep-tech companies, universities abroad, and/or international collaborations where scientific autonomy has more room than administrative strictures.
Low Spending on R&D: India’s Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD) as a percentage of GDP remained between 0.6% to 0.7% which is below the global average and lower than countries like China, South Korea and the US.
Syllabus: GS3/Science and Technology
An analysis of the ISRO headcount from data in annual reports over the last three decades shows that ISRO’s current sanctioned strength vis-a-vis available employees is at 72% which is the lowest in recent times.
Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme: Approved with a ₹1 lakh crore corpus, this scheme aims to energise private-sector R&D and deep-tech startups.
Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF): The ANRF established in 2023, provides high-level strategic direction for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in science and technology.
The Foundation aims to mobilise funds amounting to ₹50,000 crore during 2023–28 through multiple streams, including the ANRF Fund, Innovation Fund, Science and Engineering Research Fund, and Special Purpose Funds.
Distinguish the immediate development from the permanent mandate or structure of the institution concerned.
Revise exact names, dates, locations and legal or institutional terms from the source points; do not infer facts not stated there.
Examine the significance of “Emerging Challenges Faced by the ISRO”. Discuss its key implications and the way forward.
Begin with the immediate development and identify the central institution or policy issue.
End with a balanced, institutionally feasible way forward without making claims beyond the available evidence.