UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 16th July 2025
Prime Minister Professorships under ANRF
Introduction
- ANRF harnesses the expertise of retired and overseas scientists to mentor emerging research institutions in India.
- To leverage the experience of retired and overseas scientists, the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) has launched the Prime Minister Professorships, aimed at strengthening research capabilities in State universities with emerging research ecosystems.
Objective of the Programme
- Strengthen research capacity in State universities with nascent ecosystems
- Facilitate relocation of distinguished scientists to host institutions for sustained engagement
- Provide academic and research mentorship to faculty and students
- Promote equitable growth in national R&D capacity
Key Features of the Prime Minister Professorships
- AdministeringBody:
The programme is launched by ANRF, which has subsumed the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB). - Fellowship & Grant:
- Annual Fellowship: ₹30 lakh
- Research Grant: ₹24 lakh (for consumables, domestic travel, contingencies, equipment, etc.)
- Overhead Provision: ₹1 lakh per annum to the host institution
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Retired scientists with a distinguished r ecord
- Overseas scientists, including:
- Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)
- Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs)
- Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs)
- Industry professionals and Professors of Practice with proven expertise in research and innovation
Institutional Linkage through PAIR Programme
- Professors must be based at State universities identified as “spoke” institutions under the Promoting Advanced and Inclusive Research (PAIR) programme.
- PAIR Framework:
- Links emerging institutions (“spokes”) with top-ranked institutions (“hubs”)
- Hubs: Institutions ranked 25 or below in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF)
- Spokes: State universities, some NITs, IIITs, and select Central Universities
Significance
- Encourages brain circulation by attracting overseas talent
- Fosters inclusive innovation by investing in under-resourced institutions
- Supports India’s goal of becoming a global knowledge superpower by promoting mentorship-driven research growth
Conclusion
- The Prime Minister Professorships mark a paradigm shift in India’s research funding model, focusing not only on excellence but also on inclusivity.
- By tapping into the wisdom of experienced scientists and professionals, the scheme aims to nurture talent and create vibrant research cultures in universities that have historically remained on the fringes of India’s scientific landscape.
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Economic Implications
For Indian Exporters
- These reforms reduce transaction costs and compliance hurdles
- Encourage a more competitive and efficient export environment
- Promote value addition in key sectors like leather
For Tamil Nadu
- The reforms particularly benefit the state’s leather industry, a major contributor to employment and exports
- Boost the marketability of GI-tagged E.I. leather, enhancing rural and traditional industries
For Trade Policy
- These decisions indicate a shift from regulatory controls to policy facilitation
Reinforce the goals of Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and India’s ambition to become a leading export power
Recently, BVR Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog, claimed that India has overtaken Japan to become the fourth-largest economy in the world, citing data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
India’s rank as the world’s largest economy varies by measure—nominal GDP or purchasing power parity (PPP)—each with key implications for economic analysis.
The PM professorship problem is an unique and comprehensive program to bring the research talents in to practises. The research and education are the two sides of on coin that is knowledge, this program has internet of both and hence it will be fruitful and result oriented. The PM and his team is praise worthy for this scientific venture.