Thursday, October, 01,2026

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Pranav Gupta, Ashoka University Co-founder: India Is Spending More on Research. The Harder Task Is Building a Research Culture

India is putting considerably more money behind research than it did a decade ago. The harder challenge now is ensuring that higher spending creates stronger research universities, attracts ambitious faculty and gives researchers the freedom to pursue questions whose impact may take years to become visible.

The numbers show how rapidly the funding landscape has expanded. According to the Department of Science and Technology’s Research & Development Statistics 2025–26, India’s gross expenditure on research and development rose from about ₹79,356 crore in 2013–14 to ₹2.45 lakh crore in 2023-24. R&D expenditure as a share of GDP has also increased from 0.64% in 2020–21 to 0.84% in 2023–24. Private-sector spending reached about ₹1.27 lakh crore in 2023–24, slightly ahead of the government sector’s ₹1.18 lakh crore.

For Pranav Gupta, co-founder of Ashoka University and Plaksha University, the conversation cannot stop at the size of research budgets. Gupta has previously argued that “there is a need for intensive research to redefine knowledge if we want to create a sustainable workforce in the future,” while emphasising the importance of giving students access to serious research opportunities.

The funding architecture itself is now changing. The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) has been designed to mobilise ₹50,000 crore during 2023–28, including ₹14,000 crore from the Central government, with the balance expected from non-government sources such as industry and philanthropy. Alongside it, the government’s ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation Fund is intended to provide long-term financing for private-sector research and deep-tech innovation.

That fund is beginning to move beyond announcement. By July, ₹2,000 crore had been sanctioned through the Technology Development Board and BIRAC. TDB had approved 22 projects involving ₹2,192 crore of RDI support, while BIRAC had shortlisted eight projects involving another ₹390.35 crore.

An even more significant development for universities is ANRF’s Catalytic Partnership Programme. The programme is designed to create new, large-scale research institutions through partnerships between academia, industry and philanthropy. Eligible projects must cost at least ₹100 crore; ANRF would normally provide only 10–20%, while the remaining investment must come from sources such as industry, CSR, philanthropy, private capital or alumni endowments.

That model recognises a distinction Indian higher education increasingly needs to make: research funding is not the same as research culture.

Government grants can finance projects. Building a research university also requires patient capital for laboratories, doctoral programmes, faculty recruitment, interdisciplinary centres and early-stage ideas whose commercial outcome may not yet be clear.

This is where philanthropic institutions such as Ashoka and Plaksha offer useful examples. Ashoka, itself built through collective philanthropy, provides internal annual research grants, start-up grants and new-idea grants, while faculty also compete for external government, international and philanthropic funding. A recent philanthropic commitment from Sunil Vachani is supporting the Vachani School of Advanced Computing, focused on computer science, AI and data science research.

Plaksha has taken a similar idea into technology education. The university announced in 2025 that it had crossed ₹1,500 crore in philanthropic commitments, with funding supporting research centres, laboratories, scholarships and academic infrastructure. Its research ecosystem now spans areas including clean energy, water, robotics, diagnostics and IoT.

Gupta has previously described philanthropy as important to building institutions capable of creating long-term social impact. More recently, while discussing university-industry collaboration, he argued: “Industry should not only arrive on campus at placement time. Companies can work with faculty and students on research, offer real problems for students to solve, support laboratories and create pathways for ideas to move from universities into society and the marketplace.”

But more private money also creates a governance question. Research funded by corporations or philanthropists cannot be limited only to ideas offering immediate commercial returns.

As Gupta has put it, “Industry participation should strengthen a university, not define its intellectual boundaries.” Universities, he argues, must retain the freedom to pursue fundamental research and interdisciplinary questions whose value may emerge only much later.

India has therefore made substantial progress on the funding side of the research equation. The next test is institutional: whether universities can convert that capital into stronger researchers, better doctoral ecosystems, ambitious interdisciplinary work and a culture where intellectual risk is rewarded.

Money can build laboratories. Building a research university requires much more.

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Daily Astro

01-10-2026

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Aries

Ganesha says it will be an important day for you, Aries. Your energy and confidence are ready to take you to new heights. Today you will be able to express your thoughts with clarity, which will increase your communication skills. New opportunities may arise in the working areas, which you have to be ready to take advantage of. In social life, you can make new meetings, which will prove beneficial for you in the future. This day will be good for solving family issues, and you will be able to establish better relations with your close ones. In the field of health, take care of your routine and resort to yoga or meditation to relieve mental stress. Controlling your expenses will be a smart move, as any sudden financial need may arise. Overall, this day is for you to stay positive, just use your insight and energy properly.

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Pisces

Ganesha says it is going to be a positive day for you. Your sensitivity and intuition will flourish today, allowing you to establish better connections between yourself and others. It is time to connect with someone or refresh old memories. Try to communicate with people close to you, as it will strengthen your relationships. In the field of work, your creativity will be cyclical today. If you are working on a project, your ideas will be new and full of innovation. Do not be afraid to share your ideas, it will give you positive feedback from your colleagues. In terms of financial condition, avoid any big investments. Small expenses will prove to be justified but think well before making any big decisions for the long term. In terms of health, focus on a balanced diet and regular exercise. For mental health, practicing meditation or yoga will help keep you stress-free.

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Aquarius

Ganesha says new opportunities are likely to open up for you. You will be in a position to take your creative abilities to new heights. This is the time to share your ideas and make new plans. Your friends and family will support your ideas, so it will be beneficial to take their advice into account. Positive changes are possible in business. This is the right time to work on an important project. You will get an opportunity to use your skills and knowledge properly. But, be careful; in some cases, you will need to control your emotions. In personal life, relationships will deepen. You will try to spend more time with your loved ones. This is a good time for love and companionship. Enjoy emotional moments that will make your relationships stronger. Be health conscious. Dedication to yoga and meditation will give you mental peace. These activities will keep not only your body but also your mind active. Overall, today will be full of possibilities for you. Stay committed to your dreams and work on them.

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Capricorn

Ganesha says your day is full of some new possibilities. You will experience grace and stability in your actions. This is the time to focus on your goals and work with determination to pursue your plans. You are likely to get success in your work, especially if you maintain your hard work and dedication. Positive changes can also be seen in your relationships. You will get a chance to spend time with family and listen to them, which will increase mutual understanding and depth. Focus on communication, as it will make your relationships stronger. However, it is also time to make monthly plans. Take care of your financial matters and try to save. This is the time when you can take concrete steps for your future. Your health condition is likely to remain normal but take some rest. Maintaining a mental balance will be important for you. Stay positive and keep faith in your actions!

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Sagittarius

Ganesha says today will be full of new possibilities and positive energy for you. You will feel a rise in your confidence, which will keep you open to new opportunities. This is the right time to make an important decision. Your spirituality and intuition will be strong, which will enable you to understand and face difficulties. Spending time with friends and family will awaken a sense of happiness and satisfaction in your mind. Relationships with colleagues at work can take a new direction. Cooperation and communication will help solve problems. If you face an obstacle or challenge, remember that you can overcome it. In terms of health, you may need to make a little improvement in your routine. Regular exercise and a balanced diet will give you freshness and energy. Strengthening social relationships and contacting new people will also be beneficial today. This is the time for self-growth and positive change for you, so recognize the energy within you and use it properly.

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Scorpio

Ganesha says today will be full of enthusiasm and energy. You will move towards achieving your goals, and your hard work will pay off. Social life will also be active; you will get a good chance to spend time with friends and family. In terms of health, take a little caution. Focusing on meditation and exercise will help reduce mental stress. This is also a good time to take up a new hobby, which can unleash your creativity. Take wise steps in terms of money. Make informed decisions while investing. For potential financial gains, take a look at past projects again. Your career is showing good signs of progress. Your ideas may be appreciated at the workplace, which will increase your confidence. Still, some issues may require restraint. Overall, today will prove to be positive and auspicious for you. Spend it with pride with your loved ones.

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Libra

Ganesha says today will be a very auspicious and positive day. You will get a chance to clarify your thoughts, which will bring stability to your personal and professional relationships. Your communication skills will increase, and this will open the doors of new possibilities for you. Your creativity and aesthetic sense will be especially strong today. If you are associated with any art or design, your work will be appreciated. This is the right time to express your feelings. If you are confused about a decision, trust your intuition; it will show you the right path. In terms of health, small changes can make your life better. Focus on regular exercise and a balanced diet. In love and relationships, a new understanding will develop, which will strengthen the mutual bond even more. Overall, this day is a sign of positive changes and new beginnings for you. Stay focused on your goals and recognize your inner strengths.

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Virgo

Ganesha says today is a suitable day to highlight your cognitive abilities and business skills. Today, you will be full of clarity and precision in your actions, which will increase your value among your colleagues and superiors. There is a possibility of bringing some changes to your routine, which will bring positive results for you. This is a good time to improve relations with family members. Try to resolve any old disputes, and keep communication open. In terms of health, meditation and yoga will bring mental peace. Also, take some time out of your routine for exercise. From a financial point of view, this is the right time to make a good plan for the right investment. Take a good look at the options available to you and make a wise decision. Overall, today will prove to be a day of new possibilities and positive changes for you. Be full of confidence and stay focused on your goals.

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Leo

Ganesha says today will be a day full of energy and inspiration. Your confidence will increase and your thoughts will come out with clarity. On this day, you will be able to see some new possibilities in your career, which will bring you hard work. Mutual understanding and harmony will increase your relationship, which will create a happy atmosphere among the family. This is a great time to express your thoughts clearly, so do not hesitate to communicate with your partner or friends. It is important to be health conscious, a little exercise and meditation will maintain your mental and physical health. Overall, this day will bring activity and positivity for you, so make the most of all the opportunities!

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Cancer

Ganesha says it will be a day of information and communication for you. Your mind will be full of ideas and you will be able to express your ideas well. There is a possibility of some new opportunities in professional life, which can prove beneficial for you. It is a good time to strengthen relationships with your colleagues, so work together at the workplace. Your emotional state will also be strong. Time spent with family will give you satisfaction. If you have any old problem going on, then the right time is coming to solve it. However, you need to keep your emotions under control, so that you do not get agitated over small things. In terms of health, try to practice yoga and meditation. It will empower you both mentally and physically. Take informed decisions in financial matters; do not rush into any investments. In summary, this day will be all about communication and cooperation, which will lead to positive changes for you.

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Gemini

Ganesha says there will be a new energy and freshness in your thoughts, which will make your personality even more attractive. Social contacts are likely to increase, which will expand your network. You will be inspired to spend blissful time with your friends and family. Some positive changes can also be seen in the business sector. The results of your hard work will gradually start coming, and this will motivate you to move forward. Keep in mind that while sharing your ideology, work with empathy, this will strengthen your relationship with colleagues. It is important to be health conscious. A little attention and relaxation will give you mental freshness. Practicing yoga or meditation will be beneficial for you. This day will be full of positivity and new possibilities for you. Express your mind openly and do not hesitate to adopt new ideas.

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Taurus

Ganesha says it will prove to be a positive day for you, Taurus. You will feel energetic and full of confidence. The time has come to reap the fruits of your hard work and efforts. The workload may stress you for a while, but you will face all the challenges recognizing your strengths. Sweetness will also remain in your relationships. Spending time with your family and friends will be a source of joy for you. Conversation with someone special can give you a new vision and promote mutual understanding. A special occasion may be organized among friends or family, which will bring happiness and harmony to you. Moments spent with loved ones will give you mental peace. It is important to be health conscious. A little exercise or yoga will give peace to your mind and energy to your body. Your day will be full of happiness and positivity, just keep your thoughts and emotions balanced.

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01-10-2026