23 August 2026

Scientific research integrity and retractions

The topic provides useful context on research ethics and institutional accountability, which can be used to enrich answers on governance and integrity, but it lacks the specificity of a direct policy or landmark report that would warrant a higher score.

Questions

1. The integrity of the scientific record is increasingly challenged by the persistence of retracted research in academic literature. Discuss the systemic issues contributing to this phenomenon and suggest measures to strengthen research ethics in India. 150 words
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2. Scientific research integrity is a cornerstone of national development and evidence-based policymaking. In light of the 'cascading retraction effect' and the limitations of current peer-review mechanisms, evaluate the need for institutional reforms to ensure accountability and transparency in Indian scientific research. 250 words
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Prelims

1. What is referred to as the 'cascading retraction effect' in the context of scientific research?

   1. A The decline in funding for research institutions that have a high volume of retracted publications.
   2. B The automatic removal of all research papers linked to a specific laboratory after one instance of misconduct.
   3. C The phenomenon where retracted papers continue to be cited by new studies, which are subsequently retracted themselves.
   4. D The process where a journal retracts multiple papers from a single author simultaneously.