PARLIAMENT QUESTION: R&D EXPENDITURE

• GERD (Gross Expenditure on R&D) in India is 0.6–0.7% of GDP, well below the OECD average (~2.7%) and major peers; flagged in a Parliament Question reply by Ministry of Science & Technology on 05 Feb 2026.
• India's Global Innovation Index (GII) rank rose from 81st (2015) → 38th (2025), but absolute R&D spend remains the binding constraint on tech-manufacturing ambitions.
• Examiner-relevant because it ties GS-III S&T + Economy to live schemes — ANRF, ₹1 lakh crore RDI Fund, National Quantum Mission.