Fri Dec 12 13:14:18 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text, followed by a news article rewrite:

Summary:

Achal Agrawal, founder of India Research Watch (IRW), is being recognized by Nature as one of the key figures in science for 2025. Agrawal left his university position after witnessing widespread academic misconduct in India, including plagiarism and data manipulation. He highlights the increasing use of AI to generate fake data and the inadequacy of current plagiarism detection methods. He also points out the flaws in India’s University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines and the lack of a central ‘Research Integrity Office’ to investigate misconduct. Agrawal advocates for stricter penalties for retractions and a review of the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), which he believes incentivizes excessive publication over quality education. IRW provides a platform for anonymous whistleblowing, but Agrawal emphasizes the need for a formal Research Integrity Office to address research misconduct effectively. The company is currently facing a civil defamation case.

News Article:

India’s Academic Integrity Crisis: Data Scientist Achal Agrawal Sounds Alarm on Research Misconduct

Bengaluru, December 14, 2025 – Achal Agrawal, the founder of India Research Watch (IRW), is being hailed as a pivotal figure in addressing India’s growing academic integrity crisis. Agrawal, a freelance data scientist based in Raipur, gained recognition in “Nature’s 10” – a list of people “who shaped science in 2025” compiled by the journal- for his dedication to exposing research misconduct, including plagiarism and data fabrication.

In an interview with The Hindu, Agrawal explained his decision to leave his university job to focus on IRW, citing a shocking lack of concern among students and institutions regarding academic integrity. “I was shocked when a student spoke casually of using software to publish his work. He insisted his work had passed the university’s plagiarism checks,” stated Agrawal.

Data from IRW reveals a concerning trend: India’s academic retractions have skyrocketed since 2022, ranking second globally. Agrawal criticizes the University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines for their lenient penalties and failure to address critical issues like data manipulation. He further highlights the absence of a central “Research Integrity Office,” leaving investigations to universities with vested interests in protecting their reputations.

Agrawal warns of the escalating use of generative AI to create fake data and papers, making detection increasingly difficult. He also points to the flaws in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), which he believes encourages excessive publication at the expense of quality education. “Many professors cut corners while teaching to devote more time to research, as it is what is measured and rewarded,” he said.

IRW provides a platform for anonymous whistleblowers, receiving approximately 10 tips daily. However, Agrawal stresses the urgent need for a formal Research Integrity Office with the authority to investigate and take action against academic misconduct.

It is also noted that a civil defamation case is currently pending against the company.

Agrawal’s work sheds light on a critical issue facing India’s academic landscape, highlighting the urgent need for reforms to ensure research integrity and quality education.

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