India, May 4 -- As part of a new push to improve research quality and tighten scrutiny of funding proposals, the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), a national funding agency, has made it compulsory for researchers applying for its Advanced Research Grant (ARG) to disclose details and reasons for any research paper retractions over the past five years.

Scientists have welcomed the decision, calling it a strong deterrent against unethical publication practices. The measure is also expected to make researchers more cautious about collaborations, especially with those employing dubious publication practices.

The move comes amid increasing cases of research paper retractions in India due to plagiarism, data fabrication and ethic...