Centre eases rules for procurement of scientific research items ahead of Budget
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Increased flexibility for scientific ministries
Ahead of the Union Budget presentation, the Finance Ministry announced changes to the General Financial Rules (GFRs) that will give scientific ministries more flexibility to import and buy research equipment.
The changes respond to long-standing demands of scientists who argued that restrictive procurement rules have slowed down research productivity.
Key changes in procurement rules
The revised GFRs, which outline the terms of public procurement and are updated from time to time, now particularly benefit scientific ministries such as science and technology, biotechnology and defence research.
A key change has raised the threshold value for items that can be procured without tender from ₹25,000 to ₹1 lakh.
Additionally, the limit for goods requiring a market survey approved by a committee for price and quality has been raised from ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakh.
Concerns on Government e-Marketplace (GeM)
Despite these exemptions, scientists worry that these will only apply if the required goods are not available on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM). Scientists argue that GeM often lacks specialized equipment needed for research, which often has to be imported.
China plans technology-led growth to revive economy
High-level meetings for economic reform
Amid a globally crucial election year, China's ruling Communist Party is holding closed-door top-level meetings in Beijing to chalk out a strategy to revive its slowing economy.
The meetings, which will end on Thursday, are aimed at supporting "deepening reforms on all fronts" similar to the transformative reforms of the late 1970s.
Focus on technology and national security
The party is pushing President Xi Jinping's technology and national security-centred growth blueprint. Economists are not convinced the approach will solve persistent issues such as a weak job market, huge local government debt and a long-running property market slowdown.
Global influence and consumer confidence
China's economic health affects global trade, financial markets and job opportunities. Recent reports show the economy grew at a 4.7% annual rate in the last quarter, down from 5.3% previously.
Consumer spending remains subdued due to job insecurity and high education costs. Xi's policies, including the 'Made in China 2025' initiative, aim to transform China into a hub of high-tech production, although significant challenges remain.
117 athletes to carry India's hopes at Olympics
Contingent composition
India will send 117 athletes across 16 sports to the Paris Olympics, accompanied by 140 support staff. This number of 257 is lower than the 228-member contingent for the Tokyo Games, which included 127 athletes.
Shot putter Abha Khatua not included in the list
Despite qualifying through the world rankings, shot putter Abha Khatua has not been included in the list. The reason for her exclusion is still not clear.
Increase in support staff
The number of support staff has increased due to the inclusion of sports science personnel. Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president P.T. Usha has highlighted the improvement in the athlete-to-support staff ratio, which is now slightly better than 1:1.
Better support and visa assurances
For the first time, a 13-member sports science team led by Chief Medical Officer Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala will be in Paris, along with a recovery center at the Athletes Village.
Usha also addressed the issue of wrestler Anantim Panghal's coach and physiotherapist being left out of the official list, and assured timely visas for non-accredited support staff of athletes.
