‘Gaganyaan' mission has entered final phase: Singh
NEW DELHI: India's maiden human space mission, 'Gaganyaan', has entered its final phase and may become a reality in 2027 following years of dedicated efforts by the country's space scientists, according to Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh.
Addressing the media on the eve of the first-of-its-kind Global Space Exploration Conference 2025, the minister confirmed that the first human spaceflight under the Gaganyaan programme is scheduled for the first quarter of 2027.
The minister announced that the mission's first uncrewed test flight is expected later this year, with two more missions planned for 2026.
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India Gazette
8 hours ago
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Time of India
10 hours ago
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Business Standard
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Govt raises financial limits to ease procurement for scientific research
In a move aimed at boosting scientific research, the government has revised financial thresholds for the purchase of scientific equipment and consumables across various research institutions, including those involved in defence. Higher limits for direct and committee-based purchases According to the amendments to the special provisions under the General Financial Rules (GFR), vice-chancellors and directors of research and development institutions can now procure scientific instruments and consumables worth up to ₹2 lakh without the need for quotations, double the earlier limit of ₹1 lakh. Similarly, the financial ceiling for purchases made through a purchase committee has been raised from ₹10 lakh to ₹25 lakh. The threshold for procuring goods via the limited tender enquiry (LTE) or advertised tender enquiry method has also been increased from ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore. In addition, vice-chancellors and directors have now been authorised to approve global tender enquiries for research-related procurement of scientific equipment and consumables up to a value of ₹200 crore. Simplified rules to benefit a wide range of institutions Describing the changes as a "landmark step enabling ease of doing research", Union Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh said in a post on X that the simplified GFR rules will minimise delays, promote institutional autonomy and flexibility, and help accelerate the pace of innovation. Here is a heartening news and a major breakthrough for young aspiring #StartUps, Innovators and Researchers: In a landmark step enabling #EaseOfDoingResearch, the GFR rules have been simplified for procurement of scientific equipment and consumables. This will reduce delays,… — Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) June 7, 2025 The revised procurement norms will apply to departments such as science and technology, biotechnology, scientific and industrial research, atomic energy, space, earth sciences, and health research, including the Indian Council of Medical Research. Institutions like the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and its affiliated universities and institutes offering postgraduate and doctoral-level programmes under any ministry or department will also benefit from the relaxed rules. (With agency inputs)
