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  • More than 500 researchers, scientists in Oregon oppose cuts to medical research

    More than 500 researchers, scientists in Oregon oppose cuts to medical research

    Scientists, researchers and students from several Oregon universities were among the crowd of more than 500 people rallying against federal directives threatening funding for scientific and medical research at the state capitol Friday.

    Some researchers at the event outwardly embraced their work, wearing lab coats to the rally, while others held handmade signs that read “science saves lives” and “freeze proteins, not funding.”

    “Thank you all for showing up and choosing science, not silence,” Brittany Barker told the assembled supporters outside the capitol building. Barker was the lead organizer of the rally and is an assistant research professor at Oregon State University.

    The rally, called “Stand Up for Science 2025,” was part of a grassroots, nationwide effort advocating for the federal government to support scientific research in the US Organizers say marches and demonstrations were held in nearly every state Friday, with a main rally in Washington D.C.

    Educating the public about what scientists and researchers do is a big part of the rally’s message.

    “Science funds important health research. It gives us safe food for our children and also keeps our environment safe,” said Barker. “It helps us respond better to natural disasters such as the wildfires that we experience in Oregon. These advances are due to science.”

    The event is a direct response to the flurry of executive orders, directives and funding freezes put in place in the first weeks of the Trump administration. Among other things, the directives ordered federal agencies to root out fraud, waste and abuse of federal dollars.

    Researchers at the Salem rally were especially concerned with the National Institutes of Health’s move to curb research funding.

    “If I didn’t have NIH funding, I’m not sure I’d be standing here or that the hundreds of thousands of lives that have been saved [by cancer research] would be here today,” said Oregon Health and Science University professor and former OHSU Knight Cancer Institute CEO Brian Druker. Druker, who spoke at the rally, is widely known for his research that led to a groundbreaking leukemia treatment.

    Last month, the NIH unveiled a new policy that would cap indirect costs from research grants the agency funds to 15%. Indirect costs go toward expenses that ensure researchers can run their projects successfully like rental fees for facilities, utility bills and salaries for administrative staff.

    Organizations, universities and other entities that are awarded NIH grants often take on these expenses in real-time and are then reimbursed by the agency through a previously negotiated indirect costs rate. The average rate is 28%, but some institutions, like Oregon Health and Science University, have negotiated rates above 50%.

    The new NIH policy is currently blocked after a federal judge extended a temporary injunction earlier this week.

    “Science, especially basic science research like I’m doing, is foundational to medicine and health care that has saved lives around the world,” said Megan Radler, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Oregon who attended the rally. “I think most importantly, diverse minds in science are crucial to doing good science. The gag order about diversity, equity and inclusion is deeply disturbing to me.”

    US Rep. Andrea Salinas (D-Oregon) also attended the Salem event. She called the attempt to cut scientific and medical research funding reckless.

    “Science is not a partisan issue. It’s about progress, economic opportunity, and ensuring a better future for all Oregonians and all Americans,” Salinas said. “These unprecedented attacks on truth and innovation are at their core, attacks on the health and economic security of all working Americans.” OPB

  • The market for hospital beds is expected to reach USD 5.91 bn

    The market for hospital beds is expected to reach USD 5.91 bn

    The hospital bed market has been witnessing steady growth, propelled by the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, an aging population, and the increasing number of hospital admissions worldwide. Hospital beds play a critical role in ensuring patient comfort, facilitating medical procedures, and supporting recovery. With the healthcare sector emphasizing better patient care and advanced treatment facilities, the demand for modern, multifunctional hospital beds has escalated significantly. According to Persistence Market Research, the global hospital bed market is projected to reach USD 5.91 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.7%. This report explores the factors driving the market, key trends, challenges, opportunities, and future outlook for the hospital bed industry.

    Hospital beds are specialized beds designed to enhance the comfort, safety, and care of patients during their stay in healthcare facilities. These beds come with adjustable height, head, and foot sections, and are often equipped with advanced features such as electronic controls, side rails, and integrated monitoring systems. The increasing focus on improving patient outcomes and the rising adoption of healthcare technologies have significantly influenced the development and deployment of innovative hospital bed solutions.

    Key drivers of market growth
    Rising healthcare expenditure: Increasing investments in healthcare infrastructure by governments and private entities worldwide are driving the demand for advanced hospital beds equipped with modern features.

    Aging population: The growing geriatric population, particularly in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia-Pacific, has led to higher hospitalization rates, boosting the need for specialized beds with enhanced safety and comfort features.

    Surge in chronic diseases: The rising prevalence of chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory disorders has escalated hospital admissions, creating a steady demand for hospital beds.

    Technological advancements: Innovations such as smart beds integrated with sensors for monitoring vital signs, pressure redistribution mattresses, and automated bed positioning systems are transforming the hospital bed market.

    Increased focus on infection control: The Covid-19 pandemic underscored the importance of infection control in healthcare settings, driving the demand for beds with antimicrobial surfaces and easy-to-clean designs.

    Rising number of hospitals and ICU units: Expansion of healthcare facilities, especially in emerging markets, coupled with the establishment of new intensive care units (ICUs), is significantly contributing to market growth.

    Key types of hospital beds
    Manual beds: Operated without electrical assistance, these beds are cost-effective and commonly used in smaller healthcare facilities or settings with limited budgets.
    Semi-Electric Beds: Feature both manual and electric controls, allowing adjustments for height and head or foot positioning, providing a balance between functionality and cost.

    Electric beds: Fully automated with electronic controls for all adjustments, electric beds are preferred in intensive care units and for long-term patient care due to their ease of use and enhanced comfort.

    Bariatric beds: Specifically designed for overweight and obese patients, these beds have a higher weight capacity and wider dimensions to ensure comfort and safety.
    Pediatric Beds: Customized for children, featuring safety rails and specific dimensions, ensuring safety and comfort for younger patients.

    Specialty beds: Include air-fluidized beds, low air loss beds, and rotational beds designed to prevent bedsores, manage pressure ulcers, and improve patient outcomes.

    Technological advancements in hospital beds
    Smart beds: Integrated with sensors for monitoring patient movement, heart rate, and respiratory patterns, smart beds provide real-time data to healthcare providers, enhancing patient management.

    Automated bed controls: Features such as remote control adjustments for height, tilt, and recline positions simplify caregiving and enhance patient comfort.

    Pressure redistribution technology: Advanced mattresses with pressure redistribution capabilities help prevent bedsores in bedridden patients.

    Integrated monitoring systems: Hospital beds equipped with monitoring systems can alert caregivers to changes in a patient’s condition, reducing the risk of complications.

    Hygienic and antimicrobial surfaces: Beds designed with antimicrobial coatings and easy-to-clean materials address infection control concerns effectively.

    Challenges facing the hospital bed market
    High costs: Advanced hospital beds with smart technologies involve substantial costs, limiting their adoption in resource-constrained healthcare facilities.

    Stringent regulatory requirements: Compliance with international standards and certifications for safety and quality can be cumbersome for manufacturers.

    Maintenance and durability: Ensuring the longevity and maintenance of technologically advanced beds poses a challenge for healthcare facilities.

    Limited adoption in developing regions: The high cost and lack of adequate healthcare infrastructure in emerging markets hinder the widespread adoption of advanced hospital beds.

    Supply chain disruptions: The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted vulnerabilities in supply chains, affecting the timely delivery and manufacturing of hospital beds globally.

    Opportunities for market expansion
    Home healthcare: The rising preference for home-based care, particularly for elderly and chronic disease patients, presents significant growth opportunities for hospital bed manufacturers.

    Growing demand for ICU beds: The surge in ICU admissions due to pandemics and critical illnesses has amplified the demand for intensive care beds with advanced life support features.

    Public-private partnerships: Increasing collaborations between governments and private healthcare providers to expand hospital infrastructure are likely to boost the hospital bed market.

    Focus on customization: Customizable hospital beds that cater to specific patient needs and medical conditions are gaining popularity.

    Sustainability and green initiatives: Growing emphasis on eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient hospital equipment is opening new avenues for market players.

    Regional insights
    North America: Dominates the hospital bed market due to high healthcare spending, the presence of major market players, and increasing adoption of advanced healthcare technologies.

    Europe: Witnesses substantial growth driven by a well-established healthcare infrastructure and rising geriatric population.

    Asia-Pacific: Expected to exhibit the fastest growth owing to increasing healthcare investments, a rapidly aging population, and rising hospital admissions.

    Latin America and Middle East & Africa: Improving healthcare infrastructure and government initiatives to expand hospital facilities are driving market growth in these regions.

    Impact of Covid-19 on the hospital bed market
    Surge in Demand for ICU Beds: The Covid-19 pandemic significantly increased the demand for ICU and ventilator-equipped beds globally.

    Focus on Infection Control: Healthcare facilities prioritized hospital beds with antimicrobial and easy-to-sanitize features to minimize infection risks.

    Supply chain challenges: Lockdowns and trade restrictions led to supply chain disruptions, impacting the production and delivery of hospital beds.

    Government initiatives: Governments across the globe ramped up healthcare infrastructure and procurement of hospital beds to tackle the pandemic effectively.

    Future outlook
    Increased Adoption of Smart Beds: The integration of AI and IoT in hospital beds is expected to become mainstream, enhancing patient monitoring and care efficiency.
    Focus on Home Care: The rising trend of home healthcare is likely to drive demand for portable and easy-to-operate hospital beds.

    Sustainability in hospital equipment: Growing awareness about sustainable healthcare practices is expected to drive innovations in hospital bed manufacturing.

    Technological advancements: Enhanced functionalities such as wireless monitoring, remote control, and pressure management are expected to become standard features in hospital beds.

    Conclusion
    The hospital bed market is poised for significant growth in the coming years, driven by rising healthcare needs, advancements in technology, and an aging population. As healthcare facilities continue to focus on enhancing patient care and safety, the demand for modern, feature-rich hospital beds will remain strong. Manufacturers must invest in innovation, sustainability, and affordability to tap into emerging opportunities and maintain a competitive edge in this evolving market landscape. Persistence Market Research

  • Punjab want to turn govt hospitals up to private companies

    Punjab want to turn govt hospitals up to private companies

    Faced with lack of medical specialists, the Punjab government is planning to hand over some of its hospitals to private institutes. This will be the first time that government hospitals will be run by private players.

    When asked about the proposal, health minister Dr Balbir Singh said it would be a public-private partnership (PPP) just like the private diagnostic centres being run at government health facilities. “We don’t have paediatrician at some places and no gynaecologist in a few areas. To overcome this shortage, we are planning to start a pilot project wherein private players will run the hospitals,” the minister said.

    A person familiar with the development said no major hospital would be handed over to the private sector. Smaller health facilities facing shortage of specialists are being considered under the PPP model, said the official, wishing not to be named.

    Dr Balbir Singh added that corporate hospitals have already expressed their desire to run government hospitals. “Patients will get free treatment. We will reimburse the private players for providing their services. Names of the government hospitals will not be changed,” he clarified.

    According to Dr Balbir Singh, this (PPP) model is already in place at government hospitals as radio diagnostics centres are being run by a private company. “Our experience has been good so far with Krsnaa Diagnostics Ltd that has been providing services at government hospitals,” said the health minister.

    When asked about the shortage of medical experts in the health department, Dr Balbir Singh said the government had been recruiting experts regularly.

    As per Punjab Civil Medical Services (PCMS) Association, 1,554 posts of medical specialists are vacant against the 2,689 sanctioned posts. “It is our government that has been making sure that no government doctor, who completes postgraduation on government quota, leaves the health department without completing the stipulated bond period. Besides, we have been regularly holding recruitments,” said Dr Balbir. Hindustan Times

  • Karnataka has set aside Rs 650 crore to build eight hospitals

    Karnataka has set aside Rs 650 crore to build eight hospitals

    MLC Ivan D’Souza has welcomed the government’s decision to upgrade Wenlock Hospital into a regional facility, alongside the allocation of significant funds for its development. He also expressed his satisfaction over the green signal for the Christian Development Corporation, marking a major step forward in community welfare.

    Addressing the media on Saturday, March 8, D’Souza stated, “The government has allocated Rs 650 crore for the development of eight hospitals across the state. Among these, Wenlock Hospital is one of the selected institutions, with a possibility of receiving up to Rs 250 crore for its upgrade. There is a strong need to transform Wenlock Hospital into a multi-specialty facility, similar to the Kidwai Hospital.”

    Christian Development Corporation gets green signal
    D’Souza also revealed that the government has approved the Christian Development Corporation, with a president and vice president now appointed. He explained, “I recommended the creation of this corporation in 2014. Although it was approved in 2019, its implementation was delayed. However, this year’s budget has announced an allocation of Rs 250 crore.”

    He emphasised the importance of establishing a separate directorate for the Christian Development Corporation, which would simplify decision-making, facilitate the release of funds, and provide matching grants.

    On Shaktinagar incident
    Addressing the recent Shaktinagar incident, D’Souza responded, “MLA Vedavyas Kamath needs to stop making disparaging remarks about Congress party workers during public events. His speeches are provoking his supporters. Yashwanth Prabhu was never mentioned in the FIR as having been assaulted by Vedavyas Kamath. The atrocity case and the allegations against Yashwanth Prabhu are baseless and fabricated.” Daijiworld

  • UP Cabinet approves UPIMS’s 300-bed gynecology facility

    UP Cabinet approves UPIMS’s 300-bed gynecology facility

    The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet on Monday approved 19 proposals across sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, industry and infrastructure.

    New medical, nursing colleges approved

    • The Cabinet cleared the free transfer of 14.05 acres of land from the Ballia district jail to the Medical Education Department for establishing a new medical college. Of this, 12.39 acres will be used for the college, while 2 acres will be developed into a memorial for freedom fighter Chittu Pandey, after whom the college may be named.
    • In another decision, 4,570 sq metres of land from the Government Agricultural School in Balipura village (Bulandshahr) will be transferred to the Medical Education Department to establish a nursing college.
    • The Cabinet also approved revised administrative and financial sanctions for a 300-bed gynaecology block, including a 100-bed paediatric block, under the Uttar Pradesh Institute of Medical Sciences in Saifai, Etawah.

    India TV News

  • Italian opposition opposes the govt’s Starlink agreement

    Italian opposition opposes the govt’s Starlink agreement

    Italian opposition parties stepped up criticism proposed deal between the government and SpaceX’s Starlink following founder Elon Musk’s suggestion he could cut Ukraine from the satellite network.

    Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s hard-right government has been negotiating with Musk’s privately-owned SpaceX over a reported 1.5-billion-euro ($1.6-billion) deal to use Starlink to provide secure telecommunications for its diplomats and military.

    The proposal has sparked outrage among Italy’s opposition parties, which on Monday renewed their demands that talks stop after Musk said on his X social media platform Sunday that Ukraine’s “entire front line would collapse” were he to turn off Starlink for Kyiv’s forces.

    Poland’s foreign minister accused him of threats, after which Musk — the richest man on earth and a senior advisor to US President Donald Trump, who has frozen US military support to Kyiv — insisted Starlink will “never turn off its terminals” in Ukraine.

    Still, centrist Carlo Calenda, who leads Italy’s Action party, on Monday branded Musk “not a reliable partner”.

    The leader of the Democratic Party, Italy’s largest opposition group, said Sunday that Meloni should “change course immediately”.

    “How can Giorgia Meloni want to hand over the keys to Italy’s national security to Musk after hearing his latest, very serious words?” she wrote on X.

    Meloni has said in the past she has “excellent relations” with the billionaire Musk, whom she has called a “genius”.

    In January, she said she would evaluate any Starlink deal through “the lens of national interest”, while adding that there were “no public alternatives”.

    However, last week the head of European satellite operator Eutelsat, Eva Berneke, told the news agency Bloomberg that it was in discussions with Rome.

    Italian media have reported that President Sergio Mattarella, Italy’s head of state, also has reservations about the Starlink deal.

    Responding to one such report at the weekend, Musk wrote on X: “It would be an honour to speak with President Mattarella.”

    Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, leader of the far-right League party, backs a deal and said this weekend he would be ready to sign it “tomorrow morning”.

    “Not because I like Musk or because I’m rooting for Trump — because it would improve Italy’s national security,” he said at a party event in Milan, according to Italian news agency Ansa. AFP

  • NASA closes the policy office & cuts the top scientist role in staff layoffs

    NASA closes the policy office & cuts the top scientist role in staff layoffs

    NASA is eliminating its chief scientist role and closing down an office that studies policy matters on space and technology, in a round of layoffs affecting 23 employees.

    NASA’s acting administrator Janet Petro told employees by email on Monday the Office of the Chief Scientist, the Office of Science, Policy, and Strategy, and the diversity, equity and inclusion branch within the Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity would be closed.

    A NASA spokesperson confirmed the cuts and said 23 employees would be affected.

    The agency has had a chief scientist for decades – except when the post was terminated between 2005 and 2011 – to advise on its missions and areas of space science and astronomy to focus research efforts.

    The cuts, part of President Donald Trump’s government cost-cutting initiative, will include the departures of NASA’s current chief scientist, Katherine Calvin, as well as NASA’s chief technologist, A.C. Charania.

    NASA still has an associate administrator for the Science Mission Directorate, who oversees science-focused missions.

    Many of NASA’s 18,000 employees have been anxious over the Trump administration efforts to trim back the federal bureaucracy, which have been spearheaded by Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency. Musk’s rocket company, SpaceX, has contracts worth roughly $15 billion with NASA, according to federal contracting data.

    Petro said in the email that NASA had been actively working with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management to implement Trump’s January executive order directing government agencies to reduce and reorganize their workforces

    NASA’s policy, diversity and science offices are the latest space-focused units in the U.S. to be affected by Trump and Musk’s government efficiency agenda.

    Roughly a third of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s 25-person Office of Space Commerce, a little-known body heavily relied upon by the space industry, was laid off earlier this month.

    However, two officials from that office were allowed to return after pushback from employees and industry groups, according to two people familiar with the moves.

    NASA’s associate administrator, Jim Free, who was poised to become acting NASA administrator pending confirmation of Trump’s nominee, retired from the agency last month, while hundreds of agency employees have accepted the Trump administration’s buyout proposal, Petro has said. Reuters

  • Outline the Chips Act. Trump wants to end it, but why?

    Outline the Chips Act. Trump wants to end it, but why?

    President Donald Trump’s trade war and efforts to bring manufacturing back to US shores have put one of his predecessor’s signature achievements on the firing line: the Chips and Science Act.

    Signed by Joe Biden in 2022, the bipartisan law is Washington’s $52 billion bid to revitalize the American semiconductor industry. The goal is to reduce US reliance on Asia for the tiny components that are the lifeblood of the modern economy, found in smartphones and missiles alike.

    The Chips Act has spurred nearly $450 billion in commitments to build factories on US soil, amounting to almost $10 of private sector investment for every $1 spent by the government. Even so, Trump has complained that the program is a waste of taxpayer money, telling Congress that it’s a “horrible, horrible thing” and imploring Republican lawmakers, who control both chambers, to repeal the legislation.

    He argues that tariffs function better than subsidies to encourage investment in the US, with the added bonus of generating federal revenue from the duties on imports into the country. Trump has signaled that he’ll impose new import levies on semiconductors as soon as April.

    He credited the threat of tariffs for the decision of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., the world’s top manufacturer of artificial intelligence chips, to invest an additional $100 billion in US plants. TSMC says its US expansion is due to significant market demand.

    What is the Chips Act?
    The law is among the country’s biggest forays into industrial policy. It includes $39 billion in grants to incentivize semiconductor manufacturing and $11 billion for research and development. Companies can also access up to $75 billion in loans and loan guarantees, though the Commerce Department — which oversees the funding — has only used a small amount of that authority. Several major chipmakers opted not to tap that financing.

    More than 85% of the grant funding, spread across 20 firms, was finalized prior to Trump reentering office. But only $4.3 billion actually went out the door under Biden. That’s because the awards are designed to be disbursed over time as companies hit negotiated project milestones, and factories take years to build.

    The Chips Act also includes a lucrative 25% tax credit for manufacturing projects which, for most businesses, will constitute the largest federal incentive they access under the program. Grants, by comparison, typically cover 10% to 15% of project costs. Together, these policy tools aim to make it as cost-effective to build a factory in the US as in Asia, which has benefited from access to cheaper labor and economies of scale.

    There’s no cap on the dollar amount firms can claim from the Chips Act’s tax credit. The Peterson Institute for International Economics estimated in June 2024 that this credit could cost the government over $85 billion in foregone revenue, more than three times the original projection of the Congressional Budget Office — a reflection of the huge amount of investment the law spurred.

    Who are the main beneficiaries of the Chips Act?
    Around three-quarters of the grant funding is slated to go to four companies that produce advanced semiconductors: Intel Corp., TSMC, Samsung Electronics Co. and Micron Technology Inc. Intel is the single biggest beneficiary, with a $7.9 billion grant to support commercial factories and a separate $3 billion award geared toward the production of military chips.

    Firms that produce older generations of chips have also been selected for funding, such as Texas Instruments Inc. and GlobalFoundries Inc., as well as companies building plants for packaging — the process of fitting chips together for use in devices.

    The Commerce Department set aside $500 million for smaller businesses across the semiconductor supply chain, but didn’t announce any awards from that program before Biden left office.

    The US states with the largest pledged investments include Arizona, Ohio, New York and Texas.

    How has the Chips Act impacted the US semiconductor industry?
    While the Chips Act represents a large total in terms of taxpayer money, it’s a relatively small sum for the semiconductor industry, where single companies can burn through a comparable amount in just one year. TSMC, for example, expects its capital expenditure to reach as much as $42 billion in 2025.

    Nonetheless, the law has had a measurable impact. Spending on the construction of US chip factories skyrocketed in the months leading up to and following the passage of the Chips Act. Even businesses that aren’t receiving government funds are benefiting from a US ecosystem that now includes the biggest names in the sector.

    That’s a sea change from just a few years ago, when the country made virtually none of the world’s most advanced logic chips — the components that serve as the brains of devices. The Biden administration sought to get that share to 20%; Trump, when announcing TSMC’s $100 billion investment, said he’s targeting 40%.

    To approach those levels, the US would need companies’ plans to turn into real factories. Some projects, like TSMC’s facility in Arizona, have gone exceptionally well. But Intel and Samsung, the other two big spenders, are mired in financial woes, which could put their overall investment plans at risk.

    Across all types of chips, the Washington-based Semiconductor Industry Association estimated last year that the US is on track to triple its manufacturing capacity by 2032, bolstering its global market share to 14%, from 10% at present. Without the Chips Act, the group said the US share would have likely shrunk to 8%.

    The American push comes alongside major semiconductor industrial policy efforts from scores of other countries — especially China. The Asian nation is trying to beef up its advanced chipmaking sector while also making massive investments in older types of chips, rolling out subsidies that have raised alarm among US officials.

    Can Trump succeed in axing the Chips Act?
    The Chips Act enjoys broad support in Congress, having passed with bipartisan backing. Many Republican congressional districts have been chosen as sites for factories that have been awarded funding. A full repeal of the law would be politically difficult given the party’s slim majority in the House plus the likelihood that Senate Democrats would deploy the filibuster, a prerogative to demand neverending debate to thwart legislation.

    If nullifying the act is off the cards, Republicans could attempt to roll back the provisions they find objectionable, such as labor-friendly regulations or environmental requirements.

    Could the Trump administration undermine the Chips Act in other ways?
    Prior to Trump’s call for a repeal, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick — who now oversees Chips Act implementation — expressed his support for the initiative in public and in private. That didn’t prevent the government office responsible for the program from losing about 40% of its staff as the Trump administration slashes the federal workforce — although Lutnick largely spared the teams responsible for negotiating deals and managing the disbursement of funding.

    Still, Lutnick has stopped short of a commitment to honor existing contracts and is currently reviewing the planned investments. Renegotiating dollar amounts, or the benchmarks tied to them, would be a heavy lift that companies want to avoid.

    In preparation for Lutnick’s arrival, Chips Act staff began preparing a list of more benign changes that can be made to the application process and finalized agreements. The idea is that removing things like a requirement for childcare facilities at large factories could enable the Trump administration to claim a win without significantly disrupting the distribution of funds.

    There are also more aggressive options. The terms of Chips Act contracts allow the government to stall disbursement or even claw back funds in certain circumstances. Some companies have worried that those rules give federal officials too much leeway to make adjustments to their deals.

    But even if Lutnick changes individual agreements, the Trump administration is still legally obligated to spend the money appropriated by Congress for the Chips Act. Lawmakers have already appropriated the full $39 billion in manufacturing incentives through fiscal year 2026. Bloomberg

  • Six bidders got a draft RFP for the EO work

    Six bidders got a draft RFP for the EO work

    The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has shortlisted six out of nine bidders to build and manage a space-based earth observation (EO) system.

    The selected entities include consortiums of SatSure, Pixxel, Dhruva Space and PierSight; Ananth Technologies, Solar Group and XDLINX; and Bharat Electronics Ltd and Sisir Radar.

    Further, Tata Advanced Systems Ltd and Centum have also been shortlisted.

    IN-SPACe has issued a draft request for proposal (RFP) to the selected applicants for the INR 1,500 Cr constellation of earth observation satellites project.

    The final date to send in their financial bids as mentioned in the draft RFP is March 31.

    IN-SPACe invited bids from Indian startups and companies in July last year to design, build and launch a constellation of satellites that will be equipped with advanced imaging technologies.

    In December 2024, it was reported that IN-SPACe received bids from 30 entities to build the earth observation system.

    To note, each consortium is limited to include only four members to jointly apply for the tender, where the government will reportedly offer a grant of up to INR 350 Cr to the winning consortium to build the system.

    Further, the clutch of winning bidders will have to repay this grant amount over the operational period of the constellation.

    This development comes weeks after IN-SPACe rolled out the Technology Adoption Fund (TAF) worth INR 500 Cr to financially support the nation’s space technology startups to refine their technologies, enhance production processes, and meet market demands both within India and abroad.

    Notably, the Centre has taken a number of steps to promote private players in the space sector. In October last year, the Union Cabinet approved setting up a VC fund with a corpus of INR 1,000 Cr to boost the country’s space economy.

    The VC fund would be operational in the first quarter of FY26.

    The Centre’s measures have resulted in the emergence of a number of new spacetech startups in the last few years. As a result India’s space economy is poised for transformative growth in 2025 and is eyeing a market size of $44 Bn by 2030. Inc42

  • AT&T projects Q1 profit consistent with estimates

    AT&T projects Q1 profit consistent with estimates

    AT&T, forecast first-quarter adjusted profit in line with analysts’ estimates on Monday, signaling steady demand for its discounted premium plans combining 5G mobile with high-speed fiber data.

    The U.S. telecom giant has been investing in its high-speed fiber internet offerings to help drive faster subscriber and revenue growth, at a time when the pool of potential new wireless customers shrinks in the United States.

    On an adjusted basis, the company expects per-share earnings of 48 cents or higher excluding DIRECTV, compared with estimates of 49 cents, according to data compiled by LSEG.

    AT&T, which acquired DirecTV in 2015, said last year in September that it would sell its entire 70% stake in satellite TV provider DirecTV to private equity firm TPG, exiting a business marked by declining distributions for the telecom operator. The deal is expected to close in mid-2025.

    The company said on Monday it expects to receive about $1.4 billion to $1.5 billion of cash payments from DIRECTV related to this deal.

    AT&T also reaffirmed its annual adjusted profit forecast in the range of $1.97 to $2.07 per share. Reuters