VOL XXIV, ISSUE 05

15 March 2023

Industry Scan

        INDUSTRY  SCAN                                                                           

General

Samsung to mass produce third-gen 4nm semiconductor chips soon

According to a new report, Samsung is all set to begin mass production of the third-gen 4nm chips during the first half of 2023. It is the main foundry product in the ultra-micro fabrication process sector. Thanks to the technological advancements in performance, power consumption, and area improvements, the company managed to neutralize one of the main problems in the early stages of the process, which was stabilizing the yield. The improvements made by Samsung Foundry gave the company the green light to go forward with the production of third-gen 4nm chips and attract large corporate customers. These 4nm chips will be based on the 2.3-generation process. Moreover, it is the first time Samsung Foundry has specified the mass production time of a 4nm follow-up version.

Source: https://www.sammobile.com/, March 13, 2023

Smart Personal Audio Segment Gets Major Hit in Q4 2022

As per recent research released by Canalys, the global smart personal audio market dropped down to 112.1 million units after witnessing a major fall of 26% in Q4 2022. Tough macroeconomics intertwined with falling wireless headphones, wireless earphones and True Wireless Stereo (TWS) unit shipments were listed as the driving factors for this quarterly windfall. The industry analyst company predicted that the smart personal audio market will drop by 5% in 2023, while TWS will decline by 2% to reach 281 million units. The report noted that TWS, the category that had previously supported the smart personal audio market’s growth, saw shipments drop to 79.5 million in this quarter.

Source: https://www.electronicsb2b.com/, March 09, 2023

Semiconductor Industry to Grow By $85bn, Generate employability for 6,00,000 by 2030; says Deloitte

Global research firm Deloitte in its latest survey report for Telecommunication, Technology, and Media forecasted that by the end of 2030, the semiconductor market would reach $55 billion by 2026 and $85 billion by 2030 owing to the massive demand for wearables, smartphones, and automotive components. The report also added that in the last two years, the production slump of chipsets had augmented the imperativeness of this industry and also highlighted the fundamental perils in the value chain. Research analysts in Deloitte also added that the semiconductor industry will magnetize skilled workforce and billions of dollars of investments in the coming years along with the dawn of IoT and 5G.

Source: https://circuitdigest.com/, March 01, 2023

Honda Unveils 3rd Generation AWV That Can Transport Two Palettes of Goods Without Human Assistance

Japan’s Honda was well-known for its cars, but now in the past few years the company has excelled in robotics as well. It tried to combine both cars and robots like the Autonomous Work Vehicle (AWV). After much anticipation, the company finally unleashed the 3rd generation version that has been made to to transport up to two palettes worth of goods in the warehouses without the help of any human workforce. Now, the company is trying hard to find clients or buyers to try out its robotic vehicle. According to an exclusive report of engadget, the AWV has evolved from what was basically an ATV with the top chopped off, to a glorified autonomous electric wagon to the current model.

Source: https://circuitdigest.com/, March 10, 2023

TOP

Information Technology

Centre to reconsider ‘safe harbour’ clause in IT law

The Union government on Thursday formally outlined the Digital India Act, 2023 which is a broad overhaul of the decades-old Information Technology Act, 2000. Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, announced the changes in a presentation in Bengaluru. The government is reconsidering a key aspect of cyberspace — ‘safe harbour’, which is the principle that so-called ‘intermediaries’ on the internet are not responsible for what third parties post on their website. This is the principle that allows social media platforms to avoid liability for posts made by users. Safe harbour has been reined in in recent years by regulations like the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, which require platforms to take down posts when ordered to do so by the government, or when required by law.

Source: By AROON DEEP, https://www.thehindu.com/, March 09, 2023

Tech Mahindra names Mohit Joshi as MD, CEO designate

The Board of Tech Mahindra, a provider of digital transformation, consulting and business re-engineering services and solutions, on Saturday, said Mohit Joshi has been appointed as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer designate of the company. The new candidate would take over as MD and CEO of the company when C.P. Gurnani, who is currently CEO & Managing Director of Tech Mahindra, and also one of the longest-serving chief executive officers of the Indian IT sector, retires on December 19, 2023. oshi would be joining Tech Mahindra from Infosys, where he was the President of the company. At Infosys, he was also Head of the Global Financial Services & Healthcare and Software businesses, which included Finacle (the banking platform) and the AI / Automation portfolio.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/, March 11, 2023

Govt developing platform to update DigiLocker documents using Aadhaar

The Center is preparing to launch a platform to update addresses and other demographic details across departments through Aadhaar. The facility will be available to citizens who store their documents in DigiLocker, according to a report in The Economic Times (ET). Various government ministries are holding discussions to prepare an outline for the platform. The ministries of transport, rural development, and panchayati raj, along with the Election Commission, are discussing the specifics of the platform. The report said that the platform is at a nascent stage at this point and that work on conceptualisation and development is ongoing.

Source: https://www.business-standard.com/, March 07, 2023

Information technology should be used to improve governance: Om Birla

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said on Thursday that the information technology should be used to improve efficiency in governance and for improving lives of people. Birla made remarks after inaugurating the two-day 19th annual conference of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India region zone-III at Sikkim Legislative Assembly in Gangtok. Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh, Speakers, legislators and officials from various State Legislative Assemblies are attending the conference being held with three themes.

Source: https://www.business-standard.com/, February 23, 2023

 TOP

Telecom

MTN downgrades medium-term margin target for South Africa on power outages

Mobile network operator MTN Group (MTNJ.J) on Monday lowered the medium-term profit margin target for its South African business due to crippling power outages that have inflated its operating costs, sending its shares down 6%. State electricity utility Eskom is implementing the worst rolling blackouts on record, leaving households in the dark for up to 10 hours a day. The telecom industry is having to crank up diesel generators to power its vast towers, roll out additional back-up batteries and increase security at these sites to protect them from vandalism and theft, additional costs that are putting pressure on their margins.

Source: By Nqobile Dludla, https://www.reuters.com/, March 13, 2023

Telecom Infrastructure Providers Facing Hurdles for Faster 5G Rollouts: DIPA

5G or Fifth Generation Cellular Technology offers faster download and upload speeds, lower latency, and greater network capacity than previous generation wireless technologies. All the new use cases the 5G technology enables help both consumers and enterprises by facilitating the widespread integration of information technology across various sectors, including manufacturing, education, healthcare, agriculture, finance, and social services, which can potentially transform society in India. However, to make this truly possible and make India 5G ready requires robust digital infrastructure deployment across the country, according to Digital Infrastructure Providers Association (DIPA).

Source: By Aparna R, https://telecomtalk.info/, March 13, 2023

Bharti Airtel Subscribers, Duopoly Scenario and Tariff Hikes to Drive ARPU: Jefferies

Bharti Airtel's market share gains among 4G subscribers is garnering attention from every corner, especially brokerages. To recollect, Airtel added 15 lakh wireless subscribers in December 2022 and has a stellar Q3FY23 performance with a reported ARPU of Rs 193, the highest in the Industry. Considering Bharti Airtel's progressive 5G Network Rollouts, Duopoly like scenario and entry-level Tariff Hikes accordingly, Global brokerage Jefferies has turned bullish and upgraded its long-view rating to BUY. Jefferies has noted Airtel market share gains among 4G subscribers and said 4G users are driving ARPUs. Share gain is evident from Airtel's 60% incremental market share in 2HCY22 compared to its overall market share of 30%.

Source: By SRIKAPARDHI, https://telecomtalk.info/, March 12, 2023

Indian telecom market sees 36% value growth in offline retail

The Indian telecom market saw 36 per cent value growth in offline retail last year, and 2023 is expected to be stable with value-driven growth for the domestic telecom market compared to 2022, a report said on Thursday. While the global telecom market closed 2022 with a 9.7 per cent decline in revenue compared to the previous year, India was one of the silver linings, according to the report by market intelligence firm GfK.

Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/, March 09, 2023

TOP

EV’s & Auto Electronics

UK car industry body calls for urgent response to US, EU plans

Britain risks falling behind in the race to build electric vehicles (EV) if it does not respond urgently to large-scale U.S. and European Union initiatives to support industry, the UK's auto industry body said on Monday. The United States last year announced $369 billion in subsidies to support clean technologies and electric vehicles under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). That was followed up by the Green Deal Industrial Plan proposed by the EU last month on concern the U.S. law could put companies based in Europe at a disadvantage. In a report titled "Race to Zero: Powering Up Britain's EV Supply Chain," the SMMT lays out a series of initiatives that it sees as necessary to help Britain's carmakers compete.

Source- https://auto.economictimes.indiatimes.com/, March 13, 2023

Centre likely to discontinue second phase of Fame-II scheme after FY24

The second phase of Rs 10,000 crore Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles in India (Fame-II) is likely to be discontinued after 2023-24, a report by the Economic Times (ET) said, citing officials aware of the matter. Instead of the scheme, it said the benefits might be given through the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme. Fame-II was launched to support 1 million EV two-wheelers (E2W) and 7,000 electric buses (e-buses) in India. Under Fame, companies can offer a discount of up to 40 per cent on the cost of locally manufactured vehicles and claim it as a subsidy from the government.

Source: https://www.business-standard.com/, March 07, 2023

EVs to increase India's dependence on China for raw materials: GTRI report

Manufacturing of electric vehicles (EVs) in India will increase its dependence on China for raw materials, mineral processing, and battery production, according to a report by economic think tank GTRI. The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) also said that there is a need for life cycle impact evaluation for the EVs sector. EVs result in the release of pollutants during battery making, disposal, and charging and about 70 per cent of materials used to manufacture EVs in India are imported from China and a few other countries, it said.

Source: https://www.business-standard.com/, March 07, 2023

Brakes India unveils new ZAP brake pads exclusively designed for EVs

Manufacturers of braking equipment for automotive and non-automotive applications, Brakes India has unveiled ZAP brake pads with advanced friction technology for electric vehicles, the company said on Saturday. The ZAP brake pads with enhanced corrosion protection and quiet braking has been specifically designed and formulated to suit the requirements of the customers of battery operated vehicles. The brake pads adhere to highest possible standards for environmental safety and sustainability.

Source: https://www.business-standard.com/, March 11, 2023

E-scooter companies likely to offer cheap chargers to meet FAME norms

Electric scooter companies are working on a plan to offer a low-priced slow charger under Rs 4,000 and absorb its cost within the mandatory ex-factory cap imposed by the government for availing of the FAME 2 subsidy. However, they will need three to four months to manufacture it and offer it with the electric vehicle (EV). The move is being considered after the Department of Heavy Industries asked companies to respond to complaints by a whistle-blower.

Source: https://www.business-standard.com/, March 12, 2023

TOP

Defence & Solar

Russian Navy to upgrade vessels with Kalibr cruise missiles

Russia plans to equip several Navy vessels using Kalibr missiles, a weapon with which one naval policy expert predicts the country will more widely arm its fleet. Russia recently attacked Ukraine using Kalibr cruise missiles, among other projectiles. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu announced Tuesday the future Lada-class submarine Kronstadt, which is under construction, will be able to fire Kalibr cruise missiles. That same day, state-run news agency Tass reported the corvette Steregushchiy will receive a new Kalibr-NK missile system during modernization work at the Kronstadt Marine Plant.

Source: By Maxim Starchak, https://www.defensenews.com/, March 11, 2023

French Air Force receives first of upgraded Rafale F4 fighter aircraft

The French Air and Space Force has received the first of its most sophisticated Rafale fighter jets, reaching a milestone after four years of development. The service’s Air Warfare Center, located on the 118th air base in southwestern France, took possession of the first F4.1 standard Rafale on March 2, the Ministry of Defense announced in a March 7 statement. Development of the F4 standard kicked off in 2019, when then-Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly signed a €2 billion ($2.12 billion) contract with manufacturer Dassault.

Source: By Vivienne Machi, https://www.defensenews.com/, March 08, 2023

On silver jubilee of indo-french strategic partnership, french ships visit kochi

Two warships of the French Navy, amphibious helicopter carrier FS DIXMUDE, and the frigate LA FAYETTE are visiting Kochi between March 6 and 10 on the occasion of India and France celebrating the 25th anniversary of their strategic partnership. Nearly 800 sailors and soldiers, including 160 officer cadets, as well as an Army embarked tactical group (GTE) are embarked on the Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) Dixmude and the frigate LaFayette as part of the annual ‘Jeanne d’Arc mission’, a long-duration deployment to provide ‘at-sea’ training to officer cadets.

Source: https://www.indiandefensenews.in/, March 13, 2023

India to spend a massive $100 billion to modernize its military

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy during the Naval Commanders’ Conference held aboard India’s first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier INS Vikrant on March 06, 2023. He interacted with the Naval Commanders and witnessed the operational demonstrations at sea, highlighting the Navy’s capability to undertake multi-dimensional missions towards safeguarding the maritime interests of the country reports PIB. In his address to the Commanders, the Defence Minister lauded the Navy for standing firm and protecting national interests with courage & dedication.

Source: https://www.indiandefensenews.in/, March 13, 2023

China uses tiktok for disinformation campaign in taiwan

China uses influencers to spread disinformation in Taiwan through social media such as TikTok and YouTube, aimed at creating suspicion and sabotaging Taiwan-US relations, reported Taipei Times. However, a government official said that it is difficult for Taiwan to assign an agency to regulate online activities. In an effort to prevent the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) from using TikTok to spread disinformation and threaten national security, the Cabinet late last year called for cross-ministerial meetings, but such meetings have not yet been held due to the Cabinet reshuffle this year, the government official said on condition of anonymity, reported Taipei Times.

Source: https://www.indiandefensenews.in/, March 13, 2023

TOP

Consumer Electronics

B.TECH, Talabat Mart team up to sell consumer electronics in 20 minutes

B.TECH, Egypt's leading integrated omnichannel retailer and consumer finance platform, signed today a partnership agreement with talabat Mart, the leading local quick commerce platform in the MENA region, to enhance the customer buying experience by opening a new point of sale on the platform where customers can conveniently buy B.TECH’s consumer electronics. The agreement was signed by Mohamed Khattab, Executive Vice President (EVP) of b_labs & Digital Commerce at B.TECH, and Mohamed Sekkina, General Manager of talabat Mart Egypt in the presence of the leadership team of both companies. The partnership is the first of its kind between B.TECH and talabat Mart. The one-year agreement entails selling of consumer electronics by B.TECH, the largest retailer of home appliances and consumer electronics in Egypt, on the talabat Mart platform, the leading quick commerce player in the country.

Source: https://www.zawya.com/, March 12, 2023

Arzooo ties up with electronic makers Dixon, Amber to offer smart home appliances

Consumer durables marketplace Arzooo has partnered with electronic manufacturing firms like Dixon and Amber Group among others to offer smart range of home appliances. rzooo is foraying into the consumer durables category offering next generation products that will come with new-age technology, superior quality and designs, said a company statement. Arzooo has partnered with prominent players in electronic manufacturing like Dixon, Amber Group and others to introduce an expansive line up of innovative products such as smart electronics and home appliances to customers across tier 1, 2, and 3 cities.

Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/, March 12, 2023

Consumer electronics sales plunge amid high inflation

The consumer electronics sector in Bangladesh is witnessing a slide in demand as sales have declined by 40 per cent from a year ago amid belt-tightening by customers. Retailers say consumers are reluctant to spend on luxury items amid the ongoing economic crisis and inflationary pains. Although industry data on the sales of electronic home appliances is hard to come by, the sales records of companies, both foreign and local, pointed to the slump in demand. Major players in the domestic consumer electronics market are Walton, Transcom Digital, Rangs Electronics, Rangs Toshiba, Best Electronics, MyOne Electronics Industries, Jamuna Electronics, Pran RFL (Vision), Esquire Electronics, Electra International, and Super Star Group.

Source: By Jagaran Chakma, https://www.thedailystar.net/, March 09, 2023

Foxconn reports 11.65% fall in February sales, sticks to Q1 outlook

Taiwan's Foxconn, the world's largest contract electronics maker and major iPhone assembler for Apple, said on Sunday revenue in February fell 11.65% year-on-year due to weakness in smart consumer electronics, but stuck to its first quarter outlook. Revenue last month still managed to reach the second highest on record for February at T$402.0 billion ($13.18 billion), with operations returning to normal at the COVID-disrupted Zhengzhou campus in China, a centre for iPhone production, the company said in a statement. Production of iPhones faced disruption ahead of Christmas and January's Lunar New Year holidays, after curbs to control COVID-19 prompted thousands of workers to leave Foxconn's factory lines in Zhengzhou.

Source: https://www.business-standard.com/, March 05, 2023

TOP

EMSIF

(Special section of the MSME related news under ELCINA Micro & Small Industry Forum)

PM shares link of MSME Competitive (LEAN) Scheme 

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has shared the link of MSME Competitive (LEAN) Scheme and said that this is a a part of our efforts to strengthen the MSME sector, which is a key pillar of India’s economic growth. The MSME Competitive (LEAN) Scheme has been launched under MSME Champions Scheme. In response to the tweet by Union Minister for MSME, Shri Narayan Rane, the Prime Minister tweeted “A part of our efforts to strengthen the MSME sector, which is a key pillar of India’s economic growth. lean.msme.gov.in"

Source: https://orissadiary.com/, March 13, 2023

Govt’s 59-min loan scheme: 2.45 lakh loans sanctioned till March 1 in current FY, up 2.2% only from April

The government and SIDBI’s 59-minute loan approval scheme for MSMEs – PSB Loans in 59 Minutes – has sanctioned 5,314 loans in the current financial year as of March 1, 2023, showed an analysis of the official data. Banks sanctioned 2,45,065 loans involving Rs 83,938 crore as of March 1 under the scheme, growing by only 2.2 per cent from 2,39,751 loans involving Rs 81,141 crore sanctioned as of April 1 in the current financial year, data from the MSME ministry’s dashboard showed. In terms of disbursements, the scheme disbursed 4,089 loans with 1.83 per cent growth in loans disbursed to 2,26,778 loans involving Rs 67,847 crore till the beginning of March this year vis-a-vis 2,22,689 loans amounting to Rs 65,834 crores disbursed as of April 1 last year.

Source: By Sandeep Soni, https://www.financialexpress.com/, March 12, 2023

Why ESG compliance is important for MSMEs

There is an increasing global awareness that is forcing companies to formulate, implement and monitor Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) policies. It is mainly driven by stakeholders’ expectations, government regulations, and the urge for greater transparency and accountability from corporations. All these are definite early indicators that non-implementation of ESG policies may take the colour of non-compliance in the years to come. The general perception is that these policies are esoteric and do not impact the MSME segment in a big way. Contrary to such perceptions, the impact on MSME is quite strong and sometimes even existential. The government’s ban of single-use plastic had a cascading effect of pushing costs on the entire value chain.

Source: By SUDHAKAR A, https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/, March 12, 2023

REIT-like structures, loans against GST filings can help solve MSME fundraising problems: Assocham

The micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector has played a meaningful role in India’s growth. The sector holds immense potential in supporting India’s ambitious vision of a $40 trillion economy by 2047, says a report by industry body Assocham. However, the real struggle for small businesses lies in fundraising for future growth. The report highlighted challenges faced by MSMEs in terms of fundraising and recommended ways to solve the problem. Given that nearly 60% of MSMEs raise funds through informal sources, formalization of the sector is necessary to facilitate growth, the industry body says.

Source: By BHAKTI MAKWANA, https://www.businessinsider.in/, March 09, 2023

RAI signed MoU with the Rajasthan Government to support MSME retail businesses

The Government of Rajasthan and the Retailers Association of India (RAI) have signed a MoU for the promotion of retail businesses in Rajasthan State, and evaluate sourcing opportunities from Rajasthan. In a statement, RAI informed that it will also participate in and support the first-of-its-kind international expo organised by the Rajasthan Export Promotion Council in Jodhpur from 20th – 22nd March 2023. The Expo aims to provide national and international market linkages to the MSMEs based in Rajasthan. RAI works with all the stakeholders for creating the right environment for the growth of the modern retail industry in India.

Source: https://apparelresources.com/, March 11, 2023

TOP

ELCINA EVENTS , ACTIVITIES & SERVICES 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf2MojOrP40PUj27RzLxyfqEjVdbzLQ8J2-aJ3BGUl57YESMA/viewform

For more information, please contact:

Rajesh Rawat – 9911445890 / rajesh@elcina.com

ELCINA Publications

https://elcina.com/roadmap-for-developing-pcb-eco-system-in-india	Roadmap For Developing PCB Eco-System in India Key Findings Indian PCB market and industry size in terms of domestic production, exports, and imports Growth drivers and challenges (needs & gaps) in the Indian PCB industry Growth potential of PCB manufacturing in India and identify enablers for creating & strengthening the domestic value chain Key inputs required viz. investments, technology, and infra eco-system Details of key PCB value chain players – global and domestic, who can be invited to invest to establish a strong PCB industry
https://elcina.com/ems-task-force-report-on-market-industry-analysis-of-ems-sector-in-india	EMS Task Force Report Key Findings Currently EMS Industry (Contract Manufacturing Services) are valued 832 Bn $ and are projected to grow 1055 Bn by 2025. Domestic electronics manufacturing is estimated at USD 75 Bn of which 39 Bn constitutes EMS value. This is divided into 23.5 Bn domestic Mfg. and USD 15.5 Bn PCBS/Sub-Assembly imports. Further USD 53.5 Bn is finished Electronic Goods imports of which USD 17 Bn is EMS value. Thus total EMS opportunity loss is US$ 32.5 Bn (15.5 +17). The report estimates that EMS production can grow realistically from USD 23.5 Bn today to USD 152 Bn by 2025 at CAGR of 45%. This will meet 75% of the countries EMS requirement of US$ 203 Bn by 2025 against a total estimated market of 400 Bn.
https://elcina.com/elcina-task-force-report-on-electronic-components	ELCINA Task Force Report on Electronic Components Key Findings Current status of component manufacturing in India – Areas of competence vs Gaps and inadequacies Components which urgently require investments and growth in domestic manufacturing Emerging technology and new components for upcoming opportunities Constraints and bottlenecks to be addressed Overcoming Policy constraints, WTO (ITA-1) deadlock and Zero Duty issue Strategy for overcoming these constraints Eco-System requirements- Role of Central and State Governments
https://elcina.com/elcina-directory-of-indian-electronics-industry	ELCINA Directory of Indian Electronics Industry 2022-23 Description ELCINA Directory of Indian Electronics Industry – includes the updates on Indian Electronics Industry and a host of additional improved features covering business environment, statistical industry scan, company databases plus various projections. This handy compendium with its easy-to-read format attracts the attention of a growing number of users (within India and abroad) Apart from electronics industry, the users of this Directory range from financial institutions, commercial banks, FIIs, Consultancy organizations as well as industry promotion institutes across the world….

TOP

FORTHCOMING EVENTS &  GENERAL INFORMATION 

Overseas Shows

 Domestic Shows

 TOP