VOL XXIV, ISSUE 21

15 November 2023

      Cabinet approves pact between India, Japan on semiconductor supply chain

The Union Cabinet has approved a memorandum of cooperation between India and Japan on a Semiconductor Supply Chain Partnership, an official statement said on Wednesday. The memorandum of cooperation between the two countries was signed in July. Japan has become the second Quad partner after the US to sign an agreement with India for the joint development of the semiconductor ecosystem and maintain the resilience of its global supply chain. The MoC will come into effect from the date of signature of the parties and remain in force for a period of five years.

Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/, October 28, 2023

MeitY, STPI, TiE Delhi Partner To Provide Funding of ₹1 Crore To Tech Startups

The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) has partnered with the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) and The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) Delhi-NCR to support technology startups across India by providing funding support of up to one crore rupees, a three-month mentorship, and access to a valuable network. At the launch event of the LEAP AHEAD initiative, inaugurated by MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan, 20 startups collectively received ₹6.1 crore from NEXTGen Technology Fund1 and other investors. Seven MoUs were signed between STPINext, a subsidiary of STPI and ecosystem enablers. The LEAP AHEAD initiative targets tech startups in the scaling stage, growth stage, product diversification, or planning expansion into new geographical locations. The initiative offers startups access to an extensive network and personalised guidance through in-person or virtual mentorship sessions with seasoned investors and industry experts over three months.

Source: https://www.electronicsb2b.com/, November 07, 2023

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  INDUSTRY  SCAN                                                                             

General

Samsung AI Forum 2023 Highlights Key Advancements in AI and Computer Engineering

Samsung Electronics opened the Samsung AI Forum, at which it shared the latest research achievements in artificial intelligence (AI) and computer engineering (CE), contributing to enhancing the company’s next-generation semiconductor technology. With over 1,000 attendees — including leading academics, industry experts, researchers and students — day 1 of the seventh iteration of the Samsung AI Forum took place at the Suwon Convention Center in Gyeonggi-do, Korea, under the theme of “large-scale AI for a better tomorrow.” A two-day forum, the first day was hosted by the Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology (SAIT), and day 2 will be hosted on November 8 by Samsung Research at the Samsung R&D campus in Seoul, Korea.

Source: Samsung Newsroom, November 09, 2023

MediaTek Showcases 5G Satellite Connectivity, Smart Vehicle Technology and Innovative Connectivity Solutions

MediaTek, a global fabless semiconductor company powering nearly 2 billion connected devices a year, showcased its latest technology portfolio from its Dimensity, Filogic, Genio, Kompanio, Pentonic, and Dimensity Auto portfolios at India Mobile Congress 2023. MediaTek demonstrated its Dimensity Auto platform that drives the future of intelligent, always-connected vehicles through delivering impressive computing power and wide-ranging technologies. The showcase included MediaTek powered devices across diverse verticals from some of the world’s biggest brands.

Source: MediaTek PR, October 31, 2023

India’s semiconductor sector provides huge business opportunities to Micron: Piyush Goyal

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has met Micron Technology CEO and President Sanjay Mehrotra in the US and discussed business opportunities in the growing semiconductor sector in India. The minister is in San Francisco for the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) meeting. US-based semiconductor company Micron is setting up India’s first chip facility in Gujarat, which will create 5,000 direct and 15,000 indirect jobs in the coming years. In June, the government cleared Micron’s project to set up a semiconductor test and packaging unit worth USD 2.7 billion in the country.

Source: https://www.financialexpress.com/, November 16, 2023

How Will AI Affect the Semiconductor Industry?

“We are entering an era of electronic design creation,” said AMD senior vice president Ivo Bolsens. He predicted that AI will soon be able to flesh out most of a chip’s design from high-level specifications. However, he indicated, AI won’t be able to cover the last mile in the foreseeable future. AI is the flying; it gets you quickly very close to where you need to be. From there, you have to have more traditional ways of doing things. That’s the opportunity AI delivers to chip designers. It just won’t take the last steps from parking lot to office.

Source: https://spectrum.ieee.org/, November 15, 2023

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Information Technology

TCS slammed for 'unethical' employee transfers, IT workers' body writes to Ministry of Labour

 Software giant TCS has come under fire for transferring over 2,000 employees to different cities without proper notice of consultation. The Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES) — an outfit that represents workers’ interests in the IT industry — has written to the ministry of labour and employment to protest against the “unethical transfer practices” of TCS. NITES issued a statement after it received complaints from over 180 TCS employees who were upset by the transfer orders which had caused immense hardship to them and their families.

Source: https://www.telegraphindia.com/, November 16, 2023

New Technology Trends and Emerging Technologies in 2024

Technology today is evolving at a rapid pace, enabling faster change and progress, causing an acceleration of the rate of change. However, it is not only technology trends and emerging technologies that are evolving, a lot more has changed, making IT professionals realize that their role will not stay the same in the contactless world tomorrow. And an IT professional in 2024 will constantly be learning, unlearning, and relearning (out of necessity, if not desire). What does this mean for you? It means staying current with emerging technologies and latest technology trends.

Source: https://www.simplilearn.com/, November 16, 2023

India’s tech sector poised for phenomenal growth: Ashwini Vaishnaw at HTLS

India’s technology sector is poised for phenomenal growth in the coming decades, minister for electronics and information technology Ashwini Vaishnaw said, citing the country’s foundation of talent, its recent success in 5G roll-out, and the government’s focus on enabling and predictable policies. In a conversation with HT’s editor-in-chief R Sukumar in virtual session that kick-started the 21st edition of the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit, Vaishnaw said that he sees significant gains in exports of hardware, including sophisticated microchips, and solutions that can help the world bring technology to the people.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/, October 31, 2023

The 'paisa vasool' model of Indian IT firms must adapt to change

Accenture has clearly defined its new strategy with “Reinvention Phase" as its theme for growth, outlining Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics and the metaverse. The piece says Accenture was early to define its focus on SMAC (Social, Mobile, Analytics and Cloud), which created a bedrock of its work in that space to launch itself into its next phase. In contrast, Indian IT has been asleep at the switch. These firms have mainly been pushing their tried-and-tested model of bringing in cheap labour and assuming that the inexpensive alternative they offer is the panacea to all ills, while paying lip service to new spaces. (More on this later).

Source: https://www.livemint.com/, November 13, 2023

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Telecom

5G To 6G: Indian telecom could be on the cusp of a leapfrog moment

Nearly a year ago, India made yet another generational shift in mobile communications by launching 5G-enabled telecom services. The iconic (and aptly named) Pragati Maidan became perhaps the first site in the country to have 5G telecom services for public use at scale, at the annual India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2022. A year later, Pragati Maidan itself has come a long way, with a new convention centre and a makeover. Within this one year, more than 7,000 cities and towns (and almost all key urban areas) have become 5G-enabled, thanks to two telecom operators.

Source: By SHASHANK MISHRA & AKSHI RASTOGI, https://www.moneycontrol.com/, November 16, 2023

Delhi Govt Updates RoW Policy for Better Network Services

The Delhi government has updated the RoW (Right of Way) policy with regards to telecom infrastructure. The latest changes are aimed at restoring the networks as fast as possible once they are damaged due to construction work. Restoring telecom infra in a time-bound manner is an important task for the Delhi government. The new Delhi Right of Way Policy for Underground Infrastructure and Overground Telecommunications Infrastructure, 2023, was notified on November 1.

Source: By  TANUJA K, https://telecomtalk.info/, November 15, 2023

BSNL’s 4G to Arrive for 4300 Sites in Andhra Pradesh

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is working to bring its homegrown 4G to customers throughout the country. The state-run telecom company will soon launch its 'Swadeshi 4G' in 4300 sites in Andhra Pradesh. According to a report from TheHindu, BSNL's Chief General Manager (Andhra Pradesh Telecom Circle), M. Seshachalam, said on Tuesday that BSNL's focus is to bring the 'Swadeshi 4G' network to its customers soon. He said that the beta launch of BSNL's homegrown 4G was completed in Punjab in July and very soon, 4G equipment will be commissioned at 4300 sites in Andhra Pradesh.

Source: https://telecomtalk.info/, November 14, 2023

Does TRAI Block, Disconnect Mobile Number Of Any Telecom Customers? Check What Regulator Said

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued a statement for customers warning them of fraudsters who impose as TRAI officials. Some companies/agencies/individuals pose as TRAI officials to make fraudulent calls to the customers stating that their mobile numbers will be disconnected as the numbers are being used for sending unsolicited messages. The regulator added that it does not block or disconnect any mobile number and has advised people to consider such calls as "potentially fraudulent.

Source: https://zeenews.india.com/, November 16, 2023

Vi Teases Arrival of 5G Network in Select Locations in Pune and Delhi

Vi has teased the launch of its 5G network in India via its website. Over a year after rivals Airtel and Jio began to roll out their 5G network services in the country, the beleaguered telecom operator has revealed that 5G connectivity is coming to some locations in two cities in India. Vi recently claimed it achieved peak speeds of over 3.7Gbps on the high-speed millimetre-wave (mmWave) spectrum band on government-allocated spectrum and could launch its 5G network services in the country soon. The telecom operator's website was recently updated to suggest the imminent arrival of 5G connectivity in the country.

Source: https://www.gadgets360.com/, November 14, 2023

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EV’s & Auto Electronics

Renault sets out targets for EV unit, won't sell it cheap

French car maker Renault said its electric vehicles unit Ampere would see revenue more than treble to 10 billion euros ($10.8 billion) in 2025 as it sought to fire up doubtful investors ahead of a planned market listing of the business next year. The group fleshed out financial targets for the unit, including revenue of 25 billion euros in 2031, break-even in 2025 and an operating margin of at least 10% from 2030, as well as unveiling a smaller and cheaper EV model. It also defended its plans for an initial public offering (IPO), already delayed once and now slated for next spring despite mounting challenges.

Source: https://www.reuters.com/, November 15, 2023

EV insurance: Ensure all-round protection for battery with add-on cover

There are a few similarities between the insurance covers available for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and EVs. Third-party cover is compulsory for both. EV buyers should also ideally complement it with a standalone own damage cover, or buy a comprehensive cover (which includes both third-party and own damage cover). Insurance for EVs is usually costlier. Electric Vehicles (EVs) are fast gaining popularity. While they still account for only a small percentage of total automobile sales, their sales volumes are growing rapidly with each passing year. Customers must understand the nuances of EV insurance and ensure that their vehicles enjoy comprehensive protection.

Source: https://www.business-standard.com, November 15, 2023

Xiaomi enters the electric vehicle market with SU7: Here's everything you need to know

Xiaomi has recently introduced its inaugural electric vehicle, the SU7, in China. The SU7 is an electric sedan, presented in two variations: one equipped with Lidar and the other without, reported HT Auto. The vehicle offers customers a choice between two powertrain options, namely Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD). The electric sedan is set to be available in three different variants upon its release: SU7, SU7 Pro, and SU7 Max. In the RWD variant, a sole electric motor will be situated on the rear axle, generating 295 bhp. Conversely, the AWD version will boast a higher power output of 663 bhp.

Source: https://www.livemint.com/, November 16, 2023

Amid Talks With Tesla, India Weighs 5-Year Tax Cuts On EV Imports

India is considering tax cuts on the imports of completely-built units of electric vehicles, for a period of up to five years, as it tries to entice the likes of Tesla Inc. to sell and eventually make its cars in the country. The government is working on an electric vehicle policy that would allow international car manufacturers to import battery-powered vehicles on concessional duty rates if they commit to eventually building them in India, people familiar with the matter said. A final decision is yet to be taken on the policy's contours, the people said, asking not to be identified as the discussions are private.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/, November 14, 2023

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Defence & Solar

Rajnath Singh to attend ASEAN defence ministers’ meet in Jakarta on November 16

 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will attend a two-day Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) defence ministers’ meeting in Indonesia’s Jakarta from November 16. During the 10th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus), Singh will address the forum about regional and international security issues. Indonesia is hosting the meeting as it is the chair of ADMM-Plus. On the sidelines of the ADMM-Plus, Rajnath Singh will hold bilateral meetings with the defence ministers of the participating countries and discuss defence cooperation matters to further strengthen mutually beneficial engagements.

Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/, November 14, 2023

Russia holding tech consultations with india, uae for purchase, joint production of su-57 stealth jet

Russia is in talks with India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) about the joint production of the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter. The CEO of Rosoboronexport, a state arms seller, said on the sidelines of Dubai 2023 Air Show, that Russia is holding technical consultations with its two strategic partners. The discussions include the procurement of final aircraft from Russian production lines, joint development, and establishing local production of particular components in India and the UAE. Earlier, Russia’s Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation told TASS that Russia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were not currently discussing the possibility of setting up the local production of components for the export version of the Su-57 fighter in the Arab country.

Source: https://www.indiandefensenews.in/, November 16, 2023

Isro tracks cryogenic upper stage of chandrayaan-3 rocket's re-entry into earth's atmosphere: isro

 An uncontrolled re-entry of the cryogenic upper stage of the LVM-3-M4 launch vehicle took place. The launch vehicle is what successfully placed the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft into orbit on July 14 this year. The re-entry occurred within 124 days of its launch, complying entirely with the "25-year rule" for low-Earth orbit objects. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) reported the uncontrolled re-entry of the cryogenic upper stage of the LVM-3-M4 launch vehicle, which successfully placed the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft into orbit on July 14 this year.

Source: https://www.indiandefensenews.in/, November 16, 2023

India to supply 1,50,000 units of 30mm and 40mm grenades to armenia

India will supply 1,50,000 units of 30mm and 40mm grenades to Armenia. Munitions India Limited will supply the grenades. India is considering supplying more military equipment to Armenia, its strategic ally in Caucasus. Two months ago, MIL supplied Armenia with 5 million units of 7.62 mm calibre bullets. India is developing these grenades to save over Rs 100 crore worth of imports. The grenades will be available to the military force even during emergencies.

Source: https://www.indiandefensenews.in/, November 16, 2023

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Consumer Electronics

Samsung Recognized for Reinventing the Future by Consumer Technology Association

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., a global leader in technology, today announced that its latest technologies have received multiple CES® 2024 Innovation Award honors across a variety of product categories. These awards mean that Samsung has now been further recognized by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)® for its commitment to developing products and services that reimagine the future. They also serve as a sign of the positive things to come, with the company being eager to build on its vision for a smarter, more sustainable world and unveil even more epic innovations in the coming year.

Source: https://www.webwire.com/, November 15, 2023

Diwali, Cricket World Cup boost demand for consumer electronics & durables

The consumer electronics industry, which was growing at a steady pace over the past few years, has seen brisk sales in the second half of the year thanks to Diwali and the ongoing Cricket World Cup. In India, the festive season spanning from Onam to Diwali is a prime time for purchases. Japanese consumer durables brand Panasonic is hoping to end the festive season with double-digit growth. “Premium appliances continue to drive growth for us. For instance, in case of ACs, in the festive period there has been a volume growth of around 10% (as compared to last year). Similarly, 55 inches and above 4K LEDs have been in demand and has been on upward trajectory,” says Fumiyasu Fujimori, Managing Director, Panasonic Marketing India, Panasonic Life Solutions India Private Limited.

Source: By Nidhi Singal, https://www.businesstoday.in/, November 10, 2023

Should Consumer Electronics Stock Apple Inc (AAPL) Be in Your Portfolio Wednesday?

Apple Inc (AAPL) is around the top of the Consumer Electronics industry according to InvestorsObserver. AAPL received an overall rating of 63, which means that it scores higher than 63 percent of all stocks. Apple Inc also achieved a score of 94 in the Consumer Electronics industry, putting it above 94 percent of Consumer Electronics stocks. Consumer Electronics is ranked 123 out of the 148 industries. Analyzing stocks can be hard. There are tons of numbers and ratios, and it can be hard to remember what they all mean and what counts as “good” for a given value. InvestorsObserver ranks stocks on eight different metrics.

Source: https://www.investorsobserver.com/, November 15, 2023

Consumer Electronics Batteries Market Growth and CAGR 2023

The global consumer electronics batteries market was valued at $13.9 billion in 2022, and is projected to reach $61.3 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 16.2% from 2023 to 2032. Consumer Electronics Batteries provides monitoring technology to alert maintenance workers when outdated and overused equipment is about to fail, allowing them to make better decisions by providing real-time data on problems and possibilities for improvement. Aside from the limits listed above, there are others, such as environmental factors such as temperature and humidity, as well as groundwater seepage, which can have an influence on the operation of switchgear electrical networks, particularly those situated outside.

Source: https://www.openpr.com/, November 14, 2023

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EMSIF

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

Govt considers measures to boost MSMEs

The Indian government is considering measures to boost MSMEs, including integrating them with international markets, digital support for global competitiveness, easing GST compliance, and providing low-cost credit. These measures are expected to be announced in the interim budget on February 1. The government aims to make MSMEs globally competitive and reduce the high cost of credit, which is a major obstacle to their growth. Details of the schemes may be unveiled in the full budget for 2024-25 by July.

Source: By Rajeev Jayaswal, www.hindustantimes.com, November 14, 2023

Cross-border payments for MSMEs: Will it empower India's exports?

Facilitating seamless cross-border payments for MSMEs is a pivotal factor in propelling them towards achieving 60% of the formidable $2 trillion export target by 2030. In the pursuit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to transform India into a $5 trillion economy, one critical pillar stands tall: reaching $2 trillion in total exports by 2030. This isn't just a significant economic milestone; it is a testament to India's emergence as a significant player in the ever-evolving global trade landscape.

Source: /www.livemint.com, November 14, 2023

SIDBI partners with J&K govt to accelerate MSME cluster infrastructure development in UT

MSME lender Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has signed an agreement with the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) for SIDBI Cluster Development Fund (SCDF) to accelerate MSME cluster infrastructure development in the region. The partnership will enable modernization/upgradation or establishment of infrastructure or development of MSME cluster-related infrastructure in J&K. SCDF was announced by SIDBI in August 2021 with the Reserve Bank of India’s support to attend to the hard infrastructure facilities in clusters.

Source: https://www.financialexpress.com/, November 16, 2023

Centre launches funding scheme for startups, MSMEs

The Union Ministry of Mines announced on Wednesday that it has decided to fund research and innovation in startups and MSMEs in the mining, mineral processing, metallurgy and recycling sector (S&T-PRISM) and has brought out guidelines for the scheme. Proposals will be invited from Startups, MSMEs and Individual Innovators which have a direct bearing on the minerals sector, applied and sustainable aspects of mining and industrial applications, for funding up to two years, the ministry said.

Source: https://www.thestatesman.com/, November 15, 2023

Govt to invite proposal from startups, MSMEs others to promote R&D in mining

The mines ministry on Wednesday said it will invite proposals from startups, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and individual innovators in a bid to promote research and innovation in the mining, mineral processing, metallurgy, and recycling sector. The selected startups and MSMEs will be provided mentorship or incubation support and technical advisory support during the entire project development period. Besides from the date of technical completion, the selected startups and MSMEs will be provided additional two years of incubation support by a facilitation and mentorship team under the implementing agency.

Source: https://www.financialexpress.com/, November 15, 2023

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ELCINA EVENTS , ACTIVITIES & SERVICES 

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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….

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