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‘Made in India’ Electronics Remain
Dependent On Chinese Imports
Although India is witnessing the expansion of its
electronics manufacturing sector, a heavy reliance on China
and Hong Kong shows that the country has not yet
significantly reduced its dependence on these critical
suppliers, according to a report by the Indian Express. The
report cited that in the financial year 2023-24, India
imported over $12 billion worth of electronic components
from China and $6 billion from Hong Kong, accounting for
more than half of the country’s total electronic components
imports. India’s role as a significant smartphone assembly
hub has grown, with nearly all phones sold locally now
assembled locally. For instance, India exported about $15
billion in smartphones in 2023-24, with iPhones accounting
for $10 billion of that total.According to the Ministry of
Commerce, India’s total imports of electronic components
reached $34.4 billion in that period, making it the fifth
largest import category after crude oil, gold, petroleum
products, and coal.
Source: https://www.electronicsforyou.biz/, August 22, 2024
TOP
POLICY SCAN
1.
CBIC Circular No. 11/2024-Customs,
dated August 25, 2024 : Automation of IGCRS Rules for EOUs
Effective from 01.09.2024
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) has
announced the implementation of automation under the Customs
(Import of Goods at Concessional Rate of Duty or for
Specified End Use) Rules, 2022 (IGCRS Rules, 2022) for
Export Oriented Units (EOUs), effective from September 1,
2024.
Key Highlights:
-
Automation Launch: The system developments for the IGCRS
Rules, 2022, have been completed, enabling EOUs to
process customs clearances using the IGCR procedures.
-
Mandatory IGCR Identification Number (IIN): EOUs are
required to obtain an IGCR Identification Number (IIN)
from the ICEGATE portal and register their IGCR bond for
filing a bill of entry with IGCR benefits.
-
SEZ Clearances: The same automated process will be
applicable for clearances from SEZs to EOUs.
-
Action Required: EOUs are advised to register
immediately as SEZ Units become ICEGATE-enabled. Public
notices and standing orders will be issued to guide
trade and ensure a smooth transition.
EOUs are now required to register their IGCR bonds and
obtain the IIN for filing bills of entry under IGCR
benefits. This new automated process will also apply to
clearances from Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to EOUs once
the module is activated.
Stakeholders are urged to transition to the new system
promptly, with CBIC advising customs authorities to issue
public notices and standing orders to facilitate a smooth
transition. Any challenges encountered during this
implementation should be reported to CBIC.
For details, Circular No. 11/2024-Customs, dated August 25,
2024, members are advised to refer to the official CBIC
web sites.
2. CBIC
Circular No. 10/2024-Customs dated 20th August 2024:
Introduction of ICETABs for Enhanced Customs Examination and
Clearance Process
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) has
introduced the use of ICETABs, a mobile tablet device, to
streamline the examination and clearance process of import
consignments. This initiative is part of CBIC's continuous
efforts to enhance trade facilitation, transparency, and
efficiency in customs processes.
Key Highlights:
-
ICETAB Functionality: The ICETAB device enables
Customs Officers to access Risk Management System (RMS)
instructions, Examination Orders, Bill of Entry (BE)
details, and other supporting documents in real time. It
also allows officers to capture and upload up to four
images of the cargo during examination, which are
integrated with the BE and stored in the e-Sanchit
repository.
-
Paperless Process: With the introduction of
ICETABs from August 23, 2024, the examination process
will become fully paperless, eliminating the need for
printed copies of the assessed Bill of Entry.
-
Real-Time Reporting: Examination reports can be
submitted immediately after the cargo examination,
making the process more transparent and efficient.
-
Oversight and Implementation: The Principal
Commissioners of Customs will review the use of ICETABs
weekly and address any technical issues in consultation
with DG Systems. A detailed advisory on ICETAB usage
will be issued by DG Systems.
This initiative aligns with India's goal of improving trade
facilitation, as evidenced by the country's improved score
in the Global Survey on Digital and Sustainable Trade
Facilitation by UNESCAP 2023. The CBIC urges all
stakeholders to familiarize themselves with these changes
and ensure a smooth transition to the new system. Any
difficulties should be reported to the Board for prompt
resolution.
For details, Circular No. 10/2024-Customs, dated August
20, 2024, members are advised to refer to the official CBIC
web sites.
3.
DGFT Trade Notice No. 14 /2024-25 dated 22nd August 2024:
Draft Modalities for E-Commerce Export Hubs (ECEH) Pilot
Launch
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the
Ministry of Commerce and Industry has released the draft
modalities for the operation of E-Commerce Export Hubs (ECEH),
as proposed in the Foreign Trade Policy 2023. These hubs are
intended to streamline cross-border e-commerce by providing
essential business infrastructure, facilitating quick
turnaround times for exports, and centralizing various
stakeholders under one roof.
Key Highlights:
-
Objective of ECEHs: The ECEHs aim to enhance
predictability and reduce turnaround times for
e-commerce exports, simplify re-imports for returns or
rejects, and bring various cross-border e-commerce
stakeholders together.
-
Draft Modalities: The draft outlines the process
for moving goods from suppliers to ECEHs, pre-screening
procedures, and the design of ECEHs, which will include
segregated areas for fulfillment and customs clearance.
-
Customs Clearance Process: The draft also details
the process flow for customs clearance once a buyer is
found, including the use of Shipping Bills (SB), Risk
Management Systems (RMS), and the integration of QR
codes for package identification.
-
Pilot Launch: The government plans to initiate a
pilot launch of ECEHs based on the draft modalities and
seek feedback before issuing final notifications and
circulars.
-
Call for Proposals: Stakeholders are invited to
submit proposals for setting up ECEHs for further
examination, support, and development of the necessary
software to facilitate seamless export clearances.
Proposals and queries can be directed to the DGFT via
email.
The DGFT encourages all cross-border e-commerce stakeholders
to review the draft modalities and provide feedback to
ensure the successful implementation of ECEHs. This
initiative aligns with the broader goal of enhancing India's
e-commerce export capabilities.
For details, DGFT Trade Notice No. 14 /2024-25 dated 22nd
August 2024, members are advised to refer to the official
DGFT web sites
4. DGFT
Trade Notice No. 16/2024-2025 dated 31st August 2024:
Extension of Interest Equalization Scheme (IES) for MSME
Manufacturing Exporters
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has
announced the extension of the Interest Equalization Scheme
(IES) for Pre and Post Shipment Rupee Export Credit.
Initially set to expire on August 31, 2024, the scheme has
now been extended by one month, exclusively for MSME
manufacturing exporters, until September 30, 2024.
Key Highlights:
-
Scheme Extension: The IES, which provides
interest rate subsidies on export credit, is now
extended for MSME manufacturing exporters for one
additional month.
-
Terms and Conditions: The extension maintains the
same terms and conditions as previously stipulated under
the scheme.
-
Reference: Exporters should refer to the Reserve
Bank of India's guidelines and relevant notifications
for detailed information.
This decision provides a temporary relief to MSME exporters,
ensuring continued support for their export activities
through the IES until the end of September 2024.
For more information, members can refer to DGFT Trade Notice
No. 16/2024-2025 dated 31st August 2024.
TOP
INDUSTRY SCAN
General
In new chip push, Centre ready with
$15-billion blueprint
AFTER HAVING committed nearly all of the $10 billion in
subsidies under its ambitious semiconductor manufacturing
incentive policy, the government has prepared a blueprint
for the second phase of the scheme — it could increase the
outlay of the programme to $15 billion, offer capital
support for raw materials and gases used in chip
manufacturing, and reduce subsidies for assembly and testing
plants, The Indian Express has learnt. “In a short period of
time, we managed to clear four chip proposals including a
fabrication plant. The original incentive policy outlay of
$10 billion will almost get over once subsidy payments are
made to the entities setting up these facilities. India has
ambitions to become a major chip hub on the lines of the
United States, Taiwan and South Korea, and has been courting
foreign companies to set up operations in the country.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/, August 30, 2024
Applied Materials signs pact with T.N.
Government to set up Centre of Excellence in Chennai
Applied Materials will be signing a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) with the Tamil Nadu government on Friday
to establish an advanced AI-enabled technology development
Center of Excellence focused on semiconductor manufacturing
and equipment in Taramani, Chennai. The MoU is to be signed
in San Francisco in the presence of the Tamil Nadu Chief
Minister, MK Stalin and President of the Semiconductor
Products Group at Applied Materials, Dr. Prabu Raja.
“Investment in key sectors such as advanced electronics and
semiconductors will help us achieve the $1 trillion economy
goal by 2030. We want to make Tamil Nadu the most advanced
knowledge and innovation hub in South Asia,” Tamil Nadu
Chief Minister MK Stalin said in a statement. The state
government said this Center will aim to work with local
universities and industry partners to strengthen the
semiconductor ecosystem in Tamil Nadu and help develop a
future-ready talent pool to support chip industry growth.
Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/, August 30,
2024
Piyush Goyal stresses on partnership
with industries for success of PLI, semiconductor missions
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on August 30 said that the
success of key initiatives such as the semiconductor mission
and the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme hinge on
effective partnerships between the government and the
industry as he again urged businesses to be more forthcoming
with ideas. "The various efforts that have been made,
whether it is the semiconductor mission, the PLI scheme,
whether it is the effort to skill India through the Prime
Minster's package as announced in the Budget, all of this is
going to be successful when there is a government-industry
partnership," he said, adding that a lot more needs to be
done around the ease of doing business in the coming days.
Launched in 2020, the PLI scheme for 14 sectors has an
outlay of Rs 1.97 crore, while India's semiconductor mission
was approved in 2021 for the development of sustainable
semiconductor and display ecosystem in the country.
Source: https://www.moneycontrol.com/, August 30, 2024
China launches $1.2B semiconductor
fund amid chip investment surge
The Beijing municipal government has set up a new
semiconductor investment fund, as China ramps up support for
its chip industry amid intensified trade tensions with the
US. The state-owned Zhongguancun Development Group
established the Beijing Integrated Circuit Industry
Investment Fund on Tuesday with a registered capital of 8.5
billion yuan (US$1.2 billion), according to information
available on Chinese corporate database Qichacha. The
Beijing government started the Zhongguancun firm in 2010,
and the fund will be run by a subsidiary registered as
Beijing Zhongguancun Capital Fund Management, according to
Qichacha. The new fund in Beijing joins a slew of
initiatives from local Chinese governments aimed at
bolstering the country’s chip sector. The most notable among
them is the China Integrated Circuit Industry Investment
Fund, a national effort known as the “Big Fund”.
Source: https://www.communicationstoday.co.in/, August 30,
2024
TOP
Information Technology
Students seek clarity as Infosys
offers two pre-training rounds
Infosys has asked about 1,500 students from the April 2022
batch having offer letters to appear for two rounds of
pre-training. Of the total, India’s second-largest software
services company has given September 2 as the joining date
to only about 115 students, while the rest remain in a state
of flux about their job prospects. Hiring worries at Infosys
underscore a broader squeeze in recruitment in the
technology sector due to factors such as economic
uncertainties and increasing automation. Indian IT firms are
under pressure from students, public outcry and worker
unions over the onboarding delays. In July, Infosys had
called all the selected students for a mandatory virtual
pre-training programme for 24 days. Following this, another
self-learning module-based pre-training was organised for
some students in August which resulted in joining dates
allotted to the 115 students.
Source: By Beena Parmar, https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/,
August 31, 2024
UK to review IT and engineering
sectors, the largest users of work visas
The UK’s Home Secretary requested the Migration Advisory
Committee for a review of Information Technology and
engineering occupational groupings. The review aims to
comprehend the excessive reliance of employers in certain
sectors on international recruitment to address skills gaps
within their businesses. Essentially, the Migration Advisory
Committee (MAC) is tasked to examine the reasons behind the
country’s reliance on international recruitment in the
Information Technology and Telecommunications sector. These
sectors feature in the top 10 of those sectors that have
been reliant on international recruitment and the government
would like the MAC to set out the reasons behind this and
the potential future demand on these sectors. The current
high levels of international recruitment reflect weaknesses
in the labour market including persistent skills shortages
in the UK. The UK government is committed to reducing
migration, and the Home Secretary has requested the MAC to
produce an evidence-led report by May 2025.
Source: By Sunil Dhawan, https://www.financialexpress.com/,
August 31, 2024
Uttar Pradesh govt plans Rs 33.5K
crore boost to IT and ITeS hubs
The Uttar Pradesh government is planning to build global
technology hubs with a $4 billion investment as it targets
10x growth in the Information Technology (IT) & IT-enabled
Services (ITeS) sectors in the next five years. The
investments will be made in new-age technologies that are
being adopted in various domains spanning industry,
e-commerce, education, health, tourism, space, electronics,
energy, etc. The Yogi Adityanath government is drafting a
strategy to woo global investors, including the Gulf
Cooperation Council (GCC), to partner with the state’s
artificial intelligence and drone ecosystem. A senior UP
government official said the state has identified five
cities viz. Noida, Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi, and Prayagraj
(Allahabad) to develop such hubs. “Noida (Gautam Buddha
Nagar district) will be developed as an IT & ITeS hub, while
Lucknow will encompass industry dedicated to AI and machine
learning (ML),” he added.
Source: By Virendra Singh Rawat, https://www.business-standard.com/,
August 29, 2024
Accenture elevates two execs; India’s
Arundhati Chakraborty to lead operations
Global technology services giant Accenture on Friday said it
has elevated Arundhati Chakraborty to the position of group
chief executive of operations, replacing Yusuf Tayob who has
been made the company’s global communications, media and
technology (CMT) industry practices chair. The changes are
effective from September 1, Accenture said in a statement.
Chakraborty will continue to be based in Bengaluru while
Yayob will be based out of the US. “Arundhati will be
responsible for growing the company’s $10 billion operations
business and bringing even greater innovation to Accenture’s
clients, tapping vast opportunities created with generative
artificial intelligence (GenAI) and automation,” the
statement said, adding that clients look to reinvent their
operations using tech, data and AI.
Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/, August 30,.
2024
TOP
Consumer Electronics
Global Smartphone Shipments Growth
Forecast for 2024 Raised to 5%
After two consecutive years of declines, global smartphone
shipments will grow 5% YoY in 2024 to reach 1.23 billion
units, according to the latest forecast from Counterpoint’s
Market Outlook Service. This is an upward revision from the
previous forecast of under 4% YoY growth, as macroeconomic
conditions and consumer sentiment continue to improve. The
positive momentum will continue in the coming years despite
ongoing geopolitical turbulence in Europe and the Middle
East. The introduction of GenAI-based devices will catalyze
some additional growth beyond 2024. As consumer awareness of
GenAI devices grows, OEMs will increasingly incorporate
GenAI features. Senior Analyst Harmeet Singh Walia said,
“The share of GenAI-capable smartphones is expected to go
from less than a fifth in 2024 to more than half in 2028.
Apple’s AI (Apple Intelligence), available in its upcoming
models, will boost GenAI devices in the whole smartphone
market. It could create an opportunity for Apple to rise to
the top in annual shipments as soon as in 2025.”
Source: https://www.counterpointresearch.com/, August 29,
2024
LG Electronics weighs India IPO to
chase $75 billion goal
LG Electronics Inc. is considering an initial public
offering for its India business, tapping a booming stock
market to help hit a target of $75 billion in electronics
revenue by 2030. Chief Executive Officer William Cho said an
Indian market debut is one of several options it’s weighing
to revitalize a decades-old consumer electronics business.
It’s the first time the South Korean company, which competes
head-on with larger rival Samsung Electronics Co., has
spoken publicly about an Indian debut, the subject of
persistent market and media speculation. Cho — who ascended
to the top post in 2021 after more than three decades with
the flagship of the family-owned LG Group — has set a goal
of growing the electronics business to an annual revenue of
100 trillion won ($75 billion) by 2030. That’s versus
overall company revenue of about $65 billion in 2023.
Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/, August 27, 2024
Electronics 5th largest export
commodity; growing 23 pc annually: Official
Electronics has become the country's fifth largest export
commodity, growing by 23 per cent annually, a senior
official in the Ministry of Electronics and IT said on
Friday. Electronics manufacturing in India has crossed USD
100 billion market in March 2024, which was USD 49 billion
in 2017, Bhuvnesh Kumar, Additional Secretary in the
Ministry of Electronics and IT, said at the launch of
indigenously built Tyronne AMD servers by Netweb
Technologies. He also expressed confidence that the
country's net revenue from electronic exports will become
positive in coming years with start of local semiconductor
production. Kumar said the country's trillion dollar digital
economy has a component of USD 400 billion from electronics
manufacturing and the rest comes from IT related economy.
Kumar said that the government is going to launch the second
version of Scheme for Promotion of Manufacturing of
Electronic Components and Semiconductors (SPECS) under
production linked incentive scheme.
Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/, August 30,
2024
TOP
Telecom
Supreme Court to hear curative pleas
from telecom operators on AGR Dues
The Supreme Court of India is set to consider curative
petitions filed by major telecom operators, including
Vodafone Idea and Bharti Airtel, on Friday, according to a
report by NDTV Profit. These petitions seek a limited
reconsideration of the court’s 2019 judgment that mandated
the inclusion of non-core revenues in the calculation of
Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) dues. The petitions argue that
the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) made significant
errors in calculating the AGR dues, resulting in unjust
penalties. The curative pleas will be examined by a
three-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India, DY
Chandrachud. Adjusted Gross Revenue is the basis for revenue
sharing between telecom operators and the government. It
determines the licensing and spectrum usage fees that
operators must pay. The primary contention has been over the
definition of AGR. Telecom companies argued that it should
only include core telecom revenues. While the DoT insisted
it should encompass all revenue, including from non-telecom
services.
Source: By Vashudha Mukherjee, https://www.business-standard.com/,
August 30, 2024
Digital Bharat Nidhi: First set of
rules under Telecom Act notified
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The Department of Telecommunications on Saturday,notified
and brought into effect the first set of rules under the
Telecommunication Act, 2023, prescribing the functioning of
the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN),which replaces the Universal
Service Obligation Fund (USOF). The DBN was established
through the Telecommunications Act, 2023, which was passed
by Parliament and received the President’s assent in
December. The USOF was established to provide telecom
services in remote and rural areas at affordable and
reasonable prices through a universal access levy, that is,
a percentage of revenue earned by the operators under
various licences. The draft rules were released for a 30-day
public consultation on July 4 and the notified rules are
almost identical to the draft rules with minor changes in
languages. Section 24 to 26 of the Act, which renamed the
USOF as DBN, and defined how its funding would work, came
into effect on June 26.
Source: By Aditi Agrawal, https://www.hindustantimes.com/,
August 31, 2024
DoT drops penalty clause; exempts
demonstration, testing by central govt from new interception
rule
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The Department of Telecom has dropped the penalty clause on
telecom entities for violation of interception norms under
the new rules notified recently. The Telecommunications
(Procedures and Safeguards for Lawful Interception of
Messages) Rules, 2024, notified on Wednesday, will not be
applicable to demonstrations and testing of interception
systems by the central government. Under the new
interception rules, the DoT has removed provisions related
to fines and suspension of telecom licences for violation of
licence conditions pertaining to maintenance of secrecy,
confidentiality of information and unauthorised interception
of communications. The new rules, however, mandate telecom
entities involved in the process of interception to ensure
that "adequate and effective internal safeguards are
implemented to prevent any unauthorised interception of
messages" and "confidentiality and secrecy is maintained in
the matter of interception of messages".
Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/, August 29,
2024
Union Bank freezes accounts of telecom
firm MTNL over non-payment of dues
Union Bank of India has frozen all accounts of state-run
telecom company MTNL for non-payment of dues, a regulatory
filing said on Wednesday. Union Bank of India informed the
company on August 21 about freezing of all its accounts over
non-payment of loans, debt-ridden MTNL said. Earlier this
month, MTNL informed stock exchanges that it has defaulted
on bank loan payments worth Rs 422.05 crore. According to
the details shared by MTNL, it has defaulted on the payment
of Rs 155.76 crore on debt raised from Union Bank of India,
Rs 140.37 crore from State Bank of India, Rs 40.33 crore
from Bank of India, Rs 40.01 crore from Punjab & Sind Bank,
Rs 41.54 crore from Punjab National Bank, and Rs 4.04 crore
from UCO Bank. The telecom firm earlier raised Rs 5,573.52
crore in debt from these banks.
Source: https://www.business-standard.com/, August 29, 2024
TOP
EV’s & Auto Electronics
Biggest Driver of EV Adoption in India
will be Villages”
From a policy perspective, the government has been
instrumental in enabling EV adoption through various
supportive policies. The New EV Policy is expected to extend
the FAME II Policy to support logistics and larger format
EVs, shifting focus from consumer subsidies to R&D and
manufacturing support through PLI schemes. This transition
aims to bolster the EV ecosystem by driving innovation at
the manufacturing level. The government should continue
supporting the industry for another year or two to solidify
these gains. Looking at China’s rapid rise as the largest EV
manufacturer within nine years, India has a unique
opportunity to become a global leader in the EV sector. The
‘Make in India’ initiative is crucial here, particularly in
manufacturing two- wheelers and three-wheelers, where India
already excels. This is a pivotal moment for India to seize
the EV revolution, much like it did with the software
revolution. Failing to capitalise on this opportunity would
be a significant loss.
Source: https://egov.eletsonline.com/, August 31, 2024
EV sales hit speed bump as drivers
unplug from the electric dream
Registrations of battery electric vehicles (BEV) continue to
fall in the European continent, as sales growth slows in the
US and British manufacturing of the wheeled machines
declines sharply. The EV revolution is showing early signs
of running out of charge in Europe, while reports paint a
less rosy picture in the US too after consulting firm J.D.
Power lowered its sales forecast for EV growth from 12
percent this year to just 9 percent. According to the
European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA), BEVs
accounted for 12 percent of the EU car market in July, down
from 13.5 percent the previous year. New registrations of
the vehicles dropped by 10.8 percent, with shrinkage in
countries such as Germany (down 36.8 percent) offsetting
gains elsewhere. In the UK, there was a healthy 10.5 percent
increase in BEV registrations year on year; this was
eclipsed by plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), which
enjoyed a 28.2 percent increase in registrations, and hybrid
electric vehicles (HEV), the registrations of which
increased by 17.1 percent.
Source: https://www.theregister.com/, August 30, 2024
Canada hits China-made electric cars
with 100% tariff
Canada says it will impose a 100% tariff on imports of
China-made electric vehicles (EV) after similar
announcements by the US and European Union. The country also
plans to impose a 25% duty on Chinese steel and
aluminium.Canada and its Western allies accuse China of
subsidising its EV industry, giving its car makers an unfair
advantage. China has called the move "trade protectionism"
which "violates World Trade Organization rules". Canada's
duties on Chinese EVs are due to come into effect on 1
October, while those on steel and aluminium will be
implemented from 15 October. A Chinese Commerce Ministry
spokesperson said Canada's actions "seriously undermine the
global economic system, and economic and trade rules".
Source: https://www.bbc.com/, August 26, 2024
TOP
Defence & Solar
Defence Ministry cautions against use
of Chinese parts in Indian military drones
The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has imposed a strict
ban on the use of Chinese components in military drones, a
move reflecting the government's growing concern over
national security vulnerabilities. On June 25, the
Ministry's Department of Defence Production (DDP) issued a
letter to key industry bodies, including FICCI, Assocham,
and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM),
urging them to warn their members about the risks of using
Chinese parts. This directive specifically highlights
companies like Dhaksha Unmanned Systems Pvt. Ltd., Sky
Industries, and Garuda Aerospace Pvt. Ltd., which have been
supplying drones to the Indian Defence Forces. The DDP’s
communication emphasized the need for heightened vigilance,
urging industry players to avoid sourcing components from
China. "All the Industry associations are hereby requested
to sensitize their members engaged in defence manufacturing
to exercise caution while procuring defence items from said
three companies and remain vigilant while procuring from
other players in this field," the DDP stated in its letter.
Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/, August 30,
2024
‘New Delhi has pulled off a miracle’:
India, US deepen defence ties
India has secured two pivotal defence agreements with the
United States, signalling a deepening American commitment to
South Asia as China’s military footprint expands. This
development emerged during Indian Defence Minister Rajnath
Singh’s four-day visit to the United States this week, with
the two nations signing a Security of Supply Arrangement
(SOSA) and a Memorandum of Agreement on the Assignment of
Liaison Officers. Michael Rubin, a former Pentagon official,
heralded these deals as a watershed moment, indicating that
the US is finally translating its rhetoric into tangible
support for India. “The question now is how the US will
build upon this agreement,” he said, hinting at the
potential for further collaboration. “Negotiating the first
agreement is always the hardest; the second, third, and
fourth come easier.”
Source: By Junaid Katju, https://www.scmp.com/, August 31,
2024
India Wants A World Order That Ensures
Inclusive Development of All: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that a strong
India can bring great growth to all of humanity and that a
prosperous India can pave the way for the prosperity of the
entire world. He also added that we must remember the
mantras of innovation, inclusion, and international
cooperation. Speaking at the ET World Leaders Forum, Prime
Minister Modi said, "India should become a leader in every
sector of the world. We promise that we will facilitate, you
promise that you will innovate. We promise that we will
reform, you promise that you will perform. We promise that
we will focus on high growth, you promise that you will
focus on high quality... Today's India respects wealth
creators. A strong India can bring great growth to the
entire humanity. A prosperous India can pave the way for
prosperity of the entire world. We have to remember the
mantras of innovation, inclusion and international
corporation."
Source: https://www.indiandefensenews.in/, September 01,
2024
Chilean Foreign Minister's Visit To
India Helped Advancing Bilateral Ties: MEA
Chile's Minister of Foreign Affairs Alberto van Klaveren was
on an official visit to India from August 27-31. The
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that van Klaveren's
visit to India provided an opportunity to review the
progress in bilateral cooperation and helped in advancing
India-Chile ties further. He visited India at the invitation
of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. In a press
release, MEA stated, "The visit of FM van Klaveren provided
an opportunity to review the progress in bilateral
cooperation and helped in advancing India-Chile ties
further." During his visit, Klaveren and Jaishankar
co-chaired the 2nd India-Chile Joint Commission Meeting (JCM)
on August 28. "During the JCM, the Ministers reviewed
bilateral relations and held wide-ranging discussions for
strengthening cooperation in trade and investment,
agriculture, critical minerals, digital public
infrastructures, defence, railways, health and
pharmaceuticals, science and technology, Antarctica and
space, and people to people ties" MEA said in a press
statement.
Defence Ministry cautions against use
of Chinese parts in Indian military drones
The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has imposed a strict
ban on the use of Chinese components in military drones, a
move reflecting the government's growing concern over
national security vulnerabilities. On June 25, the
Ministry's Department of Defence Production (DDP) issued a
letter to key industry bodies, including FICCI, Assocham,
and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM),
urging them to warn their members about the risks of using
Chinese parts. This directive specifically highlights
companies like Dhaksha Unmanned Systems Pvt. Ltd., Sky
Industries, and Garuda Aerospace Pvt. Ltd., which have been
supplying drones to the Indian Defence Forces. The DDP’s
communication emphasized the need for heightened vigilance,
urging industry players to avoid sourcing components from
China. "All the Industry associations are hereby requested
to sensitize their members engaged in defence manufacturing
to exercise caution while procuring defence items from said
three companies and remain vigilant while procuring from
other players in this field," the DDP stated in its letter.
Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/, August 30,
2024
‘New Delhi has pulled off a miracle’:
India, US deepen defence ties
India has secured two pivotal defence agreements with the
United States, signalling a deepening American commitment to
South Asia as China’s military footprint expands. This
development emerged during Indian Defence Minister Rajnath
Singh’s four-day visit to the United States this week, with
the two nations signing a Security of Supply Arrangement
(SOSA) and a Memorandum of Agreement on the Assignment of
Liaison Officers. Michael Rubin, a former Pentagon official,
heralded these deals as a watershed moment, indicating that
the US is finally translating its rhetoric into tangible
support for India. “The question now is how the US will
build upon this agreement,” he said, hinting at the
potential for further collaboration. “Negotiating the first
agreement is always the hardest; the second, third, and
fourth come easier.”
Source: By Junaid Katju, https://www.scmp.com/, August 31,
2024
India Wants A World Order That Ensures
Inclusive Development of All: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that a strong
India can bring great growth to all of humanity and that a
prosperous India can pave the way for the prosperity of the
entire world. He also added that we must remember the
mantras of innovation, inclusion, and international
cooperation. Speaking at the ET World Leaders Forum, Prime
Minister Modi said, "India should become a leader in every
sector of the world. We promise that we will facilitate, you
promise that you will innovate. We promise that we will
reform, you promise that you will perform. We promise that
we will focus on high growth, you promise that you will
focus on high quality... Today's India respects wealth
creators. A strong India can bring great growth to the
entire humanity. A prosperous India can pave the way for
prosperity of the entire world. We have to remember the
mantras of innovation, inclusion and international
corporation."
Source: https://www.indiandefensenews.in/, September 01,
2024
Chilean Foreign Minister's Visit To
India Helped Advancing Bilateral Ties: MEA
Chile's Minister of Foreign Affairs Alberto van Klaveren was
on an official visit to India from August 27-31. The
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that van Klaveren's
visit to India provided an opportunity to review the
progress in bilateral cooperation and helped in advancing
India-Chile ties further. He visited India at the invitation
of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. In a press
release, MEA stated, "The visit of FM van Klaveren provided
an opportunity to review the progress in bilateral
cooperation and helped in advancing India-Chile ties
further." During his visit, Klaveren and Jaishankar
co-chaired the 2nd India-Chile Joint Commission Meeting (JCM)
on August 28. "During the JCM, the Ministers reviewed
bilateral relations and held wide-ranging discussions for
strengthening cooperation in trade and investment,
agriculture, critical minerals, digital public
infrastructures, defence, railways, health and
pharmaceuticals, science and technology, Antarctica and
space, and people to people ties" MEA said in a press
statement.
TOP
MSME
(Special section of the MSME related news under ELCINA Micro
& Small Industry Forum)
City Union Bank MD sees good potential
for MSMEs in solar energy sector
The renewable energy sector can make a lasting impact in the
growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in
Tiruchi region, said N. Kamakodi, Managing Director and
Chief Executive Officer of City Union Bank, here on
Thursday. Speaking at a session on MSME growth insights and
leveraging government schemes organised by the Confederation
of Indian Industries (CII), Mr. Kamakodi said the textile
sector in the country, especially in Coimbatore and Tiruppur
region, made a real turnaround by leveraging the subsidy
component over the last two decades. Many textile units had
sprung up by tapping the opportunities and the sector had
come to stay. Similarly, the governments had been pushing
for natural energy, especially solar power. It had a good
potential to be a praiseworthy field in the next one or two
decades. While foraying into the field, the engineering
industries could focus on reducing electricity expenditure
by tapping solar power.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/, August 29, 2024
T.N. Minister Anbarasan urges more
manufacturing projects under MSME loan schemes
The District Industries Centres have been directed to
encourage more manufacturing-oriented projects for loans
through government schemes, said T.M. Anbarasan, Minister
for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Tamil Nadu.
Speaking to the media after disbursing subsidies for bank
loans provided under various State government schemes, Mr.
Anbarasan stated that officials have been instructed to
ensure that 3% of the beneficiaries of loan schemes are
manufacturing industries. This directive will be implemented
in the coming days.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/, August 29, 2024
NSIC and Telangana Government Sign MoU
to Strengthen MSME Ecosystem
The National Small Industries Corporation Limited (NSIC) and
the Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of
Telangana, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
to enhance the MSME ecosystem in the state. The MoU, signed
on August 28, 2024, marks the launch of TEJAS (Telangana
Entrepreneur Journey for Accelerating Success), a key
initiative aimed at promoting the growth of micro, small,
and medium enterprises in Telangana. Under this partnership,
NSIC will offer its tailored schemes to MSMEs in Telangana,
including support in marketing, technology, finance, and
skill development. The collaboration will also extend to
District Industries Centers in all 33 districts, which will
promote NSIC’s schemes and jointly conduct skill development
programs. The MoU was signed by Dr G. Malsur, Director of
the Department of Industries and Commerce, and Sri K.
Srinivas from NSIC, with key officials from both
organizations present.
Source: https://apacnewsnetwork.com/, August 30, 2024
Will appeal to PM Modi to direct PSUs
to prioritise raw material purchase from MSMEs: MSME
ministry
Minister of State in the MSME Ministry Shobha Karandlaje on
Friday said a memorandum will be submitted to Prime Minister
Narendra Modi for public sector units to prioritise the
purchase of goods from micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The MoS was speaking at a conclave on MSMEs organised by the
Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FKCCI)
in Bengaluru. According to a PTI report, revealing that
large PSUs are importing many raw materials from other
countries, Karandlaje said her ministry will appeal to the
Prime Minister to direct these PSUs to prioritise purchasing
raw materials from MSMEs. Importantly, central PSUs are
mandated to purchase at least 25 per cent of their total
procurement value from micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in
a financial year, of which 4 per cent is to be procured from
MSEs owned by SC/ST entrepreneurs and 3 per cent from MSEs
owned by women entrepreneurs.
Source: https://www.financialexpress.com/, August 30, 2024
TOP
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 2023-24
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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FORTHCOMING EVENTS & GENERAL INFORMATION
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|
A newsletter published by ELCINA, New
Delhi. The information contained in this newsletter
is for private circulation only. Despite our best
efforts, some errors could have crept in. You are
advised to verify authenticity of the information
before further use.
Electronic Industries Association of India (ELCINA
)
ELCINA House, 422 Okhla Industrial Estate,
Phase-III, New Delhi 110020 (India).
E-Mails:
info@elcina.com
Tel: 011-41615985,
41011291,
Website:
www.elcina.com
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