Government introduces Telecommunications Bill to transform industry
The Indian government proposed the Telecommunications Bill 2023 earlier this week. There will be significant changes to the sector as a result of this bill. The law reserves the non-auction path for the allocation of spectrum for services like satellite communications and backhaul, but also removes over-the-top (OTT) players from the definition of telecommunications, providing relief to companies like Whatsapp, Signal, etc.
In the event of a public emergency, disaster management, or in the interest of public safety, the law suggests seizing custody of a telecom network or service. Additionally, the measure gives telecom users the ability to protect themselves against spam calls and messages and imposes harsh penalties on businesses that engage in such activity.
Editor’s Note: This is a major reform as it replaces and consolidate several existing laws, including Indian Telegraph Act of 1885, the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act of 1933 and the Telegraph Wire act of 1950.
Increase in ratio of EVs to other conventional vehicles
The Minister of State for Heavy Industries, Krishan Pal Gurjar, stated in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha that the Ministry of Heavy Industries has introduced three schemes aimed at increasing the demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and providing incentives for the manufacturing of EVs and advanced automotive components.
The minister stated that the number of EVs manufactured and used this year has climbed from 10,25,118 to 14,33,545 due to different incentive schemes. Compared to other conventional cars, the ratio of EVs to other vehicles was 0.0631, a marginal rise from 0.0475 the year before.
Laptop manufacturer Primebook captures 3% of the market in its first year
According to Chitranshu Mahant, co-founder of Floydwiz Technologies, located in Delhi, the company has captured about 3% of the Indian laptop market in just nine months since being online with its Primebook line of low-cost devices. Mahant anticipates that Floydwiz Technologies will sell 50,000 units by the end of 2023.
According to Mahant, the company’s monthly revenue of Rs 10 crore is expected to reach Rs 60 crore by 2023 at present run rate. When Floydwiz was first established in 2017, its primary goal was to monetize the PrimeOS operating system in India and other international markets. By 2019, the group has also begun developing low-cost laptops. However, during the pandemic, the company faced difficulties launching its devices due to supply-chain issues and a lack of finance.
Editor’s Note: The report shows how a new Indian brand captured a modest share of the India laptop market in just nine months by its low-cost device.
Gogoro To Go Solo On Its India Plans, Gogoro splits ways with Belrise
According to reports, Pune-based Belrise Industries and Taiwanese battery swapping giant Gogoro have chosen to split up their $2.5 billion (INR 20,000 Cr) joint venture to build out smart energy infrastructure in Maharashtra. Gogoro, nevertheless, has made the decision to work alone on this endeavor.
This coincides with Gogoro’s plans to increase its investments in India in order to produce electric two-wheelers there and develop a battery-swapping infrastructure that would support these vehicles over the course of the next few years.
Belrise and Gogoro announced a 50:50 partnership in January of this year to spend $2.5 billion in Maharashtra over the course of eight years. But Belrise chose not to proceed with the battery-swapping project, which put its Taiwanese partner in a challenging position.
Editor’s Note: As per the report, Gogoro has strategic plans to introduce three models in the Indian market: CrossOver GX250, CrossOver 50, and CrossOver S. It has joined forces with other companies in India to electrify their mobility operations, such as Swiggy and Zypp.
Taiwan-based Vertux Enters Indian gaming market in partnership with Amazon India
By providing gaming keyboards, headphones, mice, mousepads, and other accessories that combine performance, quality, and attractive design with affordable costs, Taiwan-based Vertux hopes to transform the gaming hardware industry.
The booming gaming community in India is anticipated to grow as a result of Vertux’s debut into the industry. Vertux’s solutions are designed to give players an improved experience by enhancing their performance and unleashing their gaming ability, both at home and in competative tournaments, in light of the gaming industry’s exponential rise in player engagement and revenue.
Vertux’s suite of gaming accessories will be available for purchase on Amazon starting 18 December, 2023.
Editor’s Note: India is seeing a rapid growth in the gaming sector and the time is very opportune for this entry. Combination of performance, quality, aesthetic design and budget friendliness is apt for gaining market acceptability.
Electronics, services exports to slow growth rate; overall trade may decline
Strong export performance in the services and electronic products sectors, especially smartphones, would assist India in containing the reduction in the growth rate of overall commerce, which is predicted to shrink by 2.6% this year, according to a report. According to a survey by the economic think tank Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), India’s exports and imports of products and services are expected to decrease by 2.6% to USD 1,609 billion in 2023 from USD 1,651.9 billion in 2022, notwithstanding global problems.
According to UNCTAD’s Global Trade Update, India’s merchandise exports are declining at a rate of 5% globally, which is consistent with China’s 5.2% decrease in item exports from January to November 2023.
Editor’s Note: The year 2023 has proven unpredictable for international trade. The global supply system is suffering from disruptions caused by climate change, increased costs, and geopolitical tensions. In India, however, it is noteworthy that the rise in electronic products—particularly smartphones—has contributed to minimizing the decline in the country’s overall rate of growth on trade and commerce.