Google appeals to the Supreme Court to quash Indian antitrust laws regarding Android
According to Reuters, Google has asked India’s Supreme Court to quash antitrust orders placed on the firm for its alleged misuse of the Android market. In one of its most important markets, Google is still fighting the country’s competition authority in court.
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) charged Google with abusing its monopoly in the Indian smartphone market in October. Around 600 million handsets in the country use the Android mobile operating system, thus the CCI ordered Google to lift a number of restrictions imposed on device makers, notably with regard to pre-installed apps. Google also received a $163 million fine, which it promptly paid.
Google appeals to Supreme Court to quash antitrust directives on Android in India – BusinessToday
Indian PM Modi concludes Washington trip with appeal to tech CEOs
On Friday, the final day of a state visit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with American and Indian technology leaders in Washington. He discussed the challenges posed by China and agreed to new defense and technological collaboration.
After almost 2-1/2 hours of discussions, President Joe Biden of the United States welcomed Modi with open arms and said their bilateral economic partnership was “booming.” Over the previous ten years, trade has more than doubled.
Indian PM Modi wraps up Washington trip with appeal to tech CEOs | Reuters
Indian smartphone manufacturers call for the reduction of input tariffs
In order to rationalize input tariffs on smartphones and related components, a group of smartphone manufacturers has urged the government to look into the matter. According to reports, the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) has filed a request to the Finance Ministry, asserting that the current tariff structure has outlived its utility and has put India at a competitive disadvantage with nations like China and Vietnam.
The high input tariffs, which also severely disadvantage India in comparison to countries like China, Vietnam, Mexico, and Thailand, are incompatible with India’s export aspirations. The current tariff range offered by India includes 2.5%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%. Additionally, the products are subject to a few levies.
Smartphone makers want India to take the fight to China and Vietnam further | Business Insider India
DGFT simplifies and liberalizes India’s export laws for drones and UAVs
The government relaxed the regulations for the export of a few types of drones intended for civilian use in order to facilitate the sale of high-tech items. According to the DGFT of the commerce ministry, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with defined requirements may be exported under the General Authorization for Export of Drones (GAED), a one-time general license valid for three years.
According to the statement, the DGFT has simplified and liberalized the policy for export of drones/UAVs meant for civilian end uses from India in line with the emphasis laid out in Foreign Trade Policy 2023 to facilitate the export of high-tech items (which includes the promotion of exports of Drones/UAVs manufactured in India for civilian end uses). Earlier, the SCOMET list prohibited or limited the export of all types of drones and UAVs.
Google to set up fintech operations center in Gujarat中心
After meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, CEO Sundar Pichai of internet giant Google said that the company would establish its global financial operation center at GIFT City in Gujarat. Pichai added that with its USD 10 billion India Digitization Fund, his company keeps making investments in India.
In a tweet, the ministry of external affairs stated that Prime Minister Modi had invited Google CEO Sundar Pichai to investigate more opportunities for cooperation in the areas of artificial intelligence, fintech, and cybersecurity goods and services, as well as the production of mobile devices in India.
According to the ministry, they also addressed how Google and Indian academic institutions should work together to advance talent development and research.
Elon Musk ‘confident’, Tesla looking to invest in India
Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla stated that his electric vehicle company would soon make an investment in India, a rapidly expanding market for automobiles. Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla stated that his electric vehicle company would soon make an investment in India, a rapidly expanding market for automobiles.
According to Musk, India has significant potential for a sustainable energy future that includes solar energy, stationary battery packs, and electric cars. Elon Musk, who is also the CEO of SpaceX, stated that the company intends to extend Starlink satellite internet service to India.
Government expects 4-6 semiconductor companies to invest in India
According to Ashwini Vaishnaw, the minister for electronics and information technology, India is looking to draw 4-6 significant companies engaged in semiconductor manufacturing, packaging, and testing. Within the next year, the government intends to make investments similar to those made in the Micron division.
Vaishnaw stated that these companies are currently in negotiations with the government and are encouraged by its emphasis on creating a full fabrication ecosystem rather than just bringing in semiconductor production units.
Vaishnaw explained that a complete ecosystem includes the semiconductor unit itself, its design, the suppliers of chemicals, gases, and other compounds, equipment manufacturers, and the accessibility of skilled labor, following Micron’s announcement of the opening of an outsourced assembly and test facility in Gujarat. He said that the government’s strategy for expanding the complete electronics ecosystem is demonstrated by the choices made by Micron, Applied Materials, and Lam Research India to establish operations in India.