Indian PC Industry Seeks Clarity on Import Policy Amidst Uncertainty Over IMS and Potential Quota System
印度個人電腦產業在 IMS 和潛在配額制度的不確定性中尋求進口政策的明確性
The Indian PC industry has called on the government for greater transparency and stakeholder engagement as it faces uncertainty over impending import policy changes. In a letter to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), representatives from the electronics hardware sector urged the government to release future guidelines in draft form and allow ample time for feedback before any official announcements. The industry’s concerns follow recent revisions to import restrictions on laptops and computers, initially introduced in August 2023, which now require importers to obtain “authorization” to bring goods into the country under the Import Management System (IMS).
The IMS, launched this year and set to conclude on September 30, 2024, aims to monitor the importation of ICT hardware without stifling market supply or imposing onerous licensing requirements. However, rumors of a potential shift to a quota system have raised alarms within the industry, with stakeholders fearing it could hinder market access for many businesses. The ITI Council emphasized the need for a policy that aligns with India’s goals, encourages foreign investment, and adheres to international trade standards. The industry has expressed its willingness to collaborate with the government to ensure a smooth transition and minimize any unintended consequences of future policy changes.
https://startuptalky.com/news/hardware-industry-wants-computer-import-regulation-clarity
小編點評：印度個人電腦產業敦促政府就進口政策的潛在變化，特別是進口管理系統 (IMS) 的潛在變化，提高透明度並讓利害關係人參與決策。最近的進口限制有效期至 2024 年 9 月 30 日，要求進口 ICT 硬體獲得授權，有關可能實行配額制度的傳言引起了人們的擔憂。 ITI 理事會呼籲制定一項符合印度需求、促進外國投資、符合國際貿易標準的政策，並表示願意合作以避免負面影響。
India Semiconductor Mission Phase Two to Prioritize Compound Semiconductors, Minimize Chip Packaging Incentives
印度半導體任務第二階段優先考慮化合物半導體，盡量減少晶片封裝激勵措施
As the Indian government advances into the second phase of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), it is expected to allocate a significant portion of funds and incentives towards the development of compound semiconductors, according to industry insiders. This move underscores the government’s strategy to enhance India’s capabilities in advanced semiconductor technologies, which are crucial for high-performance applications like power electronics and optoelectronics. By focusing on compound semiconductors, India aims to establish itself as a key player in this specialized segment of the global semiconductor market.
In contrast, financial incentives for semiconductor chip packaging units are likely to be kept at a bare minimum in this phase of the mission. This reflects a strategic shift in resource allocation, as the government seeks to prioritize areas with higher technological value and potential for growth. While the first phase of ISM saw substantial incentives aimed at attracting investments in semiconductor manufacturing, the second phase appears to be more focused on fostering innovation and advancing specific segments within the broader semiconductor ecosystem.
小編點評：在印度半導體任務（ISM）的第二階段，政府計劃專注於開發化合物半導體，這對於電力電子和光電子等高性能應用至關重要。這項戰略轉變的重點是提高印度在全球半導體市場這一專業領域的能力，而對晶片封裝部門的激勵將微乎其微。新階段反映了促進創新和投資於具有更高技術潛力和成長機會的領域的措施。
Karnataka Leads India in EV Charging Infrastructure with Over 5,700 Stations
卡納塔克邦在電動車充電基礎設施方面處於印度領先地位，擁有超過 5,700 個充電站
Karnataka has emerged as the leading state in India for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, boasting 5,765 public charging stations, according to a recent report by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency. This achievement places Karnataka ahead of other states like Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi, underscoring its commitment to advancing electric mobility. Energy Minister KJ George highlighted the state’s strategic initiatives and policies aimed at building a robust EV infrastructure, which have been supported by various funding sources, including the central government’s Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme, investments from Bangalore Electric Supply Co, green cess funds, and public-private partnerships.
Bengaluru Urban district alone accounts for nearly 85% of the state’s EV charging stations, with approximately 4,462 stations located in the city. Karnataka, which introduced India’s first EV policy in 2017, continues to lead in electric mobility by planning the development of model EV cities across the state to further boost EV adoption. In February 2024, the state proposed the establishment of 2,500 new EV charging stations through public-private partnerships, alongside a Rs 35 crore investment to set up 100 additional charging centers. Karnataka’s proactive approach serves as a model for other states aiming to enhance their sustainable transportation infrastructure.
小編點評：卡納塔克邦已成為印度電動車 (EV) 充電基礎設施的領導者，擁有 5,765 個公共充電站，超過馬哈拉施特拉邦和德里等其他邦。該州的成功得益於政府政策、各種來源的大量投資（包括中央政府的 FAME 計劃）以及強大的公私合作夥伴關係。光是班加羅爾市區就擁有約 85% 的此類充電站，卡納塔克邦計劃進一步擴建，新建 2,500 個充電站，並投資 3.5 億盧比建設更多中心，為永續交通發展樹立基準。
India Sees Record Solar Installations in First Half of 2024, Adding 15 GW Capacity
印度 2024 年上半年太陽能裝置量創歷史新高，新增 15 吉瓦
India achieved a record 15 GW of solar capacity installations in the first half of 2024, marking a 282% increase compared to the 3.89 GW added during the same period in 2023, according to a report by Mercom Capital. This surge in installations was driven by developers racing to complete delayed projects, setting a new milestone in the country’s solar energy sector. By June 2024, India’s total installed solar capacity reached 87.2 GW, with utility-scale projects making up nearly 87% of this total and rooftop solar accounting for over 13%.
The significant growth in solar installations has positioned solar energy as a key component of India’s energy mix, representing 19.5% of the nation’s total installed power capacity and over 44% of its renewable energy capacity. The first half of 2024 also saw an impressive 321% increase in auctioned solar projects, with 31.8 GW of projects auctioned compared to 7.6 GW in the same period in 2023. Despite this progress, Mercom Capital’s CEO Raj Prabhu emphasized the need to address component supply and grid connectivity challenges to meet India’s ambitious target of 280 GW of solar capacity by 2030.
小編點評：印度在2024年上半年安裝了15吉瓦的太陽能裝置容量，較前一年成長282%，創下紀錄，使總裝置容量達到87.2吉瓦。這種大幅度成長凸顯了太陽能日益增長的重要性，目前太陽能佔全國總裝置容量的 19.5%，佔再生能源的 44% 以上。 Mercom Capital 執行長 Raj Prabhu 表示，儘管取得了進展，但必須解決組件供應和電網連接方面的挑戰，才能實現到 2030 年雄心勃勃的 280 吉瓦太陽能目標。
Japanese Firms Engage Karnataka Colleges to Recruit Indian Talent at University Connect Event
日本公司與卡納塔克邦大學合作，在大學鏈結活動中招募印度人才
The Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) hosted the “University Connect” event in Bengaluru, bringing together ten Japanese companies and seven top colleges from Karnataka to explore hiring opportunities for Indian talent. This event, held on August 26, is part of a global initiative aimed at connecting Japanese businesses with universities outside Japan, encouraging students to pursue careers with Japanese firms. The participating companies, ranging from large corporates to SMEs and startups, engaged in a lively exchange of viewpoints with Indian institutions, sparking significant interest and excitement.
Toshihiro Mizutani, Director General of JETRO Bengaluru, expressed enthusiasm about the success of the event, noting the unexpected level of engagement. He emphasized JETRO’s commitment to expanding its university network in Karnataka and supporting Japanese businesses in their efforts to recruit skilled Indian students for internships and full-time positions. The event allowed Karnataka’s leading universities to showcase their programs, placement procedures, and student achievements to Japanese firms keen on tapping into the region’s talent pool.
小編點評：日本貿易振興機構 (JETRO) 在班加羅爾主辦了「大學鏈結」活動，將十家日本公司與七所卡納塔克邦頂尖大學聯合起來，探索印度人才的招募機會。 JETRO 總幹事 Toshihiro Mizutani 強調了此次活動的成功以及 JETRO 致力於擴大其在卡納塔克邦的大學網絡，促進日本企業與印度高技能學生之間的聯繫。
Chevron to Invest $989 Million in India’s Bengaluru, Creating 600 Jobs by 2025
雪佛龍將在印度班加羅爾投資 9.89 億美元，在2025年創造 600 個就業機會
Chevron has announced plans to invest approximately $989 million (83 billion rupees) in establishing a major technology center in Bengaluru, India. This will be the oil and gas company’s largest tech hub outside the United States, as confirmed by MB Patil, Karnataka’s Commerce & Industries, and Infrastructure Minister, on Wednesday. The new research and development facility will significantly bolster Chevron’s global operations and contribute to the technological advancement of India’s energy sector.
Over the next 5-6 years, the investment will facilitate the creation of 600 engineering jobs, with the company aiming to achieve this milestone by the end of 2025. Akshay Sahni, the incoming head of Chevron India, detailed the company’s ambitious plans in an interview with the Times of India, emphasizing the strategic importance of the Bengaluru center in Chevron’s global growth.
https://theprint.in/india/chevron-to-invest-about-989-million-in-india-state-minister-says/2233018
小編點評：雪佛龍計劃投資9.89 億美元在班加羅爾建立一個大型技術中心，成為其在美國以外最大的技術中心，到2025 年將創造600 個就業機會。這個中心將支援雪佛龍的全球業務並支持印度能源產業的進步。