Primebook: Delhi-Based Startup Aims to Redefine Student Computing with Affordable Android Laptops
Primebook：總部位於德里的新創以實惠的安卓電腦重新定義學生筆電
India, known for its IT software prowess, has often lagged in creating globally recognized hardware brands. Primebook, a Delhi-based company, is challenging this trend by introducing affordable, student-centric Android laptops. Founded by Chitranshu Mahant and Aman Verma, alumni of IIT Delhi, the startup launched Floydwiz Technologies in 2018 and developed PrimeOS, an Android-11-based operating system tailored for education. Their laptops, Primebook 4G and Primebook Wi-Fi, are priced between Rs 10,000 and Rs 14,000, offering an affordable solution for students in India and emerging markets. With an 11.6-inch screen, lightweight design, and features like 4GB RAM, multiple connectivity ports, and MediaTek processors, these laptops promise to blend the versatility of Android apps with the productivity of a traditional laptop.
Primebook’s innovation highlights the potential of homegrown solutions in addressing local needs, a lesson relevant to international companies targeting emerging markets. By focusing on affordability and functionality tailored to the Android-based education systems prevalent in India, Primebook exemplifies how technology can be adapted to bridge gaps in digital accessibility. As global brands strive to penetrate cost-sensitive markets, Primebook serves as a reminder of the competitive edge that localized innovation can provide.
小編點評：Primebook，一家總部位於德里的新創企業，正在通過提供實惠的安卓筆記型電腦來改變學生計算方式，特別針對印度教育領域的需求。這些筆記型電腦的價格在1萬至1.4萬盧比之間，採用了基於Android 11的操作系統，配備4GB內存和多樣化的連接功能，為學生提供了一個針對本地市場需求的解決方案，這可能對台灣公司帶來挑戰。台灣公司可以通過本地化其產品、提供更實惠的教育解決方案，並與區域合作夥伴合作，來更好地滿足印度等新興市場的需求和價格敏感性。
India Leads Global AI Adoption with Exceptional Trust and Integration
印度在全球AI應用中領先，信任度與整合度表現卓越
India is setting new benchmarks in artificial intelligence adoption, as revealed by Freshworks’ AI Workplace Report. With 79% of Indian organizations planning to boost AI budgets and an average spending increase of 41% projected for 2024—the highest globally—the country is accelerating its integration of AI tools across industries. The report highlights that 45% of Indian professionals use AI daily, nearly double the global average of 26%, while 91% feel comfortable using AI, compared to 67% globally. Workforce upskilling is a priority, with 88% of businesses in India investing in AI training, far surpassing global counterparts like the UK (66%) and Europe (67%). Marketing and IT teams lead in AI implementation, contributing to improved ROI and career advancements for 67% of Indian workers, significantly higher than in the US (34%) and UK (35%).
This rapid progress holds valuable insights for non-Indian companies seeking to harness AI’s potential. India’s focus on mandatory AI policies, comprehensive training, and trust in AI-powered tools highlights strategies that drive productivity and innovation. With 85% of Indian business leaders reporting improved ROI from AI investments, international organizations can adopt similar frameworks to remain competitive. The integration of AI in customer service and employee support functions, particularly through chatbots, underscores the transformative potential of AI in enhancing both client experiences and operational efficiency. India’s leadership in AI adoption serves as a blueprint for leveraging AI to navigate the future of work successfully.
小編點評：印度在全球人工智慧（AI）應用方面樹立了新標杆。79%的印度組織計劃增加AI預算，45%的專業人士每天使用AI，幾乎是全球平均水平的兩倍。此外，91%的印度用戶對使用AI感到自然，遠高於全球平均的67%。印度企業還投入大量資金進行AI培訓，比例達到88%，顯著高於英國（66%）和歐洲（67%）。此快速進步為非印度公司提供了寶貴的見解，展示了如何通過強制性AI政策、全面培訓和對AI工具的信任來驅動生產力和創新。
Hong Fu Industrial Group Breaks Ground on Rs 1,500-Crore Footwear Facility in Tamil Nadu
宏福實業在泰米爾納德邦開建1500億盧比的製鞋廠
Taiwanese footwear giant Hong Fu Industrial Group, a key supplier for brands like Nike, Adidas, Converse, and Puma, marked its entry into India with the groundbreaking ceremony for a Rs 1,500-crore manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu’s SIPCOT Industrial Park, Panapakkam. The project, presided over by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, is set to become operational by January 2026 and will create 25,000 jobs, 85% of which will be for women. Hong Fu, the world’s second-largest non-leather athletic footwear producer with an annual output of 200 million pairs, cited India’s rapid economic growth and global influence as factors driving the investment.
This strategic move by Hong Fu underscores India’s growing appeal as a manufacturing destination, with Tamil Nadu emerging as a preferred hub for global businesses. For foreign companies, this development highlights India’s competitive advantages, including government support, skilled labor, and market potential under the “Make-in-India” initiative. Hong Fu’s partnership with the Tamil Nadu government demonstrates how collaborative efforts can drive economic growth, job creation, and industry expansion, offering a roadmap for other multinational corporations exploring opportunities in India.
小編點評：台灣鞋界巨頭宏福實業，為Nike、Adidas、Converse和Puma等品牌供應產品，在泰米爾納德邦的SIPCOT工業園區啟動了一個價值1500億盧比的製造設施。該案由首席部長M.K. Stalin主持，預計將於2026年1月開始運營，創造25,000個就業機會，其中85%將提供給女性。此舉突顯了印度作為製造業中心的吸引力，並展示了在“印度製造”倡議下，通過與政府合作推動經濟成長和產業擴展的巨大潛力。
India Achieves Record Growth in Renewable Energy Capacity, Surges Toward Sustainability Goals
印度可再生能源裝機容量創紀錄成長，朝可持續目標邁進
India’s renewable energy sector has reached new heights, with total non-fossil fuel installed capacity hitting 213.70 GW in November 2024, a 14.2% rise from 187.05 GW in the same month last year, according to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). The country added 14.94 GW of renewable energy capacity during FY24-25 up to November, nearly doubling the 7.54 GW installed in the same period in FY23-24. Solar power remains the frontrunner, with installed capacity growing by 30.2% to 94.17 GW in 2024, while wind power also saw an uptick of 7.6%, reaching 47.96 GW. Including pipeline projects, India’s total renewable energy capacity now stands at an impressive 472.90 GW, up 28.5% from last year.
This rapid growth highlights India’s commitment to renewable energy and offers significant opportunities for non-Indian companies. With robust government support and increasing investment, the renewable energy sector is an attractive destination for global firms specializing in technology, manufacturing, and financing. India’s expanding pipeline of solar and wind projects, coupled with its massive market potential, makes it a critical player in the global transition to sustainable energy solutions.
小編點評：根據印度新能源與可再生能源部（MNRE）的數據，截至2024年11月，印度的非化石燃料總裝機容量達到213.70 GW，與去年同期的187.05 GW相比增長了14.2%。此快速增長展現了印度對可再生能源的承諾，並為專注於技術、生產和融資的台灣公司提供了巨大的機遇。
EU Pressures India to Eliminate ICT Tariffs Amid WTO Dispute Stalemate
歐盟因WTO爭端僵局向印度施壓，要求取消ICT關稅
The European Union is invoking its Enforcement Regulation to press India to remove import duties on information and communication technology (ICT) products, citing a WTO ruling against India’s tariffs on mobile phones and electronic components. With the WTO’s Appellate Body defunct, the EU has given India until February 10, 2025, to respond or face potential unilateral action. India initially imposed a 7.5% duty on ICT goods in 2017 to bolster domestic manufacturing, later raising it to 20%. The EU has warned of commercial policy measures if a mutually acceptable solution is not reached, even as India opposes the EU’s proposed Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement (MPIA) for dispute resolution.
For non-Indian companies, the standoff could have significant implications. A resolution may reduce costs for EU and global ICT firms exporting to India, enhancing market access and profitability. Conversely, heightened tensions or retaliatory tariffs could disrupt supply chains and trade dynamics. As India and the EU continue negotiations for a bilateral free trade agreement, foreign businesses are closely watching for outcomes that could reshape trade policies in one of the world’s fastest-growing ICT markets.
小編點評：歐盟援引其執行規例，向印度施壓要求取消對移動電話和電子零部件等ICT產品的進口關稅，並給予印度至2025年2月10日的最後期限。此問題的解決可能降低歐盟和全球ICT公司出口至印度的成本，增加市場准入和盈利能力。同時，對台灣等主要供應商的出口也可能帶來重要影響，改變出口政策和市場准入情況。
India Secures $40 Billion Investment for Electric Vehicle Sector by 2030
印度電動車產業至2030年獲得400億美元投資
India’s electric vehicle (EV) and ancillary industries are set to receive a massive investment of INR 3.4 lakh crore ($40 billion) over the next six years, according to a report by real estate consultancy Colliers India. The report, ‘EVs in India: Renewed Vigour in Electric Mobility’, highlighted the growing momentum in India’s EV sector, with sales expected to reach 2 million units in 2024. Investments include $27 billion allocated for lithium-ion battery production and $9 billion for EV and Original Equipment (OE) manufacturing. Despite these strides, the report raised concerns about the “tardy progress” in achieving the government’s ambitious target of 30% EV penetration by 2030, as current adoption rates stand at just 8%.
For non-Indian companies, this investment surge presents significant opportunities across the EV value chain, from battery manufacturing and component supply to technological innovation and infrastructure development. With India positioning itself as a global EV hub, foreign firms can tap into a rapidly expanding market while contributing to the country’s sustainable mobility goals. The growing emphasis on lithium-ion batteries and localized production also signals opportunities for international partnerships and technology transfer, making India a key player in the global EV landscape.
小編點評：印度的電動車（EV）及相關產業在未來六年內將獲得約3.4萬億盧比（400億美元）的投資。這些投資包括270億美元用於鋰離子電池生產和90億美元用於電動車及原設備製造（OE）。此發展為國際公司，尤其是台灣企業，提供了在鋰離子電池、電動車零部件和技術合作方面的巨大機遇，幫助它們在印度的可持續出行市場中獲得一席之地。