AMD and IIT Bombay Partner to Boost Semiconductor Startups in India
AMD 與印度理工學院孟買分校合作推動印度半導體新創發展
Global chip giant AMD has announced a strategic partnership with the Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SINE), an incubator at IIT Bombay, to support semiconductor startups in India. As part of this collaboration, AMD will provide grants to startups incubated at IIT Bombay focused on developing energy-efficient Spiking Neural Network (SNN) chips. This initiative aims to significantly reduce the energy consumption of conventional neural networks. Numelo Technologies has been awarded the first grant to develop SNN chips using ultra-low power quantum tunneling on silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technology.
The company’s commitment to energy efficiency was highlighted by AMD India’s Country Head, Jaya Jagadish. He said that by 2025, the company hopes to improve energy efficiency for AMD processors and accelerators, which power high-performance computing (HPC) and artificial intelligence (AI) training. This partnership, part of AMD’s corporate social responsibility initiative, aligns with India’s comprehensive semiconductor strategy. Shaji Varghese, CEO of SINE-IIT Bombay, highlighted the importance of nurturing innovative semiconductor design startups to address industry gaps and support India’s burgeoning semiconductor ecosystem.
小編點評：AMD 與印度理工學院孟買分校的 SINE 孵化器合作，支援印度的半導體新創公司，專注於開發節能的尖峰神經網路晶片。此次合作旨在推動半導體設計創新，符合 AMD 在 2025 年提高處理器和加速器能源效率以實現高效能運算和人工智慧培訓的承諾。
Taiwanese Firms Shift Supply Chains to India Amid Rising US-China Trade Tensions
中美貿易緊張局勢加劇，台灣企業將供應鏈轉移到印度
Taiwanese companies are increasingly relocating their supply chains from China to India, driven by rising global trade tensions and strengthened economic ties between Taipei and New Delhi. According to James Huang, chairman of the Taiwan External Trade Development Council, Taiwan’s foreign direct investment (FDI) in India surged to over $665 million from 2018 to 2023, a significant increase compared to nearly $277 million in the decade from 2006 to 2017. Huang noted that this shift highlights the growing trend of Taiwanese firms moving supply chains to India, particularly in mobile phone assembly and footwear industries, as India seeks to attract more investment from the major chip-producing nation to bolster its manufacturing sector.
The move comes amid Taiwan’s strategic partnership with India’s Tata Group to build the first semiconductor fabrication facility in Gujarat, supported by a $10 billion incentive scheme. This collaboration is part of broader efforts to enhance bilateral trade, which reached $10.1 billion in the fiscal year ending March 2024. Taiwan is also investing in training Indian students and talents in semiconductor technology to pave the way for future cooperation. The geopolitical context, including Taiwan’s contentious relationship with China and India’s strained ties with its northern neighbor, underscores the significance of this economic realignment.
小編點評：隨著中美貿易緊張局勢升級以及台北和新德里之間經濟關係的改善，台灣企業越來越多地將供應鏈從中國轉移到印度。此次搬遷尤其有利於手機組裝和鞋類製造等產業，台灣在印度的直接投資大幅增加。台灣和印度之間的戰略夥伴關係，包括半導體製造設施的計劃以及促進雙邊貿易和技術交流的措施，凸顯了影響這些經濟轉變的地緣政治動態。
FAME-III Scheme Unlikely to Feature in Budget 2024, Says Minister H D Kumaraswamy
H D Kumaraswamy 部長表示 FAME-III 計劃不太可能出現在 2024 年預算中
The FAME-III (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) scheme is set to be implemented soon but is unlikely to be included in the upcoming Budget 2024, according to H D Kumaraswamy, Minister of Heavy Industries and Steel. Speaking at an industry event, Kumaraswamy mentioned that all seven relevant ministries have submitted recommendations for the scheme, which is now in its final stages of approval. He did not provide a specific timeline for the launch of FAME-III. The scheme will replace the Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024 (EMPS), introduced in March this year with an outlay of Rs 500 crore until July 31, 2024.
In addition to discussing FAME-III, Kumaraswamy unveiled a vision plan for India’s automotive sector from 2024 to 2047, which emphasizes skilling and workforce development. The plan will outline recommendations for equipping the workforce with the necessary skills and capabilities for the evolving automobile industry. The government is collaborating with various institutes and bodies, such as the Automotive Skill Development Council, to develop certification programs aimed at standardizing job roles and training trainers. The minister’s remarks come amid growing anticipation of an extension to the FAME-II scheme, which was introduced in 2019 with an outlay of Rs 10,000 crore and is set to conclude on March 31, 2024.
小編點評：部長 H D Kumaraswamy 表示，旨在推廣混合動力和電動車的 FAME-III 計畫不太可能被納入即將發布的 2024 年預算中。經過七個部會的建議，該計劃目前正處於批准的最後階段，將取代 2024 年電動交通促進計劃。Kumaraswamy還宣布了印度汽車產業的長期願景計劃，重點關注勞動力發展和技能提升，以滿足 2024 年至 2047 年的產業需求，並強調與機構合作開展標準化認證計劃。
Fund Industry Engages CBIC and Finance Ministry Over GST on AIFs
基金業者就另類投資基金的商品及服務稅問題與 CBIC 和財政部接觸
Amid the rapid growth of assets under management (AUM) for Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) seeks greater oversight and understanding of these entities. The CBIC, responsible for levying and collecting GST, aims to clarify the tax obligations of AIFs. However, the fund industry argues that AIFs themselves do not provide taxable services, as the fund manager is the one offering services, with the funds merely acting as pooling vehicles. Earnings from AIFs, such as interest and capital gains, are not subjected to GST under current regulations.
In response to concerns and notices from the GST department, the AIF sector has approached both the CBIC and the finance ministry for clarity, hoping for resolutions in the upcoming budget. AIFs, regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), cater to sophisticated investors and are organized under trusts registered with Sebi. Unlike mutual funds, AIFs require a minimum investment of Rs 1 crore and target returns from startups and early-stage ventures. The industry previously encountered tax authorities in 2021 when a tribunal ruled that ‘carried interest’ is a ‘performance fee’ subject to service tax, highlighting ongoing complexities in AIF tax treatment.
https://www.caalley.com/new-update/indian-news-listings/tax-authorities-bowl-a-gst-googly-to-aifs
小編點評：另類投資基金 (AIF) 產業正在與中央間接稅和海關委員會 (CBIC) 以及財政部合作，以解決商品及服務稅對 AIF 影響的不確定性。在稅務機關提出的擔憂中，業界聲稱另類投資基金本身並未提供應稅服務，強調基金管理服務與另類投資基金作為投資工具的性質之間的區別。
IAMAI Urges Karnataka to Reconsider Gig Workers Bill, Citing Business Impact Concerns
IAMAI 出於對業務影響的擔憂，敦促卡納塔卡邦重新考慮零工法案
The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) has called on the Karnataka government to halt the proposed Karnataka Platform-based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill, 2024, pending further consultation. IAMAI expressed concerns that the legislation, aimed at protecting gig workers’ rights and providing social security, could negatively impact the ease of doing business in the state. The association recommended a consultation period of 30 to 60 days, warning that the bill’s provisions, such as requiring firms to contribute 1-2% of their annual turnover to a social security fund, would result in a “dual levy” already covered by the central government’s Code on Social Security (CoSS), 2020.
IAMAI also highlighted issues like increased administrative burdens, financial expenses, and competitive disadvantages for online services if the bill is implemented. The draft bill mandates welfare measures, social security benefits, and transparency in automated systems for gig workers, potentially affecting major platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, Ola, and Uber. The association raised concerns about mandatory data sharing, state guidelines for worker-company contracts, a rigid 14-day termination notice, and the lack of clarity on provided benefits. IAMAI warned that such regulations could reduce demand for gig work and complicate the continuous provision of benefits due to the transient nature of gig employment.
小編點評：印度網路與行動協會 (IAMAI) 敦促卡納塔卡邦政府暫停 2024 年基於卡納塔卡邦平台的零工工人（社會安全和福利）法案，理由是該法案對企業營運可能產生不利影響。 IAMAI 對擬議立法的財務影響、行政負擔及其阻礙營商便利性的可能性表示擔憂，並建議更長的諮詢期來全面解決這些問題。
River Mobility to Invest Rs 1,000 Crore in New EV Manufacturing Facility
River Mobility 將投資 100 億盧比建造新電動車製造工廠
Bengaluru-based electric vehicle startup River Mobility Pvt Ltd has announced plans to invest approximately Rs 1,000 crore in a new manufacturing facility capable of producing 5 lakh vehicles annually. The company is in active discussions with the governments of Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh to secure 25 to 50 acres of land for the factory. Aravind Mani, CEO of River Mobility, said that they were actively discussing with governments to secure land for constructing their own factory. The new facility aims to expand production significantly from the current leased factory in Bengaluru, which has a capacity of 1 lakh units per year and follows an initial Rs 250 crore investment in R&D and production.
River Mobility has raised around $68 million (approx. Rs 575 crore) from investors over the past three years, including major Japanese companies such as Yamaha, Toyota, Mitsui, and Marubeni. The startup also marks the first Indian investment for Maniv Mobility, Trucks VC, Lower Carbon Capital, Toyota Ventures, Al-Futtaim Automotive, and Marubeni Ventures. Alongside the manufacturing expansion, River Mobility recently opened its first retail outlet in Hyderabad, signaling the company’s rapid growth and commitment to scaling its operations in the burgeoning EV market.
小編點評：River Mobility Pvt Ltd 是一家總部位於班加羅爾的電動車新創公司，計劃投資 100 億盧比建造新的製造工廠，每年可生產 50 萬輛汽車。該公司的擴張計劃包括從多個邦政府獲得土地，並在其初始研發投資的基礎上提高產能並滿足電動車產業不斷增長的需求。
GeM Procurement Hits Rs 1.24 Lakh Crore in Q1, Poised to Become World’s Largest Platform
GeM 第一季採購額達 12.4 億盧比，可望成為全球最大平台
The Government e-Market (GeM) portal has achieved a procurement milestone of Rs 1.24 lakh crore in the first quarter of the 2024-25 fiscal year, marking a 136% growth compared to the same period last year. GeM CEO Prashant Kumar Singh stated that at this rate, the platform is on track to become the world’s largest by the end of the fiscal year, surpassing South Korea’s KONEPS and Singapore’s GeBIZ. Central ministries, including CPSEs, contributed over Rs 1 lakh crore to this total, with the ministries of coal, defence, and petroleum and gas emerging as the top procurers. Notably, the services segment led the growth, with service purchases exceeding Rs 80,500 crore during the quarter.
To further simplify public procurement and reach last-mile sellers, GeM plans to launch the ‘GeM SAHAYAK’ program, aiming to create a network of 6,000-7,000 accredited trainers across India. These trainers will assist sellers in navigating the portal and enhancing business opportunities. Additionally, the platform has reduced transaction charges for sellers, lowering fees from 0.45% to 0.30% for orders above Rs 5 lakh, with a cap of Rs 3 lakh. This reduction, ranging from 33% to 96%, is expected to make sellers’ offerings more competitive. To maintain its leading position in public procurement, GeM will also deploy a generative AI-based chatbot, GeMAI, in the coming quarter.
小編點評：政府電子市場（GeM）入口網站顯著成長，2024-25財年第一季採購額達到12.4億盧比，較上年大幅成長。 GeM 執行長 Prashant Kumar Singh 預計，該平台預計在年底前成為全球最大的平台，超過韓國的 KONEPS 和新加坡的 GeBIZ 等全球同行。 GeM 高度重視提高可及性和效率，正在推出「GeM SAHAYAK」等措施並降低交易費用，以進一步增強其在促進印度各地透明和簡化公共採購方面的作用。
Taiwan Positioned as Key Partner for India’s ‘Make in India’ Policy, Says TAITRA Chairman
外貿協會主席表示台灣是印度「印度製造」政策的重要合作夥伴
James C. F. Huang, Chairman of the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), has highlighted Taiwan’s potential as a crucial ally for India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. Speaking at the Taiwan Expo in New Delhi, Huang noted that Taiwan’s expertise in global supply chain management and production of key components makes it an ideal partner for India. Taiwanese firms like Foxconn and Winston are already expanding their operations in India, with Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Company collaborating with Tata Group to establish India’s first 12-inch wafer fab in Dholera, Gujarat. Additionally, Phison Electronics is exploring joint ventures with Indian counterparts, further solidifying Taiwan’s commitment to India’s manufacturing sector.
The Expo, held from July 8 to 10, 2024, showcased Taiwan’s advanced solutions in various industries including electronics, smart manufacturing, and healthcare. The event, 1.6 times larger than last year’s in Mumbai, featured 12 pavilions demonstrating Taiwan’s capabilities and underscoring its role in enhancing India’s industrial landscape. Cynthia Kiang, Director General of TITA, emphasized India’s growing position as a major manufacturing hub under the global “China+1” strategy, while Taiwanese and Japanese companies are also exploring trilateral cooperation opportunities. With ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral ties, Taiwan and India are poised for significant collaborative advancements in the global technology and manufacturing sectors.
小編點評：外貿協會主席黃志芳強調台灣在支持印度「印度製造」政策中的關鍵作用，並強調台灣在供應鏈管理和零件製造方面的專業知識。富士康等台灣公司正在擴大在印度的業務，而力晶半導體製造公司與塔塔集團合資等合作夥伴關係則顯示台灣對印度工業成長的承諾。新德里台展進一步展示了台灣在電子、智慧製造和醫療保健領域的先進能力，為旨在增強印度全球製造實力的雙邊合作奠定了堅實的基礎。