Ashwini Vaishnaw indicates process of drafting the Data Protection law in its advanced stages
Ashwini Vaishnaw宣布，《數位個人數據保護法》的規則草案已進入最後階段
Minister for Electronics and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, announced on Saturday that the drafting of rules under the Data Protection legislation is in its advanced stages, with industry-wide consultations expected soon. He emphasized that India aims to double electronics production and create additional jobs under the Modi 3.0 government. Vaishnaw assured that the digital regulatory framework’s agenda remains “intact,” with timelines for semiconductor plants by Micron and Tata Group proceeding as planned. The implementation of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act will adhere to a ‘digital-by-design’ principle, fostering a new operational paradigm. The creation of this platform is progressing simultaneously, spearheaded by in-house teams such as the NIC and DIC. Passed by Parliament in August last year, the DPDP Act aims to protect citizens’ privacy and imposes penalties of up to Rs 250 crore on entities for misuse or failure to protect digital data. Vaishnaw, who recently assumed the role of Minister for Electronics and IT, reviewed the progress on data protection rules and expressed satisfaction with the outcomes, though he acknowledged the need for adjustments based on industry and stakeholder feedback. He promised a thorough, consultative process for finalizing the DPDP rules.
Additionally, Vaishnaw highlighted the ministry’s focus on transforming India into a global electronics manufacturing hub. He expressed confidence that a “good and clear picture” of this goal would emerge in the next three to four months. The progress on Micron’s plant, which will produce made-in-India memory chips, is promising, and other plant projects are also advancing well. The minister has engaged with the chief ministers of Assam and Gujarat, who have pledged full support for these initiatives and are actively involved in the ongoing projects. In parallel, manpower training is being prioritized to develop a skilled workforce in chip manufacturing, aligning with India’s vision of building a strong skills base in this sector.
小編點評：印度電子與信息技術部長阿什維尼·韋什瑙（Ashwini Vaishnaw）宣布，《數位個人數據保護法》（Digital Personal Data Protection Act）的規則草案已進入最後階段，並預計將很快進行廣泛的業界諮詢。韋什瑙強調，政府致力於加倍電子產品生產並創造就業機會，他特別指出該法案聚焦於數位隱私和對數據濫用的嚴厲懲罰。他保證，正在制定的監管框架採用“數位設計”方法，旨在促進穩健的運營環境，同時推進與全球公司合作的半導體製造等計劃。
Sustain growth in the semiconductor and electronics sectors for the next five years: Secretary
未來五年維持半導體和電子產業的成長：部長
S. Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, emphasized the need to sustain growth in the electronics and semiconductor sectors. He identified the immediate challenge for the next year or so as to ensure that manufacturing projects are completed on schedule and start delivering results. To meet domestic demand and enhance semiconductor exports, the country will require two or three additional fabs. In the electronics sector, the primary goal is to attract more component manufacturers. Another key objective for the next five years is to ensure that the hardware manufacturing projects already underway begin producing devices for both domestic and international markets. In the subsequent discussion, Krishnan detailed the major goals the Ministry aims to achieve in the coming five years.
The significant advancements in India’s semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing capabilities are among the most notable achievements of the past five years. The semiconductor industry has now firmly established itself in India. There has been substantial growth in electronics manufacturing, resulting in a significant rise in electronics exports from India. In FY24, India’s electronics exports increased to $29.12 billion.
小編點評：印度電子和資訊技術部 (MeitY) 秘書 S. Krishnan 強調了政府未來五年保持半導體和電子產業持續成長的戰略重點。克里希南強調了正在進行的製造計畫的完成和運營，並概述了需要增加晶圓廠來滿足國內需求並促進半導體出口。他強調了過去五年所取得的成就，包括建立了強大的半導體產業和電子製造業的大幅成長，這極大地推動了印度2024財年電子產品出口額達到291.2億美元。
Startups’ funding woes cause their pink slip count to drop to 10,000
新創公司的融資困境導致解僱通知書數量下降至 10,000 份
Indian startups have laid off about 10,000 employees so far in 2024, with funding across stages remaining constrained. Companies are hiring talent cautiously, focusing on improving their bottom lines early in their lifecycle. The first half of 2024 has seen fewer layoffs compared to the last six months of 2023, which saw around 15,000 layoffs, and the first half of 2023, when 21,000 employees were let go, according to data from Longhouse Consulting. Despite the reduction in layoffs, senior HR professionals and industry executives told ET that startups are not yet out of the woods. Over the past six months, venture-funded firms like Swiggy, Ola, Cultfit, Licious, PristynCare, and Byju’s have all fired employees to cut costs.
Additionally, some of the largest consumer internet firms, such as Flipkart and Paytm, have reduced their workforce. ET reported earlier this year that Flipkart was cutting 5-7% of its workforce, amounting to 1,100-1,500 employees, while Paytm has consistently been firing staff as part of restructuring, with at least 1,000 employees let go. Startups are also conducting layoffs more quietly and gradually compared to last year, industry executives said. Anshuman Das, cofounder and chief executive of Longhouse Consulting and talent solutions firm Careernet, noted that about 40-50% of the layoffs this year have been ‘silent layoffs,’ where firms did not make official announcements or made the cuts in smaller batches, often citing reasons such as underperformance. This is a significant increase from about 20% silent layoffs last year.
小編點評：2024 年，印度新創企業面臨資金限制，導致整個產業裁員約 1 萬人。儘管與前期相比有所減少，例如2023年下半年裁員15,000人，2023年上半年裁員21,000人，但挑戰依然存在。在新創企業生態系統中持續存在的經濟不確定性中，Swiggy、Ola 和 Byju’s 等新創公司一直在裁員，以簡化營運和管理成本。
State governments providing housing assistance at new semiconductor hubs
州政府為新的半導體中心提供住房補助
In line with the advancement of semiconductor manufacturing facilities in Assam, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu, state governments are providing infrastructure support, including worker accommodations, at these emerging manufacturing hubs, reports Economic Times. For the semiconductor fabrication facility at the Dholera Special Investment Region (DSIR) in Gujarat and the Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) facility in Morigaon, Assam, the state governments have allocated land at subsidised rates for large-scale housing projects, hostels, and dormitories for the workforce. Both facilities, to be established by Tata Electronics Private Limited (TEPL), will benefit from these initiatives. An official stated that the Gujarat government is developing a housing project for the Dholera chip fabrication unit, including 1,500 flats for workers and engineers, along with hostels and dormitories for up to 10,000 shop floor workers. Additionally, in Sanand, where the Micron and CG Power units are located, some residential units are already available.
For the chip packaging facility in Morigaon, Assam, the site, formerly housing paper mills, already has some existing housing structures, but specific on-campus housing facilities are being developed to meet the unique needs of a chip factory. In Tamil Nadu, at the Hosur plant where Tata Electronics assembles iPhones, the state government is supporting a housing initiative by providing land at subsidised rates, investing in the housing project, and funding the construction of an access road to the plant. Furthermore, the Tamil Nadu government is building a state-run facility in Sriperumbudur with an 18,000-bed capacity for Taiwanese contract manufacturer Foxconn, scheduled to open in August. The government is also promoting various other industrial housing projects, including one in Shoolagiri, Krishnagiri district, for which tenders are expected to be invited soon to support industrial development in the region.
小編點評：阿薩姆邦、古吉拉特邦和泰米爾納德邦的邦政府正在積極支持半導體製造中心，為旨在容納工人的住房計畫提供土地補貼。這些舉措是加強塔塔電子和富士康等新興半導體設施周圍基礎設施的努力的一部分，從而加強這些地區的營運支援和經濟發展。
Minda Corp collaborates with Taiwanese firm to manufacture sun roof for PVs locally
Minda Corp 與台灣公司合作在當地製造光電遮陽屋頂
Auto components maker Minda Corporation announced on Friday that it has entered into a joint venture agreement with Taiwan-based HSIN Chong Machinery Works Co to produce sunroofs for passenger vehicles locally. The 50:50 partnership aims to localize the production of sunroof and closure technology products. Minda Corporation Chairman & Group CEO Ashok Minda stated that this collaboration highlights their commitment to Atmanirbhar Bharat, aiming to provide comprehensive system solutions that encompass product design, development, and manufacturing for passenger vehicles.
HSIN Chong Machinery Works Chairman Roger Hsi expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with Spark Minda to expand their footprint in India’s growing vehicle market. The goal is to develop and manufacture innovative integrated automotive sunroof and closure systems for next-generation vehicles. The partnership is expected to leverage the complementary strengths of both organizations to establish a strong presence in the rapidly expanding Indian market. HSIN Chong Machinery Works operates through 29 sales, technical, and manufacturing facilities worldwide.
小編點評：Minda Corporation 和台灣信昌集團成立了一家 50:50 的合資企業，在印度本地生產乘用車天窗。此次合作凸顯了 Minda Corporation 透過提高當地生產能力來促進印度汽車產業自力更生的承諾。此次合作旨在提供先進的天窗和關閉技術解決方案，以滿足印度市場不斷變化的需求。
MeitY to talk with industry associations about the draft of a digital competition bill
MeitY將與產業協會討論數位競爭法案草案
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) held its second meeting on the Digital Competition Bill on June 19, this time with think tanks to discuss the potential impact the regulation may have on the industry. The bill introduces additional obligations for companies meeting specific thresholds such as global turnover and number of business users, aimed at curbing anti-competitive practices of Big Tech. However, the industry argues it may severely impact smaller companies and startups. Convened by IT Secretary S. Krishnan, the meeting included officials from MeitY and the Competition Commission of India (CCI), along with think tanks such as Esya Centre, The Dialogue, CUTS, Chase India, MediaNama, Centre for Competition and Law, and Centre for Digital Future. During the meeting, think tanks highlighted that ex-ante regulation like the Digital Competition Bill could severely impact startups and innovation, stressing the need for more evidence before introducing such regulations and suggesting alternative measures for strengthening CCI’s capacity.
In the coming days, MeitY is expected to meet more industry bodies and company representatives. This was the second meeting with the industry, following a session with industry associations such as the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS), CCAOI, MakeMyTrip, Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA), Alliance of Digital India Foundation (ADIF), and Indian Newspaper Society (INS). IAMAI raised concerns about the bill’s far-reaching effects on sectors like investments, while ADIF advocated for the bill. MakeMyTrip suggested revisiting the thresholds for designating a company as a Significant Social Digital Enterprise (SSDE) in the draft bill. The industry remains divided over the necessity of the bill, with some companies like Bharat Matrimony, Match Group, Hoichoi, and Sharechat opposing IAMAI’s stance against the bill. This split can be traced back to 2023, when the Committee on Digital Competition Law first invited industry submissions on the need for a separate law to regulate digital markets, leading to criticism of IAMAI’s position by Indian entrepreneurs who felt it reflected the composition of its Big Tech-influenced leadership.
小編點評：電子與資訊科技部（MeitY）召開了關於《數位競爭法案》的第二次會議，與智庫討論了其對該行業的潛在影響。該法案提出了針對大型科技公司的嚴格法規，以遏制反競爭行為，但引起了小型公司和新創公司對其影響的擔憂。 MeitY 計劃在最終確定立法草案之前與行業協會和公司代表進行進一步磋商，以解決這些問題並收集回饋。
FAME-3 might be released on budget day with an expected allocation of Rs 10,000 crore
FAME-3 可能會在預算日發布，預計撥款 1000 億盧比
The government may introduce the third iteration of the Faster Adoption & Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme in the upcoming Budget with an outlay of Rs 10,000 crore to boost the sale of electric vehicles, according to the Economic Times. The FAME-III scheme is expected to support two, three, and four-wheeler electric vehicles. This comes after the budgetary allocation for the FAME scheme was reduced by nearly 44 percent to Rs 2,671 crore for FY25 in the interim budget presented in February 2024. Previously, the Ministry of Heavy Industries was allocated Rs 5,127 crore for fiscal 2023-24, the highest since the Rs 10,000-crore FAME scheme was launched in 2019.
In her Interim Budget 2024 speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that as India progresses towards its net-zero emission target by 2070, the government aims to expand and strengthen the EV ecosystem and develop the necessary charging infrastructure. The FAME scheme is a government subsidy initiative under the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP). According to Counterpoint Research, electric vehicle (EV) sales in India are projected to surge by 66 percent this year due to state subsidies and the development of supporting infrastructure, with EVs expected to constitute around 4 percent of the total passenger vehicle market by the end of 2024.
小編點評：印度政府準備在即將到來的預算期間推出 FAME-III，撥款 1000 億盧比來加速電動車 (EV) 的採用。該舉措旨在促進兩輪、三輪和四輪電動車的銷售，作為增強該國電動車生態系統並支持其到2070 年實現淨零排放目標的努力的一部分。
Tata in talks to acquire the majority of Vivo India’s stakes
塔塔正在洽談收購 Vivo India 多數股權
The Tata Group, one of India’s largest conglomerates, is reportedly in advanced discussions to acquire a majority stake in Vivo’s operations in India. This strategic move aims to strengthen Tata’s presence in the highly competitive smartphone market and expand its footprint in the technology sector. Vivo, a leading global smartphone brand, has gained significant market share in India with its range of innovative mobile devices. The potential acquisition would allow Tata Group to leverage Vivo’s established brand presence and extensive distribution network across the country. These discussions highlight Tata’s strategic focus on enhancing its digital and consumer electronics portfolio, capitalizing on the booming smartphone market in India, which continues to experience robust growth and adoption.
If successful, the deal could significantly bolster Tata Group’s capabilities in manufacturing, distribution, and customer service within the smartphone industry. It would align with Tata’s broader vision of becoming a key player in India’s digital transformation and technology-driven economy. The acquisition talks underscore Tata Group’s proactive approach to expanding its business interests and leveraging strategic partnerships to drive growth. As negotiations progress, both parties are expected to assess regulatory approvals and operational synergies to finalize the terms of the deal. Overall, the potential acquisition of Vivo’s majority stake by Tata Group signifies a pivotal move in the Indian smartphone market, potentially reshaping competition dynamics and positioning Tata as a formidable player in the tech industry.
小編點評：據報道，塔塔集團正在就收購 Vivo 印度業務的多數股權進行深入談判，旨在加強其在競爭激烈的智慧型手機市場的地位。這項策略性舉措將使塔塔能夠利用 Vivo 已建立的品牌知名度和遍布全國的廣泛分銷網絡。此次潛在收購凸顯了塔塔擴大數位和消費電子產品組合的戰略重心，標誌著塔塔在印度蓬勃發展的技術領域的雄心壯志。