INDIA SMARTPHONE POLICY
India turns the tables on China: The great supply chain flip begins
India's electronics sector is transforming. For years, the country assembled products using imported parts. Now, Indian companies are exporting electronic components, even to China. This marks a significant shift from just assembly to deeper manufacturing involvement. This change is driven by government policies and global manufacturers.
India drops proposal to mandate national ID app Aadhaar on smartphones after pushback
India's government has dropped a proposal to pre-install the Aadhaar app on smartphones. This decision follows opposition from smartphone makers like Apple and Samsung. They raised concerns about security, costs, and manufacturing. Privacy advocates also criticized Aadhaar due to past data leaks. The government previously withdrew a similar mandate for a telecom app.
TCS declares Nashik WFH; Wipro Q4 results
Tata Consultancy Services has moved staff to work from home amid an ongoing investigation at its Nashik office. This and more in today’s ETtech Top 5.
Government likely to roll out mobile PLI 2.0 with outlay of over $5 billion by May
India is set to introduce a new production-linked incentive scheme for mobile phone exports by May. This initiative will have an outlay exceeding USD 5 billion. The goal is to significantly boost the country's mobile phone exports. Discussions are ongoing with the finance ministry for final cabinet approval. This aims to double mobile phone exports from India.
“Misselling isn’t just about commissions”: Bandhan Life CEO on insurance reality check
Satishwar B., MD and CEO, Bandhan Life Insurance, discusses the Public Insurance Registry, Bima Sugam, misselling and commissions, in a conversation with Riju Mehta. He says if a customer has multiple insurance policies, the PIR will show all the policies he holds and the total cover he has. This enables us to understand, especially at the onboarding stage, the type of insurance he has and what he needs.
- Go To Page 1
The phygital turn: How tech-enabled advisors are reshaping health insurance access
India’s health insurance journeys are increasingly “phygital”: customers research and apply online, but still rely on human advisors at critical decision and claim moments. We trace how tech-enabled advisors, especially outside metros, use digital tools and local support to bridge the access gap in an age where their digital skills now matter as much as their product knowledge.
India begins its first digital census in 16 years and this time there's a big difference
India begins Census 2027 on April 1, 2026. This nationwide count is the first in 16 years and will be fully digital, using smartphones and online portals. For the first time since 1931, caste will be comprehensively enumerated. The census aims for faster data delivery and improved policy-making. This exercise will also generate significant employment opportunities across the country.
What Census 2027 will reveal about the country we’ve become
India's Census 2027, launched April 1, is a crucial exercise. It will assess the nation's socioeconomic transformation since 2011. The census will inform political power, welfare, and federalism. It includes caste enumeration for the first time since Independence. This count will reveal if India's growth is broad-based and if progress has been equitable.
10% of Micron's global manufacturing to happen in India: Ashwini Vaishnaw
India's first memory chip plant by Micron has begun production, set to handle 10% of global manufacturing. This facility will meet the surging demand for memory chips driven by AI data centers. The government is also pushing for a Six Sigma quality program in electronics manufacturing.
Nurturing India’s future: Yogi Adityanath empowers Anganwadi workers with tech and training
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has launched significant initiatives for maternal and child well-being. He distributed smartphones and growth monitoring devices to Anganwadi workers. New Anganwadi centres and project offices were inaugurated. This program aims to improve real-time data reporting and child nutrition. The government is integrating centres for pre-primary education. Anganwadi workers are recognized for their vital role.
Smartphone PLI surpasses targets, turns out to be right call for India
The fiscal stimulus under the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for smartphones is likely to be around Rs 21,000 crore for the FY21-26 period, or less than 1% of the value of production.
Chinese professionals back in India on warmer ties
Chinese professionals are returning to India in growing numbers for business. Companies like Oppo, Xiaomi, and Midea are sending executives for market visits. This marks a revival after nearly six years of limited visa issuance. The frequency of visits is nearing pre-2020 levels. Indian manufacturing firms are also hosting Chinese partners. This trend is expected to increase.
Google top India counsel quits in latest departure amid regulatory hurdles
Google's top India counsel, Bijoya Roy, has resigned after 16 months in the role, two sources said, a high-profile exit in a key market where the US tech giant is facing regulatory hurdles and also lacks a government relations head.
Samsung’s new plan lets users get Galaxy S26 Ultra at 50% price upfront: Here's how
Samsung introduces Galaxy Forever in India. This plan lets you buy the new Galaxy S26 Ultra for half its price upfront. You pay over 12 months with no-cost EMIs. After a year, you can return the phone with a guaranteed 50% buyback. Alternatively, you can keep the device by paying the rest or upgrade to a new Galaxy flagship.
Semicon firms seek sops; Howard Morgan on AI valuations
The semiconductor industry is asking for more support as India pushes to grow its chip ecosystem. This and more in today's ETtech Top 5.
Big bets, weak ground: Why AI in Indian agriculture needs stronger data, oversight
Poor, fragmented data continues to limit AI’s impact on farming in India, say experts
Samsung strike plan risks chip supply disruption, says union chief
Samsung Electronics' biggest union is threatening to halt chip production. Workers are voting on a strike planned for May. This could impact global semiconductor supplies. Union members are demanding better pay and bonuses. They feel gains from the booming chip industry are not reaching them. Samsung has offered wage increases and special bonuses.
If teens leave social media, gaming could become their next digital hangout
For gaming firms, social media sits at the centre of their user acquisition strategies. Platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, and short-video apps function as discovery engines and community hubs where players learn about new titles, watch creators, and share gameplay content. If younger users lose access to such platforms, discovery of new games could slow by 20–40% in the short term, particularly for smaller titles that rely on viral visibility rather than large ad budgets.
India prepares smartphone export incentives in a boost for Apple
India is preparing a new round of incentives for smartphone manufacturing that will link government subsidies to exports and greater use of locally made components, replacing the current Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme that ends on March 31.
FDI policy eased: Relaxed PN3 opens door for global funds with Chinese stakes
In a strategic shift, India has relaxed its foreign investment regulations, facilitating easier entry for companies from the US, Taiwan, South Korea, and Europe that have minimal Chinese ownership.
Dixon Technologies poised for volume revival as China JV overhang finally clears: Renu Baid Pugalia
India's revised investment rules are unlocking Chinese joint ventures, with Dixon Technologies poised to benefit significantly. The company's pre-built partnerships, including a key display module JV and a stalled Vivo venture, are now on a fast track. While margins will take time to improve, this policy shift removes business volume risks and opens doors for power equipment manufacturing.
India opens doors to Chinese Investment — but only with guard rails: Ajay Bagga
India is cautiously reopening to Chinese foreign direct investment, particularly in electronic manufacturing services and renewable energy supply chains. Market expert Ajay Bagga emphasizes the necessity of this move for domestic component manufacturing but stresses non-negotiable guardrails, drawing lessons from China's dominance in Africa and advocating for a Vietnam-style competitive equilibrium.
Artificial intelligence in Indian agriculture: The bus India cannot afford to miss
India is stepping into the future of farming with the integration of artificial intelligence. New initiatives such as AgriStack and Bharat VISTAAR are on the horizon, designed to offer customised guidance to farmers facing the challenges of unpredictable climates and variable market trends.
Karnataka bans social media for children under 16
The southern Indian state of Karnataka, home to the tech hub of Bengaluru, has banned the use of social media by those under the age of 16, state Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Friday, becoming the first in India to do so.
India-China trade: Why a clear sectoral export strategy is imperative now
Despite recent gains, India’s trade deficit with China continues to widen, reaching $81.7 billion in April-December 2025, compared to $74.1 billion a year ago.
Apple to shift some Mac Mini production to Houston from Asia, WSJ reports
Apple will move some production of its Mac Mini desktop computer to the US from Asia, with a new manufacturing effort set to begin later this year at a Foxconn facility in north Houston, The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday.
Sweeping tariffs gone but Trump's 15% global tariffs on. What to expect from markets on Monday?
Indian markets are set for a strong start following a US Supreme Court ruling. This decision removes Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs, benefiting export sectors like gems, jewellery, textiles, marine products, and pharmaceuticals. Auto sector action is also expected. Experts see this as a major sentiment booster, though they advise caution on potential Trump administration responses.
India must reassess US trade deal as Trump tariffs lose bite after Supreme Court ruling
The US tariff wall just lost its teeth. With courts scrapping sweeping duties and a shaky 10% stopgap in place, the urgency behind trade deals fades -- giving India a rare moment to pause, reassess, and renegotiate from firmer ground.
Load More
