INDIA
India now a digital flag-bearer of the World: Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia at IMC 2025
Scindia credited the Prime Minister’s vision for turning connectivity into “a medium of equity and opportunity,” bridging the divide between rich and poor.
COMPANIES
Asus steps up ‘Make in India’ drive with Dixon, eyes top consumer laptop brand slot by 2026
Asus plans to expand its physical presence significantly, targeting 400–450 exclusive stores by end-2026, up from 320 currently
BUSINESS
India Mobile Congress 2025 to showcase 1,600 use cases, six global events on AI, Satcom, 6G, cybersecurity and startups: Scindia
The IMC will take place from October 8 to October 11 at Yashobhoomi’s 4.5 lakh sq. ft. venue, featuring 400 exhibitors, 7,000 delegates from 150 countries and nearly 150,000 visitors.
BUSINESS
Bharat 6G Alliance progress on track, 6G standards may crystallise by 2027–28: Telecom Minister Scindia
He noted that 6G is still in the articulation phase, with protocols and standards expected to take five to seven years to crystallise.
BUSINESS
India eyes global electronics hub status as Rs 1.15 lakh crore proposals pour in under new component scheme
The scheme has attracted investment proposals worth Rs 1,15,351 crore, nearly double its initial target, and is projected to generate production worth about Rs 10,35,000 crore.
BUSINESS
OnePlus’ Rs 6,000-crore ‘Project Starlight’ on fast track as premium sales double, says India CEO
Launched last year as a three-year Project Starlight aims to strengthen the phone makers R&D, services, retail presence and manufacturing quality
BUSINESS
After tepid auctions, Trai explores new model, invites views on 6 GHz, 600 MHz bands
The regulator has also sought views on modifying minimum spectrum rollout obligations following consumer complaints about coverage gaps on highways, train routes and rural areas
BUSINESS
Global satcom players warn draft rules for provision of services could derail investment, urge govt to restore separate authorisation
BIF also highlighted the imbalance between terrestrial and satellite markets. While the satellite industry serves only about three lakh users and generates Rs 600 crore annually, terrestrial telecom caters to 119 crore subscribers with revenues of Rs 3.25 lakh crore.
BUSINESS
Small towns power festive electronics boom; Apple, Samsung lead smartphone charge: Amazon India
Categories that benefitted from recent GST cuts — televisions, air-conditioners, and dishwashers — have posted outsized gains, underscoring the twin drivers of premiumisation and tax-led affordability
BUSINESS
GVK scion-backed Equal AI challenges Google, Apple, Truecaller with India's first AI call assistant
Apple and Google have call-screening features, and Truecaller dominates with its crowdsourced caller database. But Reddy argues these solutions don’t solve India’s unique challenges.
BUSINESS
Vodafone Idea files amended petition, seeks waiver of interest, penalty on AGR dues in Supreme Court
During last week’s hearing, the Centre said it does not oppose VIL’s plea on adjusted AGR dues but noted that a solution was needed since the government is also an equity holder in the company.
BUSINESS
Qualcomm in talks to start chip packaging in India, open to new fab players, says global COO Akash Palkhiwala
The company is in talks with multiple suppliers, including the Tata Group, to leverage India’s OSAT capacity and is will also increase investments in Indian startups through Qualcomm Ventures, Palkiwala tells Moneycontrol
BUSINESS
US chipmaker Qualcomm sees satcom playing a secondary role to 5G, eyes India’s larger role in 6G
Qualcomm COO and CFO ruled out the possibility of regular direct satellite calls for consumers, citing financial and performance considerations: “You’ll continue to use 5G networks for that; satellite will remain a backup network.”
BUSINESS
US chipmaker Qualcomm to expand R&D and startup investments in India
India will remain one of Qualcomm’s fastest-growing markets, driven by a large under-30 consumer base seeking new smartphones and laptops. With this combined push in R&D, AI, and startup engagement, Qualcomm is positioning India as a strategic hub for innovation and market growth.
BUSINESS
India poised to lead globally in telecom as manufacturer of 4G stack provider: Minister Scindia
The minister noted that under the leadership of PM Modi, India has made transformational strides, similar to its achievements in space exploration with Chandrayaan-2, Gaganyaan, and Aditya L1, as well as in healthcare through the Vaccine Maitri initiative.
BUSINESS
Road safety push: Tech companies urge govt to delicense portion of 5.9 GHz band for V2V deployment
BIF said the matter is pending only with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) for final approval and stressed that immediate action is vital to accelerate V2V adoption and reduce India’s high road accident toll.
BUSINESS
Nothing spins off CMF as independent subsidiary, forms $100 mn mfg JV with Optiemus
As part of this transition, Nothing and Indian electronics major Optiemus Infracom have formed a strategic joint venture to establish India as a global production and export base for Nothing and CMF products.
BUSINESS
GST cuts spark festive cheer for TVs, dishwashers; retailers report double-digit growth
Industry believes that this festival will be one of the most promising in recent years for the consumer electronics and home appliances market, as families are definitely spending more and upgrading quicker.
BUSINESS
ICEA refutes misleading claims, says smartphone exports surge 39% in August
ICEA, which represents Apple, Foxconn, Dixon, Motorola, Oppo and Vivo, rejected this view. It said U.S. shipments more than doubled year-on-year in August 2025, rising 148% to $965 million. For April–August FY26, exports touched $8.43 billion—nearly 80% of FY25’s full-year total and a 193% jump over the same period last year.
BUSINESS
Apple ramps up iPhone machinery manufacturing in India amid China squeeze
Around 17 companies have directly started working with Apple in India for capital equipment and tools over the last 20–24 months and the number is only expected to go up
BUSINESS
Flat July-Aug shipments, muted festival season set to pull India’s smartphone market down this year
With Diwali coming early, Q4 volumes may soften, pulling full-year shipments down to 148–149 million, below 151 million in the previous year
BUSINESS
FTA, GST reforms to lift demand and consumption; magical price points key for FMCG, says Dabur CEO Mohit Malhotra
According to Malhotra, affordability remains central to rural and urban consumption.
BUSINESS
Panasonic eyes 30% revenue growth, expands India as export hub, says India MD Tadashi Chiba
From a global perspective, India has emerged as Panasonic’s second-biggest market for air conditioners. 'With the kind of growth opportunities, it will soon become number one,' Chiba tells Moneycontrol
BUSINESS
iPhone 17 pre-orders in India top iPhone 16; to drive one-fifth of Apple’s 5 million Sept quarter shipments
iPhone shipments are expected to cross 5 million units in the July–September quarter of 2025, with the iPhone 17 series projected to account for 15–20% of sales despite older models continuing to dominate, according to exclusive data accessed by IDC.
