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New Delhi: The <keyword id="19938513" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Department-of-Consumer-Affairs" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Department of Consumer Affairs" meta.hostid="268" meta.entityid="Department of Consumer Affairs">Department of Consumer Affairs</keyword> has constituted a committee of experts to recommend a robust framework for a <keyword id="22964001" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Repairability-Index" source="keywords">Repairability Index</keyword> aimed at empowering consumers and promoting <keyword id="20128078" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sustainable-practices" source="keywords">sustainable practices</keyword> within the tech industry. The committee, chaired by Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA) Additional Secretary Bharat Khera, will develop the Repairability Index to provide consumers with greater transparency on repair information for their products and foster a more sustainable technology industry. The National Workshop on the Right to Repair in the <keyword id="20881182" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mobile-and-electronics" source="keywords">Mobile and Electronics</keyword> Sector, convened on August 29, brought together industry stakeholders to establish a consensus on the framework for evaluating components for the Repairability Index, fostering longevity in product design and democratising access to repair information and spare parts. "The framework on Repairability Index aimed to provide consumers with essential information about product repairability besides seamless access to spare parts will enable informed purchasing decisions," the DoCA said in a statement. The committee, which includes representatives from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and industry stakeholders, is expected to submit a comprehensive report on the Repairability Index framework by November 15. The key components of the proposed Repair Ecosystem include comprehensive repair information, accessible spare parts, affordable tools, modular product design and ensuring the economic feasibility of repairs for consumers. "By standardising the assessment of repairability, the index will create an ecosystem where consumers can easily compare products and choose options that align with the ethos of mindful consumption and sustainability," the DoCA statement said.

Government set to introduce Repairability Index for mobile, electronics products

<keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword> is planning a <keyword id="22964001" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="repairability-index" source="keywords">repairability index</keyword> for <keyword id="20016418" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mobile-phones" source="keywords">mobile phones</keyword> and electronic products to address the growing <keyword id="19932462" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="e-waste" source="keywords">e-waste</keyword> problem and encourage manufacturers to produce more easily repairable items, officials said on Thursday. The <keyword id="20026051" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Consumer-Affairs-Ministry" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Consumer Affairs Ministry" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Consumer Affairs Ministry">Consumer Affairs Ministry</keyword> is spearheading the initiative, which will provide a score on key parameters to inform consumers about the ease with which a product can be repaired, the officials said at a national workshop on the issue. Addressing the workshop, <keyword id="20003684" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="consumer-affairs" source="keywords">Consumer Affairs</keyword> Secretary Nidhi Khare said: "As India emerges as the third largest economy in the world, we should have a vibrant and tech-savvy repair system." She also added, "India can become a repair hub for the world." The proposed index will be similar to initiatives in other countries, such as France's repairability index. It will rate products on criteria including availability of technical documents, ease of disassembly, spare parts availability and pricing. The workshop was aimed at establishing a consensus among industry stakeholders on "key parameters for accessing and evaluating repairability index" besides promoting longevity in product design, and democratizing repair information to enhance consumer experiences in reusing the mobile and <keyword id="19896834" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="electronics" source="keywords">electronics</keyword> products they own. Additional Secretary Bharat Khera emphasized the need for transparent and affordable repair solutions, increased consumer awareness, and support for local repairers. Joint Secretary Anupam Mishra highlighted concerns about the lack of genuine spare parts in local markets, compatibility issues with product components, and the absence of information for consumers to repair their own devices. He also mentioned that the Repairability Index of France rates products on five criteria, while the EU has additional parameters. <keyword id="20032279" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="HCL-Technologies" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="HCL Technologies" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="HCL Technologies">HCL Technologies</keyword> Founder Ajai Chowdhry called for legislation to drive change. "Today, most products are not repairable. We need to design products which can be repaired.... Unless we create a law, things will not change," he said. The government has already launched a <keyword id="22964002" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Right-to-Repair-Portal" source="keywords">Right to Repair Portal</keyword>, with 63 companies onboard, including 23 from the mobile and electronics sector. India is the third largest electronic waste producer globally after China and the US. The initiative aims to reduce e-waste, promote <keyword id="20128078" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sustainable-practices" source="keywords">sustainable practices</keyword>, and create opportunities for third-party repairers in India's growing electronics market.

India plans repairability index for mobile, electronics to tackle e-waste

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 8th edition of the International Telecommunication Union - World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (<keyword id="23549707" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ITU-WTSA" source="keywords">ITU-WTSA</keyword>) at <keyword id="19950568" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bharat-Mandapam" source="keywords">Bharat Mandapam</keyword> here in the national capital today. This is the first time the ITU-WTSA will be hosted in India and the Asia-Pacific. Prime Minister will also inaugurate the 8th edition of the <keyword id="21058244" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="India-Mobile-Congress" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="India Mobile Congress" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="India Mobile Congress">India Mobile Congress</keyword> (IMC), with the theme, "The future is now." Prime Minister Modi took to X to announce both events, saying, "At 10 AM tomorrow, 15th October, the International Telecommunication Union - World Telecommunication Standardisation Assembly and the India Mobile Congress 2024 will be inaugurated. These forums are important ones, bringing together leading stakeholders from across the sector." Aa per a statement by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the event will be facilitating interactions with various industry leaders, policy-makers and tech experts from over one ninety countries. It is a pivotal global event that will bring together more than 3,000 industry leaders, policy-makers and tech experts from over 190 countries, representing telecom, digital, and ICT sectors. The ITU-WTSA event will also facilitate discussion on the standards set for new age technologies such as 6G, AI, IoT, Big Data, cybersecurity, etc. "Hosting this event in India will provide the country an opportunity to play a key role in shaping the global telecom agenda and to set the course for future technologies. Indian startups and research institutions are set to gain critical insights into developing Intellectual Property Rights and Standard Essential Patents," the PMO said. India Mobile Congress 2024 will be showcasing the telecom ecosystem, with leading telecom companies highlighting advancements in Quantum technology and Circular Economy along with spotlight on 6G, 5G use-case showcase, cloud &amp; edge computing, IoT, semiconductors, cybersecurity, green tech, satcom and electronics manufacturing. India Mobile Congress is Asia's largest <keyword id="21099140" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="digital-technology" source="keywords">digital technology</keyword> forum, and has become a well-known platform across the globe for showcasing innovative solutions, services and state-of-the-art use cases for industry, government, academics, start-ups and other key stakeholders in the technology and telecom ecosystem. The IMC will feature over 400 exhibitors, 900 startups, with participation from over 120 countries. The event also aims to showcase more than 900 technology use case scenarios, host more than 100 sessions and discussion with over 600 global and Indian speakers.

PM Modi to inaugurate 8th ITU's telecom standard meet, India Mobile Congress in Delhi today

New Delhi, The <keyword id="19895782" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="election-commission" source="keywords">Election Commission</keyword> Thursday directed the Centre to immediately stop delivering bulk WhatsApp messages to people under the "<keyword id="21003206" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="viksit-bharat-sampark" source="keywords">Viksit Bharat Sampark</keyword>" initiative to highlight the government's achievements. The direction was issued to the Secretary, <keyword id="19959928" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ministry-of-electronics-and-information-technology" source="keywords">Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology</keyword>, after the <keyword id="19933395" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="commission" source="keywords">Commission</keyword> received complaints about the matter. "The move is a part of a series of decisions taken by the Commission to ensure a level-playing field," the Commission said. Asking the government to ensure there is "no further delivery" of the bulk WhatsApp messages to people, the Commission sought an "immediate" compliance report on the matter from the ministry. The ministry had informed the Commission that the messages along with a letter from Prime Minister <keyword id="19895781" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="narendra-modi" source="keywords">Narendra Modi</keyword> were sent before the Model Code of Conduct came into force on March 16 with the announcement of Lok Sabha poll schedule. "... due to system architecture and network limitations it is possible that some letters have a delayed delivery," the ministry said in a communication to the Commission. The poll authority had received several complaints that such messages highlighting the government's initiatives were being delivered on citizens' phones despite the announcement of parliamentary elections 2024 and the <keyword id="20139372" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mcc" source="keywords">MCC</keyword> coming into force. The Congress and the <keyword id="19968095" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="trinamool-congress" source="keywords">Trinamool Congress</keyword> had raised objections to the message and requested the Election Commission to act against this "blatant violation" of the Model Code of Conduct. On Tuesday, the Chandigarh Chief Electoral Officer had referred to the Election Commission for "appropriate action" a complaint regarding bulk WhatsApp messages. According to an official statement on Tuesday, after examination of the complaint, the district media certification and monitoring committee found prima facie evidence of a violation of the Model Code of Conduct. The complaint was received through the cVIGIL mobile application of the poll panel.

Model Code: EC asks govt to stop sending 'Viksit Bharat' messages on WhatsApp

<ul><li>34.7 crore <keyword id="20290357" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ayushmann-bharat" source="keywords">Ayushmann Bharat</keyword> cards generated </li><li>Avg growth of the manufacturing sector at 5% over last decade</li><li>Reduction in dependence on non-institutional credit </li></ul> The <keyword id="6354872" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="economic-survey" source="Orion">Economic Survey</keyword> 2023-24 noted that the country's energy requirements are set to burgeon by 2-2.5x by 2027, underlining the need for energy efficiency and seamlessly transitioning to clean energy solutions. By means of sovereign green bonds, the government managed to raise Rs 16,000 crore between January-February 2023, alongside an additional Rs 20,000 crore between October and December 2023. As for social security, Ayushmann Bharat, of which over 34.7 crore cards have been generated, has saved over Rs 1.25 lakh crore of OPD expenses of the poor and under-privileged families. The country's labor market has also seen solid improvement, with unemployment rates declining to 3.2% in 2022-23. The net payroll additions under Employee Provident Fund Organization has also doubled over the past 5 years, signaling a healthy growth in formal employment. As per the survey, care economy and agro-processing are the two key areas where there is untapped potential for boosting quality employment, and increasing women participation in the labor force. The agriculture sector has registered an average annual growth of 4.18% over the last 5 years, with the sector growing about 1.4% during 2023-24, as per provisional estimates. To provide further fillip to the sector, the government has been focused on reducing the sector's dependence on non-institutional, informal credit. As a result, its share has come down from 90% in 1950, to just 23.4% in 2021-22. However, as the survey observed, the country's agricultural growth policies should be consistent with climate change and water security practises. <h2>Thrust on MSMEs, manufacturing and clean energy</h2>Over the last decade, the manufacturing sector managed to mark an average annual growth rate of 5.2%, majorly driven by chemicals, wood products and furniture, transport equipment, pharmaceuticals, machinery, and equipment. <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="india" source="keywords">India</keyword> also emerged as a net exporter of finished steel over the last 10 years, and was a significant producer and consumer of the same during FY24. India's indigenous coal production also jumped up, with India actively working to reduce its import dependence. In FY 24, India producued 997.2 million tonnes of coal, imported 261 million tonnes, and consumed 1233.86 million tonnes. India's pharma market, valued at $50 billion, is the 3rd largest in the world, and India ranks prominently amongst clothing manufacturing nations as well. As of FY24, it is the second largest manufacturer, and one of the top 5 exporting nations of clothing, with the export of textiles and apparel, including handicrafts increasing by 1% to reach Rs 2.97 lakh crore. A similar growth was witnessed in India's electronics manufacturing segment, making up for 3.7% of global market share, with exports rising to Rs 1.9 lakh Crore in FY23. Per the survey, "the PLI schemes for key sectors have attracted significant investments, boosted production, sales and exports and generated jobs, particularly in the case of white goods. Keeping in view India’s vision of becoming ‘Aatmanirbhar’, over Rs 1.28 Lakh Crore of investment was reported until May 2024, which has led to production/sales of Rs 10.8 Lakh Crore and employment generation (direct &amp; indirect) of over Rs 8.5 Lakh under PLI scheme". Focus has also been on boosting research, development, innovation and entrepreneurship in the country. The number of granted patents increased seventeen-fold from 5,978 in 2014-15 to 1,03,057 in 2023-24. More than 45% of the recognised start-ups are emerging from Tier 2/3 cities. The country's services sector contributed to about 55% of the total size of the economy in FY24. The clean energy sector in the country also saw new investment of Rs 8.5 lakh crore between 2014 and 2023. India is prominently making a mark in space, with 55 active space assets, out of which 18 are communication satellites, nine navigation satellites, five scientific satellites, three Meteorological Satellites, and 20 are Earth Observation satellites.

Economic Survey shows India's energy needs to grow 2.5x, healthy growth in formal employment

New Delhi, Aug 9 (IANS) Top consumer electronics companies like HP, <keyword id="6354427" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="apple" source="Orion">Apple</keyword> and <keyword id="28251" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="dell" source="Orion">Dell</keyword> have urged the government to extend the November 1 deadline for the licences required for PCs, laptops and tablets by at least and year, as it will take time to configure and set up manufacturing/assembling units as per new guidelines. In a meeting with the <keyword id="3428254" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="ministry-of-electronics-and-information-technology" source="Orion">Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology</keyword> (MeitY) officials on Tuesday, also attended by leading industry bodies the <keyword id="18336155" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="manufacturing-association-of-it-hardware" source="Orion">Manufacturing Association of IT Hardware</keyword> (MAIT) and the <keyword id="7825659" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="india-cellular-and-electronics-association" source="Orion">India Cellular and Electronics Association</keyword> (ICEA), the tech companies conveyed to the government they need more time to set up manufacturing units in the country, according to sources. According to reports, some 44 companies, including some leading global players, have submitted applications for incentives under the production-linked incentive (PLI) 2.0 scheme for hardware. According to the notification by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), for clearance of import consignments with effect from November 1, 2023, a valid licence for restricted imports is required. The government has told tech companies that the restrictions are not to ban imports but to promote exports via domestic manufacturing, according to industry representatives who attended the meeting. The <keyword id="6474066" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="economic-times" source="Orion">Economic Times</keyword> was first to report on the development. The Central government earlier deferred its decision to restrict the import of certain categories of laptops and computers until November 1, allowing companies three-months time to import these devices. Post November 1, no entity will be allowed to import laptops, computers, and related items without a license. "Import consignments can be cleared till October 31, 2023, without a licence for restricted imports," the notification said, adding that liberal transitional arrangements will be notified for the import of laptops, tablets, all-in-one personal computers, and servers till October 31. This is a partial reversal from its August 3 order, which had imposed import restrictions on these devices with immediate effect. The Centre has said the restrictions were imposed for security reasons and also for promoting the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat’ mission. <ul class="list-img-col"><li><a href="https://photo.iansnews.in/detail/asus-gaming-laptop-321389-id=2670928" target="_blank"></a></li></ul>

Apple, HP Dell  and others seek Nov 1 laptop import restriction deadline extended by a year

<ul><li>BEL is hiring 247 people in their Bengaluru complex across various profiles like Project Engineer, Trainee Engineer etc.</li><li>The online application has already begun and the last date to apply for the opportunity is February 4.</li><li>Candidates will have to pay an application fee of ₹500.</li></ul><keyword id="91484" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bharat-Electronics-Limited" source="Orion">Bharat Electronics Limited</keyword> (BEL) is inviting applications from eligible candidates to fill up 247 vacancies in their Bengaluru complex across various domains like Project Engineer, Trainee Engineer etc. The last date to apply for the opportunity is February 4. These are the number of vacancies available — <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none; table-layout: fixed; width: 468pt;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Post </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">No. of vacancies </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Project Engineer </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">67 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Trainee Engineer </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">169 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Trainee Officer </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">11 </td></tr></tbody></table> Eligibility criteria and remuneration — 1. For Project Engineer — Minimum 2 years of relevant industrial post qualification experience with bachelor of engineering (B.E.)/bachelor of technology (B.Tech)/bachelor of science (B.Sc) 4-year course engineering degree in relevant discipline from recognised university /institution/college with 55% aggregate marks. Remuneration — First year — ₹40,000, second year — ₹45,000, third year — ₹50,000, fourth year — ₹55,000 2. Trainee Engineer — Minimum six months of relevant industrial post qualification experience with B.Tech/B.E/B.Sc 4-year course engineering degree in relevant discipline from recognised university /institution/college with 55% aggregate marks. Remuneration — First year — ₹30,000, second year — ₹35,000, third year — ₹40,000 3. Trainee Officer (Finance) — Minimum six months of relevant post qualification experience with two years MBA in finance from reputed university/institution/ college with 55% aggregate marks. Remuneration — First year — ₹30,000, second year — ₹35,000, third year — ₹40,000 Project Engineer will be engaged for a initial period of three years and can be further extended upto one year based on project requirement and individual performance, while Trainee Engineer and Trainee Officer will be engaged for an initial period of two years which can be further extended upto one year based on project requirement and individual performance. Selection procedure — Candidates who meet the eligible criteria with respect to relevant qualification, post-qualification experience will be shortlisted for the interviews. Candidates will also be required to pay an application fee while filling out the online application form, Project Engineers will have to pay ₹500, while Trainee Engineers and Trainee Officers will have to pay ₹200. Note: Candidates belonging to scheduled castes (SC), scheduled tribe (ST) and persons with benchmark disabilities (PwBD) categories are exempted from payment of application fee. Interested candidates can fill out the online application form <a href="https://jobapply.in/BEL2022TETOPE/">here</a> and get more information <a href="https://bel-india.in/Documentviews.aspx?fileName=PE-TE-Officer-Finance-BG-Cx-ENGLISH-21-01-2022.pdf">here</a>. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/there-are-huge-discounts-on-nykaa-zomato-paytm-and-shares-of-other-listed-tech-startups/articleshow/89086759.cms">There are huge discounts on Nykaa, Zomato and shares of other listed tech startups</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/gadgets/news/iphone-se-3-to-new-ipad-what-to-expect-from-apples-spring-event-this-year/articleshow/89086976.cms">iPhone SE 3, new iPad and Macs — Here’s what to expect from Apple’s spring event this year</a>

Bharat Electronics Limited is looking to fill up 247 posts with a maximum monthly salary of ₹55,000

<ul><li>With growing affluence and technology, the pace of consumerism in India’s small towns is growing fast, say experts.</li><li>Their love for premium products, products that exhibit self-love and care is driving them to shop online.</li><li>A confluence of technology, growing income levels, education and more has caused a cultural shift in small towns. </li></ul>India’s small towns have been running behind big cities for a long time — but that’s no longer true. Thanks to the juxtaposition of technology, rising income levels and policies – small towners are not what they once were. The biggest generational change is that — few dream of living in a big city. While most of them do not want to migrate, rising job opportunities, availability of first-grade educational institutions are ensuring they do not have to. “The pandemic has also ensured reverse migration where they can generate more income and enjoy a livelihood thanks to the digital revolution,” said Suraja Kishore, CEO of BBDO, an advertising agency, speaking at a webinar organized by Market Research Society of India (MRSI). Moreso, they are not unhappy with where they’re from either. “If you see, many of them introduce themselves with their district name and village name,” said Kishore, emphasizing on how strong their sense of identity has become. The Western sanskaris It’s not just attitudes that are changing – their income levels are rising almost on-par with their urban counterparts too. While the all-India urban average monthly household income has been growing at 8.4% for the last five years, it has been growing at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8% in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, says Kantar. The number of graduates and postgraduates have also been growing at the exact same rate of 5.6% CAGR in urban areas as well as T2 and T3 cities, it adds. All this has been bringing a cultural shift in small towns, says Aditya Kaul, group account director at Kantar. “They enjoy the comfort of online shopping, and are also embracing Westernization at a faster rate, with the world at their fingertips,” adds Kaul. Kishore also agrees that the trend of trends ‘percolating’ from the West to big cities of India, and then to towns is gone. Love, thy self Now, liberated, small towners are also becoming consumers of premium products. “They are expressing affluence with an increasing focus on comfort and self-love. They are high on individualism, outspoken and more ambitious,” Kaul says. Kaul concurs, “There is a higher pace of growing consumerism in small towns along with growing individualism, outspokenness and more ambition.” It’s very much evident from their spending and buying habits. E-tailing or electronic retailing has been growing at 37% CAGR in T2 and T3 cities as compared to 20% in urban areas – between 2019 and 2022. While a large part of this change is credited to mobile telephony and technology, there are other factors at play too. “A lot of factors came together like government policy and economic growth. If technology had come when there was no money, or even policies were not aligned, it would have been different,” explains Aashish Shukla, consumer and market insights lead at ITC. Raw, not refined According to Kantar, as many as half the ‘urban consumers’ between 15-55 years, at around 139 million of them, reside in T2 and T3 towns. And their number is growing in small cities and towns beyond that too. The new-age consumers are growing in affluence and becoming more demanding, but are they easy to market to? The answer is not so easy, say branding and marketing experts. “In small towns, products have to be customized to their reality. For example, if they buy a mobile phone, they cannot courier in case of a defect to a service center in a bigger town and it takes a few months etc,” says Shukla. For a long time, small towns and villages have been bringing in volumes for FMCG giants due to their consumption of smaller sized packs, and most of them did away with smaller stock keeping units that served this purpose. That might no longer work, especially after many local brands – some offline and some completely online – have been creeping into the market and making a dent. Not only are these brands — across food, beauty and personal care — challenging large FMCG giants, they’re also winning hearts with their earthy flavour and feel. “They are sharper with their marketing and are heavily expanding. If you talk to many of them, they do not have local ambitions, they all want to expand nationally and internationally,” says Kishore. The urban and non-urban areas were divided on the basis of spending power, preferences and urbanization levels. But those theories are being unwound by the new consumer cohort that’s westernizing without urbanizing, buys premium products online without visiting malls – and racing ahead to a new reality.

The rising affluence of small town consumers driving demand for premium products

<ul><li>More than seven in 10 Indians will look at the safety rating of a car before marking their next purchase, finds a LocalCircles survey.</li><li>One in four will look at upgrading their vehicle if their <keyword id="18533333" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="current-vehicle" source="Orion">current vehicle</keyword> doesn’t meet the prescribed mark.</li><li><keyword id="3367686" type="General" weightage="90" keywordseo="bharat-ncap" source="Orion">Bharat NCAP</keyword> ratings was launched by <keyword id="26680" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="nitin-gadkari" source="Orion">Nitin Gadkari</keyword> earlier this week and will be rolled out from October 1.</li></ul> The average car buyer in India has rarely cared about safety standards, while making a purchase. This was because safety benchmarks were not spelt out. Armed with better information and regulatory changes, Indians are more aware and discerning. A survey by LocalCircles has found that more than seven in 10 Indians will look at the safety rating of a car before marking their next purchase. Moreover, one in four will look at upgrading their vehicle if their current vehicle doesn’t meet the prescribed mark. Earlier this week, on August 22, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/gadkari-launches-bharat-ncap-indias-car-crash-test-programme/articleshow/102942949.cms">Nitin Gadkari launched</a> Bharat NCAP, India's own crash testing safety programme, saying that requests have already been received for crash testing of 30 models. He pointed out there is a huge demand for higher star rating vehicles. "People are cautious about safety, pollution. People want to use different types of fuel. If anywhere there is a new alternative available then they are ready to use," Gadkari said. The LocalCircles survey, which received over 24,000 responses from citizens across the country, found that 72% of consumers who plan to buy a new car in the next three years indicated that they “would want to know” the safety star or B-NCAP rating of different cars available in the market. According to a report by insurance firm Acko, a look at the current safety rating of cars sold in India shows that foreign manufacturers like Volkswagen and Skoda score highly on global safety standards (Global NCAP Rating 2023). Amongst Indian OEMs, Mahindra &amp; Mahindra and Tata Motors score in the top five with Scorpion N and Punch respectively. From Maruti, the Brezza makes it to the top-20 list. The next question which arises is that once a consumer gets to know that the safety rating of the current car is low, what is the likely response going to be. The survey received 11,858 responses on this question with 48% of car owners stating that if the B-NCAP safety star rating of their car comes out to be low, they are likely to “ensure speed and safety belt compliance when on the high speed roads/ highways". Interestingly, more than a quarter, 28% to be precise, indicated that they would “upgrade to a car with higher safety star rating. 8% indicated that they would “avoid usage of the car on high-speed roads/ highways. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Bharat NCAP at a glance" text="Bharat NCAP at a glance">Bharat NCAP at a glance</cmsannotation> Lower cost of testing: Gadkari pointed out at the launch that manufacturers will only need to spend ₹60 lakh per car instead of the ₹2.5 crore required for testing in Europe. Rating: The crash tests will evaluate vehicle safety performance and award ratings from 0 to 5 stars, as is the international norm. Standard: Bharat NCAP will crash-test cars according to the Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) 197. Test details: Three tests will be conducted - frontal, side and side pole impact. The evaluation will cover Adult Occupant Protection (AOP), Child Occupant Protection (COP) and Fitment of Safety Assist Technologies. For 3-star and above: The car must have front seat belt reminder and electronic stability control fitted.

Safety top priority now for Indian car buyers, existing owners may upgrade if ratings are low

Bengaluru, The <keyword id="6355100" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Navy">Indian Navy</keyword> has received three "made in <keyword id="3658" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="India">India</keyword>" <keyword id="6706498" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Advanced-Light-Helicopters">advanced light helicopters</keyword>, customised for coastal security, from the <keyword id="86569" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Hindustan-Aeronautics-Limited">Hindustan Aeronautics Limited</keyword> (HAL) on Friday. The Mark-III Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) is meant for coastal security. Out of the 16 Mk-III helicopters, HAL delivered three to Indian <keyword id="42407" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Navy">Navy</keyword> Chief Admiral Karambir Singh at Aero India. The helicopters are fully loaded multi mission helicopter is fitted with an array of advanced sensors. This will augment the Navy's responsibility for coastal security placed on it by the government after 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks that claimed the lives of 166 people and left 300 others injured. The helicopter features a full glass cockpit with HAL's Integrated Architecture Display System (IADS), more powerful "Shakti" (Safran Ardiden 1H1) <keyword id="240487" type="DOMAIN" weightage="20" keywordseo="engines">engines</keyword>, and a host of new systems. The Indian Navy had ordered 16 Mk-III to supplement its ageing and depleting fleet of Alouettes (Chetaks) - from HAL. These helicopters have come up with latest-generation avionics and role equipment. It is primarily meant for use in a shore-based role. The Mk-III ALH are also equipped with an indigenous low frequency dunking sonar (LFDS) developed by Kochi-based Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory. The sonar's units are being produced by state-owned <keyword id="91484" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bharat-Electronics-Limited">Bharat Electronics Limited</keyword> with a host of sub-vendors downstream. The aircraft has also a nose-mounted surveillance radar with 270-degree coverage that can detect, classify and track multiple marine targets. It also has synthetic-aperture radar, inverse synthetic-aperture radar, and moving target indication classification functions. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/policy/economy/news/how-big-is-indias-debt-and-should-it-be-a-worry/articleshow/80688623.cms">How big is India's debt and should it be a worry?</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/heres-why-you-arent-being-able-to-apply-for-brookfield-reit-ipo-through-zerodha-groww-angel-broking-and-other-stockbroking-apps/articleshow/80686457.cms">Here's why you aren't being able to apply for Brookfield REIT IPO through Zerodha, Groww and other stockbroking apps</a>

Indian Navy receives three Advanced Light Helicopters from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited

US-based <keyword id="10577949" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="triton-electric-vehicle">Triton Electric Vehicle</keyword> on Monday said it aims to introduce N4 sedan in India with price starting at Rs 35 lakh. The electric sedan, which would be manufactured in the US, is going to be available in four different variants and a high-performance limited edition in the country, the company said in a statement. Only 100 units of the limited edition version -- N4-GT -- would be produced, it added. The N4 model comes powered by 75Kwh and 100 Kwh battery options giving the vehicle a range of up to 523 km and 696 km respectively, it added. "The base model will be priced at Rs 35 lakh thus, showing the amount of market research that has been put by the company to cater the requirements of the Indian market," Triton Electric Vehicle said. The company added that it has commenced the pre-launch bookings of the model for the Indian customers on its website. "As we are heading towards a new era of commitment towards our environment, EVs are going to make a definitive contribution in building a future ready society. We aim to make our sincere contribution towards ensuring a future ready society with environmentally friendly clean energy practices," Triton Electric Vehicle Founder and CEO Himanshu B Patel said. The company is also in advanced stage of deliberations with <keyword id="152216" type="DOMAIN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bharat-Electronics-Ltd">Bharat Electronics Ltd</keyword> (BEL) and there would be a potential joint venture between the two companies for the <keyword id="6362048" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="manufacturing">manufacturing</keyword> of <keyword id="45741" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="batteries">batteries</keyword> and electronics systems for energy storage system and EVs, he added. Terming India one of the top three markets, the company noted that it has strong plans for expanding in the country. The expansion will be in the area of setting up a manufacturing base as well as developing a strong customer base for various models of Triton Electric Vehicles, it added. "Right now, we are seeking proactive partners who are willing to join us in our journey to capture the most lucrative EV market. We are open to establish local dealerships who are keen to enter into Triton EV retail with service and support to the customers," Patel said. Triton Electric Vehicle is a new subsidiary of Cherry Hill (New Jersey) based Triton Solar, a leader in solar panel and battery engineering. MSS ANU ANU

US-based Triton to enter India with N4 electric sedan priced at ₹35 lakh

<ul><li>More than 74.05 billion transactions worth ₹126 lakh crore were processed through <keyword id="6358921" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="upi" source="Orion">UPI</keyword> in 2022. </li><li>The increase in the usage of QR codes has led to a rise in UPI transactions, with the number of transactions via QR codes reaching 237 million in December 2022. </li><li>Debit card transactions have shown a consistent decline throughout 2022, likely due to the increasing popularity of UPI transactions.</li></ul>Indians are increasingly choosing to pay digitally with transactions via debit, credit, prepaid cards and UPI amounting to ₹149.5 lakh crore in value and 88 billion in volume in 2022, as per a Worldline report. A lion’s share of these transactions occurred via UPI (Unified Payments Interface) – accounting for ₹126 lakh crore, over 74.05 billion transactions in 2022. UPI transactions grew 91% in volume and rose 76% in value over the year before. “I am amazed every day to see the incredible progress we have made in the <keyword id="6358577" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="digital-payments" source="Orion">digital payments</keyword> ecosystem over the past few years. The adoption of multiple payment solutions is a boon in our journey to realise the dream of a less-cash India,” said Ramesh Narasimhan, CEO, Worldline India. The growth in UPI transactions was aided by growth in the ecosystem. The number of transactions via QR codes reached 237 million in December 2022 as compared to 152 million in January 2022. Other payment options,like FASTag, <keyword id="6718634" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="bharat-bill-pay" source="Orion">Bharat Bill Pay</keyword> and Aadhaar-enabled Payment System (AePS) also picked up in 2022, said the report named ‘India Digital Payments Annual Report'. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Debit down, credit up" comment="subhead" text="Debit down, credit up">Debit down, credit up</cmsannotation> The number of outstanding debit cards increased by a mere 0.2% to 939.4 million in 2022, as compared to the year before. “Debit card transactions have shown a consistent decline throughout the year, likely due to the increasing popularity of UPI transactions,” the report said. On the other hand, banks have increased the number of credit cards by 18% indicating an increased appetite for higher-ticket transactions. “The volume and value of transactions done on credit cards has seen a steady uptick through the year. Credit card transactions in 2023 could benefit majorly as credit cards are now eligible for doing UPI transactions,” the report said. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Small &amp; big transactions via UPI" comment="subhead" text="Small &amp; big transactions via UPI">Small &amp; big transactions via UPI</cmsannotation> At the end of 2022, 54% of UPI transactions volume was P2M (person-to- merchant transactions) whereas in terms of value it was 23%. By December 2022, the average ticket size (ATS) for UPI person-to-person (P2P) transactions was ₹2,753, while the ATS for UPI person-to-merchant (P2M) transactions was ₹687. “This signals the deep entrenchments of UPI P2M transactions; it is being used for large as well as very small transactions, the latter being the most difficult to move away from cash,” the report said. <keyword id="6357886" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="phonepe" source="Orion">PhonePe</keyword>, Google Pay, <keyword id="14300323" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="paytm-payments-bank-app" source="Orion">Paytm Payments Bank App</keyword>, Amazon Pay, and Axis Bank were the top 5 UPI apps in 2022, based on both transaction volume and value. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="FASTag, Bharat Bill Pay &amp; AePS payments on the rise" comment="subhead" text="FASTag, Bharat Bill Pay &amp; AePS payments on the rise">FASTag, Bharat Bill Pay &amp; AePS payments on the rise</cmsannotation> By the end of 2022, National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) processed a total of 3.25 billion transactions worth ₹50,911 crore, representing a 31% increase in volume and a 37% increase in value over 2021. As of December 2022, a total of 36 banks were live with NETC FASTag. In 2022, the Bharat Bill Payment Central Unit (BBPCU) processed a total of 985.7 million transactions with a total value of ₹1.70 lakh crore. This represents a growth rate of 75% in volume and 83% in value compared to the year 2021. Also in 2022, the AePS recorded a significant volume of over 2.63 billion transactions with a total value of ₹3.42 lakh crore. This represents a growth rate of approximately 24% in volume and 20% in value compared to the year 2021. AePS is a bank-led model that enables online interoperable financial inclusion transactions at point of sale (microATM) through the business correspondent of any bank using Aadhaar authentication.

You Searched For "Bharat Electronics" and got 12 results

Government set to introduce Repairability Index for mobile, electronics products

PTI

India plans repairability index for mobile, electronics to tackle e-waste

PTI

PM Modi to inaugurate 8th ITU's telecom standard meet, India Mobile Congress in Delhi today

ANI

Model Code: EC asks govt to stop sending 'Viksit Bharat' messages on WhatsApp

PTI

Economic Survey shows India's energy needs to grow 2.5x, healthy growth in formal employment

Ira Alok Puranik

Apple, HP Dell and others seek Nov 1 laptop import restriction deadline extended by a year

IANS

Bharat Electronics Limited is looking to fill up 247 posts with a maximum monthly salary of ₹55,000

Vaamanaa Sethi

The rising affluence of small town consumers driving demand for premium products

Katya Naidu

Safety top priority now for Indian car buyers, existing owners may upgrade if ratings are low

Abhishek Jha

Indian Navy receives three Advanced Light Helicopters from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited

IANS

US-based Triton to enter India with N4 electric sedan priced at ₹35 lakh

PTI

With transactions worth ₹126 lakh crore, UPI rules digital payments in 2022: Worldline report

Anagh Pal

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