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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

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="22530361" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ahmed-Al-Sharif" source="Orion">Ahmed Al Sharif</keyword> works in software engineering and <keyword id="6361185" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="consumer-electronics" source="Orion">consumer electronics</keyword> and previously worked for <keyword id="19911549" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Meta" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Meta" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Meta">Meta</keyword>.</li><li>The CTO found himself caught up in the outage-induced travel chaos on Friday.</li></ul>This as-told-to essay is based on a transcribed conversation with Ahmed Al Sharif, the CTO of Sandsoft, a game developer. Al Sharif was stranded at Barcelona airport on Friday because of the <keyword id="20972526" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="IT-outage" source="keywords">IT outage</keyword> disrupting travel and other services. The following has been edited for length and clarity. I've worked in tech for close to two decades. I've been a <keyword id="19945384" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="software-engineer" source="keywords">software engineer</keyword> and startup founder, and have worked for large companies like Electronic Arts and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/meta-ends-restrictions-donald-trump-account-social-media-2024-7">Meta</a>. I was supposed to be flying from Barcelona-El Prat Airport to London Heathrow on business at 11 a.m. local time. I was surprised to arrive and find the flights shuttered. I was also surprised to learn there had been significant <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/crowdstrike-global-it-outage-one-defective-it-update-sparked-chaos-2024-7">malfunctions across multiple Windows-based systems</a> at the airport. It took some digging to find out that it was a global event. Even as an engineer, the outage has been strange to witness. I didn't believe there was this much dependency on a single piece of third-party software or that pushing an update irresponsibly would cause this much havoc. <h2>I realized the IT outage was happening after I arrived to chaos at the airport</h2>I left for the airport at 8 a.m. Before I got there, there were some early signs of something being wrong. I couldn't log in to my online banking app, and things were a bit slow when I logged into my Outlook-based email, but I chalked it up to my hotel WiFi. When I got to the airport at around 8:20 a.m., it was packed. The queues were endless. Several check-in desks displayed blue screens, and no one was being processed. I realized something bigger was happening. I couldn't understand where to queue, and when I asked an airport advisor, they said there was no point queuing now because there was a problem with the ticketing, booking, and reservation systems. I asked if our airport was the only one affected, and they told me that it was happening everywhere. That's when my furious Googling began. I realized that the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/crowdstrike-outage-why-taking-time-companies-recover-2024-7">issue was with CrowdStrike</a>, and it was happening globally. <h2>Disruptions at the airport continued throughout the day</h2>Over the course of the day, baggage-drop machines, vending machines, and most display boards at the airport weren't working. Check-ins were being done manually. Before I was given a handwritten paper ticket, I had to prove I had booked a flight for that day by showing staff my emails as proof of payment. Anyone with checked luggage had to bring it to the gate, and airport staff were throwing it into the cargo hold by hand. <div type="image" title="A handwritten boarding pass" height="565" width="1280" msid="111870426" hostid="261"></div>My own <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mass-it-outage-microsoft-chaos-delays-distruption-shown-in-photos-2024-7">flight has been delayed</a> by six hours, and I'm still in the airport as we're speaking. It's been annoying and inconvenient, but thankfully, the company is covering my travel, and they understand the situation is out of my control. I've spoken to people waiting in the airport for 11 hours. People seem pretty frustrated. <h2>I was surprised to learn about <keyword id="20424191" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="CrowdStrike" source="keywords">CrowdStrike</keyword>'s dominance on <keyword id="19895622" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="microsoft" source="keywords">Microsoft</keyword> devices</h2>During my delay, I've been trying to understand the situation more. It's quite intriguing and reveals that we've taken for granted how interconnected our world is and how dependent we are. I was surprised to learn that the cascading failures were caused by an update CrowdStrike pushed early Friday morning. CrowdStrike is well-known in the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-work-in-cybersecurity-expert-advice-2022-1">cybersecurity industry</a>, but until today, I don't think anyone was aware of its dominance as a platform on Windows. It didn't cross my mind that a third-party solution could cause this much damage to Windows-based machines. One of the cardinal rules of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/software-engineers-tech-panicking-golden-age-over-chatgpt-ai-blind-2023-4">software development</a> is that you typically don't want to push a fix later in the week or on a Friday. You'll have less support trying to fix any issues and the weekend is gone. It feels like cardinal rules were broken. However, CrowdStrike might have evidence to suggest that this is a freak accident, so I don't think it's fair to point fingers too much. I've seen people comment on this situation about diversification and companies not relying on just one or two providers. I don't think that's realistic. Windows is commonly used. In any free market economy, the best-performing and most suitable product will dominate the market. We need more stringent reviewing and a better understanding of the tools we use on critical infrastructure. The impact here was so big because it affected infrastructure like airports, railway stations, and hospitals. It's going to cost the economy a lot. Had there been more due diligence or even government regulation, I don't think this would have happened. I'd expect that after this, government authorities will expect widely used platforms like CrowdStrike to notify them before they push changes like this. <h2>Technology will shape our future, so we need to consider how we regulate it</h2>We haven't seen the full impact of this outage, and it's definitely put into perspective how the little devices we keep in our pockets dictate the rhythms of our lives. I don't think anyone really understood the true scope and presence of CrowdStrike before Friday. I still see our future becoming increasingly automated. There will probably be many more situations like this, especially as our society pushes toward more automation. I still think technology is a good thing, but it's made me want to get my bills in the post now and then. It usually takes a horizon event like this for lessons to be learned. I don't think technology is intrinsically good or evil; it depends on how it's used and regulated. Correction: July 20, 2024 — An earlier version of the story misstated how long Al Sharif had worked in tech. He has worked in tech roles for close to two decades, including as a teenager, not "decades," as originally stated.

I'm a software engineer stranded in the IT-outage airport chaos. CrowdStrike broke a cardinal rule of software development, and I can't believe the fallout.     

<ul><li>The <keyword id="8194701" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="refurbished-smartphone" source="Orion">refurbished smartphone</keyword> market has recorded rapid growth in India.</li><li>While the unorganised sellers dominate the market, the organised sellers are also growing.</li><li>Affordability and shorter upgrade cycles are among the factors fueling the refurbished smartphone market.</li></ul> India's refurbished smartphone market is experiencing significant growth, outpacing the new smartphone sector. This reflects a maturing market which is increasingly catering to consumers looking for affordable yet reliable options. According to a report by Counterpoint Research, unorganised sellers dominate the refurbished smartphone market, accounting for 77% of transactions. The Indian refurbished smartphone sector has traditionally been dominated by unorganised players, offering devices at a fraction of the cost of the new models. However, the introduction of value-added services like warranties, quality assurance, and after-sales support by emerging e-commerce platforms is beginning to formalise this market, enhancing consumer trust and driving further growth. <h2>What’s fueling the refurbished smartphone market</h2><h3>Affordability</h3><keyword id="2698558" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="refurbished-smartphones" source="Orion">Refurbished smartphones</keyword> offer consumers access to higher-end hardware at lower costs, making premium technology more accessible to a broader audience. This aspect is particularly appealing in a price-sensitive market like India. <h3>Shorter upgrade cycles</h3>With technology evolving rapidly, many users prefer to upgrade their phones more frequently. Refurbished devices provide an avenue for this without the high cost associated with new purchases. <h3>Environmental impact</h3>There's a growing awareness of the environmental benefits of using refurbished products, which reduces electronic waste and the demand for new manufacturing, which is resource-intensive. <h3>Consumer confidence</h3>The entry of organised players who provide guarantees and quality checks on refurbished devices has significantly boosted consumer confidence. These services add a layer of reliability to what was once a market fraught with uncertainty about product condition and longevity. Despite the growth in the unorganised sector, there's a noticeable trend towards formalisation. E-commerce platforms specialising in refurbished goods are expanding, providing consumers with the convenience of online shopping backed by credible service commitments. The report also notes that this growth is not just contained within India. Globally, the refurbished smartphone market is on an upward trajectory, with similar trends observed in markets like Latin America, suggesting a broader international shift towards sustainable consumption in electronics. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/moto-g35-5g-with-120hz-5000mah-battery-launched-at-9999/articleshow/116172283.cms">Moto G35 5G with 120Hz display, 5,000mAh battery launched at ₹9,999</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/redmi-note-14-pro-and-redmi-note-14-pro-launched-in-india-starting-at-24999/articleshow/116134415.cms">Redmi Note 14 Pro and Redmi Note 14 Pro+ launched in India starting at ₹24,999</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/vivo-x200-and-x200-pro-camera-centric-to-launch-in-india-on-december-12/articleshow/115930004.cms">Vivo X200 and X200 Pro camera-centric smartphones to launch in India on December 12</a>

India's refurbished smartphone market witnesses accelerated growth

Four years after the unveiling of its consumer electronics brand globally, IT and technology solutions giant <keyword id="20658763" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Acer-Group" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Acer Group" meta.hostid="268" meta.entityid="Acer Group">Acer Group</keyword> has finally announced the entry of <keyword id="20725958" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Acerpure" source="keywords">Acerpure</keyword> in India. "It took time because India is an important market and required special strategy," said Andrew Hou, President of Pan-Asia Pacific Operations at <keyword id="20240684" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Acer" source="keywords">Acer</keyword> Group. He was speaking at the launch of the flagship product of its consumer electronics brand - a 65-inch television that promises an immersive viewing experience - in Bengaluru. Acer India's President and Managing Director <keyword id="21727286" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="harish-kohli" source="keywords">Harish Kohli</keyword> said the strategy involved creating a manufacturing ecosystem in India. "Through our collaboration with Indian company <keyword id="20252424" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Dixon-Technologies" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Dixon Technologies" meta.hostid="268" meta.entityid="Dixon Technologies">Dixon Technologies</keyword>, we are poised to usher in a wave of locally manufactured products. This partnership embodies our shared vision of fostering economic growth and technological advancement within the nation,"Kohli said. While partnerships with local companies are an India-specific strategy, globally the brand builds on its existing strengths - customer-centric innovations, service access and fostering sustainability, President of Acerpure Inc Stanley Kao said. At the launch, Dixon Technologies Co-founder and Executive Chairman <keyword id="20420375" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sunil-vachani" source="keywords">Sunil Vachani</keyword> and Acer India President and MD Kohli signed the partnership deal. Vachani said Dixon Technologies's goal is to manufacture premium consumer products for both domestic and international markets. Apart from televisions, globally a diverse range of consumer electronics products, including 'air-circulator' fans, water purifiers, hand-held vacuum cleaners, robotic vacuum cleaners, hair dryer and styler, are already available in the market. "The range of products are well received in Japan, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines," said Hou. While Hou said the likely competitors of Acerpure are Dyson and Korean water purifier brand Coway, globally known for their high-end gadgets, Acerpure India Director Vasudeva G said that in India the brand is building on its existing reputation of being affordable even while offering cutting-edge solutions. "For instance, our 'air circulator' fans are AI enabled and can adjust its speed according to the drop or increase in air temperatures," Vasudeva said. The fan starts from Rs 7,490 in India. "Acerpure represents more than just a product launch, it signifies the dawn of a new era in home appliances and consumer electronics with a key focus on 'Make in India'," said Hou. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/webstories/motorola-edge-50-fusion-vs-oneplus-nord-ce-4-price-specs-and-features-compared/slidelist/110197390.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/webstories/motorola-edge-50-fusion-vs-oneplus-nord-ce-4-price-specs-and-features-compared/slidelist/110197390.cms" target="_blank">Motorola Edge 50 Fusion vs OnePlus Nord CE 4 – price, specs and features compared</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/woman-loses-54-lakh-in-work-from-home-scam-heres-what-it-is-and-how-to-protect-yourself/articleshow/110166963.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/woman-loses-54-lakh-in-work-from-home-scam-heres-what-it-is-and-how-to-protect-yourself/articleshow/110166963.cms" target="_blank">Woman loses ₹54 lakh in work-from-home scam! Here's what it is and how to protect yourself</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/webstories/iqoo-z9x-5g-with-120hz-display-6000mah-launched-starting-at-12999/slidelist/110176453.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/webstories/iqoo-z9x-5g-with-120hz-display-6000mah-launched-starting-at-12999/slidelist/110176453.cms" target="_blank">iQOO Z9x 5G with 120Hz display, 6000mAh launched starting at ₹12,999</a>

Acer launches its consumer electronics brand Acerpure in India

New Delhi, Homegrown consumer electronics brand boAt has announced that Bollywood actor <keyword id="19921973" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ranveer-singh" source="keywords">Ranveer Singh</keyword> invested an undisclosed amount in the company, becoming a key stakeholder in its future. As part of the deal, he has been signed on as the official face of boAt's audio products and will be the star of their immersive new campaign, 'Lost in <keyword id="19907242" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nirvana" source="keywords">Nirvana</keyword>'. "His investment and strategic involvement validate our mission to revolutionise the audio experience in India. Together, we'll push boundaries, redefine sound, and create a community that thrives on passion and innovation," <keyword id="20199314" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="aman-gupta" source="keywords">Aman Gupta</keyword>, Co-founder, and CMO of boAt, said in a statement. According to the company, this partnership sets the stage for Singh's pivotal role in boAt's upcoming campaign for 'Nirvana series' boAt's sub-brand offering premium &amp; superior audio products, which includes <keyword id="19964109" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tws" source="keywords">TWS</keyword> and headphones crafted for the ultimate listening experience. "boAt's commitment to best-in-class sound and youth connect resonates deeply with me. Investing in their journey is more than just a financial decision; it's about co-creating a revolution. Get ready for boAt to amplify the sound of India like never before!," said Singh. The 'Lost in Nirvana' campaign features captivating ad films that invite viewers to experience the Nirvana range's exceptional features, such as an impressive 120 hours of battery life, boAt signature sound, and cutting-edge Active <keyword id="20411802" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="noise-canceling" source="keywords">Noise Canceling</keyword> technology, the company mentioned.

Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh invests in consumer electronics brand boAt

<ul><li><keyword id="19895203" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="electric-vehicles" source="keywords">Electric vehicles</keyword> (EVs) are gaining popularity worldwide</li><li>However, concerns remain about their environmental impact</li><li> <keyword id="21881868" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="alternative-fuel" source="keywords">Alternative fuel</keyword> vehicles like hydrogen fuel cells and biofuels are some more alternatives we can tap into</li></ul> Electric vehicles or EVs are in their prime right now, with the demand crossing an all-time high. A trend noticeable around the world, EVs are not only becoming increasingly popular but also fairly affordable. Slowly but surely EVs are overcoming the challenges that crossed them — design, features, safety, and most importantly range. A major credit to this trend can be given to consumer acceptance, policy backing, and improving infrastructure. However, there is a downside to EVs as well. Having featured multiple EVs with our series<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCR3PaYxcmk&amp;t=1s" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank"> Short Spin, </a>I developed a strong reference point. This made me wonder why are we so heavily reliant on them. Over its life cycle, EVs cannot be termed as particularly environmentally friendly, which has been their main selling point over the past few decades. <h2>The ‘Red’ side of EVs</h2> There is a bit of red within the go-green agenda that EV manufacturers push. EVs as a whole do come with benefits like low maintenance, improved efficiency and ultimately lower fuel emissions. However, <keyword id="21357488" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="EV-production" source="keywords">EV production</keyword> and disposal can have detrimental effects on the natural environment. Here are some socio-ecological concerns over EVs: 1. High carbon footprint in battery production: EV battery production is energy-intensive and often relies on electricity from fossil fuels, leading to a high initial carbon footprint. This is elaborated in a story recently published by Earth Org. 2. Resource constraints and ethical concerns: Particularly with the extensive mining of cobalt and other minerals for EVs, there has been a global outcry. Limited availability of critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel, shady mining practices long work hours, unsafe work environments, and use of child labour in underdeveloped parts of the world have raised several ethical issues around the sustainability of EVs. This issue can be explored further in this essay by Al Jazeera. 3. Recycling and end-of-life challenges: EV battery recycling is currently inefficient, costly, and poses significant environmental risks, with a huge amount of batteries ending up in landfills. 4. Manufacturing costs and economic barriers: High production costs, especially for batteries, make EVs more expensive than conventional vehicles and require significant investments in new manufacturing facilities and supply chains. 5. Supply chain and geopolitical risks: Critical mineral resources necessary for EV production are concentrated in a few countries. This leads to vulnerabilities in the complex supply chain and often risks disruptions due to geopolitical tensions, trade conflicts, or natural disasters. China as of today controls 83% of EV battery production in the world, with a major stronghold on the supply chain. While I am in no way suggesting to drop out of EVs, I believe sticking to just one alternative risks replicating the same mistake we did for ICE vehicles. So, what are the alternatives? <h2>The alternates fuel vehicles (<keyword id="23193800" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="AFVs" source="keywords">AFVs</keyword>)</h2> AFVs are a growing segment of the automotive industry that utilize fuels other than traditional gasoline or diesel. These vehicles offer similar potential benefits such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved air quality, and reduced dependence on fossil fuels. While EVs are also a form of AFVs, here we will list out other major alternatives like hydrogen fuel and biofuel options. Hydrogen fuel cells: Convert hydrogen gas into electricity, emitting only water vapour. Currently, <keyword id="19906788" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Toyota" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Toyota" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Toyota">Toyota</keyword> and Hyundai are the only hydrogen-based cars in the Indian market. Hydrogen internal combustion engines: These vehicles use hydrogen as a fuel in modified combustion engines. While road-legal vehicles for this fuel type aren’t out, BMW with hydrogen 7 is working on a prototype. Ethanol: This is a renewable fuel made from plant materials, commonly mixed with gasoline. In America, Ford F-150 Flex-Fuel and Chevrolet Silverado Flex-Fuel are utilizing this technology. Biodiesel and renewable diesel: Derived from vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled grease, these fuel types can be used in diesel engines. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG): Perhaps the most famous alternative for cabbies in Delhi, CNG is in popular demand. Technically it is used in specially modified internal combustion engines, primarily for lower emissions. Propane (Liquefied Petroleum Gas, LPG): A byproduct of natural gas processing and crude oil refining, used in internal combustion engines. As technology continues to advance, these AFVs are becoming more accessible and affordable, making them a promising option for sustainable transportation. If you are an eco-conscious buyer in today’s auto market, bear in mind that there are options beyond EVs as well. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/mercedes-expands-bev-range-rolls-out-second-locally-produced-model-in-india/articleshow/113388002.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Mercedes expands BEV range; rolls out second locally produced model in India</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/electric-two-wheeler-adoption-in-india-rising-13-share-expected-by-2026-27-jefferies/articleshow/113361787.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Electric two-wheeler adoption in India rising, 13% share expected by 2026-27: Jefferies</a>

EVs are not the only options for alternative fuel — make way for hydrogen and bio-fuel

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Americans' favorite tech gadgets could surge in price under Donald Trump's proposed tariffs, per a new report.</li><li>The president-elect vowed to install tariffs of 10% on US imports and 60% on Chinese goods.</li></ul>Buying a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/best-tv">new television</a> now instead of next year could save you hundreds of dollars.Under President-elect Donald Trump's proposed tariff plans, consumers will likely see <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mark-cuban-donald-trump-tariffs-raise-prices-inflation-economists-agree-2024-11">prices surge</a> on big-ticket purchases, including several popular tech items and gadgets, according to a Consumer Technology Association <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://shop.cta.tech/products/how-the-proposed-trump-tariffs-increase-prices-for-consumer-technology-products">October report.</a>Trump has vowed to install a blanket tariff of 10% to 20% on all imports and a flat, additional tariff of at least 60% on Chinese goods — a move many economists have warned will <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/donald-trump-election-win-high-inflation-risk-tariffs-deportations-taxes-2024-11">raise prices for American consumers</a> and lead to inflation.During his first term, Trump made good on many of his campaign economic promises, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-china-trade-war-list-of-goods-tariffs-2018-9">imposing a wave of tariffs</a> in 2018 and 2019 on certain US imports from China, including steel, semiconductors, and EVs.Economists <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.cato.org/blog/americans-paid-trump-tariffs-would-do-so-again">cited</a> in a Cato Institute report from earlier this year estimated that Trump's first-term tariffs cost the average American household about $830 a year.Trump has said his proposed tariffs would not increase prices for US consumers. But the former president's <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-tariffs-hit-company-stock-profits-hardest-china-investing-manufacturing-2024-11">tariff plans</a> would impact more than just a few key items this time: The consumer technology sector would be hit especially hard, and prices would rise on some of the most common tech items bought by US shoppers, the CTA report found.The pre-election report used Trade Partnership Worldwide, LLC research to examine how Trump's tariffs would affect 10 consumer technology products found in nearly every American home, including non-automobile lithium-ion batteries commonly used in portable electronics, TVs, computer accessories, connected devices, headphones, monitors, PCs, laptops and tablets, video games, and <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/xiaomi-laptop-apple-inventec-china-2015-9">smartphones.</a>The report found that tariff effects on those products alone would shrink US consumers' <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/investing/purchase-power">spending power</a> in the sector by $90 billion, assuming no countries or products are excluded from the blanket tariff ring.Products for which <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/chinese-brands-crept-into-life-tiktok-lenovo-tencent-xiaomi-dji-2023-8">China is the major supplier</a> would see the most dramatic price increases. China's economy is a more vulnerable state than it was when Trump previously implemented tariffs. The country is combating low wages and high unemployment among young people, leaving China's household spending far below the global average, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.reuters.com/world/china/why-chinas-economy-is-more-vulnerable-trump-tariffs-this-time-2024-11-06/">Reuters</a> reported earlier this year.In 2023, China accounted for 87% of US video game console imports, 78% of smartphone imports, and 79% of <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-smart-devices-market-2013-2">laptop and tablet imports</a>, the Consumer Technology Association reported.Under Trump's tariffs, the average price of <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/best-budget-gaming-laptops">laptops and tablets</a> could skyrocket 45%, jumping an additional $200-$350 from their current prices, the CTA report found.Similarly, smartphones would see a more than 25% increase in consumer price, surging more than $200 from their average October price, the report said, which also drew on trade and tariff data from the World Integrated Trade Solution, the US Census Bureau, and the Global Trade Analysis Project.Under Trump's tariffs, video game consoles, meanwhile, could cost nearly $250 more than they currently do, and monitors could increase by more than $100, the report found. Televisions will see a 9% increase in consumer price, costing an additional $48 on average, according to the CTA report.To combat rising prices, US consumers would likely <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/retirement-saving-inflation-cost-of-living-crisis-investing-401k-pensions-2024-11">slow their spending</a> on such items, decreasing laptop purchases and tablets by 54% and smartphones by 44%, the report found.Gary Shapiro, CEO of the Consumer Technology Association, and Vice President of International Trade Ed Brzytwa warned in the organization's October report that the tariff's impacts on consumer technology could extend beyond the sector."The proposed tariffs will not create more employment or manufacturing in the US," the CTA executives wrote. "In fact, the opposite may happen where our productivity decreases and jobs may be lost over time when workers and businesses have less affordable access to technology."

Here's how much more laptops, TVs, and smartphones could cost under Trump's proposed tariffs, consumer group says

<ul><li><keyword id="19897758" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="samsung" source="keywords">Samsung</keyword> will lay off over 200 people in India</li><li>Employees across various departments will be affected</li><li>Affected employees will receive three months of salary</li></ul> The tech industry has seen a wave of layoffs in the recent months and another company has now joined the fray. <keyword id="19945681" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="samsung-electronics" source="keywords">Samsung Electronics</keyword>, known across the world for its smartphones, appliances, and much more, has now decided to cut more than 200 jobs in India. The layoffs come at a time when the company is grappling with lesser sales due to lower consumer demand, a report in ET reveals. <h2>Samsung plans to lay off people in India </h2> Industry insiders told ET that the layoffs will affect various departments including mobile phones, home appliances, and consumer electronics. The cuts are part of Samsung’s broader effort to lower costs and maintain profitability during this challenging period. The layoffs represent around 9-10 percent of Samsung’s managerial staff in India, where the company employs about 2,000 executives. Those affected will receive three months’ salary along with a severance package offering one month’s salary for every year of service. <h2>Samsung's restructuring plans </h2> As part of its cost-cutting measures, Samsung is also considering merging some of its business divisions, such as television and home appliances. This restructuring, which aims to streamline operations and reduce inefficiencies, could lead to further layoffs. While no official decision has been made yet, reports suggest that the final plan will be confirmed after Diwali, a key festival season in India. The report also mentioned that Samsung has already frozen new hires, and positions left vacant by executives who have resigned are not being filled. Additionally, the company is expected to reduce the number of off-roll employees to further cut costs. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112853351" title="Samsung launches AI-powered washing machines, all you need to know" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"><payload><![CDATA[See also]]></payload></div> <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112165411" title="India&amp;#39;s smartphone shipments dip 2% in Q2 2024 as heatwave, slower demand takes toll" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"><payload><![CDATA[See also]]></payload></div>

Samsung Electronics plans to lay off over 200 Indian employees to reduce costs, details inside

India's economy is expected to grow at 7-7.2 per cent in the current fiscal year driven by robust economic fundamentals and continuity in domestic policy reforms, <keyword id="20006170" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Deloitte-India" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Deloitte India" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Deloitte India">Deloitte India</keyword> said on Monday. The August update of <keyword id="19896400" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="deloitte" source="keywords">Deloitte</keyword>'s India Economic Outlook said several initiatives in the <keyword id="19908389" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="union-budget" source="keywords">Union Budget</keyword> 2024-25 toward improving agriculture productivity, creating jobs for the youth, and in manufacturing and addressing the challenge of access to finance for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), would help improve supply-side demand, curb inflation, and prop up <keyword id="20139791" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="consumer-spending" source="keywords">consumer spending</keyword>, especially in rural areas. Deloitte India Economist Rumki Majumdar said, India will witness robust growth in the second half after a period of uncertainty in the first six months of the year. "Key contributing factors include the continuity in domestic policy reforms, reduced uncertainties in the US post-elections, and more synchronous global growth within a low inflation regime. "Additionally, improved global liquidity conditions, as central banks in the West ease their monetary policy stance, will enhance capital flows and drive higher investments, particularly in the private sector," Majumdar said. Observing that strong economic fundamentals would drive <keyword id="19972825" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="GDP-growth" source="keywords">GDP growth</keyword> between 7 per cent and 7.2 per cent in FY25, the Economic Outlook report said effectively addressing the urban-rural consumer spending gaps, inflation, and employment concerns can significantly enhance the affordability of aspirational rural consumers. "The much-desirable policy pivot was evident in the Union Budget presented last month. Reducing the urban and rural spending gap in the coming years will ensure sustained consumer demand from a larger consumer base," it added. Deloitte India's growth projection is at par with that of RBI, which projected FY'25 growth at 7.2 per cent. It is higher than Finance Ministry's Economic Survey which estimated GDP expansion between 6.5-7 per cent. The <keyword id="19948184" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-economy" source="keywords">Indian economy</keyword> grew at 8.2 per cent in 2023-24 fiscal year. The report further said despite strong growth, private consumption spending has remained modest over the past five years. The pandemic, high global and domestic inflation, consequent tightening of financial conditions, and the effects of poor agriculture output on rural demand seem to have capped private consumption growth in India. But a Deloitte research showed that India is witnessing distinct and broad-based shifts in consumption patterns. There is a broad-based shift in the composition of consumption towards more non-food and discretionary items, reflecting changing lifestyles and preferences that are here to stay. According to the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey, spending on discretionary goods and services (including conveyance) has gone up both in rural and urban India, with the former quickly catching up in spending on discretionary durable goods (including automobiles, electric and electronic goods) with the latter in just one decade. "Demand for processed food has been among the highest in most states, suggesting a shift towards ready-to-eat options. Rapid urbanization, increasing women's participation in the workforce, and enhanced marketing and availability are driving these changing dietary habits," the report said. According to Deloitte research, if increasing income in states results in a relatively equitable distribution and higher rural spending, businesses can tap into a larger proportion of the state's population that resides in rural areas. This gives businesses access to a large consumer base and a sustainable consumer spending demand, as compared to states with a widening gap.

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