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  • Urad prices fall as Govt increases procurement; Sown area expands as well

    URAD DAL

    The prices of Urad have started declining in the domestic market on the back of a higher procurement of the summer crop by government agencies and the outlook for the kharif crop has improved with the increase in sown area this year due to a better monsoon, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs said on Wednesday.

    As of July 6, wholesale prices of Urad have witnessed a week-on-week decline of 3.12 per cent and 1.08 per cent in the Indore and Delhi markets respectively. In alignment with domestic prices, the landed prices of imported Urad are also on a declining trend, the ministry said in a statement.

    The procurement of summer Urad under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) by NAFED and NCCF is in progress.

    As of 5th July, the area sown for Urad has reached 5.37 lakh hectares, as compared to 3.67 lakh hectares for the corresponding period last year. The 90-day crop is expected to experience a healthy kharif production this year.

    Ahead of the Kharif sowing season, there has been significant momentum in the pre-registration of farmers through government agencies such as NAFED and NCCF. These efforts are part of the government’s strategy to encourage farmers to shift towards pulse production during the Kharif season, aiming for self-sufficiency in this sector.

    commodity commodities trading options india sebi allows futures pulses

    Reuters file

    In Madhya Pradesh alone, a total of 8,487 Urad farmers have already registered through NCCF and NAFED. Meanwhile, other major producing states such as Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh have seen pre-registrations of 2037, 1611 and 1663 farmers respectively, indicating widespread participation in these initiatives.

    These measures underscore the government’s commitment to balancing market dynamics while supporting both, farmers and consumers, the official statement added.

    With inputs from IANS

     

  • Edtech Startup Crio.Do To Place Over 20000 Fresh Engineers In Next 3 years


    Edtech startup Crio.Do

    Over 1000+ companies, including 20+ unicorns in India, top MNCs, GCCs, and rapidly growing startups have hired from the platform.

    Notable partners in Crio’s hiring pool include Microsoft, Google, Amazon, JP Morgan Chase & Co., and Accenture. 

    INDIA: Crio.Do, a leading online higher education platform known for its work-like experiential programs, announces placing over 2000 learners in top tech companies across India. The hiring partners include leading technology companies like Swiggy, VISA, Flipkart, Capillary Technologies, and Reliance Jio, amongst others. Over 1000+ organizations across sectors like- Quick Commerce, Fin-tech, Ed-tech, E-commerce, SaaS, etc have used the platform to hire skilled tech professionals. 

    Notably, 40% of placements have been in Software Development roles, 30% in QA Testing, and the remaining 30% across Front-End Development and other specialized tech roles. Companies primarily sought graduates with expertise in areas such as SDE-1, Front-End Development, QA Testing, and Test Engineering. Major competencies included MERN Stack, React, and NodeJS for software development, and Java, Selenium, and SDET for QA automation.

    Founded in 2018 by ex-Flipkart and Google employees, the startup was acquired by Skill-Lync in 2022. It is backed by Binny Bansal and offers engineers and developers an innovative learning experience beyond traditional classrooms. Their programs are meticulously designed to simulate real-world projects, offering practical skills that employers highly value.

    Speaking on the announcement, Suryanarayanan Paneerselvam, CEO of Crio.Do stated, “This milestone is a collective achievement, a testament to the hard work and dedication of our learners, mentors, and the entire Crio.Do team. We’re incredibly proud of the impact we’ve made on individual lives and the tech industry as a whole. With a staggering 95% placement rate within 9 months of graduation, an average salary hike of 81%, and over 1000+ hiring partners relying on our talent pool, we’re confident we’re addressing the crucial skill gap in the Indian tech sector. Our vision is to completely bridge the supply-demand gap by creating a generation of job-ready tech professionals equipped with the exact skillsets companies are desperately seeking.”

    Building on this momentum, Crio.Do aims to upskill 20,000 students over the next 3-4 years, helping them accelerate their careers and contribute significantly to India’s burgeoning tech landscape. This ambitious goal is not just about numbers; it’s about preparing a workforce that can meet the growing demands of the global software development industry.

    India is rapidly becoming an epicenter for software development, with a robust ecosystem that supports innovation, scalability, and technological advancement. As multinational companies continue to set up and expand their operations in India, the demand for skilled tech professionals is surging. Crio.Do’s commitment to equipping learners with practical, job-ready skills positions them as a critical player in this ecosystem.

    “Our goal is to empower 20,000 students with the skills they need to thrive in the tech industry. This will not only accelerate individual careers but also drive India’s progress as a global hub for software development. As companies worldwide increasingly recognize India’s potential, we are dedicated to ensuring our graduates are at the forefront, leading this transformation,” added Suryanarayanan.

  • Union Budget 2024-25: Telecom Sector association seeks Tax Relief for cellular operators

    COAI urges Centre to reduce tax burden on telcos in Union Budget

    The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has recently called upon the Indian government to alleviate the tax burden on telecom service providers (TSPs) in the forthcoming Union Budget 2024-25. The COAI believes that this move will significantly bolster the financial health of the telecom sector, which is currently wrestling with a multitude of challenges.

    The Indian telecom industry has witnessed a considerable transformation over the years. The sector, which once comprised over ten companies in 2017, has now consolidated to three private and one public sector company. This optimal structure is believed to foster healthy competition. However, the sector has been adversely impacted by the Hon’ble Supreme Court Ruling of 2019 concerning the calculation of Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR), which mandates telecom operators to pay additional AGR dues over an extended period.

    COAI’s Recommendations for Telecom Sector

    In light of these challenges, COAI has put forth several recommendations on behalf of the telecom industry. One of the key suggestions is the abolition of the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) levy. Given the substantial capital that TSPs need to invest, particularly for the deployment of 5G, COAI believes that the USOF levy should be suspended. Alternatively, the government could consider suspending the USO contribution of 5% of AGR until the existing USO corpus of approximately INR 80,000 crore is exhausted.

    Lt Gen Dr S.P. Kochhar, Director General, COAI, emphasized the pivotal role of the telecom industry in providing affordable connectivity and inclusivity. He stated, “Reducing the TSPs’ levy burden and facilitating investment opportunities are not just an economic necessity but a strategic investment for the country’s future.”

    COAI

    IANS

    Tax Reforms and Customs Duty

    Another significant recommendation by COAI is the reduction of the license fee from 3% to 1%. This move would cover only the administrative costs by the Department of Telecommunication/government, thereby relieving the TSPs from additional financial burden. The industry has also expressed concern over the definition of Gross Revenue (GR). COAI recommends that the definition of GR be made precise, stipulating that the revenue from activities for which no license is required should not be a part of GR.

    On the issue of customs duty on telecom equipment, COAI has recommended that the duty be reduced to zero and then gradually increased depending on the creation of an ecosystem for manufacturing telecom gear in India. This recommendation comes in response to the increase in customs duty on telecom equipment to 20% over the past 5 to 6 years, which has put an additional financial burden on telecom companies and has impacted the rollout of 5G services in India.

    Government’s Response to COAI’s Recommendations

    Despite these recommendations, sources in the government have indicated that there are no plans to reduce the levies on telcos. The government has already provided the sector with a reforms package, along with structural and procedural reforms for ease-of-doing business. This suggests that the government may not be inclined to accept COAI’s recommendations for further tax relief in the upcoming budget.

    The telecom industry’s expectations from the Union Budget 2024-25 are high, and it remains to be seen how the government responds to these recommendations. The budget, which is scheduled to be presented on July 23, will be a crucial determinant of the future trajectory of the telecom sector in India.

    In conclusion, the telecom sector’s plea for tax relief underscores the financial challenges it faces amidst technological advancements and regulatory changes. The upcoming Union Budget will be a critical juncture for the industry, potentially shaping its future growth and sustainability. As the sector awaits the government’s response, the recommendations put forth by COAI highlight the need for strategic investments and policy reforms to ensure the sector’s robust growth and its pivotal role in India’s digital future.

  • Xiaomi to ship 70 crore devices in India over next ten years

    Smartphone giant Xiaomi aims to ship around 70 crore devices in the country in the next decade, said Muralikrishnan B, President at Xiaomi India.

    “We aim to be the largest telecom ecosystem not just globally, but also in India. When I look ahead at the next 10 years of India and Xiaomi India, it is a decade of opportunity and impact,” said Murali.

    Currently, the company says it has shipped 35 crore devices in India, which includes 25 crore smartphones. Globally, the smartphone major spends five percent of its total revenue on R&D.

    The company is looking to add more products to its current portfolio that are manufactured in India. In terms of the non-semiconductor BoM (bill of materials) of the phone, which currently stands at 35 per cent, will become 55 per cent by the end of 2025.

    “Over the next two years, with our strategy to broaden and deepen the company localisation ecosystem, we expect that number to go up,” he said.

    Muralikrishnan also explained that the trend of premiumisation has impacted the downstream price segments, including entry-level and mid-range smartphones, elevating the average selling price of smartphones from ₹8,800 in 2014 to ₹20,800 in 2024.

    “The domestic valuation at the end of 2023 for smartphones was about 18 per cent. We want to focus on broadening and deepening this component ecosystem and expect to take that number to 22 per cent in domestic value addition by 2025,” he added.

    Market leaders

    As of the quarter ending March 2024, Samsung remained the top smartphone brand in India, shipping 6.7 million units and capturing 19 per cent market share, followed by Xiaomi and Vivo with 18 per cent share each. Oppo and Realme completed the top five with 13 per cent and 9 per cent market share respectively.

    Muralikrishnan spoke about how a single-product brand is no longer a viable option as consumers are looking for a better and all-rounded experience.

    “They want a connected ecosystem experience and we are looking to invest in our core tech across various segments,” he added.

    “Product is our passion, but efficiency is in our DNA. And this has enabled us to succeed not just in the smartphone category, but across television, tablets, EV cars, home appliances, and more power in this connected ecosystem. Having a great product is good, but unless you can get that message across to the audience in a captivating way, it’s not enough,” said the President.

  • Telecom PLI scheme: Equipment manufacturing surges, sales cross Rs 50K crore

    TELECOM

    The telecom equipment manufacturing sales have crossed Rs 50,000 crore under the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, creating more than 17,800 direct jobs and many more indirect jobs, the government said on Wednesday.

    Within three years of the telecom PLI scheme, it attracted an investment of Rs 3,400 crore, the telecom equipment production exceeded the milestone of Rs 50,000 crore with exports at about Rs 10,500 crore, said the Ministry of Communications.

    The sales of telecom and networking products by PLI beneficiary companies in FY2023-24 increased by 370 per cent in comparison to base year (FY 2019-20).

    The gap between telecom imports and exports has reduced significantly with the total value of goods (both telecom equipment and mobiles put together) exported is over Rs 1.49 lakh crore as against imports of over Rs 1.53 lakh crore in FY 23-24, the Centre informed.

    Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)

    IANS

    “This milestone underscores the robust growth and competitiveness of India’s telecom manufacturing industry, driven by government initiatives to promote local production and reduce import dependency,” said the ministry.

    India was a large importer of mobile phones in 2014-15, when only 5.8 crore units were produced in the country, while 21 crore units were imported.

    In 2023-24, 33 crore units were produced in India and only 0.3 crore units were imported and close to 5 crore units were exported, according to latest ministry data.

    The value of exports of mobile phones has gone up from Rs 1,556 crore in 2014-15 and just Rs 1,367 crore in 2017-18, to Rs 1,28,982 crore in 2023-24.

    “Import of mobile phones was valued at Rs 48,609 crore in 2014-15 and has dropped to just Rs 7,665 crore in 2023-24,” the government informed.

    By encouraging local production, the PLI scheme has significantly reduced the country’s reliance on imported telecom equipment, resulting in import substitution of 60 per cent.

    India has become almost self–reliant in Antennae, GPON (Gigabit Passive Optical Network) and CPE (Customer Premises Equipment).

    According to the government, the Indian manufacturers are increasingly competing on a global scale, offering high-quality products at competitive prices.

    Over the last five years, the trade deficit in telecom (both telecom equipment and mobiles put together) has reduced from Rs 68,000 crore to Rs 4,000 crore and both the PLI schemes have started to make Indian manufacturers globally competitive, attracting investment in the areas of core competency and cutting-edge technology.

    With inputs from IANS

     

  • LPU Offers Admission Opportunities through LPUNEST

    Jalandhar – Lovely Professional University (LPU) has announced admission opportunities for candidates who have appeared for the LPUNEST and CUET-2024 examinations. As a NAAC grade A++ accredited university, LPU offers a unique platform for high-achieving students to apply using their scores and avail substantial scholarships, opening doors to a world of possibilities.

    Students looking cheerful after taking admission at LPU (2)

    The online registration process for admissions to LPU is currently open until 15th July. During this period, students can apply and indicate their preferred courses.

    Scoring well in the test not only guarantees admission but also serves as a pathway to financial assistance, ensuring that deserving students have access to quality education. LPU provides a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including engineering (computer, mechanical, civil, robotics, aerospace), management, commerce, law, hotel management, agriculture, humanities, architecture, pharmaceuticals, and physical education to cater to industry demands.

    LPU offers courses aligned with current and future requirements. This includes the Tech MBA program in partnership with EY India, B.Tech. programs such as CSE-Generative Artificial Intelligence, Mathematics and Computing, and CSE DevOps (Software Development and IT Operations), as well as specialized programs in artificial intelligence, machine learning, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and more.

    Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Founder Chancellor of LPU, emphasizes the university’s commitment to providing financial aid and scholarships. LPU‘s philosophy revolves around ensuring that all aspiring students have access to quality education, regardless of their financial backgrounds. This mission highlights the significance of LPUNEST, which not only facilitates admissions but also unlocks numerous scholarship opportunities.

  • Wellness Startup, Habuild, Celebrates International Yoga Day by Setting a World Record for Performing Yoga with 5,99,162 People


    As the nation celebrated the 10th International Yoga Day, Nagpur-based startup, Habuild, celebrated and created a new World Record on Friday, 21st June, 2024. The habit-building wellness platform that focuses on consistency, set a World Record by making 5,99,162 people perform yoga asanas with them. To generate excitement and encourage maximum number of people to be a part of this eventful celebration, the brand conducted a 21-Day Free Yoga Challenge ahead of the International Yoga Day to add to the spirit of the day.


     


    Saurabh Bothra, CEO, Habuild performing yoga on International Yoga Day


     


    The aim of the habit building and holistic wellness brand, Habuild, is to inspire people from different walks of life to come together in maximum numbers and make yoga a habit. The free yoga option is to encourage people to be motivated to work out and decide to go in for a subscription only once they are sure about being regular. Not just this, the brand intends to plant 25,000 trees owing to the number of referrals received. The team promised to plant 1 tree for every 5 referrals received prior to the day of creating the Yoga Day World Record.


     


    Voicing his happiness, Saurabh Bothra, CEO & Certified Yoga Instructor, Habuild said, “This time, my expectations were surpassed. Nearly six lakh people joined the challenge, with around two lakh participants showing up for the morning batch alone at 6:30 am! I am immensely grateful to everyone who participated in the challenge shared the challenge details with their loved ones, and continue to trust us. It is because of you that we could make this world record possible. Yoga is creating a significant global impact, and now is the time to make it a habit. Our ultimate goal is to make yoga a household staple in the world of exercise. The theme for Habuild’s 21-day free yoga challenge is #HarGharYoga, a reflection of our mission to make yoga accessible to everyone. This is just the beginning!“ 


     


    The ongoing 21-Day Free Yoga Challenge is getting a lot of traction from across the world with Yoga enthusiasts enrolling from diverse realms of life. Additionally, the wellness brand has grown exponentially in the last 1 year with an increased interest from regions such as Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, Delhi along with many Tier 2 and 3 cities. The participants in the historic event came from 92 different countries across the globe, especially North America, Singapore, Middle East to name a few. This ongoing yoga challenge commenced on June 10, 2024 and it remains open to all participants, free of cost, until June 30, 2024. 


     


    The official team of World Records Union invigilated the prestigious event. The officials declared that 5,99,162 participants were part of the event and celebrated the importance of Yoga and well-being on a global scale.  

  • Trend Micro’s Pune Leg Underscores Importance Of Cybersecurity Consolidation And Innovation


    Trend Micro

    PUNE: Trend Micro, a global leader in cybersecurity solutions, has successfully concluded the Pune segment of its Risk to Resilience World Tour in India. The event had 60 attendees from 35 organizations, marking a significant milestone in a tour spanning seven Indian cities. This tour follows last year’s extensive global engagement across 60 countries, including visits to five major Indian cities.

    Under the theme “Innovation Meets Adrenaline,” the event facilitated discussions on modern cyber resilience, the integration of Extended Detection and Response (XDR) with Attack Surface Risk Management (ASRM), and effective strategies for cloud risk mitigation.

    Sharda Tickoo, Country Manager for India & SAARC at Trend Micro, highlighted the strategic importance of Pune for Trend Micro, by saying “Our remarkable progress in this region underscores Trend Micro’s dedication to growth, technological innovation, and local engagement. As global security trends emerge here, local businesses seek not only comprehensive IT visibility but also technology consolidation, seamless integration with other cybersecurity products, fewer false positives, and enhanced cybersecurity resilience. Our ASRM empowers these enterprises with superior visibility, proactive risk management, and fortified security postures. Leading IT and financial companies in this market trust our Gen AI-powered Trend Vision One platform, which scales seamlessly across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments, offering comprehensive threat visibility and actionable insights.”

    The event also included a panel discussion featuring Manikrao Patil, Group CISO at Kirloskar Group, and Solkar Nagaraj, CISO at Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Co. Ltd. on the theme “Winning Strategies for Cyber Consolidation & Communication” moderated by Kunal Kimatkar, Regional Head, West – Enterprise Business at Trend Micro. Talking about Trend Micro’s R2R event, Manikrao Patil emphasized the importance of CISOs collaborating to counteract malicious actors, as this shared knowledge enhances our defense strategies. Solkar Nagaraj stressed the necessity and critical role of IT security consolidation in a high-risk environment while Manikrao further added on how it aids in aligning business requirements with emerging threats. The panelists concurred that consolidation strikes a balance between security and operational efficiency. On the pros and cons of generative AI, the speakers concluded that, regardless of the sector, the use of generative AI must be approached with well-defined boundaries. Regarding talent retention, Manikrao suggested that developing clear career progression plans provides valuable opportunities to retain skilled personnel, while Solkar opined that a willingness to learn is equally essential.

    A recent Trend Micro report places India as the fifth most targeted nation globally for ransomware attacks, with the Manufacturing, Government, and Banking sectors being the most affected by malware. In response to the increasing complexity of cyberattacks, especially with the rise of Generative AI, Trend Micro has extended its Risk to Resilience World Tour to seven Indian cities this year. This expansion aims to share advanced strategies for enhancing organizational resilience and building enduring partnerships.

    Trend Micro also recently announced a partnership with NVIDIA to develop AI-powered cybersecurity tools for data centers.

  • Quarterly India EV sales snapshot









    Quarterly India EV sales snapshot | Q1 FY 2024-25 • EVreporter


























































    ELECTRIC VEHICLES CATEGORY-WISE SALES TREND

    Q1 FY 23-24 to Q1 FY 24-25 (EV sales – April 2023 to June 2024)

    Source: EVreporter Research, Vahan and Telangana open data portal. Low-speed 2W data not included.

    Observations:

    • After a regular increase in quarterly sales over the last three quarters, Q1 FY24-25 registered a marked decline in EV sales. YoY sales increased by 3.5%, while QoQ sales declined by 20.5%.
    • Only the e-cart category registered a QoQ increase (8%). The rest of the categories suffered a QoQ decline, including a notable 48.5% decline in the L5N category. E-2W sales witnessed a QoQ decline of 26.5%
    • Looking at YoY changes, L5M was the highest gainer, with a 122.6% rise in EV sales, followed by e-carts registering a 64.8% increase in sales over the year.

    Category-wise Trend in Leading Indian States for Q1 FY25

    Source: EVreporter Research, Vahan and Telangana open data portal. Low-speed 2W data not included.

    Observations:

    • Uttar Pradesh accounts for the highest share (19%) of EVs sold, with 78,259 units in Q1 FY 24-25. Of the total EVs sold in Uttar Pradesh, 59.8% (46,810 units) are pax e-rickshaws.
    • E-2W sales are highest for Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, accounting together for 50.9% of high-speed e-2W sales for the quarter.
    • Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have the maximum sales in the e-rickshaw category, with a sales share of 42.8% and 16.3%, respectively, of all e-rickshaws sold in Q1 FY24-25.
    • Maharashtra registered the highest sales of e-4Ws, with 3,356 units sold for Q1 FY 24-25, followed by Kerala and Karnataka, with 2,803 and 2,779 units sold, respectively. Maharashtra also saw the highest e-Bus sales, with 191 units.

    Note: EV sales Q1 2024-25 full report will be added to EVreporter Data Portal by July 21

    Also read: India’s Electric Vehicle sales trend | June 2024

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  • MISMUN 24 Celebrates Global Dialogue and Diversity

    MISMUN 24 Celebrates Global Dialogue and DiversityHyderabad June 29, 2024: MISMUN 24, Meru International School’s prestigious Model United Nations (MUN), offers a distinguished discussion board for 300 college students from over 40 faculties, representing various backgrounds and fostering inclusivity. This simulation of the United Nations, the place every delegate embodies a rustic, serves as a important platform for international cooperation. Kicking off on June twenty eighth, 2024, this yr’s occasion epitomizes the college’s dedication to getting ready college students for diplomatic discourse and worldwide relations.

    In an period the place international cooperation is paramount, MISMUN 24 committees embrace the United Nations Human Rights (*24*) (UNHRC), United Nations Security (*24*) (UNSC), United Nations Economic and Social (*24*) (ECOSOC), Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC), World Health Organization (WHO), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Lok Sabha) and Crisis Coordination Committee (CCC).

    The MISMUN 24 opening ceremony sparked with the principal’s inspiring name for diplomacy and international collaboration. The artwork of debate, rooted in historic Greek boards and honed by way of centuries of parliamentary custom, finds new life within the voices of those younger delegates. As they deal with urgent international points, they’re not simply arguing factors—they’re shaping their futures as important thinkers, empathetic leaders, and articulate international residents.

    British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Gareth Wynn Owen, set the tone along with his problem: “Never compromise for the bottom widespread denominator.” His phrases echo the spirit of nice diplomats all through historical past, from Metternich to Kissinger, who understood that true progress usually requires reaching past the plain.

    Meghana Gorukanti Jupally, Founder and Director of Meru International School, endures to innovate with initiatives like MISMUN, fostering important and inventive pondering amongst college students after the success of MISMUN 23. Nurturing Meru as her brainchild, Meghana persistently introduces participating packages like M-CLAP and Meru Avinya, demonstrating her steadfast dedication to offering the best academic experiences for her college students.

    The influence of such occasions extends far past the convention halls. As MISMUN 24 unfolds over three days of rigorous debate and collaborative problem-solving, it guarantees to be greater than only a simulation. It’s a glimpse right into a future the place diplomacy triumphs over discord, and the place the leaders of tomorrow are already exhausting at work fixing the challenges of at present.