Telecommunication Engineering Centre

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 26 MAR 2025 4:27PM by PIB Delhi

The draft Telecommunications (Standards, Conformity Assessment and Certification) Rules, 2025 has been proposed in suppression of the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017.  “Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rules, 2017” vide G.S.R. 1131(E) PART XI prescribes for Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecommunication Equipment (MTCTE) and is already in force w.e.f. 01.10.2018.

It ensures that the telecommunication equipment used/connected to telecommunication network conform to all the prescribed standards including EMI/EMC, Safety, Security Requirements, interoperability and other technical Requirement. The main objectives are given below:

  1. any telecommunication Equipment does not degrade performance of existing network to which it is connected;
  2. safety of the end–users;
  3. security of the Telecommunication Networks;
  4. protection of users and general public by ensuring that radio frequency emissions from equipment do not exceed prescribed standards;
  5. telecommunication equipment complies with the relevant national and international regulatory standards and requirements.

A total of 211 telecommunication equipment have already been notified under MTCTE in six phases. Thus, the proposed rule shall continue to ensure the above objectives and strengthen the telecommunication network across India.

TEC is responsible for development of essential requirements(ER) for the various telecommunication equipment notified under these rules and issuance of certificate of conformity if the product comply to the essential requirements. Further, labs are being designated by TEC for carrying out the testing against the essential requirements(ER).

National Centre for Communication Security (NCCS) is responsible for the development of security requirements for telecommunication equipment and ensuring compliance of the telecommunication equipment in respect of the prescribed security requirements.

At present, the certification process is already end-to-end online. However, the proposed portal will further facilitate digital implementation of these rules including specifying the standards and conformity assessment procedures for compliance, fees and charges, notices of non-conformity, and any orders or directions under these rules by the Appropriate Authority. The portal will act as single window for the stakeholders and thereby enhance the Ease of doing Business in the country.

The provisions have been made in the draft rules which provides for exemption for telecommunication equipment imported into India for the purpose of carrying out research and development or demonstration or testing of samples in India, subject to compliance with relevant rules and procedures for such research, demonstration or testing. These exemptions will be useful especially for start-ups, R&D centres, academia and industries located in any part of the country including Maharashtra for fostering innovations. The draft rules also provide exemption for the telecommunication equipment brought into India by a person for personal use in India and that is not otherwise prohibited to be imported or used under the Act or any other law for the time being in force.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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Samrat/Allen

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Coal Ministry to Launch 12th Tranche of Commercial Coal Mine Auctions Tomorrow

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 26 MAR 2025 4:28PM by PIB Delhi

In furtherance to the first-ever Commercial Coal Mine Auctions launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 18.06.2020, the Ministry of Coal is poised to launch the 12th round of Commercial Coal Mine Auctions on March 27, 2025. This initiative marks another significant step toward enhancing domestic coal production, reducing imports, and ensuring long-term energy security for the nation. Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, will grace the occasion as the Chief Guest, while Union Minister of State, Shri Satish Chandra Dubey, will be the Guest of Honour.

Under round 12, a total of 25 coal mines are being offered, comprising 7 mines under CMSP [Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015] and 18 mines under MMDR (Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957). Among these, 2 are lignite mines, catering to diverse energy requirements. Furthermore, 13 coalmines are Fully Explored, while 12 are Partially Explored, providing opportunities for both immediate and future development.

In addition, under the 2nd Attempt of Round 11, the Ministry of Coal is offering three partially explored coal mines under the MMDR Act, providing significant investment opportunities while reinforcing domestic coal production and energy security.

With a vision to foster a transparent, market-driven coal economy, the Government continues to create new opportunities for investors and industry players. The commercial coal mine auctions have been a game-changer, unlocking the vast potential of India’s coal reserves while promoting competition, efficiency, and sustainable mining practices.

The 12th Tranche of Commercial Coal Mine Auctions is expected to attract significant interest from domestic and international investors, reinforcing India’s commitment to self-reliance in energy and industrial growth. This milestone will further accelerate the development of a robust and resilient coal sector, supporting industries, power plants, and infrastructure projects across the country.

The Ministry of Coal remains steadfast in its mission to drive reforms, enhance ease of doing business, and create a thriving ecosystem for coal mining. As India marches towards a Viksit Bharat, these initiatives will play a pivotal role in strengthening the nation’s economic foundation.

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Shuhaib T

(Release ID: 2115289) Visitor Counter : 13

MOSAIC, Memory-cube Operability in a Stacked AI Chip for Generative AI

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

ITRI’s MOSAIC (Memory-cube Operability in a Stacked AI Chip for Generative AI) won a 2024 R&D 100 Award in the IT/Electrical category. MOSAIC offers a solution to address the cost and scalability challenges associated with AI/GAI chips. It integrates logic computation and memory, enabling a flexible and scalable 3D stacking technology. MOSAIC’s innovative 3D stacking chip design significantly reduces the transmission distance between chips from micrometers (micrometre) to nanometers (nm), cutting heat generation by 90% and reducing costs by 80%. With modular, multi-layer, and scalable features, it meets the application needs of various AI products, ranging from portable devices and edge computing units to HPC servers. By employing flexible and more efficient wafer manufacturing solutions, AI systems can achieve enhanced performance and deployment capabilities while concurrently lowering energy consumption.

MOSAIC was developed in collaboration with PSMC (Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation), a semiconductor foundry that specializes in providing wafer manufacturing services for both logic and memory applications. The prototype of MOSAIC was created from two 12-inch wafers fabricated utilizing PSMC’s 40nm logic and 25nm DRAM processes. It employs wafer stacking technology to simultaneously transfer data between logic circuits and DRAM.

AI-driven Self-Navigating Miniature Serpentine Robotic System for Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery, AiSNMSR

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The AI-driven Self-Navigating Miniature Serpentine Robotic System (AiSNMSR), developed by ITRI, addresses key challenges in Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) such as limited operational space, small orifice diameters, excessive bleeding, and risks associated with punctures, infections, and inefficient cleaning. This award-winning system integrates omnidirectional bending, real-time tactile/haptic feedback, self-navigation, and modular tool-swapping capabilities, allowing surgeons to perform precise, efficient, and safe procedures with ease.

AiSNMSR is composed of a main controller, a navigation module with tactile/haptic sensing, an endoscope equipped with a CMOS camera, and additional devices customized for specific medical applications. The system provides surgeons with tactile/haptic feedback for precise navigation and mimics human tactile perception, enhancing operational control. The flexibility of our robotic endoscope allows omnidirectional bending up to 210 degrees. Additionally, our AI-enhanced processing provides real-time imaging data for accurate positioning, obstacle recognition, and environmental adaptation, ensuring both safety and precision during surgery.

The AiSNMSR system could be used in a wide range of surgical fields, such as gastroenterology, obstetrics and gynecology, urology, colorectal surgery, neurosurgery, and gastrointestinal surgery, with the capabilities to reduce postoperative pain, shorten recovery times, minimize complications, increase surgical success rates, and improve overall patient outcomes. The system has been validated through collaboration with the Chief of Thoracic Surgery at National Taiwan University Hospital, and this innovative robotic system represents a leap forward in minimally invasive surgical technology.

Digital Twin System for Tapping Process, DiTwS-TP

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The tapping process of Basic Oxygen Furnace (BoF) in the steel industry has numerous bottlenecks and obstacles, including energy use, carbon emissions, constant equipment or technology updates, and labor-intensive processes. ITRI and China Steel Corporation developed the Digital Twin System for the Tapping Process (DiTwS-TP) solution specifically for improving the tapping process. This system utilizes six intelligence-base models that are based on prior experience, AI-module and simulation results. The main purpose of this system is to increase transparency in the tapping process and assist tapping operators in precisely controlling the process.

DiTwS-TP is software that accurately predicts the behavior of liquid steel. By simulating and monitoring production processes, it optimizes efficiency and minimizes costs. Its predictive capabilities enable preemptive optimization of turntable procedures, revolutionizing steel manufacturing with enhanced quality control. The taping process digital twin environment is a system that combines virtual and real-time simulation to provide a synchronized experience. Unlike the previous traditional manufacturing method, which had issues with labor consumption, difficulty in transferring experience, and probable manufacturing failures, this simulation system can be employed in the current system.

By building a digital twin model of the equipment, manufacturers can track its operating status in real time, collect various sensor data, and use artificial intelligence algorithms to predict faults and preventive maintenance, thereby reducing the equipment failure rate and increasing productivity. By using digital twins for simulation training and safety management, workers can gain a deeper understanding of production equipment and operating procedures, thereby improving workplace safety and efficiency.

CO2-Fixing Polycarbonate

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

CO2 Fixing Polycarbonate (FCO2PC) technology produces high performance polycarbonate using CO2 captured from factory combustion flue gas. This non-petroleum-based material significantly reduces carbon emissions. The FCO2PC process is energy efficient and all chemicals in the process are nontoxic, recycled and generate no harmful pollutants.

As the global polycarbonate market size continues to increase, the use of captured CO2 as a chemical raw material to produce polymers has an obvious ecological advantage over conventional polymers. The entire process of FCO2PC is close looped, zero waste and nontoxic. The technological breakthrough is the sophisticated catalysts used in carefully designed quantities and with unique physical properties. It solves the common environmental problems in traditional processes, avoids toxic chemical feedstock, and recycles all solvents and wastewater. In partnership with Chi Mei Corporation, FCO2PC is undergoing field testing and is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 17%, or 178,500 metric tons annually.

FCO2PC was invented to solve challenges in both carbon capture and storage in one process. It is a production process that uses the captured CO2 from combustion flue gas as raw material and through esterification and transesterification, producing polycarbonate for commercial use. FCO2PC matches BPA polycarbonate in quality and is suitable for a wide range of applications, including safety helmets, phone cases, headlamp covers, eye protection and more.

In-Line X-Ray Critical Dimension Metrology System (XRCD)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

With shrinking transistor sizes, a shift from 2D to 3D structures, and the adoption of metal materials in 2nm chip production, the limitations of current optical measurement become more apparent. Consequently, critical dimensions cannot be accurately measured, directly impacting yield and leading to poor outcomes. The In-Line X-Ray Critical Dimension Metrology System (XRCD) is a specialized system utilized in the semiconductor manufacturing industry for the purpose of measuring critical dimensions using X-ray technology. During semiconductor manufacturing processes, these systems commonly monitor the dimensions and configuration of microstructures to ensure that the produced components meet specified specifications and yield.

ITRI and NanoSeeX have developed the first In-Line X-Ray Critical Dimension Metrology System (XRCD). A perfect balance between measurement area ( 1 micrometre) can be achieved with sufficient signal intensity by combining with highly efficient focusing optical with a specific soft X-ray wavelength. Additionally, utilizing an exclusive background subtraction patent, specific target signals can be extracted and analyzed from complex spatial signals generated by three-dimensional structures.

In signal analysis, NanoSeeX has pioneered the integration of interference signals from interface reflections and high order mode signal techniques, along with multi-physics models. This approach, compared to traditional Fourier transform signal analysis, not only enables more precise thickness measurements but also reduces correlations between fitting parameters in complex 3D structures. With AI-driven machine learning, the measurement accuracy of 3D complex structure CD can reach

2024 R&D 100 Awards

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The 2024 R&D 100 Awards saw Taiwan achieve its best record in history, winning 15 awards, making it the top winner in Asia and second globally. The Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) won eight awards, the Institute for Information Industry (III) received three awards, the Taiwan Textile Research Institute (TTRI) earned three awards, and the Metal Industries Research & Development Centre took home one award. The award-winning technologies align with global trends, focusing on semiconductors, ICT, net-zero emissions, and AI ecosystems, showcasing abundant research and development achievements. In particular, Taiwan made remarkable progress in AI and net-zero technologies, demonstrating the country’s outstanding and internationally competitive innovation capabilities.

This year, nine of the award-winning technologies have already entered partnerships with industry players, serving as a gateway for these technologies and driving industrial value. The list of award-winning technologies reveals the global direction in areas such as semiconductors, ICT, net-zero emissions, and AI ecosystem applications. For instance, ITRI’s collaboration with Powerchip Semiconductor on a 3D AI chip has reduced power consumption by 90% and increased data speed by eight times. Additionally, ITRI’s carbon capture and utilization technology, developed in partnership with Chi Mei Corporation, is undergoing field testing and is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 17%, or 178,500 metric tons annually. These achievements align with government policies and reflect global development priorities. Notably, AI applications have seen significant success this year, accounting for 6 out of the 14 awarded technologies. These innovations span fields such as healthcare, traffic safety, energy management, industrial processes, and defect inspection, demonstrating Taiwan’s advancement in AI across various industries and its critical role in the global supply chain.

The Kaohsiung-Pingtung Branch of BIP held an innovative tea party to celebrate the anniversary, with 400 people participating in a pop-up event to form the bureau’s emblem.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The Kaohsiung-Pingtung Branch of the Bureau of Industrial Parks (BIP) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) held an “Innovation Tea Party” on September 9, 2024, to celebrate the anniversary. The event invited chairpersons of factory associations and key enterprises from several industrial parks, such as Yongan, Dashe, Renwu, and Fengshan, Linhai, Dafa, Linyuan-Pingtung, Neipu, Pingnan, and Pingtoung Technology Industrial Parks to exchange ideas and provide suggestions, aiming to push forward sustainable development. After the meeting, around 400 representatives from various companies participated in a pop-up event in front of the administration building, forming the BIP’s emblem, symbolizing the collective intelligence to shape the future.
You Shu-hui, the director of the Kaohsiung-Pingtung Branch of BIPs, said that in 2023, the Executive Yuan promoted organizational restructuring, and on September 26, the MOEA and its subordinate agencies officially unveiled the restructured system. This included merging the “Export Processing Zone Administration” and the “Industrial Parks Division of the Industrial Development Bureau” to establish the “Bureau of Industrial Parks.”
The BIP is responsible for managing national technology industrial parks and industrial parks, primarily focusing on park development, attracting investments, supporting enterprises, and promoting environmental sustainability. Managing an area of 33,000 hectares, which accounts for more than 75% of the country’s industrial land, the BIPs has established four branches in Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung-Pingtung to provide immediate services to enterprises. By implementing various service measures, the BIP aims to optimize the business environment and promote industrial development.
The BIPs stated that the establishment of the new bureau would enhance resource integration and boost the injection of resources into the parks. In the future, the BIPs will strive to achieve the goals of providing high-quality spaces, helping businesses upgrade, supporting low-carbon sustainability, advancing smart services, and creating happier workplaces–all in line with the vision of “intelligence, safety, and sustainability.” The parks will continue to drive regional development and create economic prosperity.

Contact Person: Ding, Shi-De (the Kaohsiung-Pingtung Branch, BIP)
Contact Number: 886-7-823-9361, 0935828158
Email: alan@bip.gov.tw

Taiwan FDI Statistics Summary Analysis (September 2024)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

According to the statistics, 1,692 foreign direct investment (FDI) projects with a total amount of US$5,835,450,000 were approved from January to September 2024. This indicates a decrease of 0.29% in the number of cases, and a decrease of 26.82% in FDI amount compared to the same period of 2023.

With regard to inward investment from Mainland China, 27 cases were approved with an amount of US$16,917,000 from January to September 2024. This indicates an increase of 28.57% in the number of cases, but a decrease of 36.35% in the FDI amount compared to the same period of 2023. From July 2009 to September 2024, 1,613 cases were approved with a total investment amount added up to US$2,612,863,000.

In terms of Taiwan’s outbound investment (excluding Mainland China), 539 projects were registered from January to September 2024 with a total amount of US$41,561,939,000, indicating an increase of 30.19% in the number of cases, and an increase of 137.75% in the amount, as compared to the same period of 2023.

As for Taiwan’s outward investment to Mainland China, 274 applications have been approved from January to September 2024, indicating an increase of 10.04% compared to the same period of 2023. The approved investment amount is US$3,336,337,000, 31.93% more than the same period in 2023.