The IP index 2019, brought out by the US Chamber of Commerce's Global Innovation Policy Center (GIPC) showed that India ranked 36th of 50 economies, eight places up from 44th place last year. India's overall score has also increased substantially from 30.07% (12.03 out of 40) in the previous edition to 36.04% (16.22 out of 45) in the present edition.

Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has released a draft National E-commerce Policy with aims to create a framework for achieving holistic growth of the e-commerce sector along with existing policies of Make in India and Digital India. The draft addresses six broad issues of the e-commerce ecosystem: Data, Infrastructure development, E-commerce marketplaces, Regulatory issues, Stimulating domestic digital economy and Export promotion through e-commerce. 

ID Tech and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar has signed MoU to identify and enhance joint research and development in the field of Internet of Things (IoT) and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID).  Under this MoU, IITRPR and ID Tech will jointly work on value creation for major Government initiatives across smart cities, as well as for the logistics and transportation domain, by leveraging advanced technologies.

Government of India has approved the proposal of implementation of scheme titled “Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicle in India phase II (FAME India Phase II) for promotion of Electric Vehicle (EV) in the country. The scheme with total outlay of Rs 10,000 Crores (about €1.25 billion) over the period of three years (i.e. from 2019-20 to 2021-22) will be implemented with effect from 1st April 2019. 

As part of the road map under the phased manufacturing programme (PMP), Government has notified phased increase in basic customs duty on parts of electric passenger vehicles to be assembled in India to 15% from April 2020 and 10% on imported lithium-ion cells by April 2021 to promote domestic manufacturing of EVs.  The notification also entails doubling the basic customs duty on completely built units of electric buses and trucks to 50% from April 2020.

The government's think-tank NITI Aayog has unveiled a Model Concession Agreement (MCA) for introducing electric buses for public transportation on PPP mode on operational expenditure (per km basis) model. The Aayog stated that the model document has been developed based on international best practices to provide cleaner, more efficient, and affordable public transportation.

Government of India has announced the allotment of Rs 5,000 Crore (€625 million) fund for the support and growth of the electric vehicle infrastructure in the country by 2025. The plan comes in as an integral part of the momentous Rs 88,500 Cr (€11 billion) scheme.

• Notification no. G.S.R 1229(E) regarding Braking requirement and electronic stability control. Read more
• Notification no. G.S.R 1225(E) regarding seat dimensions, lamps for three wheelers and reverse parking system for M & N Category vehicles. Read more
• Notification no. G.S.R 173(E) regarding Braking System and Anti-lock Braking System. Read more
• Notification no. S.O 1018(E) regarding Motor Vehicles (High Security Registration Plates) Order, 2018. Read more
• Notification no. G.S.R. 167(E) regarding Retro-fitment of hybrid electric system or electric kit to Motor Vehicles. Read more 
• Notification no. G.S.R 174(E) regarding Common Format for the Driving Licence and the Certificate of Registration. Read more

According to Commerce and Industry Minister, Government of India is working on a blueprint to increase FDI inflows to $100 billion through a targeted approach.  The minister also outlined his strategy to create a win-win partnership with other countries and retain the focus on a collaborative approach to global trade at a time when countries such as the US were seeking to undermine the relevance of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

The World Bank has committed to provide India funds worth $300 million to aid its energy efficiency programme. The move will help the government set up the requisite infrastructure to push forward its ambition of expanding e-mobility in the country. The aid received from the World Bank will supplement the funds that the Centre proposes to raise by levying a one-time fee from conventional fuel based vehicle buyers in a bid to provide financial assistance to the e-mobility programme.