PIB Summaries 05 May 2025

Content:

1. Report for Framework on Repairability Index (RI) in Mobile and Electronic Sector submitted
2. WAVES 2025: A People’s Movement that Empowers Every Creator to be a Star

Report for Framework on Repairability Index (RI) in Mobile and Electronic Sector submitted

Context & Purpose

• Framework launched by DoCA to address repair accessibility issues in mobile/electronic sector.
• Focus on Smartphones and Tablets in the first phase of implementation.
• Stems from rising consumer grievances regarding repair difficulties, with complaints rising from ~19,000 in 2022-23 to ~22,800 in 2024-25.

Relevance : GS 3(Technology , Environment)

Committee Formation & Composition

• Included diverse stakeholders:
  • Major tech companies: Apple, Samsung, Google, Dell, HP, Vivo, HMD
  • Industry associations: ICEA, MAIT
  • Consumer orgs: EPIC
  • Government departments: MeitY, MSME
  • Scientific bodies: BIS, NTH

Core Features of Repairability Index

• Self-declared by OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers).
• Based on standard scoring criteria with no extra compliance burden.
• Displayed at:
  • Physical point of sale,
  • E-commerce platforms,
  • Product packaging (via QR code).

Goals and Impact

• Promote mindful utilization over wasteful consumption.
• Support consumer empowerment through informed product choices.
• Aligns with Right to Repair principles and circular economy goals.
• Encourages transparency, sustainability, and self-reliance.
• SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Alignment with Global Standards

• Framework modeled on best international practices (e.g., France’s RI system).
• Designed to balance innovation, consumer rights, and ease of doing business.

Broader Policy Ecosystem

• Builds on Right to Repair Portal India (2022) – includes Mobile/Electronics, Automobiles, Consumer Durables, Farming Equipment.
• 65+ companies onboarded on the portal to facilitate repair-related information.

Future Outlook

• Expected to expand to other electronics and durable goods sectors.
• Promotes affordable repair access, crucial for rural and urban consumers alike.
• Supports India’s digital empowerment by ensuring longevity of essential devices.

WAVES 2025: A People’s Movement that Empowers Every Creator to be a Star

Vision and Theme

• WAVES 2025 positions itself as a catalyst for India’s Orange Economy (Creative Economy).
• The event reinforces India’s goal to become a global media and entertainment (M&E) powerhouse.
• Emphasizes democratization of content creation and youth-led storytelling.

Relevance : GS 3(Economy ,Creative Economy)

Economic Impact and Business Outcomes

• WAVES Bazaar recorded business deals worth ₹1328 crores in 3 days.
• Maharashtra Govt signed MoUs worth ₹8000 crores in the M&E sector.
• Over 3000 B2B meetings held, highlighting the summit’s strong commercial traction.

Global Cooperation and Diplomacy

• 77 countries participated in the Global Media Dialogue.
• Adoption of the ‘WAVES Declaration’—stressing cultural collaboration, ethical media, digital equity, and global peace.
• India led global discussions on bridging the digital divide and enabling a creator-first economy.

Start-Up Ecosystem: WAVEX

• 30 start-ups pitched to top investors like Jio, Lumikai, WarmUp Ventures.
• ₹50 crore worth of investments in pipeline.
• WAVEX aims to create incubators, mentor networks, and seed investment platforms for Tier 1 & 2 creators.
• Unique model supports idea-stage start-ups, even without tangible products.

Key Reports and Findings

1. Statistical Handbook: Data-rich overview of India’s M&E sector growth, trends, and challenges.
2. ‘From Content to Commerce’ – BCG:
   1. India has 2–2.5 million active digital creators.
   1. Creators influence $350B+ in consumer spending, projected to hit $1 trillion by 2030.
3. ‘A Studio Called India’ – EY:
   1. India has 40–60% cost advantage in VFX/animation.
   1. Indian OTT gaining strong international demand.
4. Legal Currents – Khaitan & Co: Influencer compliance, regulatory clarity.
5. White Paper on Live Events: Sector growing at 15%; calls for licensing and infra reform.

Capacity Building: Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT)

• IICT to become a national-level skilling and innovation centre for M&E professionals.
• Aims to bridge the talent gap in creative tech and enhance India’s competitiveness.

Strategic Government Messaging

• PM projected WAVES as the dawn of India’s Orange Economy.
• Focus on “Create in India”, youth empowerment, and using storytelling as soft power.
• Ministers emphasized tech-tradition synergy, policy alignment, and global cultural diplomacy.

Key Takeaways

• WAVES 2025 was more than a summit—it was a movement for India’s creative resurgence.
• Positioned India as both a marketplace and a megaphone for global storytelling.
• Laid the foundation for sustainable growth in M&E, international partnerships, and a robust creator economy.