Apple urges Indian government to revise tax rules that may slow its growth: Report
New Delhi: Apple has urged the Indian government to revise parts of its income tax law that could slow down its expansion in the country, as reported by news agency Reuters.
The company wants changes that would ensure it is not taxed for owning high-end iPhone manufacturing machines that it provides to its contract manufacturers in India.
The push comes as the tech giant looks to shift a larger share of its production away from China and expand its manufacturing footprint in India.
While China still accounts for 75% of global iPhone shipments, India’s share has grown rapidly, quadrupling to 25% since 2022, according to Counterpoint Research. Apple’s iPhone market share in India has also doubled to 8% during the same period.
Apple potentially faces billions of dollars in additional taxes if it changes its business practices without convincing New Delhi to change a 1961 law covering foreign ownership of equipment used in India, added the report.
Apple executives have held meetings with Indian authorities to discuss possible changes to this law. “Contract manufacturers cannot put up money beyond a point. If the legacy law is changed, it will become easy for Apple to expand. India can become more competitive globally,” Reuters quoted an industry insider as saying.
A senior government official has acknowledged the ongoing discussions but is cautious about setting a precedent that could limit its taxing rights. “It's a tough call," said the official, who highlighted that Apple's increased investments are equally important
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SIT formed to probe second sexual assault case against expelled Cong MLA Mamkootathil
Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to probe a second case of sexual assault against expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, police officials said on Friday.
The SIT will be led by G Poonguzhali, Assistant Inspector General at the Police Headquarters.
The team also includes a DSP rank officer and sub-inspectors, officials added.
The second sexual assault complaint was received by the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee, which it forwarded to the state police chief.
ALSO READ: Cong expels rape-accused MLA Mamkootathil from party's primary membership
Following this, the Crime Branch registered a case and launched an investigation.
Crime Branch officials said the email complaint contained only the sender's email ID and no other contact details.
As part of the probe, they have sent a reply email requesting that the complainant contact them and provide her statement.
The complainant has alleged that she was sexually assaulted under the false promise of marriage, a Crime Branch official said.
However, details such as the location and date of the alleged incident are not currently available to the police.
The SIT will attempt to trace the sender of the email and record her statement, which is crucial for further investigation, the officer said.
Mamkootathil was expelled from the Congress party on Thursday after a court here rejected his anticipatory bail petition in another rape case.
Police said he is currently absconding, and a manhunt is underway in Kerala and neighbouring states.
