AWS Launches 5 New AI Certifications to Boost Careers and Salaries Worldwide

AWS has launched five new AI certifications—including the flagship AWS Certified AI Business Strategist—that can boost salaries by up to 47% across IT, sales, marketing, and finance roles. These credentials validate skills from foundational AI literacy to advanced generative AI development, positioning professionals to lead in the rapidly evolving cloud and AI job market.

AWS’s latest credential, the Certified AI Business Strategist, equips organizations to identify leaders who can assess AI investments, enforce governance, and drive adoption from pilot projects to enterprise scale. Registration for the beta exam opens September 1, 2026.

Why These Certifications Matter

• Salary Impact: Certified professionals earn 42–47% higher pay across multiple industries.
  
  
• Industry Demand: Organizations struggle with AI deployment, governance, and scaling—skills these certifications directly address.
  
  
• Accessibility: Free and low-cost training via AWS Skill Builder makes entry possible for students, business leaders, and technical specialists.
  
  

Overview of AWS AI Certifications

Certification	Focus Area	Target Audience
AWS Certified AI Business Strategist	AI adoption, governance, scaling	Business leaders, consultants, program managers
AWS Certified AI Practitioner	AI/ML concepts, generative AI literacy	Non-IT professionals, entry-level IT
AWS Certified Machine Learning Engineer – Associate	Deploying, scaling, monitoring AI models	ML engineers, IT specialists
AWS Certified Data Engineer – Associate	Data pipelines, modeling, infrastructure	Data engineers, technical leaders
AWS Certified Generative AI Developer – Professional	Enterprise-grade generative AI apps	Advanced developers, AI architects

Key Benefits

• Career Growth: Certifications validate expertise across business strategy, technical engineering, and generative AI innovation.
  
  
• Cross-Functional Relevance: Useful for sales, marketing, HR, finance, not just IT.
  
  
• Enterprise Readiness: Helps organizations identify professionals capable of moving AI from pilot to production.
  

Training Resources

• AWS Skill Builder: Over 330 free and subscription-based courses on AI, ML, and generative AI.
  
  
• Exam Prep Plans: Practice exams and scenario-based questions tailored to each certification.
  
  
• AWS Cloud Institute: Structured virtual program to become a cloud developer in 9 months.
  
  

Risks & Considerations

• Certification ≠ Guaranteed Job: While salaries rise, success depends on real-world application of skills.
  
  
• Rapid Tech Evolution: AI tools evolve quickly; certifications must be paired with continuous learning.
  
  
• Global Competition: With AWS offering worldwide access, professionals face intense competition for top roles.
  

Takeaway

For professionals in India and globally, AWS’s AI certifications are a strategic investment. Whether you’re a business strategist, data engineer, or developer, these credentials can accelerate career growth, increase earning potential, and position you at the forefront of AI adoption.

Amazon Prime Air Goes International: UK Becomes First Drone Hub

Amazon has officially launched its first-ever Prime Air drone delivery service outside the U.S., with Darlington, England chosen as the UK hub. Customers within a 7.5‑mile radius of the fulfillment center can now receive eligible items weighing up to 5 pounds in under 60 minutes via Amazon’s MK30 drone.

Amazon’s drone delivery service, Prime Air, began as a bold vision in 2013 when Jeff Bezos unveiled it on 60 Minutes. Since then, it has evolved through prototypes, regulatory hurdles, pilot programs in the U.S., and international expansions, with the UK launch in 2026 marking its first global rollout.

Before making debut in the UK, Amazon had plans for rollout in Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy, however Amazon shut down its Italian drone program in late 2025 due to regulatory friction and operational struggles.

Approved by the UK Civil Aviation Authority, the UK debut in Darlington became the first international hub in February 2026, allowing deliveries within a 7.5‑mile radius, under 60 minutes, for packages under 5 lbs.

Key Highlights of Amazon Prime Air UK

• Darlington hub: The 465,000 sq. ft. fulfillment center is fitted with advanced robotics and serves as the UK’s drone delivery base.
• First international launch: Announced in 2023, confirmed in 2025, and operational since February 2026.
• Delivery radius: Customers within 7.5 miles (12 km) of the site can opt for drone delivery.
• Eligible items: Millions of products under 5 lbs (2.2 kg), fitting into a shoebox-sized package.
• Speed: Orders arrive in 60 minutes or less.
• Drone model: The MK30, standing 5 feet tall with a 5.5‑foot wingspan, uses detect‑and‑avoid technology to ensure safe navigation.

How the Service Works

Standing roughly five feet tall with a wingspan of about five and a half feet, the MK30 can carry packages weighing up to five pounds.

• Checkout process: Customers see a satellite map of their property with AI‑identified “delivery zones” (garden, yard, or driveway).
• Packaging: Items are packed in custom Prime Air boxes with cushioning for safe aerial drops.
• Flight operations: Each drone undergoes pre‑flight inspections by trained associates.
• Safety: MK30 drones completed over 5,100 test flights and 900 flight hours before commercial rollout.

Strategic Importance

• Expansion milestone: Marks Amazon’s first Prime Air service outside the U.S., signaling global ambitions for autonomous delivery.
• Regulatory approval: Operates under the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s oversight.
• Customer impact: Included at no extra cost for Prime members in the UK, with pricing models to be evaluated as the service scales.

Challenges & Considerations

• Weather dependency: Drone flights may be limited by adverse UK weather conditions.
• Infrastructure limits: Only customers with suitable outdoor delivery zones are eligible.
• Scaling hurdles: Expansion beyond Darlington will require further regulatory approvals and infrastructure investment.

Quick Comparison: Traditional vs Drone Delivery

Delivery Method	Speed	Coverage	Eligibility	Cost
Standard Prime	1–2 days	Nationwide	All addresses	Included
Prime Air Drone	≤ 60 min	7.5‑mile radius	Outdoor zones only	Included (trial phase)

Amazon Bets Big on India: $48B Investment to Fuel AI, Jobs, and Exports

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy reaffirmed the company’s long‑term commitment to India, announcing a massive $48 billion investment through 2030. This expansion underscores India’s growing importance in Amazon’s global strategy, spanning ecommerce, cloud, AI, and entertainment.

The announcement was made during Amazon CEO's meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday in New Delhi.

The latest investment makes Amazon one of the largest global AI and cloud infrastructure investors in India, in addition to being the largest foreign investor in India, the largest enabler of ecommerce exports and one of the biggest job creators in the country.

Strategic Alignment with India’s Priorities

• Leadership Recognition: Jassy thanked Prime Minister Modi for his vision of a Viksit and Atmanirbhar Bharat, aligning Amazon’s priorities with national goals.
• Digital Empowerment: Since its entry, Amazon has digitized 12 million small businesses, enabled $20 billion in exports, and supported 2.8 million jobs.
• AI & Cloud Expansion: Amazon plans to invest $21 billion in AI and cloud infrastructure, strengthening AWS regions in Mumbai and Hyderabad.

Key Impact Metrics

Focus Area	Achievements	2030 Targets
Small Businesses	12M digitized	15M enabled with AI benefits
Exports	$20B cumulative	$80B cumulative
Jobs	2.8M supported	3.8M pledged
Cloud Skills	10M trained	AI education for 4M students

AI & Cloud Infrastructure Push

• Advanced Tech: AWS regions in Mumbai and Hyderabad will host Trainium chips and Amazon Bedrock for scalable AI workloads.
• Enterprise Adoption: Leading firms like Axis Bank, Delhivery, and Physics Wallah already leverage AWS for AI deployment.
• Developer Tools: Platforms like Amazon Kiro and Quick empower rapid AI innovation across India.

Welfare Initiatives: ‘Sammaan’ Program

• Delivery Associates: Scholarships, insurance, and financial inclusion programs enhance welfare.
• Rest Centers: Expansion of Ashray centers to 250 locations for delivery associates.
• Investment: $300M allocated to operations and associate well‑being.

Amazon.in: India’s Most Loved Marketplace

• Customer Reach: Trusted by 100M+ customers and 1.7M sellers, with strong growth in Tier 2 & 3 cities.
• Prime Membership: Expected to double in 2026, with 70% of new members from non‑metro regions.
• Prime Video: India’s largest streaming service for originals, driving new sign‑ups nationwide.

The Big Picture

Amazon’s India journey reflects a transformative partnership between global enterprise and national priorities. With investments in AI, cloud, ecommerce, and welfare, Amazon is positioning itself not just as a marketplace, but as a long‑term growth partner for India’s digital future.

Amazon Launches Supply Chain Services to Extend Its Logistics Network to Businesses Worldwide

Amazon has officially launched Amazon Supply Chain Services (ASCS), opening its logistics network—including freight, distribution, fulfillment, and parcel shipping—to businesses worldwide. Leading brands like Procter & Gamble, 3M, Lands’ End, and American Eagle Outfitters are among the first adopters.

Global Expansion of Amazon’s Logistics

• Launch Date: May 4, 2026
• Ticker: Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN)
• Scope: Extends Amazon’s logistics infrastructure to retail, healthcare, automotive, manufacturing, and more
• Analogy: ASCS is positioned as the AWS of logistics

Core Offerings

Service	Key Features	Scale
Freight	Ocean, air, ground, rail transport; customs clearance; shipment visibility	80,000+ trailers, 24,000+ containers, 100+ aircraft
Distribution & Fulfillment	Bulk storage, inventory positioning, unified inventory pool, multi-channel fulfillment	Supports ecommerce, social media, physical stores
Parcel Shipping	2–5 day delivery, 7-day service, flexible pickup/drop-off, photo-on-delivery	Same network delivering billions of Amazon packages annually

Early Adopters

• Procter & Gamble: Using Amazon freight for raw materials and finished goods
• 3M: Leveraging freight services for global distribution
• Lands’ End: Unified inventory pool for multi-channel fulfillment
• American Eagle Outfitters: Parcel shipping for direct-to-customer deliveries

Strategic Impact

• Efficiency & Reliability: Access to Amazon’s AI forecasting and operational expertise
• Scalability: Solutions grow with evolving business needs
• Resilience: Handles peak demand and disruptions with predictive inventory placement
• Growth Opportunity: ASCS mirrors AWS’s diversification impact

Access

Businesses can sign up via supplychain.amazon.com.

Takeaway

Amazon Supply Chain Services marks a transformational moment in global logistics, democratizing access to Amazon’s infrastructure for industries far beyond retail. Much like AWS reshaped cloud computing, ASCS aims to redefine supply chain management by offering speed, reliability, and cost efficiency at scale.

Amazon Expands Future Engineer Scholarships in India, Empowering 2,000 Women in Tech Careers

• Amazon to provide ₹2 lakh in financial assistance over four years to female engineering students from low-income backgrounds
• Amazon has invested ~₹50 crore (approx. USD 6 million) in the program since 2022; broader computer science education initiatives have reached 4.8 million students in over 50,000 government schools
• First graduating cohort in 2025 achieves 89% placement rate across Amazon and other leading companies

Amazon, on Wednesday, announced 500 new scholarships for 2026 under its Amazon Future Engineer (AFE) program in India, providing female engineering students from low-income families with financial support, mentorship, and career opportunities in technology. Amazon Future Engineer (AFE) is Amazon's global computer science education program designed to increase access to technology education and career opportunities. With this expansion, the program currently supports 2,000 active scholars.

The AFE scholarship provides ₹2 lakh in financial assistance over four years to female students pursuing B.E. or B.Tech degrees in computer science or allied branches, from low-income backgrounds. Beyond financial support, scholars receive a laptop, technical training through bootcamps, webinars from Amazon Women of the World (WoW), one-on-one mentorship from Amazon engineers, and paid eight-week internship opportunities at Amazon after their second year.

“Every student deserves the opportunity to discover their potential. With the Amazon Future Engineer Scholarships, we're investing in the leaders who will shape the future of work—the talented, determined students in communities across India” said Candi Castleberry, Vice President of Amazon eXperiences and Upskilling. “The 2026 scholarship recipients demonstrate what's possible when we create upskilling pathways together and remove the barriers standing between young people and their dreams."

Announced on the sidelines of the inaugural Together India Summit, the expansion reflects Amazon’s continued focus on creating pathways to learn and build careers in technology so we are future ready. As part of the internal summit, Together at Amazon is an initiative focused on helping employees grow, thrive, and connect through access to skills development, workplace support, and community engagement. As part pf this framework, In This Together is an initiative helping students, customers, communities, partners, and business owners discover pathways to Amazon.

First cohort graduates with 89% placement rate

Launched with 200 scholars in 2022, the program has expanded significantly year on year, increasing to 500 annual scholarships from 2023 onwards. Scholars are selected through a rigorous process evaluating academic merit, financial need, and leadership potential. The program's first graduating cohort in 2025 has achieved an 89% placement rate, with graduates securing roles at Fortune 500 companies including Amazon. To date, about 400 scholars have completed internships across various technical roles at Amazon, with hundreds of others set to take up internships in the coming months as newer cohorts become eligible.

Many scholars are first-generation college graduates from tier-2 and tier-3 cities, reflecting the program’s reach across underserved regions in India. Graduates such as Sreya Mula from Telangana, now a Software Development Engineer, Keerthi Sankara from Andhra Pradesh, a Cloud Support Associate, and Anjali Ashtake from Nagpur, Maharashtra, now a Graduate Analyst at Deutsche Bank, are among those who have gone on to build careers in technology, demonstrating the program’s impact in enabling access to long-term opportunities.

Reaching 4.8 million students in government schools

Amazon has invested ~₹50 crore (approximately USD 6 million) in the AFE program since 2022, building a structured pathway from scholarship to career for young girls in technology. The scholarship program is implemented in partnership with the Foundation for Excellence, while NavGurukul delivers technical training to help scholars build industry-relevant skills and prepare for internships.

Beyond engineering scholarships, the program has reached 4.8 million students across more than 50,000 government schools in India between 2021 and 2025, providing computer science and AI education.

Amazon India Commits $300M to Safer Jobs, Faster Deliveries and AI‑Powered Growth

Amazon India today announced that it plans to invest over INR 2800 crore (~USD 300M) to further strengthen associate safety, health, and financial wellbeing measures while strengthening one of India’s safest, fastest and most reliable operations network. This investment is part of the company’s broader plan to invest more than $35 billion in India by 2030, focusing on business expansion as well as three strategic pillars: AI-driven digitization, export growth, and job creation. Amazon will continue to expand both its core and quick commerce footprint to continue serving customers across India in minutes, hours, and days. This investment builds on the company’s INR 2000 crore (~USD 233M) investment in 2025, which enabled the launch of 17 new fulfillment centers, six sortation centers, and 75 last-mile delivery stations across India. In 2025, Amazon also launched its quick commerce offering, Amazon Now, and has since scaled it to over 300 micro-fulfillment centers across key cities to enable safer, faster deliveries.

“Since launching Amazon.in in 2013, we have built one of India’s safest, fastest, and most reliable operations networks, serving customers across every serviceable pin code in the country. At the heart of this network are our people, and we remain committed to raising the bar on associate safety, health, and financial wellbeing. This year, we are investing over INR 2800 crore (~USD 300 million) to further strengthen these efforts, while continuing to scale our operations network and advance the technology that enables faster, safer, and more reliable deliveries for customers. Our initiatives also align with national priorities such as Ayushman Bharat and Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, helping expand access to healthcare and financial inclusion for our associates,” said Abhinav Singh, VP - Operations, Amazon India and Australia.

Strengthening associate safety, health, and financial wellbeing

Amazon’s programs and initiatives for associates working across the network have long been aligned with several of the standards notified under the Labour Codes. This latest investment will further strengthen efforts focused on healthcare and financial security for tens of thousands of associates and partners. The efforts in 2026 include scaling Project Ashray to provide accessible rest facilities for delivery associates, expanding health and wellness programs such as Sushruta - a wide-ranging health and wellness program for long-haul truck drivers and their family members, along with new initiatives, while enabling access to preventive healthcare through nationwide medical camps. The company is also enhancing medical and accident insurance, while extending financial inclusion and social security access through the Samriddhi program by enabling enrolment in schemes like Ayushman Bharat Health Account and Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana for Amazon associates and community members. In addition, Amazon continues to support education for associates’ children through the Pratidhi scholarship and mentorship program, reinforcing its commitment to holistic well-being across its operations network.

Investing in infrastructure and technology to strengthen operations

Amazon will invest in expanding and upgrading its pan-India operations network—including fulfillment centers, sortation centers, and delivery stations—to increase capacity and improve delivery speeds for customers in tier 2 and 3 cities across India. These investments will also support sellers and small businesses and contribute to local economic growth. The company also plans to more than double Amazon Now's footprint in the cities it currently operates in and to more cities across India. These investments will enable Amazon to serve customers across a wide range of delivery speeds - from minutes to hours to days, based on their needs.

Amazon's industry-leading facilities are climate controlled and built with advanced engineering systems to improve energy efficiency, enhance workplace safety, and support a more inclusive environment. The company continues to invest in cooling solutions such as enhanced ventilation, fans, spot coolers, access to cold water and hydrating beverages, safety and accessibility features for people with disabilities, and improved rest areas.

Amazon will invest in technology, including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, to make its operations network safer and more efficient. This includes deploying tools to improve on-road safety through alerts for Delivery Service Partners and delivery associates on unsafe driving behaviors, and prompts for rest breaks, as well as using AI models to assess route complexity and enable more equitable workload distribution. It also includes enhancements to the Driver app with better navigation for unstructured addresses, improved earnings transparency, and simplified workflows.

Know more about Amazon’s initiatives for associates in 2026:

• Expanding rest facilities for delivery associates – Amazon will expand Project Ashray, its network of air-conditioned rest stops, beyond the current 100 locations in Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, among others. These facilities provide comfortable seating, clean washrooms, drinking water, charging stations, and first-aid support, serving over 150,000 delivery associates every month, including those outside Amazon’s network.
• Expanding health and wellness support for associates and drivers – Programs such as Sushruta, a wide-ranging health and wellness program for long-haul truck drivers and their family members, will continue to expand alongside a new wellness program focused on mental health and ergonomic care.
• Providing access to preventive healthcare – Amazon will offer free health check-ups through nationwide medical camps, extending access to preventive care and building on its 2025 efforts, which included comprehensive health and wellbeing programs for tens of thousands of associates and partners. These ongoing camps provide preventive health screenings (eye, dental, BMI, and physician consultations), hydration guidance, and early detection support.
• Enhancing insurance coverage and wellness support – Amazon plans to strengthen medical and accident insurance for delivery associates working with Delivery Service Partners through upgraded Group Mediclaim and Group Personal Accident policies, with an integrated wellness package among the most comprehensive in the sector.
• Enabling access to financial and social security benefits – Through Samriddhi, Amazon will enable tens of thousands of associates and more than 200,000 community members to access government benefits such as e-Shram cards, health insurance, pension programs, and educational assistance across states including Gujarat, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, among others.
• Supporting education for associates’ children – Under the Pratidhi program, Amazon will provide scholarships to children of associates from Class 3 to Class 12, including children with disabilities, along with mentorship from Amazon leaders. In 2025 alone, 5000 scholarships were awarded to associates' children.

Amazon Buys Rivr to Put Stair-Climbing Robots on Your Doorstep

Amazon has acquired Zurich-based robotics startup Rivr, known for its stair-climbing, four-legged delivery robots on wheels. The deal, finalized in March 2026, strengthens Amazon’s push into doorstep delivery automation, though financial terms remain undisclosed.

Rivr is a Zurich-based robotics startup founded in 2023 by Alexander Reske, Marko Bjelonic, Giorgio Valsecchi, and Lorenz Wellhausen. The company focuses on building “General Physical AI” through robots that combine legs and wheels, enabling them to climb stairs, navigate uneven terrain, and deliver packages directly to doorsteps. Their technology addresses the “last 10 yards” problem in logistics, making deliveries more efficient in dense urban environments and multi-story buildings.

Backed by investors such as Bezos Expeditions, Linear Venture, and HSG Ventures, Rivr raised around $25–26 million in funding and was valued at approximately $100–110 million before its acquisition by Amazon in March 2026. With Amazon’s resources, Rivr’s stair-climbing robots are expected to scale globally, extending automation beyond warehouses into last-mile delivery, while also tackling challenges of urban regulation, public acceptance, and large-scale deployment.

Key Facts About the Acquisition

• Company acquired: Rivr (Zurich-based autonomous robotics startup).
• Robot design: Four-legged robots mounted on wheels, described as a “dog on roller skates.”
• Capabilities: Can climb stairs, maneuver uneven surfaces, and deliver packages directly to doorsteps.
• Amazon’s involvement: Previously invested in Rivr’s 2024 seed round; Rivr was last valued at $100–110 million.
• Deal terms: Not disclosed publicly.
• Strategic goal: Enhance doorstep delivery efficiency and improve safety outcomes for drivers.

Why This Matters for Amazon

• Automation push: Expands automation to the last mile of delivery.
• Competitive edge: Solves delivery challenges in dense urban areas and apartment complexes.
• Safety benefits: Reduces risks for human drivers in difficult terrain.
• Scalability: Supports Rivr’s vision of “General Physical AI.”

Comparison: Rivr vs. Amazon’s Existing Robotics

Feature	Rivr Robots	Amazon’s Current Robotics
Mobility	Four legs + wheels, stair-climbing	Primarily warehouse robots (flat surfaces)
Deployment	Doorstep delivery, urban navigation	Sorting, packing, warehouse automation
Innovation	Combines legged locomotion with wheels	Conveyor systems & robotic arms
Strategic Role	Extends automation to last-mile delivery	Optimizes warehouse efficiency

Risks & Challenges

• Regulatory hurdles: Urban deployment may face restrictions.
• Public acceptance: Consumers may be wary of robots in neighborhoods.
• Technical reliability: Must prove safe and consistent at scale.
• Cost efficiency: Needs to outperform human delivery in cost and speed.

Implications for India & Global Markets

• Potential pilots in dense urban centers like Gurugram, Mumbai, or Bangalore.
• Could reshape last-mile logistics, reducing reliance on gig-economy delivery workers.
• Supports 24/7 autonomous delivery models.

Beyond Rivr, Amazon has recently made acquisitions in aerospace, AI, and logistics to strengthen its infrastructure and automation capabilities. The most notable moves include investments in aerospace ventures and AI-driven platforms as part of its $200 billion pivot into next-generation technologies.

Alongside Rivr, Amazon has been expanding its robotics portfolio with warehouse automation startups and delivery-focused robotics firms. These acquisitions complement Rivr by extending automation from warehouses to last-mile delivery.

Rivr Robotics Startup Profile

Rivr at a Glance

• Founded: 2023
• Headquarters: Zurich, Switzerland
• Founders: Alexander Reske, Marko Bjelonic (CEO), Giorgio Valsecchi, Lorenz Wellhausen
• Core Technology: Hybrid robots combining legs and wheels, capable of climbing stairs, carrying up to 30 kg, and traveling at speeds of ~15 km/h.
• Mission: Building “General Physical AI” for doorstep delivery — bridging robotics and AI for real-world deployment.

Funding & Investors

• Total funding raised: ~$25–26 million
• Key investors: Bezos Expeditions, Linear Venture, HSG Ventures
• Valuation before acquisition: ~$100–110 million

Strategic Positioning

• Solves the “last 10 yards” problem in logistics — delivering packages directly to doorsteps, even in multi-story buildings.
• Amazon participated in Rivr’s 2024 seed round, signaling early interest in its technology.
• The acquisition accelerates Rivr’s vision of scaling autonomous doorstep delivery globally.

Competitive Context

Company	Focus	Distinctive Edge
Rivr	Stair-climbing, wheel-legged robots	Navigates stairs & uneven terrain
Starship Technologies	Sidewalk delivery robots	Widely deployed in US/Europe
Serve Robotics	Food delivery robots	Partnerships with Uber Eats
Ottonomy	Autonomous delivery bots	Focus on airports & retail

Challenges Ahead

• Urban regulations: Autonomous robots face restrictions in many cities.
• Public acceptance: Consumers may be cautious about robots in neighborhoods.
• Integration with Amazon: Scaling from pilot projects to global deployment requires significant infrastructure alignment.

Amazon Air Expands to Northeast India, Delivery Speeds to Become 5x Faster

• Shri Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Hon’ble Minister of Civil Aviation, flags off inaugural Amazon Air flight to Guwahati
• Amazon is the only e-commerce company in India operating a dedicated air cargo network
• Expansion will also enable small businesses and entrepreneurs from the region to better serve customers across India

Amazon today announced the expansion of Amazon Air to Northeast India with new air cargo routes connecting Kolkata and Guwahati, further strengthening its logistics infrastructure and connectivity across the region. The addition of dedicated air capacity will significantly improve delivery speed and reliability, enabling customers across the Northeast to access Amazon’s vast selection of products with faster and more consistent delivery.

The service will support deliveries across all seven sister states —Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura — through Amazon’s integrated air and surface transportation network. By combining dedicated air capacity with its multimodal logistics infrastructure, Amazon expects to reduce transit times and increase delivery speeds by up to five times, bringing customers across the region faster access to a wide selection of products — from everyday essentials to smartphones, consumer electronics, fashion & beauty and more.

The inaugural Amazon Air flight to Guwahati was flagged off from the Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, by Shri Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Hon’ble Minister of Civil Aviation, Government of India, alongside Abhinav Singh, Vice President – Operations, India and Australia, Amazon and Chetan Krishnaswamy, VP Public Policy, Amazon India.

Shri Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Hon’ble Minister of Civil Aviation and Abhinav Singh, VP, Operations India and Australia, Amazon at the expansion announcement of Amzon air to Guwahati

“With Hon’ble Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi Ji’s priority focus on the North-East through the vision of ‘Act East, Act Fast, Act First’, infrastructure and connectivity in the North-Eastern region have grown multifold. Today, every state in the North-East has an airport and the number of operational airports has increased from 9 in 2014 to 16 today. Given the North East’s immense potential in horticulture and cargo exports, today’s launch of Amazon Air’s cargo route from Delhi to Guwahati will further support the farmers, artisans and entrepreneurs of the North-East. The Government has also taken several significant interventions to encourage air cargo growth in the country. In Budget 2026, special emphasis has been placed on building air cargo infrastructure and warehousing capacity to strengthen logistics for perishable and high-value products. Additionally, the value cap on courier exports has been removed which will help boost cross-border e-commerce. And I congratulate Amazon for adding to air freight network of the country with today’s milestone launch,” said Shri Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Hon’ble Minister of Civil Aviation.

“Enhanced logistics connectivity plays a crucial role in empowering local entrepreneurs and expanding market access for businesses, and employment across the Northeast. For sellers in the region, the introduction of Amazon Air services to Guwahati will enable enterprises to connect with customers nationwide. Improved fulfillment speeds will allow businesses to reach a wider customer base and participate more meaningfully in India’s rapidly growing digital economy, while also bringing the benefits of faster and more reliable deliveries to customers and communities across Assam and the wider Northeast region. Such advancements in logistics infrastructure are also expected to generate substantial employment opportunities for local youth. It is hoped that the operationalization of Amazon Air services will further contribute to job creation and support the overall economic growth of the region," said Dr. Ravi Kota, IAS, Chief Secretary, Assam.

“Since launching Amazon.in in 2013, we have consistently invested in building one of India’s largest logistics networks to serve customers wherever they live. The expansion of Amazon Air to the Northeast is a natural progression of those investments and reflects our long-term commitment to strengthening connectivity across the country. It also aligns with the Government’s focus on improving logistics infrastructure and unlocking economic opportunity in the region. For customers, this means access to Amazon’s vast selection at 5x better speeds than before, while sellers and entrepreneurs in the Northeast can now reach customers across India faster and more reliably,” said Abhinav Singh, VP – Operations, India and Australia, Amazon.

More About Amazon Air

Amazon Air launched in India in 2023 and has since strengthened the country’s e-commerce logistics network. Amazon is the only e-commerce company in India operating a dedicated air cargo fleet. With two narrow-body freighters, Amazon Air moves tens of thousands of packages daily, enabling safer, faster and more reliable deliveries. Its overnight routes connect major metros including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Guwahati and Pune. Amazon also operates air-rail multimodal connections, with onward reach to cities such as Delhi, Guwahati and other parts of the country. Including belly cargo partnerships, Amazon’s air network now serves over 100 origin-destination pairs across India.

About Amazon

Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Amazon strives to be Earth's most customer-centric company, Earth's best employer, and Earth's safest place to work. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Career Choice, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, Alexa, Just Walk Out technology, Amazon Studios, and The Climate Pledge are some of the things pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit amazon.com/about and follow @AmazonNews.

Space Rivalry Heats Up: Amazon Challenges Musk’s Mega Constellation, Faces FCC Scrutiny

Amazon has urged the U.S. government to reject Elon Musk’s ambitious plan to launch 1 million satellites, calling it unrealistic and potentially hazardous, while the FCC chair has criticized Amazon itself for the slow pace of its own satellite rollout. This clash highlights the intensifying rivalry between SpaceX’s Starlink and Amazon’s Project Kuiper in the race to dominate global satellite internet.

The Core of the Dispute

• Amazon’s Objection to Musk’s Plan
  • Amazon argues that deploying 1 million satellites would be impractical, even if the entire global launch capacity were dedicated to the project.
  • The company warns it could take centuries to complete, create massive space debris risks, and disrupt other operators.
  • Amazon’s filing with the FCC emphasizes the lack of technical, safety, and disposal details in SpaceX’s proposal.
• FCC Chair’s Criticism of Amazon
  • While Amazon challenges Musk’s plan, the FCC chair has criticized Amazon for delays in its own Project Kuiper launches.
  • Amazon has been slower to deploy satellites compared to SpaceX, which already has over 3,200 Starlink satellites in orbit providing global service.
  • The FCC has signaled impatience, urging Amazon to accelerate its rollout to remain competitive and meet regulatory expectations.

Rivalry in Context

Company	Project	Current Status	Key Criticism
SpaceX (Musk)	Starlink + proposed 1M satellites	~3,200 satellites already operational	Plan seen as unrealistic, risky for orbital safety
Amazon (Kuiper/Leo)	Kuiper satellite internet	Launches delayed, slower progress	FCC chair says rollout too slow

Why This Matters

• Global Internet Access: Both companies aim to provide high-speed internet worldwide, especially in underserved regions.
• Regulatory Oversight: The FCC’s role is crucial in balancing innovation with safety, orbital sustainability, and fair competition.
• Space Sustainability: A million satellites could overwhelm orbital pathways, raising risks of collisions and debris that threaten all operators.

Key Takeaways

• Amazon is positioning itself as the responsible player, warning against Musk’s “orbital data center” plan.
• The FCC is skeptical of both sides: Musk’s plan for being too ambitious, and Amazon’s for being too slow.
• The rivalry underscores a broader debate: Should space be a frontier for limitless expansion, or carefully regulated to ensure sustainability?

Amazon Opens Its Second Largest Office in Asia in Bengaluru

• Campus officially inaugurated by Dr. MB Patil, Minister for Large & Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development, Government of Karnataka.

Amazon today announced the opening of its second largest office in Asia in Bengaluru. The 1.1 million square feet, 12-storey campus will support over 7,000 employees across ecommerce, operations, payments, technology, and seller services in India. Built on a five-acre site approximately 15 kilometres from Kempegowda International Airport, the corporate building was officially inaugurated by Dr. M.B. Patil, Minister for Large & Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development, Government of Karnataka.

The new corporate building has been thoughtfully designed to bring teams together at scale and enable collaboration, flexibility, learning, and wellbeing. The launch of this new campus is part of Amazon’s continued investments in India. The company has already invested over $40 billion in India and has committed to invest an additional $35 billion in India by 2030.

According to Dr. M.B. Patil, Minister for Large & Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development, Government of Karnataka, “Amazon’s continued investment in Bengaluru reflects India's growing role as a global technology and innovation hub. Large-scale campuses like Amazon’s new campus create high-quality jobs, strengthen local ecosystem, and support India's digital economy. We welcome investments that build long-term capability and create opportunity for our workforce.”

According to Samir Kumar, Country Manager Amazon India, "India continues to be a long-term priority for Amazon, and Bengaluru has played a central role in our journey here. Over the years, the city has been home to some of our earliest technology and business teams, and today it remains a key hub for innovation and talent. We are grateful to Dr. M.B. Patil for joining us to inaugurate this campus and for Government of Karnataka’s continued support. As we build for customers in India and around the world, we remain committed to investing in infrastructure, technology, and talent for the long term."

The campus brings together adaptable workspaces and collaborative zones organised into self-sustaining neighbourhoods with meeting rooms, huddle spaces, breakout areas, and event spaces that can host more than 200 people. Employees have access to dedicated recreation facilities including basketball and pickleball courts, an amphitheater, landscaped lawns, and outdoor community spaces. Cafeterias across two floors serve a range of global cuisines.

Amazon’s new campus represents progress in our effort to reduce carbon across our corporate office portfolio, aligned with Amazon’s goal of reaching net-zero carbon by 2040 under The Climate Pledge. The project incorporates strategies such as responsible material sourcing, reuse of office assets, and high-efficiency systems that are intended to reduce embodied and operational carbon.

Amazon in Karnataka

Amazon has significant presence in Karnataka with ten corporate offices, seven fulfillment centers, three sort centers, over 130 last mile delivery stations, and a robust network of micro-FCs for Amazon Now across Bengaluru. Additionally, over 80,000 sellers from Karnataka are already selling on Amazon.in.

About Amazon

Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Amazon strives to be Earth’s Most Customer-Centric Company, Earth’s Best Employer, and Earth’s Safest Place to Work. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Career Choice, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, Alexa, Just Walk Out technology, Amazon Studios, and The Climate Pledge are some of the things pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit www.aboutamazon.in

Amazon India Teams with IIT Roorkee to Curb Stubble Burning Through Crop-Waste Packaging

• Research collaboration develops strong, durable paper mailers from agricultural waste to reduce reliance on virgin wood pulp and address stubble-burning challenges

Amazon India today announced a collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee to develop innovative packaging materials from agricultural waste. This project aims to create non-wood paper technology that diverts agricultural waste from burning while reducing pressure on virgin wood pulp. These lightweight yet strong packaging materials offer recyclable and home-compostable alternatives to traditional wood pulp paper or plastic bags.

The research will focus on converting crop residues such as wheat straw and bagasse into high-quality pulp for paper mailers with performance comparable to conventional paper packaging. This helps reduce stubble burning in India by turning agricultural waste into valuable packaging material. It also reduces dependency on imported virgin wood pulp and could create additional income for farmers by providing a market for agricultural residues.

The collaboration with IIT Roorkee’s Department of Paper and Packaging Technology will begin with lab-scale development and testing over a 15-month period. Subject to successful performance tests, Amazon will provide support to progress to industrial trials, process validation, and commercial production by mid to late next year.

Abhinav Singh, Vice President of Operations at Amazon India said “At Amazon, we are building and managing India’s fastest, safest, and most reliable operations network, and we’re committed to making it more sustainable. As part of this effort, we’re partnering with IIT Roorkee to develop innovative packaging from crop residue. India generates nearly 500 million tons of this waste annually, and by repurposing it into packaging, we can support a more circular economy while reducing reliance on conventional materials."

Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant, Director IIT Roorkee said, "Sustainability is no longer a choice, it is an urgent national priority. This collaboration between IIT Roorkee and Amazon is a step towards realizing India’s vision of a circular economy, aligned with government missions such as Swachh Bharat, Startup India, and the National Resource Efficiency Policy. By transforming agricultural residues into biodegradable packaging materials, we are addressing the twin challenges of stubble burning and a reliance on virgin materials in India, while creating scalable solutions that can benefit industries, farmers, and society at large. This initiative showcases how academic research and industry partnerships can accelerate India’s journey towards a more sustainable, and self-reliant future.”

Dr. Anurag Kulshreshtha from the INNOPAP Lab (Innovations in Paper and Packaging) at the Department of Paper and Packaging Technology at IIT Roorkee, Saharanpur Campus will be leading this research project.

As part of its ongoing efforts to reduce packaging, Amazon ships more than 50% of all customer orders in India either in their original packaging or with reduced packaging. The company ships customer orders in product packaging to more than 300 cities across the country. Since 2019, Amazon India has eliminated 100% of single-use plastic from its packaging across fulfillment centers.

Amazon India is committed to powering our operations more sustainably. The Climate Pledge is Amazon’s goal to reach net-zero carbon across our operations by 2040. We’ve worked fast and made impactful progress over a short period of time, including through investments in carbon-free energy, packaging innovations, electrification of our transport network, circularity improvements, and AI. Amazon has set a goal to return more water to communities in India than it uses in its direct operations by 2027.

About Amazon

Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Amazon strives to be Earth’s Most Customer-Centric Company, Earth’s Best Employer, and Earth’s Safest Place to Work. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfilment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Career Choice, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, Alexa, Just Walk Out technology, Amazon Studios, and The Climate Pledge are some of the things pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit aboutamazon.in and follow @AmazonNews.

Amazon India Collaborates with Govt Bodies to Support Artisans, Women-Led Enterprises, and Emerging Startups

• Amazon aims to expand digital access and income opportunities for traditional artisan communities through the PM Vishwakarma Scheme
• Endeavours to strengthen women-led businesses and early-stage startups through enhanced Saheli Accelerate and prioritised launch assistance to onboard on Amazon. 
• Supports advance logistics research and multimodal transport innovation through a new collaboration with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya

Amazon India today announced collaborations with multiple Government of India-run institutions to support traditional artisans, women-led enterprises, emerging startups, and research-driven innovation in India’s logistics ecosystem. These partnerships with the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME), the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), and Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) under the Ministry of Railways – aim to expand market access, build capability, and contribute meaningfully to India’s economic priorities.

Speaking on the partnerships, Samir Kumar, Country Manager, Amazon India said,

We are committed to working closely with these Government of India institutions to support artisans, entrepreneurs, and the evolving logistics ecosystem. These collaborations are opportunities to contribute to India’s long-term development goals while expanding access and opportunity for communities and businesses across the country.

Amazon is collaborating with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV), India’s first university dedicated to transportation and logistics, to deepen research and sector capability. The partnership is being formalized through an MoU with the Office of the Vice Chancellor and will focus on railway freight corridors, multimodal transport, technology-led logistics efficiency, and sustainability initiatives. It will also include the publication of a report on warehousing opportunities and challenges in India. As part of the engagement, Amazon will support a dedicated research chair position at GSV to advance long-term work in areas of shared interest.

Prof. Manoj Choudhary, Vice Chancellor, Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, said,

GSV is committed to shaping the future of India’s logistics sector through rigorous research and specialised talent development, being the only university for the sector in the country. Our collaboration with the logistics leader Amazon India brings valuable industry insights that will help informed planning, design, and innovation across logistics and transportation through coworking projects.

Amazon India has also partnered with MoMSME to support the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, which enables traditional artisans and craftspeople – including blacksmiths, goldsmiths, potters, carpenters, and sculptors – whose skills are passed down through generations. These artisans will be onboarded on amazon.in under Amazon’s Karigar program enabling them to showcase handmade products across categories such as apparel, home décor, footwear, and jewellery. Amazon’s Karigar program works with government bodies and artisan cooperatives to preserve traditional crafts and provide artisans with greater digital and market access.

Dr. Rajneesh, Additional Secretary and Development Commissioner, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, said,

The PM Vishwakarma Scheme aims to strengthen India’s traditional artisans by improving access to tools, training, and markets. Our collaboration with Amazon India will support these artisans in participating more meaningfully in the digital economy and in building sustainable livelihoods, contributing towards our vision of a Viksit Bharat. 

Amazon has also expanded its collaboration with DPIIT to further support women-led businesses and early-stage startups. Under the strengthened partnership, the Saheli Accelerate program will scale from 18 to 50 women-led businesses – with a sharper focus on Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities and deeper mentorship support. Amazon will additionally offer prioritized onboarding and launch assistance to direct to customer startups joining the Amazon.in marketplace.

Shri Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, said, “DPIIT continues to work toward strengthening India’s innovation landscape, especially among women-led businesses and young startups. Startup India’s collaboration with Amazon India helps extend these efforts by broadening access to mentorship, markets, and early-stage support.”

Amazon Commits $35B to India: AI, Exports, and Millions of Jobs by 2030

Amazon has announced it will invest more than $35 billion in India by 2030, focusing on AI-driven digitization, boosting exports to $80 billion, and creating millions of jobs.

• Scale of investment: Over $35 billion by 2030, building on nearly $40 billion already invested since 2010.
• Strategic pillars:
  • AI-driven digitization – extending AI benefits to 15 million small businesses.
  • Exports growth – cumulative exports expected to reach $80 billion by 2030.
  • Job creation – between 1 million to 3.8 million new jobs projected.
• Broader impact: Amazon has already digitized 12 million small businesses and enabled $20 billion in exports from India.
• Global context: This comes right after Microsoft’s $17.5 billion AI and cloud investment in India, signaling a competitive race among tech giants.

Why India?

• Digital-first economy: India’s rapid adoption of cloud and AI makes it a hotspot for global tech firms.
• Manufacturing & exports: Amazon sees India as a hub for e-commerce exports, leveraging its seller base to reach global markets.
• Workforce potential: With a young, tech-savvy population, India offers a massive talent pool for AI and cloud expansion.

Risks & Challenges

• Regulatory hurdles: India’s evolving digital competition laws and data localization rules could complicate operations.
• Infrastructure gaps: Despite progress, cloud and AI adoption in smaller cities may face bandwidth and training challenges.
• Competitive landscape: Reliance Jio, Flipkart, and other domestic players are aggressively expanding in cloud and AI, intensifying competition.
• Geopolitical factors: Trade tensions and global supply chain disruptions could affect export targets.

Strategic Impact

• For India: This is one of the largest foreign investments ever, reinforcing India’s position as a global digital hub.
• For Amazon: Strengthens its foothold in a high-growth market, diversifies away from slower Western economies, and positions itself as a leader in AI-enabled commerce.
• For small businesses: Access to AI tools, global markets, and digital infrastructure could transform MSMEs into export-ready enterprises.

Amazon Commits $12.7B to India’s AI Growth, Empowering 15M SMBs and 4M Students by 2030

Amazon has announced a massive $12.7 billion investment in India’s AI and cloud infrastructure by 2030, aiming to empower over 15 million small businesses and provide AI literacy to 4 million government-school students.

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Key highlights of Amazon’s India AI push

• Investment size: $12.7 billion allocated to local cloud and AI infrastructure by 2030.
• Target audience:
  • 15 million SMBs: Access to AI tools like seller assistants, generative listing tools, creative ad studios, and video generators.
  • 4 million students: AI literacy and career awareness programs in government schools.
• Government alignment: Supports India’s AI Mission, focusing on accessibility, productivity, and digital inclusion.
• Infrastructure expansion: Strengthening AWS capacity in Telangana and Maharashtra, extending access to tier-3 entrepreneurs.
• Consumer benefits: More personalized shopping on Amazon.in through deeper AI integration, including its assistant Rufus.

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Strategic implications

• For SMBs: AI tools deliver enterprise-grade intelligence and lower advertising/content creation costs.
• For students: AI literacy prepares youth for future tech careers and broadens access beyond elite institutions.
• For India’s tech ecosystem: Positions India as a global AI hub and accelerates innovation via Amazon’s infrastructure.

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Risks and challenges

• Digital divide: Rural and underserved access requires strong local government partnerships.
• Data privacy and regulation: Compliance with India’s DPDP Act could be complex for AI-driven services.
• Competition: Heavy investments from Reliance Jio, Google, and Microsoft intensify market battles.
• Infrastructure bottlenecks: Power, connectivity, and cloud adoption in smaller towns may slow rollout.

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Big picture

Amazon’s bet goes beyond e-commerce—embedding into India’s digital public infrastructure. Targeting SMBs and students frames AI as both a growth engine and social equalizer, potentially redefining India’s role in the global AI economy by 2030.

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Comparative AI Investment Strategies in India

Amazon’s $12.7B AI investment in India is part of a broader race among tech giants including Microsoft, Google, and Reliance Jio. Each company is targeting different audiences and infrastructure priorities to shape India’s AI future.

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Key Highlights

• Amazon: Focused on SMB empowerment and student AI literacy, aligned with India’s AI Mission.
• Microsoft: Driving enterprise adoption and workforce skilling through Copilot and cloud expansion.
• Google: Building India’s largest AI hub in Vizag, supporting startups and deep-tech ecosystems.
• Reliance Jio: Positioning as India’s homegrown AI champion with giga-scale data centers and consumer-first AI.

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Comparative Table

Company	Investment Size & Timeline	Focus Areas	Target Audience	Infrastructure & Partnerships	Strategic Positioning
Amazon	$12.7B by 2030	AI tools for SMBs, AI literacy for students, cloud expansion	15M SMBs, 4M govt-school students	AWS expansion in Telangana & Maharashtra; supports India’s AI Mission	Embedding AI into commerce + education; democratizing access
Microsoft	$3B over 2 years (2025–2027)	Cloud + AI infra, skilling, Copilot ecosystem	10M people skilled by 2030; half a million by 2026	New data centers; AI Innovation Network; govt partnerships	Positioning India as AI-first nation; enterprise + workforce skilling
Google	~$15B over 5 years (2026–2030)	AI hub in Vizag; AI Futures Fund for startups; consumer AI stack	Startups, developers, consumers	AI hub in Andhra Pradesh; partnership with Accel Atoms; Adani $5B co-investment	Building India’s largest AI infra hub; deep-tech startup ecosystem
Reliance (Jio)	$11B by 2030	AI-native data centers; “Reliance Intelligence” GenAI push	Enterprises, consumers, govt	JV with Brookfield & Digital Realty; 1GW AI campus in Vizag	Aggressive GenAI play; “AI everywhere for every Indian” vision

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Key Takeaways

• Amazon: Socially inclusive, targeting SMBs and students.
• Microsoft: Enterprise adoption and workforce skilling.
• Google: Infrastructure scale and startup ecosystems.
• Reliance: Homegrown AI champion with giga-scale infra.

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Risks & Challenges

• Overlap in Vizag: Google and Reliance both building mega AI hubs in Visakhapatnam.
• Regulatory compliance: Navigating India’s DPDP Act and evolving AI governance frameworks.
• Digital divide: Amazon’s SMB/student rollout may face infra challenges in tier-3 towns.
• Market saturation: $40B+ combined investments risk overcapacity unless demand scales rapidly.

Apple, Amazon, Meta Join Forces Against Indian Telcos Over 6 GHz Wi‑Fi Spectrum

Apple, Amazon, Cisco, Meta, along with HP and Intel, have formally opposed Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea’s push to allocate the 6 GHz band for mobile services, instead urging that the entire band be reserved for Wi‑Fi use.

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What’s happening

• Indian telcos’ demand: Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea want the 6 GHz band (6425–7125 MHz) included in upcoming spectrum auctions for mobile broadband expansion.
• Tech majors’ stance: Apple, Amazon, Cisco, Meta, HP, and Intel submitted a joint response to TRAI’s consultation paper, opposing this demand. They insist the band should be allocated to Wi‑Fi services, not mobile networks.
• Government’s plan: India has said 400 MHz of the 6 GHz band is available for auction now, 300 MHz will be available by 2030, and 500 MHz will be delicensed for low‑power Wi‑Fi applications.

Why the clash matters

• Telcos’ argument: Mobile operators want more spectrum to handle surging data demand, especially for 5G and future 6G.
• Tech giants’ counterpoint: The 6 GHz band is globally being opened for Wi‑Fi, supporting faster, more reliable connectivity in homes, offices, and public spaces; technical readiness for mobile (IMT) use is not established, making allocation for IMT premature; Wi‑Fi expansion benefits device makers and enterprise networks, aligning with their ecosystem strategies.

Global context

• United States & Europe: Large portions of the 6 GHz band have already been delicensed for Wi‑Fi 6E and Wi‑Fi 7.
• India’s decision: Will set a precedent for balancing licensed spectrum for telcos vs. unlicensed spectrum for tech ecosystems.

Key takeaways

• Allocation preference: Tech majors want 6 GHz for Wi‑Fi, not mobile.
• Telco position: Indian telcos want it auctioned for 5G/6G expansion.
• Policy path: Government is considering a hybrid approach—auctioning part, delicensing part, and holding back some for future use.
• Impact: The outcome will shape India’s digital infrastructure, influencing whether homes and enterprises get faster Wi‑Fi or telcos get more mobile spectrum.

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Comparative Map of 6 GHz Spectrum Allocation

Region	Allocation Decision	Key Details	Policy Direction
United States	Entire 6 GHz band (5925–7125 MHz) opened for unlicensed Wi‑Fi	Supports Wi‑Fi 6E and Wi‑Fi 7; FCC made full band available for Wi‑Fi in 2020	Strong push for Wi‑Fi ecosystem; telcos rely on other mid‑bands for 5G
European Union	Lower 6 GHz (5925–6425 MHz) opened for Wi‑Fi; upper 6 GHz (6425–7125 MHz) under debate	Wi‑Fi Coalition and Dynamic Spectrum Alliance lobbying for full unlicensed access; mobile operators want upper band for IMT	Split approach; EU regulators still deciding on upper band, but momentum favors Wi‑Fi
China	Upper 6 GHz (6425–7125 MHz) allocated for licensed mobile (5G/6G)	MIIT calls 6 GHz “the only high‑quality mid‑band” for future mobile; already positioned for 5G/6G rollout	Clear pro‑mobile stance; prioritizes IMT over Wi‑Fi
India	400 MHz for auction now, 300 MHz by 2030, 500 MHz delicensed for Wi‑Fi	TRAI consultation ongoing; telcos (Jio, Vi) want more for IMT, while tech majors (Apple, Amazon, Cisco, Meta, Intel, HP) demand full Wi‑Fi allocation	Hybrid model: partial auction + partial Wi‑Fi; balancing telco needs with device ecosystem

Key Insights

• US & EU: Favor Wi‑Fi, seeing it as critical for homes, enterprises, and innovation.
• China: Prioritizes mobile operators, ensuring 6 GHz strengthens 5G/6G capacity.
• India: Trying to balance both worlds—auctioning some spectrum for telcos while delicensing a large chunk for Wi‑Fi.

Why This Matters

• For consumers: Wi‑Fi allocation means faster, cheaper connectivity indoors; mobile allocation strengthens outdoor 5G/6G coverage.
• For industry: Device makers benefit from Wi‑Fi expansion; telcos benefit from IMT allocation.
• For policy: India’s hybrid stance could become a global test case for balancing competing ecosystem demands.

Amazon Editors’ Best Books of 2025

Amazon Editors have unveiled their Best Books of 2025 list, with Patrick Ryan’s Buckeye taking the No. 1 spot. The list marks the 25th anniversary of Amazon’s annual tradition and highlights standout titles across genres from fiction to biography, history, mystery, and romantasy.

Top picks

• #1: Buckeye by Patrick Ryan: A “quietly magnetic and compassionate” multigenerational tale about two Midwestern families linked by a secret; described as a “true Great American Novel.”

Other featured titles

• Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid: A richly layered novel exploring relationships and identity.
• Awake by Jen Hatmaker: A memoir blending humor, resilience, and personal growth.
• The Correspondent by Virginia Evans: A sharp, character-driven narrative about journalism and truth.
• The Boys in the Light by Nina Willner: Historical fiction with emotional depth.
• The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong: Lyrical, poetic storytelling.
• Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy: Eco-fiction with themes of survival and nature.

Why this list matters

• 25th anniversary: Editors spend thousands of hours reading, debating, and voting on impactful titles.
• Themes of 2025: Found family and finding calm amidst chaos; many books feature shorter chapters.
• Reader engagement: Live conversation with Patrick Ryan and Editorial Director Sarah Gelman on November 12, 2025.

Takeaway

The Top Books of 2025 span genres and audiences, but Buckeye stands out as the defining novel of the year—blending family drama, generational secrets, and compassionate storytelling.

Amazon Unveils Blue Jay and Project Eluna to Revolutionize Warehouse Robotics and AI

Amazon has just unveiled two cutting-edge technologies—Blue Jay and Project Eluna—designed to transform its operations network by enhancing safety, efficiency, and decision-making for front-line employees.

Blue Jay: Multi-Arm Robotics System

• Functionality: Coordinates multiple robotic arms in a single station to perform picking, stowing, and consolidating tasks simultaneously.
• Efficiency Boost: Replaces three separate robotic stations with one streamlined unit, handling ~75% of item types stored at Amazon sites.
• Design: Ceiling-mounted system that moves packages at high speeds, already deployed in select fulfillment centers.

Project Eluna: Agentic AI for Smarter Decisions

Project Eluna – An Agentic AI system

• Project Eluna will be piloted at a fulfillment center in Tennessee to assist operators this holiday season, working initially on sortation optimization. Operators can ask questions like, “Where should we shift people to avoid a bottleneck?” and receive clear, data-backed recommendations. The goal: less putting out fires, more foresight.
• Purpose: Supports front-line employees by simplifying complex decisions and optimizing workflows.
• Agentic AI: Goes beyond traditional automation by acting as a collaborative decision-making partner, not just a tool.
• Impact: Helps reduce repetitive tasks, improve safety, and open new career pathways for employees.

Blue Jay and Project Eluna join other new robotics and AI systems we launched this year, including Vulcan, Amazon’s first robot with a sense of touch designed to assist with ergonomically challenging tasks, and DeepFleet, an AI foundation model that coordinates large fleets of mobile robots across facilities.