Taurus 

(April 20 - May 20)

WEEKEND OF JULY 02 - 03, 2016

Money matters weigh on your mind, but think twice before investing, Taurus. Your usual financial savvy is skewed on Saturday thanks to the moon in Gemini and your fiscal second house forming a dicey square to deceptive Neptune. An unexpected expense could rear up, throwing your budget for a loop. Lofty dreams could go bust if you don't lay the financial framework first. Nobody's perfect Bull, so don't be so hard on yourself over a few miscalculations. The clouds part on Sunday and you see much clearer, with the Sun in Cancer and your communicative third house forming a gilded trine to manifestation-magnet Neptune. A plan you thought was thwarted could be revived with a little creativity. While you may not have the necessary details quite mapped out, an out-of-the-box approach will serve you well and prompt an illuminating breakthrough. Hone your right brain with free-writing, journaling, vision-boarding, drawing or painting, and your best ideas will begin to flow freely.

Aries 

(March 21 - April 19)

WEEKEND OF JULY 02 - 03, 2016

Ground yourself, Ram! On Saturday the moon in Gemini and your mental third house forms a touchy square to ethereal Neptune, pulling your head up in the clouds. While there's nothing wrong with a daydreamy escape, you don't want to get lost in your thoughts and lose touch with your sensible side. Watch out for jumping to conclusions and unnecessary suspicions and check the facts first. This is not the day for risk-taking without foresight, Aries. Sunday brings you back down to earth with a dose of nostalgia, as a homey Sun-Neptune trine leads you on a stroll down memory lane. Peruse old photo streams or albums; dig up the childhood mementos from the dusty shoebox in the attic. Embrace the slow pace of the day to get in touch with your emotions as the memories come flooding in. Spend time with a nurturing woman who uplifts you whenever you're feeling down.

Gemini 

(May 21 - June 20)

WEEKEND OF JULY 02 - 03, 2016
Seeing double? On Saturday you could feel lost in a funhouse filled with mirrors as the moon in Gemini and your first house of self forms a tricky square to illusory Neptune. Try as you might to say what you mean, others may misunderstand you entirely and even take offense. If you have to continue explaining yourself, maybe that means you're not communicating your point effectively. Step back and think it through. You could get caught in an emotional tug-o-war with a relative, unable to fully grasp what the other person is trying to say. If you feel someone has been dishonest, distance yourself from this person for a few days to gather your thoughts. On Sunday the Sun in your stabilizing second house shifts your focus to your career. But all work and no play especially makes for one dull Gemini! Instead, channel the creative aspects of your job instead of fussing over the analytical details. If you find yourself teetering into obsessive territory, switch gears and spend time with your crew. Watch for extra sensitivity under this starmap though, as others could easily push your buttons now. Keep an open mind and heart—and check your tone, too.

Cancer 

(June 21 - July 22)

WEEKEND OF JULY 02 - 03, 2016
Bite your tongue, Cancer. Tempted as you may be to let zingers fly on Saturday, you'll regret those words fast. The moon in your illusory twelfth house forms a tricky square to deceptive Neptune. You may THINK you know what's going on in a situation…but in reality you may have no idea. Better to don your detective's hat and investigate by asking questions, rather than point the accusatory finger. If it turns out that you were right all along, there's no need for an "I told you so." Others are feeling just as sensitive under this starmap as you, Crab. On Sunday, let your wanderlust run wild. Your daydreaming could send you on a fantastic voyage, thanks to the Sun in Cancer forming a gleaming trine to mirage-making Neptune. You could feel a deep longing to travel now. How about that trek to Machu Picchu, or touring the old cities of Croatia that overlook the Adriatic Sea? Sounds great…BUT with unrealistic Neptune involved, this is no time for impulsive bookings. Try bringing these fantasy-fueled vibes to your own backyard and explore somewhere new locally for now. Step outside your comfort zone and check out a new neighborhood; strike up a conversation at a coffee shop with a stranger, slip off for a quick day trip.

Leo 

(July 23 - August 22)

WEEKEND OF JULY 02 - 03, 2016
Business and pleasure don't always jibe well—especially when friends are involved. On Saturday the moon in Gemini and your collaborative eleventh house forms a tense square to deceptive Neptune, clouding your judgment around a team endeavor. Maybe you're planning a weekend getaway with your crew and someone is being difficult about the accommodations. Or, another friend is vying for your attention and your responsibilities around the house get put on the back burner. You can't please everyone, Leo, so you may as well divide your time in a way that serves your needs, first. Relax on Sunday and opt for herbal iced tea instead of that second cup of coffee. With the Sun in Cancer and your twelfth house of the psyche forming a trine to ethereal Neptune, you could be extra sensitive to stimulants now. Your world might seem like a Dali painting today—so ride the waves of surrealism and see where they take you. Daydream with childlike wonder and lose all inhibition. Go for a walk in nature (near a body of water if you can) and definitely drink plenty of H2O, too. Once you snap out of this spell you could very well have your next big idea for a short story, a song or some other piece of art. Just be sure to write it down!

Virgo 

(August 23 - September 22)

WEEKEND OF JULY 02 - 03, 2016
It may be the weekend, but your mind is still on work. On Saturday you could wonder where your professional life is headed, thanks to a confusing square between the moon in Gemini and your career-oriented tenth house and hazy Neptune. Maybe you're supposed to be a playwright instead of a project manager, or a director instead of a data analyst. Try not to freak out and start a manic planning spree, Virgo. Do a little soul-searching (and researching) to play out different possible options. On Sunday, get out of your head and connect with people already! With the Sun in Cancer and your eleventh house of group activity forming a compassionate trine to empathic Neptune, you could also be the one leaning on someone else for support. It's about time! Keep it light and positive, especially with group endeavors—mimosas, anyone? Letting yourself relax and be vulnerable with your crew is the best catharsis of all. Sparks could even fly with a certain someone you never thought of "that way." Enjoy the good vibes; by Monday you'll be back to your famously methodical, meticulous ways.

Libra 

(September 23 - October 22)

WEEKEND OF JULY 02 - 03, 2016
Activate: wanderlust! Adventures is calling on Saturday, though you're not quite sure where to go. With a dicey square between the moon in your globetrotting ninth house and foggy Neptune, map out the details of an upcoming trip before assuming that it will just work out. Heed the saying: If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Are you skimming over the fine print, Libra? Pay attention to the details and you'll avoid needless drama. Let intuition guide your goals on Sunday when the Sun in your ambitious tenth house forms a dreamy trine to ethereal Neptune. If uncertainty has held you back, your inner compass can help make your path clear. Listen carefully to others rather than waiting for your turn to speak, or you could miss an important clue. Pay attention to tone and body language, too.

Scorpio 

(October 23 - November 21)

WEEKEND OF JULY 02 - 03, 2016
Unsolved mysteries? On Saturday the moon in your intense eighth house forms a dicey square to hazy Neptune, clouding your judgment. Things are not what they seem and people may not mean what they say now. Your suspicions are at an all-time high, but before you start snooping around behind someone's back, remember that the risk of getting caught does will not yield the reward of whatever it is you may find. Get the whole story by asking this person to be upfront with you instead. On Sunday the Sun in your expansive ninth house forms a golden trine to dreamy Neptune, prompting you to broaden your horizons. Search the travel blogs and look for last-minute deals—you could hit the jackpot out of the blue and book a trip somewhere you've always wanted to go. Let these imaginative vibes carry over into your job, too…could your work-life balance use an upgrade? Imagine if you didn't have to spend all of your efforts slaving away at your current gig and could devote a little extra time to a passion project. It IS possible, Scorpio, and if anyone can make it happen, YOU can. Be creative.

Sagittarius 

(November 22 - December 21)

WEEKEND OF JULY 02 - 03, 2016
Spinning your wheels? Saturday's partnership-driven moon forms a dicey square to deceptive Neptune. You might not have all the information, which could falter your decision-making process. Your perception is skewed—whether you consciously realize it—and that's why you're so conflicted. Table discussions until next week if you can. On Sunday, you've got money on your mind. You might even benefit from thinking back to your childhood to see where your spending habits may have first taken shape. Have you inherited your money mindset from a parent or relative—and if so has this affected your current financial standing for better or worse? You may also realize a few limiting beliefs that you're still holding on to, such as "you can't be an artist and pay the bills" or "you've gotta start from the bottom and work your way up." Drop these ideas if they're no longer serving you, Sagittarius, and replace them with reaffirming beliefs like: "money is energy and energy is limitless" or "I can create a life I truly want to live."

Capricorn 

(December 22 - January 19)

WEEKEND OF JULY 02 - 03, 2016
Analysis paralysis alert! On Saturday, the moon in Gemini and your micromanaging sixth house forms a dicey square to foggy Neptune. Your thoughts could lead down a fruitless rabbit hole. The sixth house rules wellness, and your emotions could "talk" to you through your body, vying for your attention with little aches or pains. Put the self-diagnosis and Dr. Googling on ice, Capricorn. Look up a few ACTUAL doctors to set up appointments next week instead. There are plenty of functional medicine doctors out there that work with you to explore the root cause of your symptoms. Ground yourself in the meantime with a restorative spa day, a bike ride in the park or a nice long, leisurely walk outdoors. On Sunday, the Sun in your relationship house sidles up to dreamy Neptune, forming a harmonious trine. Hello, relationship bliss! Couples get a cosmic refresh under this starmap, especially if things have felt stale lately. Single? A conversation could spark an attraction or synergy, so get out and mingle. Drop the lone ranger act already!

Aquarius 

(January 20 - February 18)

WEEKEND OF JULY 02 - 03, 2016
Think you've got it all figured out? Guess again. Your diplomacy goes out the window on Saturday as you mount your high horse, and you could catch yourself scoffing at the unwashed commoners below you. Whoa, Aquarius! Others may seem less evolved than your radical, innovative self, but is it YOU who's potentially missing the mark? Ask thought-provoking questions and explain your avant-garde ideas, rather than assuming that people just don't "get" you. If you have something to teach, meet people at their level. Your sensitivity is heightened on Sunday, making it difficult for you to stay focused and get anything productive done. Someone may lean on you for support or you could feel tugged in more directions than you can handle. Stay centered, say "no" when needed and be sure to carve out some solo space today to get yourself calm and centered.

Pisces 

(February 19 - March 20)

WEEKEND OF JULY 02 - 03, 2016
Highly sensitive Pisces, alert! On Saturday you could absorb other people's emotions like a sponge, as the moon gets caught in a snag with troubling Neptune. People may need your support under these sensitive skies, but can you really be there for everyone? The short answer: No. Nurture yourself first and if there's anything left over, take stock of what you're able to give. We're not saying you should ignore someone who's hurting, but ensuring that you're on a solid foundation will help you to better show up for this person. Skip the drama today, and if some gossip rears its ugly head, you have permission to walk away! Your creative juices flow on Sunday with expressive Sun angling your ruling planet Neptune, so dive headfirst into those artistic waters and be sure to bring a pen or paintbrush with you. For inspiration, beat the heat at an air-conditioned museum and see that new exhibit. If the spotlight beckons today embrace it—you're irresistible as ever under this starmap so don't be shy about glamming it up.

FRANKFURT: German top-of-the-range car maker BMW announced on Friday that it is joining forces with US computer chip giant Intel and the Israeli technology firm Mobileye to develop self-driving cars.

The three companies “are collaborating to bring solutions for highly and fully automated driving into series production by 2021,” they said in a joint statement.

The news comes amid growing interest in self-driving cars following tests over the past few years by Google and research by several major automakers.

The aim of the collaboration was to develop solutions that would enable drivers not only to take their hands off the steering wheel, but also reach a stage where they could also take their eyes of the road and ultimately their mind off driving, the statement continued.

The final stage would then be “driver off”, or without a human driver inside.

“This establishes the opportunity for self-driving fleets by 2021 and lays the foundation for entirely new business models in a connected, mobile world,” the partners said.

While the auto industry sees self-driving cars as the way forward, US electric car company Tesla announced earlier that a driver was killed in a car crash in Florida in May while using the “autopilot” self-driving mechanism on one of its models.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said it had opened a “preliminary evaluation” into the performance of the autopilot function in the wake of the crash.

It’s not a great moment to be a Saudi diplomat in Washington these days. The Republican presidential candidate thinks your country should pay for US military protection. The Democratic president is seeking warmer ties with your arch-enemy, Iran. And the US intelligence community is expected to soon declassify 28 pages of a 2003 Congressional report a former senator says implicates the kingdom in financing the terror attacks of Sept 11, 2001.

This last point is particularly sensitive. The 28 pages were classified as part of the first congressional investigation into the 9/11 attacks, and they raise several questions about an alleged Saudi network in the US that aided two of the hijackers, according to press accounts and officials who have read them. Many of those questions surround a Saudi official named Fahad al-Thumairy, who was in contact with two of the hijackers when they came to San Diego in 2000. The FBI said Thumairy dissembled when being interviewed by agents.

Read: S. Arabia warns US over censure move

Former Florida Senator Bob Graham, who was the Democratic chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee when it investigated the attacks, has been promising in recent months that the 28 pages are explosive. Others have taken a different view. On April 27, the co-chairs of the 9/11 commission, Tom Kean and Lee Hamilton, issued a lengthy statement saying the 28 pages represented raw and unvetted information. They reiterated the commission’s conclusion that they found no evidence the Saudi government or senior Saudi officials individually funded Al Qaeda. CIA director John Brennan, a former station chief in Saudi Arabia, said as much himself this month.

Nonetheless, the Saudis are nervous. Nail al-Jubeir, the director of information and congressional affairs at the kingdom’s embassy, told me on Wednesday he was looking forward to the publication of the 28 pages and he is hoping for zero redactions. “We don’t want a single word blacked out, this will just fuel the conspiracy theorists,” he said.

When I arrived at his offices, Jubeir handed me a 38-page report prepared by his embassy aimed at countering what Saudis expect will be the charges against the kingdom. The document is mainly a collection of selected quotes from senior US officials and government reports that repeat what most knowledgeable observers already know: Saudi Arabia has been a target of Al Qaeda and a partner in the US-led campaign against it.

As I reported in April, President Barack Obama has enhanced US military and intelligence ties with the Saudis in large part because they have proven to be a valuable ally against jihadist networks.

But this is only part of the story. The government in Riyadh represents a pact between the Saud royal family and a clerical establishment that promotes a corrosive and extreme version of Islam. And while the Saudis have improved dramatically in the last dozen years in regulating charities that were linked to Al Qaeda in the 1990s and terrorist financing in general, to this day Saudi Arabia promotes a kind of Supremacism that stokes an enmity of Jews, Christians, Shias and “apostates”.

Evidence for this is ample. Consider the textbooks Saudi Arabia uses in its own classrooms. A 2006 diplomatic cable, published by WikiLeaks, indicated that an eighth-grade textbook says, “God will punish any Muslim who does not literally obey God just as God punished some Jews by turning them into pigs and monkeys.”

Jubeir conceded that such textbooks have become more radical in recent years. He said many of his middle-age colleagues at the embassy don’t remember this kind of thing, but conceded that it was an issue that the government should have paid more mind. “When you don’t watch out and pay attention to the schools, it slowly creeps in,” he said, making a comparison to efforts by conservative evangelicals in the US. “Who would have thought that Pat Robertson’s groups were winning school board elections in the 1980s?”

Jubeir pushed back on the idea that Saudis impose an extremist curriculum on the schools and mosques they support around the world. “When we fund a school it’s in the curriculum of that country,” he said. “We don’t build a school unless there is an agreement. You can’t ask us to fund the mosque in the country and say it’s a Saudi-funded mosque when something goes wrong. No it’s you guys who didn’t keep an eye on the mosque.” He pointed out that the US paid for textbooks used in Pakistani refugee camps in the 1980s that also included these kinds of radical themes.

When asked about the growing number of public executions in the kingdom, Jubeir quipped, “Would you rather these people were executed indoors?” But he also insisted that Saudi justice is based on the rule of law. He said the king must approve every execution after it goes through a series of judges and court proceedings. “Do we punish criminals? Absolutely,” he said. “You commit a crime in Saudi Arabia, the justice is severe. We don’t make apologies for that. We have never claimed to be a Western liberal democracy; we have roots that go back thousands of years.”

He also dismissed any comparison between the Saudi system and the executions publicised by the militant Islamic State group. And on this, Jubeir has a point. The IS beheads aid workers and journalists and shares them on YouTube for propaganda.

But nonetheless, the Saudis promote an extreme version of Islam themselves, even if it is not as extreme as that of Al Qaeda and the IS. For example, in 2015, King Salman awarded Zakir Naik, an Indian Muslim televangelist, the kingdom’s “Service to Islam Award”. Naik insists that the US is a terrorist nation controlled by its Jewish minority. This month, Saudi state television aired four one-hour programmes featuring the Saudi imam Saad bin Ateeq al-Ateeq, who calls on God to punish Alawites, Jews and Christians.

David Weinberg, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies in Washington, told me that in this respect, the Saudis have not lived up to a 2014 communiqué its leaders signed with the US to combat radical and extremist ideologies.

“The Saudi government will point out that they are terrorism’s first victims,” Weinberg said. “But just because they are a target of the group, does not mean their policies are all judicious in this regard, some of their incitement feeds into terrorism in the peninsula.”

All of this goes back to 9/11 and the 28 pages. If US intelligence officials familiar with the 28 pages are right that they contain no hard evidence that Saudi Arabia financed or helped coordinate the worst act of terrorism in US history, then the kingdom is being framed.

But in another sense, Saudi Arabia is guilty. It has appeased and at times promoted an ideology that excuses and justifies the terrorism it fights quietly against, even as its leaders recognise they are the targets of these radicals.

—By arrangement with Bloomberg-The Washington Post

LONDON: Roger Federer has backed Novak Djokovic to fight his way back from the brink of Wimbledon elimination when the world number one resumes his third round match against Sam Querrey at two sets to love down.

The defending champion, who is looking to go level with Rod Laver's mark of 31 successive Grand Slam wins, fell victim to big-hitting 28th seed Querrey on Court One on Friday.

Djokovic, the two-time defending champion at Wimbledon and halfway to the first calendar Grand Slam in 47 years, was saved by the rain which brought an early close to the action.

Djokovic will now attempt to turn the match around on Saturday when he seeks to come back from two sets down for the fifth time in his career.

He did it against Kevin Anderson in the fourth round last year but failure against Querrey will condemn him to his earliest exit at Wimbledon in eight years.

“I always said it, the first week is tough,” said Federer who has lost the last two finals at the All England Club to Djokovic.

“Margins are small. I know we get carried away, we think it's impossible to beat him, all these things. Clearly he's beatable. It's not impossible.

“He cannot win straight 200 matches in tennis. You're going to have your losses. But he hasn't lost. That's the great thing for him. He can fight his way out of it.

“Still a long way away for Sam to get it done, especially with Novak's track record right now in the slams.”

Federer is the only man to have reached the last-16 so far after a rain-hit week which has forced organisers to schedule play on the middle Sunday for the first time since 2004 in an effort to clear the backlog.

Only 15 of 32 scheduled singles matches were completed on Friday with four second round ties still to be finished.

Centre Court action on Saturday sees Romanian fifth seed Simona Halep tackle Kiki Bertens of the Netherlands in the opener.

Then 2013 champion Andy Murray, the second seed, plays John Millman looking to extend his 17-0 Tour-level win-loss record against Australian players.

If Millman can cause an upset and become the lowest-ranked player to defeat Murray at a Grand Slam in 11 years, he would reach the round of 16 at a Grand Slam for the first time.

Jack Sock of the United States takes on Canadian sixth seed Milos Raonic in the last match on Centre Court Raonic leads their series 7-1 including a win at Wimbledon in 2014.

On Court One, Australian 15th seed Nick Kyrgios faces Spain's Feliciano Lopez.

Karena and Katrina share their beach-body secrets for the holiday weekend.​


Tone It Up founders Karena Dawn and Katrina Scott know exactly what they're wearing for July Fourth: "stars and stripes and abs and booty." When you're in the trainers-slash-BFFs' world, as their 1.3 million loyal followers are, a beach workout is just as much a part of the party as booze and burgers. They've already shown you their moves—now get a little more insight with the 10 rules they follow to keep their bods summer ready. Plus get a new, exclusive workout, all ahead.

1. Treat yourself

Karena and Katrina are all about creating a self-reward system. They suggest picking out something "fun and summery that you really want, like a bikini or a backless dress" and then putting aside a few dollars for every day you stay committed to your goal.

2. Eat lean, clean, and green
The duo claim the way to toned abs is "sticking to green veggies and lean proteins." They even have a hashtag to look up for healthy meal ideas, #LCG. Their favorite recipes, straight from the Tone It Up Nutrition Plan, are Crunchy Caliente Tacos, Black Blean Chili, and Strawberry Fields Chicken Bikini Wrap.

3. Refuel after your sweat sesh
A high-protein smoothie is a must in order to keep your metabolism high. "Protein also has a thermic effect, which means you're actually burning calories while you eat it," Karena and Katrina say. "You can keep it simple by blending together 1 cup coconut water, 1 scoop Organic Non-GMO Perfect Fit Protein, 1 cup frozen blueberries, and ½ frozen banana."

4. Count on HIIT
"HIIT [High Intensity Interval Training] workouts are great because they raise your heart rate and tone all areas of your body," the trainers claim. They suggest doing a HIIT workout one to two times a week for the best results. Here, they share an exclusive workout with ELLE.com. Do each move for one minute and complete two to three circuits.

ALTERNATING FRONT RAISES
TONE IT UP

JUMP SQUATS
TONE IT UP

KETTLEBELL DEADLIFT SWINGS
TONE IT UP

BAND CROSS WALKS
TONE IT UP

DOWN DOG TO TRICEP PUSH-UP AND KICKBACK
TONE IT UP

KETTLEBELL SIDE PLANK AND SWING
TONE IT UP


BICYCLES

5. Cardio is key
Even Karena and Katrina admit cardio is kind of ugh, but they insist there's a lot of variety you can play with. "You can go on a brisk walk with a friend, ride your bike to work, take a salsa class, or go for a dip in the ocean," they suggest. "Just get your body movin'!"

6. Roll out
The trainers make foam rolling a daily activity. "It's important for myofascial release and maintaining circulation and flexibility," they say. "Waking up sore is definitely not ideal when you have to get your workout in, so it's important to use your foam roller every day."

7. Stay hydrated
Yes, we know you've heard this one before, but Karena and Katrina stand by water as crucial for reaching your fitness goals (and getting glowing skin). "A lot of times when you're hungry, you are actually just dehydrated. Make sure to take in at least half your weight in ounces every day! Add an extra 15 ounces if you're working out or if it's a hot day," they advise.

8. Go on active friend dates
The duo swear by #SYC (sweat, yoga, cycle). "It essentially means to grab your favorite girlies and check out a new studio, take a yoga class, do some cycling, or go on a hike!" they say. "Just be active with your friends and you won't even notice that you're working out!"

9. Edit your drink order
Luckily, alcohol isn't totally off-limits for the trainers. "It's inevitable that you'll find yourself in a situation where you want a cocktail or two, and that's okay," they say, suggesting their Spicy Señorita Margarita recipe made with freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, jalapeños, and
tequila.

10. Never sweat solo
For Karena and Katrina, an accountability partner—i.e. someone to text you when you need a little more motivation—is key. There's a reason the Tone It Up community is 328,000 strong (and that's not counting all their millions of followers on social media). It's hard to fall off the wagon when you've got literally thousands of women cheering you on.

MUMBAI: The Indian makers of a $4 smartphone hope its low price will allow millions of the poorest people to own a mobile phone in a market with only 10 per cent penetration.

But labour rights campaigners worry that push to churn out cheap handsets and tablets may lead to greater abuse of workers' rights in India, the world's fastest-growing smartphone market.

Ringing Bells' Freedom 251 smartphone, whose launch in February crashed the company's website, is priced at 251 Indian rupees ─ possibly the cheapest Android smartphone in the world.

On Thursday, the company's chief executive Mohit Goel said the first shipment of about 200,000 handsets was due next week.

Ringing Bells pays fair wages to its workers and its pricier models will help offset the cost of the $4 phone, he added.

"Our vision is to make mobile phones more affordable to the millions of poor Indians who do not own one," Goel told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

India sold 103 million handsets last year, an increase of 29pc on the year before.

With only one in 10 Indians owning a mobile phone, there is enormous potential ─ much of it at the lower end of the market where dozens of local and foreign brands are vying for customers with some handsets selling for less than $25.

However, the pressure to keep costs low is pushing manufacturers to pay low wages, rely on cheaper contract labour and insist on unpaid overtime, activists say.

"Responsibility of the supply chain and workers lies with brand companies," said Gopinath Parakuni, general secretary at Cividep, a workers' rights campaign group.

"Our regulations simply aren't strong enough to ensure workers in the electronics industry are taken care of," he said.

'Who pays the price?'

Last month Cividep and Amsterdam-based GoodElectronics issued a report on Samsung Electronics, the leader in India's mobile market, which found that Samsung workers were poorly paid with no way to effectively have their grievances addressed.

A Samsung India spokesman said the company complies by all relevant labour laws and regulations wherever it operates.

"Fairness and respect for all are the values that form the foundation of our business," the spokesman said in a statement.

While most of the 100-odd phone companies in India largely import from China and Taiwan, companies are increasingly heeding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to “Make in India”, an initiative launched in 2014 to emulate China's export miracle.

Chinese phone maker Xiaomi rolled out its first locally made smartphones last year from a facility in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.

The 'Make in India' drive to boost manufacturing is aimed at luring more investment, raising economic growth and creating jobs in industries such as electronics and apparel.

But these efforts lack sufficient checks and balances for millions of workers who face archaic labour laws, low wages, few benefits and little job security in businesses that often flout laws on safety or underage workers, activists say.

In India's electronics industry, working conditions are 'among the worst', according to a 2013 report by Hong Kong-based labour rights non-profit Asia Monitor Resource Centre.

Not all efforts to produce cheap electronics have been successful. In 2008, the Indian government unveiled a $10 laptop that ended up costing more than $100, while a $20 Android tablet sold through a subsidy scheme failed to capture significant market share.

"Companies like to say cheap phones and computers is about digital empowerment and democracy," said Raphel Jose at the Centre for Responsible Business in New Delhi.

"But we must stop and ask, 'what is the real cost of these cheap devices? Who pays the price?' Cheap is not always good," he said.