Category: National

Dahua Technology has recently received two prestigious awards – ‘Smart Pitch Best Inovation (Device) and ‘Smart Pitch Best Presentation’ Awards – at the Gates India ICT Excellence Awards 2017. The event was held at Heritage Village Resort & Spa at Manesar on September 14, 2017 and attended by 250 top executives from ICT industry. The Gates Smart Pitch provided vendors an ideal opportunity to deliver a 90-second elevator pitch for their latest products or solutions on stage. The session featured three awards, with winners chosen in real-time through electronic voting by the galaxy of channel partners in the audience. Dahua’s innovative products presented in 90 second pitch were Wi-Fi, H.265, indoor pan & tilt camera with two way audio and cloud storage, night vision, 355 degree rotation, smart tracking, motion detection and two way talk. A leader in industry channel ecosystems, Gates India helps facilitate accelerated go-to-markets for organizations across consumer electronics, education and ICT through strategy and sales. Its capabilities include market study and scoping, channel provisioning and execution, enabling sales, launching new products and services, expanding into new geographies, competitive intelligence, market analysis and market share growth. Gates India provides a platform for aspiring organizations to grow their business globally, connects vendors to prospective channel partners across geographies and facilitates an efficient and effective go-to-market. It accelerates your sales process in the regions by giving you strategic inputs. Gates India Summits are a must-attend where vendors meet and interact with prospective and relevant channel partners in a pre-scheduled one-on-one meeting. It is a well-deserved honor for our products, and our capabilities and effectiveness. The two awards will surely goad and prod us to achieve many more in the Indian sub-continent in the coming years as we consider India and the SAARC region as very important markets for our security products and solutions. I dedicate these two awards to our team whose exemplary passion and commitment made our wining possible  Robbin Shen Director, India & SAARC, Dahua Technology  

Western Digital has recently co-hosted a roundtable conference on ‘Technology Modernization for Safer and Smarter Cities’ with Smart Cities Council at Mumbai. The conference primarily aimed at discussing initiatives to fuel the growth of surveillance security in India, the challenges faced, and the methods to address them. The discussions also focused around numerous initiatives that support and accelerate the vision of ‘Smart Cities;’ and help urban planners understand the framework of a smart city and take steps for collective and progressive growth. The roundtable for ‘Role of Video Surveillance Systems in making cities safer’ was moderated by Satish Mathur, Director General, Maharashtra Police. Other esteemed panenlists were Arun Unhale, Director, State Disaster Management Authority; Keshava Sharma, Regional Executive Director, Airport Authority of India; Khwaja Saifuddin, Senior Sales Director – South Asia, Middle East and Africa, Western Digital; Amitesh Kumar, JT. C.P. (Traffic) Mumbai Police; and D.R. Bhade, Senior Planner (NAINA), CIDCO. Stalwarts from the technology, security and urban development backgrounds appreciated the role of the organizers who provided such a multi-stakeholder platform to promote discussions on the surveillance for safer and smarter cities. Speaking at the event, KhwajaSaifuddin said, “The surveillance sector in india is expected to witnesses a robust growth due to rise of urban infratsructure accompanied by increasing spending on IT and security. Therefore it becomes imperative at this stage to set the video surveillance standards in place to achieve a common goal of enabling smarter and safer cities at a faster pace.” The discussion centred on the need of smart surveillance shaping smart cities, and how to transform surveillance video from cost burden to value-added asset. Additionally, the need of city administrations to focus on installing and upgrading defined specification of cameras, storage systems and allied technologies, and incentive to help propel the formation of sustainable smart cities were also talked about. Pratap Padode, Executive Director & Founder, Smart Cities Council India, said, “There is a correlation between crime and urban density. Mumbai has witnessed a drop in crime reported in 2016 over the previous year by 7.7% and CCTV surveillance has had a role to play in the deterrence of crime. For a safer city we need to have safer infrastructure and CCTV survelliance is an integral part of ensuring a safer surroundings. Mumbai has always been a great example of safe and secure city. Given the Smart Cities Mission drive, city administrations need to focus on installing and upgrading defined specification of cameras, storage systems and allied technologies. There is need a for cameras that can assist in ‘Crime detection’ and ‘Community watch;’ while crime prevention, traffic management and women safety are other objectives that are deemed important.” The stakeholders in unison concurred that investing in the latest video surveillance technology with highest resolution cameras, best quality analytical tools and highest capacity storage will help lead to smart surveillance systems for secure and safe areas, with a goal of achieving less crimes, 24×7 surveillance, and safer environments for city inhabitants.

Over speeding is one of the major factors of road crashes and fatalities around the world including India. Speed violation detection system, which is basically a part of intelligent traffic enforcement systems, is a highly advisable tool today to overcome this issue. The system has a centralized approach to modern traffic management and it is capable of reducing such mishappenings. There are three variants of speed detection technologies available in the market today. Radar based SDS Radar based speed detection system works on the principal of Doppler Effect. The device emits the radio wave at a set frequency which is reflected by the target vehicle. The frequency of the reflected radio waves is different from the transmitted waves, and from that difference speed of the vehicle is calculated. Laser based SDS Laser based speed detection system emits a narrow, focused laser beam comprising a series of pulses which the target vehicles reflect back to the source. The time of complete trip of these pulses from emission to bouncing back is measured and that becomes the basis for the calculation of the speed of the vehicle. The Radar and Laser based speed detections are though so efficient but they have certain limitations as well. Cosine factor – Radar and laser based speed detection systems can record true speed only if they are in the line of the vehicles path which is not suitable for unorganized non-lane based traffic scenario like in India. If the radar is positioned at an angle to the path of the vehicle, the apparent speed of the vehicle is reduced. The reduction in speed is proportional to the cosine of the angle. The Radar based speed system cannot differentiate between two vehicles which are at different speed but are adjacent to each other. Hence, the speed detected through this system cannot be relied upon for evidence in the Indian court of law. Laser system works well when triggered straight to the vehicles. In gantry architecture it does not follow its own principle, hence its accuracy cannot be relied upon. Both Laser and Radar systems are calibrated while running parallel to the ground and in the direction of the moving vehicle; when they are fitted at 6.5mtrs height they contradict their own calibrating methodology. Both Laser and Radar system requires yearly calibration. Since, these systems are not manufactured in India; they are sent outside, and during that course of time the system does not work. Both Laser and Radar systems require at least 3 feet of horizontal separation between two vehicles to detect speed, which is not really possible in bumper to bumper traffic as seen on Indian roads. Video based speed detection system Video based speed detection system works on speed-time-distance concept and uses image processing technique. It uses a video scene, comprising starting reference point of moving vehicle (e.g.,Y1(Yth, Xth)) and end point of reference (e.g., Y2(Yte,Xte). The distance (D) between Y1 and Y2 is already known. The vehicle is detected at Y1 at time t1, and Y2 at t2; the difference (T=t2-t1) of time is procured. Vehicle speed (S) is then calculated on the simple formula of Speed=Distance/ Time. The control processor activates the camera to capture the image of the speeding vehicle in accordance with the speed controls. Features of video based speed detection system Cameras are used for speed detection and each vehicle is captured individually. Calibration methodology is as per the ground installation.. Since video based speed detection system track number plates only and each number plate is an individual transaction, hence, horizontal separation does not make a factor in calculating the speed of the vehicle. Doesn’t require periodic calibration. Does not use any inductive loop sensors/ radar/ laser. Conclusion Considering various aspects of the speed detection technologies, video based speed detection system is most suitable for accuracy of speed with the details of vehicle number plates, for the road scenario like that in India where traffic is not so disciplined and there is a prevalence of non-lane based traffic incidences.

Helps students advance analytical and data literacy skills Qlik® has expanded their Academic Program to over 50 education institutions across 25 cities in India. The initiative will enable more Universities to improve the value of their offerings by teaching marketable data skills, and also help students advance their analytical and data literacy skills within every academic discipline. Offering free, full-year subscriptions to Qlik software, the Qlik Academic Program is open to any accredited university-level institution worldwide – for-profit and non-profit colleges alike. The program provides access to the Qlik data analytics curriculum which is designed as an easily adoptable university-level program that provides professors with ready-to-teach, free resources – including instructor led content, in-class activities and student assignments. Students and professors can now also take advantage of the Qlik continuous classroom, a distance-learning platform with over 125 hours of online learning content. The Qlik Academic Program will be made available to students enrolled in renowned higher education institutions like IIM Bangalore, IIM Lucknow, IIM Indore, SP Jain School of Global Management, NIT Karnataka, NMIMS Mumbai, SCMHRD, Xavier Institute of Management Bhubaneshwar, IIFT, and IMT Ghaziabad, amongst others. With the expansion, over 850 universities in more than 65 countries have now become participants of the program. Dr Siddhartha Ghosh, Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, and Head Placements, VJIT, Hyderabad said, “Qlik is an easy to learn and modern tool for data analytics used by our students as an additional technology edge to enhance their career prospects. We found that it helped our students to get recruited quicker as a fresher compared to those without these skills. The online materials and timely guidelines given by the Qlik team is simple to roll out and very useful.” “Students preparing for careers in today’s global data-driven environments need to raise the bar to succeed. They need exceptionally strong analytical and data literacy skills, along with the tools and know-how to keep pace with rapid change,” said Kevin Hanegan, Vice President of Knowledge and Learning, Qlik, “To meet this growing demand, the Qlik Academic Program has expanded to give students the skills and tools they need to succeed – while ensuring that professors are empowered with the best course materials on the most modern data analytics platform.” With recently added access to Qlik Continuous Classroom and Qlik Community, students and professors are empowered to find new ways to visualize and analyze data, and to share insights and findings through an interactive, collaborative team environment. Qlik Continuous Classroom is a 24/7 self-service online learning platform that provides a new way to learn by allowing them to completely customize their learning journey based on their individual needs. Learners can choose from more than 125 modules containing videos, exercises, and quizzes. They can also interact directly with Qlik instructors and other learners, leveraging web conferencing tools and forums to quickly obtain answers and share best practices. The Qlik Community Academic Program forum is a private group on Qlik Community for program-approved professors and students. The sharing platform fosters collaboration and networking while providing a one-stop shop to access all Qlik academic resources, including the data analytics curriculum, Qlik text books, and free data sets. By sharing resources and starting discussions, professors and students can see how others within academia are using Qlik and build upon their experiences. Qlik® is the leading visual analytics platform and the pioneer of user-driven business intelligence. Its portfolio of cloud-based and on-premise solutions meets customers’ growing needs from reporting and self-service visual analysis to guided, embedded and custom analytics, regardless of where data is located. Customers using Qlik Sense®, QlikView® and Qlik Cloud®, gain meaning out of information from multiple sources, exploring the hidden relationships within data that lead to insights that ignite good ideas.

Containment of damage caused by fire is one of the most important areas that needs to be addressed today in India. As per the fire department records, fire accidents resulting from electrical faults and short circuits have seen a 10-fold jump over the last six years. In the industrial sector, 56% of industrial incidents is caused by electrical faults. Substandard electrical infrastructure in a building results in huge losses in terms of human life and assets. However, an integrated automation approach encompassing all systems, especially electrical equipment in buildings, can prevent critical damage to life and wealth. FSAI has recently held 5th edition of Project Heads, Architects & Consultants Conclave (PACC) 2017 in Bangkok, Thailand. The event was attended by over 500 people that included top bureaucrats, renowned architects and consultants, finest technocrats, and accomplished fire safety and security professionals across India and other countries. The gathering focused on exchanging information about standards, codes and best practices and emerging technologies for creating smart and sustainable buildings. It addressed the growing need for leveraging digitization and Internet of Things (IoT) in the segment. Schneider Electric India was one of the participants in the event. Pankaj Dharkar said, “In the wake of increasing accidents over the years on account of spurious installations or electrical faults, there is also a pressing need for standardization of safety standards in the electrical equipment industry in India. In this regard, we are happy to be associated with Schneider Electric which brings lot of expertise to address fire and safety issues in buildings.” During the event, Schneider Electric also showcased its latest solutions through its Ecostruxure architecture for buildings and the real estate industry. Speaking on the occasion, Shrinivas Chebbi, President, Building Business, Schneider Electric India said, “We’re proud to be the technology partner at PACC 2017 and it’s a matter of privilege to be amongst the industry stalwarts. Together with FSAI we want to encourage the adaptation of standard and time tested electrical assemblies including digital architecture to ensure robustness and safety from the start. In line with FSAI’s motto to make Surakshit Bharat, Schneider Electric seeks to provide solutions and standards to ensure growth and safety.” In today’s world, digitisation is playing the most important role in achieving efficiency in every industry. Leveraging the technological evolutions, our aim is to create state-of-the-art buildings that address the need-of-the-hour of being green and sustainable. Together with IoT, we need new innovative construction materials, key technologies, equipment, and machines for future sustainable developments. – Pankaj Dharkar National President, FSAI  

Precautions cost very little but negligence can cost a fortune An electrical short circuit is the most common cause of accidental fires in residential and commercial buildings, resulting in major loss of property and life. Nearly 25000 people die every year due to fire accidents and about 65% of the fire accidents are caused by electrical short circuits. There are several recent cases of fires particularly in hospitals that have drawn attention of the media as well as the administration. When there is a short circuit in the electrical switch board or panel box, it takes mere 30 seconds for a small flame to get completely out of control. There are a few solutions like extinguishers and sprinklers but they are not designed to control the fire at the source i.e., at the electrical switch boards and panel boxes. These tools require regular servicing and maintenance to keep their effectiveness at the time of fire, and also necessitate special training of the personnel to operate them. Fires can be prevented if they are killed at the source of a short circuit. PyroSticker and PyroCord marketed by PyroSecure, a brand owned by DNY Hospitality Pvt Ltd, make the first line of defence. It is a revolutionary new technology designed to protect a fire arising out of electrical short circuits. This award-winning product safeguards the switch boards and panel boxes and helps kill fire at the source. Manufactured using nano technology, it is easy to install and operates automatically. It comes with 5 year warranty. When the fire touches the PyroSticker during a short circuit inside the electric switch board or panel box, a special fire retardant releases from its nano-capsules and the fire is extinguished at its source before it gets out of control. This fire retardant is completely non-toxic and safe for children. PyroSecure automatic fire suppression systems employ the patented ACTOK technology which uses microencapsulation technique of fire suppression at an early stage, directly in the place of inflammation. ACTOK technology is simple in understanding and innovative by essence. A device of any form and size made by this technology can remain for many years in ‘standby mode’ and automatically extinguish fire in a place where it occurs, without letting it develop into a fire. Today various composite materials are created by ACTOK technology. The structure of such materials includes microcapsules with fire retardant agent – Freon – confined within. When heated to a pre-set temperature, the shell of the capsule bursts discharging Freon. When Freon is in contact with open fire or smouldering surface, it binds and displaces oxygen, which swiftly cools the place of burning and extinguishes the flames.  PyroSecure is the first line of defence for fires due to short circuit. It is a revolutionary award winning product which safeguards the switch boards and panel boxes and helps kill the fire at the source. Solutions like extinguishers and sprinklers are not designed to control the fire at the source and therefore it is advisable for places like residential complexes, schools, hospitals, malls, theatres, fuel stations, hotels and resorts, office and commercial buildings etc., to install and use PyroSecure.   – Vijay Dalwani Chairman, PyroSecure  

The Indian economy is steadily gaining momentum brought about by the Digital India movement. The Voice of Asia report by Deloitte asserts that India is one of the leading players of digital transaction. It says that the government has managed to save INR 36,144 Crore over the course of last two years by directly transferring benefits via the Aadhaar Payment Bridge. In February this year, Gujarat became the first state in India to set up a cashless system in its food grain public distribution system (PDS). Aadhaar enabled payment system (AEPS) was installed in approximately 17,250 fair price shops to make sure that people eligible for subsidised food grains under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) would only need to present their Aadhaar numbers to collect the allotted rations. Spice Money, Spice Digital’s Fintech initiative has been continuously working toward its vision to serving the underserved. Spice Digital was granted the prepaid payment instrument (PPI – semi-closed) wallet licence from the RBI, way back in 2015, and since then Spice Money has spread far and wide with the conviction to bring technology solutions to the financial aids of the masses. Spice Money has, in fact, crossed the 550 crores mark gross merchandise volume (GMV) in the month of July 2017, thus solidifying its credentials in the post demonetization era. Aadhaar enabled payment system is yet another offering by SDL. Starting off with a business volume of 6.4 crores and a total of 1,576 transacting counters in January 2017, Spice Money has spread its base to 65 crores and 10,000 transacting counters till July. India is a nation deficit in the required number of ATMs. According to the recent statistics by The Central Bank there is one cash point for every 6,500 Indians. AEPS biometric transactions are a convenient alternative to cashless payments and ATM services. Even for the banks, setting up and maintaining an ATM unit requires a certain amount of spending. AEPS transactions will not only be convenient for the end consumers, it will be an economical solution for banks as well. Needless to say, rural areas and the underprivileged of the nation are the worst affected. Daily wage earners often find it difficult to avail banking services due to the hassles of formality and time. Visiting ATMs or even for that matter always keeping cash in hand is a cumbersome job. Spice Money counters enabled as mini-ATMs via AEPS, will make life much simpler. With spice money retail outlets reaching far and wide, walking miles to find an ATM will no longer be a hassle. Aadhar enabled payments made via biometric verification are not only convenient but also safe. In support of the government’s vision and endeavours toward a cashless economy, Spice Digital is gradually paving the way toward digitization in the farthest corners of the nation. Spice Digital Limited is an organization that moves ahead with the times and has chosen to extend the benefits of a changing economic environment by offering biometric transactions to the remote areas of India through Spice Money. While making AEPS accessible to the sections of India that rarely feature on the economical map of the country.   – Saket Aggarwal Global CEO, Spice Digital Ltd (SDL)