Atos, C-DAC Sign Co-Op Agreement for Global Advancement in Quantum Computing, AI and Exascale Computing in India

C-DAC (Centre for Development of Advanced Computing), a national premier R&D organization under Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India, and Atos1, a global leader in digital transformation, today announce that they have signed a Cooperation Agreement for technology advancement in the areas of Quantum Computing, Artificial Intelligence and Exascale Computing.

Dr Hemant Darbari, Founder Member and Director General, C-DAC, India is spearheading the C-DAC Mission Mode Programs on Exascale Computing, Microprocessor and Quantum Computing, Artificial Intelligence and Natural Language Computing of national importance.

Quantum computing

In addition to delivering an Atos’ Quantum Learning Machine, the world’s highestperforming commercially available quantum simulator, this partnership encompasses the creation of a ‘Quantum Computing Experience Center’ at C-DAC’s headquarters in Pune. It aims to bring together users from academic, scientific, research and industry to rapidly acquire skills and develop further expertise in the field of quantum computing with the support from Government of India. This center will enable advance study of applications of quantum theory, thereby creating new technologies and platforms for information security, connectivity and computing. Together with this high-powered, ultra-compact machine, Atos has supplied a universal programming language (AQASM) and the relevant resources and training. Atos and C-DAC researchers will work closely together to experiment with disruptive technologies to better manage the evolution of applications and to meet the challenges associated with digital simulation, Big Data, and even Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.

C-DAC has already started to contribute to the development and demonstration of a Quantum Computing Platform, Quantum Communication, build technical infrastructure to advance Quantum Technologies and produce Quantum Algorithms, applications addressing programs of national priorities.

Exascale Computing

The cooperation agreement aims to develop a long-term program which includes the sharing of experience on Exascale Computing technical challenges and collaboration on roadmaps in line with the national objectives and global positioning.

C-DAC, a global leader in Supercomputing established the first PARAM Supercomputer of India in 1991 and had a planned roadmap of building and developing Supercomputers under Make-In-India initiative and complete ecosystem for launching Exascale Supercomputer soon with priority for nation specific applications.

C-DAC establishes the “PARAM Shivay” Supercomputer under build approach of National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) program at IIT, BHU launched by Shri Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India in February 2019 with Atos India Pvt. Ltd. Who has been selected as a technology partner through competitive bidding process under the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM). A series of PARAM Supercomputers across the country under the build approach of NSM will be deployed enabling the scientific, research and academic user community with required high performance computational resource.

Artificial Intelligence

With Atos vast technical expertise in Artificial Intelligence domain, this cooperation agreement outlines the way Atos and C-DAC could jointly work on technology development AI projects - including using AI to enhance the efficiency of HPC systems; running AI workloads on HPC systems and creating an ecosystem of AI devices dedicated to accelerating or concentrating inference execution near the edge.

C-DAC has tremendous expertise and experience in the area of AI and Language Computing’, through its applied pioneering research over last three decades in diverse domains in the global landscape, more so, covering the national imperatives, spanning across various diversified domains, such as, Language & Heritage Computing, AI/ Machine Learning (ML)/Deep Learning (DL), Accessibility, Brain Computing, Digital Preservation, Robotics, Signal/Video/Image Processing and such areas.

“Atos is delighted to extend its partnership with an R&D organization of International Repute - C-DAC to support India advance in these key areas of Quantum Computing, Exascale and Artificial Intelligence. Building on our position as the leading technology provider globally for Supercomputing, AI, Quantum Computing and others, this agreement is a significant step forward in our strategic relationship. This will strengthen the R&D activities between France and India with C-DAC and Atos significantly contributing to technology development and nation economic growth” said Pierre Barnabé, SEVP, Head of Big Data & Security at Atos.

ATEN Unveils Global AV Management Platform: Unizon for Centralized Remote Connectivity

ATEN, the largest KVM manufacturer in the world and a leading provider of AV meets IT connectivity and management solutions, today unveiled their integrated AV management software called Unizon in India. ATEN Unizon is a server based software capable of centrally monitoring, controlling and managing ATEN Modular Matrix and Video Matrix solutions remotely by AV and IT professionals.

This centrally managed software easily integrates device condition monitoring, global control/scheduling with access and location management to enable users to remotely manage multiple ATEN Ethernet-based AV devices simultaneously worldwide.

"With the proliferation of network equipment in multiple geographical locations, there is a critical need for an integrated system to centrally manage the dispersed equipment to ensure constant uptime and smooth business operations", said, Shyam Tambatkar, Product Sales Manager - Sales Division I at ATEN. "ATEN Unizon allows AV and IT professionals to manage and monitor critical devices within your network in real-time".

The software allows automatic detection of real-time device condition such as temperature, and helps to perform proactive maintenance to avoid potential device failure. The system alerts and notifications help troubleshooting to further reduce downtime. ATEN Unizon offers a 5-level location tree that allows easy navigation of device location and defines User Roles so that information can be accessed by relevant people only. ATEN Unizon ensures remote access and connectivity of network equipment anytime anywhere.

Other Unizon features include
Centralized management, monitoring, and control for ATEN Ethernet-based AV solutions
Automatic detection of device conditions - shows device connection status, hardware conditions (e.g. fan and temperature), and firmware versions for remote maintenance and troubleshooting
5-level device location tree - easily navigate the device by drilling down by room, floor, building, or even city
Device grouped control - allows for batch control and firmware upgrade
Task scheduling - schedules routine tasks for devices to carry out on a regular basis
Notifications and system logs for abnormal events
Manageable permission access level
Supports mainstream web browsers

UP Police Bags the Prestigious FICCI Smart Policing Award 2019

The state of Uttar Pradesh has been conferred with the prestigious FICCI Smart Policing Award 2019, at the annual conference on homeland security that was held at FICCI in New Delhi. The annual conference that witnessed the participation from senior officials from the Government of India, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and various State Police Forces (SPFs) acknowledged the ingenuity and far-sightedness of the smart policing solutions adopted by Uttar Pradesh. The AI-powered TRINETRA App won the award in the category of ‘Surveillance & Monitoring’ which received 196 entries overall.

The UP Police Department had launched TRINETRA, an AI mobile app that digitizes criminal & missing people records. The app was launched by director general of police, Om Prakash Singh. TRINETRA carries the largest non-repetitive and non-ambiguous criminal data and helps police forces retrieve the information in real-time, and contributes to smart policing through geo-fencing, hotspot, & GAIT analysis.

In a span of merely three months within its launch (from January to March 2019), the app helped police forces solve 56 cases and nab 76 criminals culpable in the crime. In one special case, there was no photograph of CCTV footage available for the criminal. TRINETRA, in that case, relied on the sketch provided by the victim, to identify the criminal and ensured that justice is served.

Mr. SK Bhagat, IPS, IG Lucknow Range, under whose guidance the TRINETRA app was developed, said, “It is a humbling experience to be receiving this recognition from a national body like FICCI. With TRINETRA, we had envisioned utilizing the latest advancements in the field of artificial intelligence for strengthening our ground level defense. We are glad to be recognized for the same and sincerely hope that more Indian states would now be motivated to adopt the latest technologies for enhancing the policing operations.”

Empowering the task forces at Ground Zero, TRINETRA helps cops identify criminals through images, facial scans, fingerprints, previous FIRs, voice samples, connection with a gang etc. With AI-powered phonetic search, TRINETRA helps police forces search for criminals with better accuracy, even if the name is wrongly spelt in the database. Furthermore, by utilising AI-based Gang Identification Technology, TRIENETRA not only identifies a criminal but also their associates active in different districts and part of the states. Owing to its widespread use-cases and superior AI-capabilities, TRINETRA app is used by over 5,500 police personnel in Uttar Pradesh, ranging from inspectors to ADGs.

TCL Celebrates 3 Years Journey in India with Market Share to 5.3% in Just 6 Months; Plans a volley of Special Offers to Entice Customers

TCL, the global top-2 TV Corporation has completed three glorious years in India. TCL will be celebrating the cheers and over 1 million happy customers with exciting offers between 23rd to 31st August, exclusive to Indian customers from trade partners, Amazon, and national retail chains.

Commenting on the anniversary special, TCL India Country Manager Mr. Mike Chen said, “We have had a successful run in India, growing from a mere 1.7% of market share to 5.3% in just 6 months. Like the industry leaders, TCL has been quick to offer the best products covering a diverse price range, covering both the low price segment and high-end offerings. Having earned a mindshare in the industry with our formidable range of Google-certified Smart TVs, we have now also ventured into other Smart Home Appliances like AC, Washing Machine, and Refrigerator. We owe this success to our loyal fan base who elevated our status from a low-priced Smart TV brand to a technology leader in India’s market for consumer durables.”

Commenting on the future plans of the organisation, he further added, “Riding at the back of inspiring success within 3 years, at TCL, we are aiming for a No. 2 slot for the TV brands in India by 2021. For ACs and Washing Machines, we are focused at claiming the fourth slot by the same time period. With our current factory located in Tirupati, we will not only manufacture TVs but also washing machines and refrigerators. In the long term, we also envision setting up an elaborate R&D centre in India. This has been made possible with the riveting love that we have received from our audience in the country. To the same end, we have come up with anniversary special discounts and offers for our users and are affirmative that they would gracefully accept it as a token of our gratitude.”

As part of the 3 year celebration offer, TCL has come up with very exciting offers on their wide range of 4K Android AI TV. This includes the P8 series coming with 3 variants, i.e. P8S, P8E, and P8. Bringing India’s first 4K AI Android Pie (9.0) TV, the P8 range is available at INR 25,990 (43 size P8), INR 29,990 (50 size P8), and INR 36,990 (55 size P8). In addition, the P8E Series is also available at exciting discounts- 43” P8E at INR 28,990, 50” P8E at INR 31,990, 55” P8E for INR 39,990, and 65” P8E at 59,990. The 43” P8B variant will be up for grabs at only INR 25,990.

TCL started its journey in India in August 2016, with an Amazon launch of TCL TV introducing curved/4K. Within only two months, TCL emerged as the Top 3 TV brand on Amazon. However, that wasn’t enough to tame its ambition and the company ventured into offline channel in 2017. Determined to claim a bigger share of the Indian market through innovation and affordability, TCL introduced the 1st Android UHD TV with Harman Kardon. By the end of 2017, TCL had successfully clocked in over 100% growth; the share of its UHD & Smart TVs was more than other players in the industry. The first half of 2018 witnessed TCL diversifying its offering with the launch of TCL smart Internet TV brand for India iFFALCON, exclusively on Flipkart. By the end of the same year, iFFALCON had not only emerged as one amongst the top 4 brands on Flipkart but also iFFALCON 75H2A grabbed the Best TV Award in 2019. And TCL had also clocked in over 375% growth year-on-year.

As of 2019, TCL has achieved the No. 5 Brand in India’s TV market, growing a well over 1400%. Staying at the helm of innovation, TCL has launched India’s first Android QLED and India’s 1st 2K Android under the iFFALCON banner. The company has also diversified its offering, bringing in a smart range of appliances powered by AI and IoT, including washing machine, refrigerator, air conditioner, and sound bars. Last year, TCL announced that it would be investing 2,000 Cr to set up a manufacturing unit in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh that will also generate employment opportunities for over 8,000 Indians. TCL has also remained in news this year as the sponsor for Delhi Capitals, during IPL 2019 and also KPL 2019. Recently, the brand also launched India’s first 4K AI Android Pie (9) Smart TV.

Data Protection Bill During the Winter Session of Parliament: Ajiay Sawhney at India IoT Congress 2019

The government is working towards tabling the data protection bill in the winter session of Parliament, Secretary in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology Ajay Prakash Sawhney said on Thursday.

Speaking to the media at the IoT India Congress-2019 in Bangalore, he said, "Yes. Keep watching for that space. We are working towards that." he adds that the data protection bill could be tabled in the winter session.

He was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the two-day event IoT India Congress-2019 here.

Terming it a seminal legislation, Sawhney said the government wants to get the law right because it needs to balance the imperative of data privacy and data protection as laid down by the Supreme Court.

The emphasis is also on creating an ecosystem where innovation gets a boost, he added.

"So, how to, sort of, create a balance? How do we move forward with confidence? Which is why, I mentioned, apart from the legal framework, I alluded to the concept of public digital platform. Public digital platforms play a huge role in creating trust," Sawhney said.

Compared to some huge economies where the digital payment system is controlled by a handful of companies, India preferred the UPI route allowing every company to participate based on the rules of engagement, according to him.

"It's a public digital ecosystem, so anyone can join in. Anyone who thinks can do it better than these giants is free to join in. How do you create an ecosystem which remains open for newcomers, open for innovation? We need to replicate that," Sawhney said.

To a question, he said the government never termed data protection as localisation of data but it preferred the responsible handling of data by adopting best practices adopted everywhere.

In this context, he said the guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court were the guiding force for the government.

"We have a broad guideline coming all the way from Supreme Court, which has considered data privacy as emanating from the fundamental rights in the country. So that is the law. Data privacy is the fundamental right," Sawhney explained. 

Experience High-Quality Connection with PremiumAV VGA to VGA Converter Adapter Cable

PremiumAV, a leading provider of computer peripherals, announced the launch of PremiumAV VGA to VGA converter adapter cable. This cable will help users experience high quality connection with VGA interface to their Laptops, LED and LCD monitors for high quality videos or photos and this is ideal for at home or work places. The cable creates a reliable connection for anything from gaming to video editing or video projection.

 The latest additions of connectivity solutions VGA and HDMI cables, HDMI male to VGA female cables supports HD videos and photos that user can enjoy on the big screen with same image and audio to home speaker a second screen for convenient work and entertainment.

"The PremiumAV VGA to VGA converter adapter cable is good quality product that's very useful for our customers who likes to view videos, photos in bigger screen from their laptops to projector ," said Sanjay Garg, CEO at PremiumAV.

The VGA cable is a universal compatible designed to connect two devices with 15-pin (Input and output) VGA interfaces, cables supports 800x600 (SVGA), 1024x768 (XGA), 1600x1200 (UXGA), 1080p (Full HD), 1920x1200 (WUXGA) resolutions and fully compatible with all blue ray players, Xbox 360 and PS3 etc. This cable is pure cooper wire and length from 3 meters 40 meters, weight 200g, product dimensions 8x6x4 cm, adapter cable model is MST- 779-N and available white color.

Price, Availability and Warranty
PremiumAV VGA to VGA Converter Adapter Cable comes with a price of Rs. 156/ - carrying a warranty of a month and offer price is available immediately on Amazon.

Worldline India's India Digital Payments Report for Q2, 2019

Worldline has over 1 million merchant touch points PAN-India accounting for 30% of the merchant acquiring touch points. We have analyzed transactions processed by us in Q2 2019 (Apr-May-Jun) and derived some unique insights.

“May was the month with the highest number of transactions in Q2 2019. 2nd June 2019, ranked as the day with the highest number of transactions but this should come as no surprise given it was the weekend and Eid-ul-Fitr was just three days away. The days with second and third highest number of transactions were 1st June and 13th April which were near Eid-ul-Fitr (June 5) and Ram Navami-Baisakhi (April 13-14) respectively. The trend of highest number of transactions recorded during festivals continued like previous quarters.”

The merchant categories with the highest volume and value of transactions in Q2 2019 were Grocery, Restaurants, Petrol Stations, Apparel Stores and Speciality Retail which accounted for about 65% volume of transactions and about 40% value of transactions. It is interesting to note that while jewelry stores accounted for only 2% of total volume of transactions, they accounted for 9% of total value of transactions. The top categories remained the same for both credit and debit card transactions.

The states and cities with the highest number of transactions are:

Top 10 states in transactions
Maharashtra                 
Karnataka
Tamil Nadu
Delhi
Andhra Pradesh
Kerala
Gujarat
Uttar Pradesh
Haryana
West Bengal

Top 10 cities in transactions
Bangalore
Chennai
Mumbai
Pune
Hyderabad
New Delhi
Kolkata
Gurgaon
Coimbatore
Ernakulam

Key Highlights:

* The number of point of sale (POS) terminals increased to 3.99 million in June 2019 from 3.31 million in June 2018, an increase by a mere 20.5%. This could well be a key impediment in transformation to a cash-lite economy.
* In Q2 2019, the average ticket size on POS terminals for debit card transactions was INR 1,366 and INR 3,423 for credit card transactions.
* UPI has been taking some share away from more traditional modes of digital payments such as cards and net banking. The total volume of UPI transactions in Q2 2019 was 2.2 billion, a 263% increase from Q2 of the previous year. In terms of value, UPI clocked INR 4.4 trillion, up 336% from Q2 of the previous year.
* There are about 837 million debit cards and about 49 million credit cards in circulation. It is interesting to note that between June 2018 and June 2019, there was an addition of about 10 million credit cards and reduction of about 107 million debit cards. While the rise in credit cards may be attributed to growing digital payments and the expansion of retail borrowers in the market, the fall in debit cards could be due to the mass closure of zero balance accounts.
* The Reserve Bank of India has permitted 46 entities to launch their Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPI) for consumers and according to their latest data, the number of transactions done on mobile wallets in Q2 2019 was 1.08 billion, an increase of 18.4% over Q2 of previous year while the value of transactions in Q2 2019 was INR 474 billion, an increase of 17.5% over Q2 of the previous year.
* As of now, NETC amounts for 25% of the total toll collected. It is the perfect solution as it enhances efficiency in processing transactions, tackles the menace of toll evasions done on highways and reduces congestion around toll plazas, fuel consumption and air pollution. NETC transactions in Q2 2019 stood at 80.1 million, a jump of 53.9% over Q2 2018 and the value of transactions was INR 17.9 billion, an increase of 44.4% over Q2 2018. The tag issuance base in Q2 2018 jumped manifold, with an increase of 118%, to 5.22 million tags in Q2 2019. The increase in these numbers show sustained consumer acceptance.
* Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS)- The total volume of AePS transactions (ONUS, OFFUS, DEMO AUTH & eKYC) in Q2 2019 was 584 million, a 31% increase from Q2 of the previous year, while the total value was INR 274 billion, up 107% from Q2 of the previous year.

Mr. Deepak Chandnani, Managing Director, Worldline South Asia & Middle East expressed, “With a number of digital payment options available with consumers to make purchases, the acceptance infrastructure now needs to grow to meet the demand from consumers and merchants alike. Obviously for this to happen, similar to how incentives are being given to merchants and consumers, incentives need to be given to merchant acquiring companies to meet this goal. The merchant acceptance ecosystem is a diverse one with multiple modes such as POS, UPI, BQR among others.”.