Category Archives: Technology

BLS International Opens a New State-of-the-art Visa Application Centre in Delhi

New Delhi, December 1, 2023: BLS International, a trusted global tech-enabled services partner for governments and citizens and a global leader in visa processing and consular services, today announced the inauguration of its new Visa Application Centre in Delhi. This new centre is part of BLS International’s commitment to enhancing the customer experience and streamlining the visa application process.

 The newly inaugurated visa application centre, located at Dr. Gopaldas Bhawan, Barakhamba Road, is designed with cutting-edge infrastructure, advanced technology, and increased capacity to accommodate the growing demand for visa services. Spanning 7000 square feet the modern facility ensures a seamless experience for applicants, with state-of-the-art biometric enrollment and document verification systems. This prestigious center was inaugurated by His Excellency Mr. José María Ridao Domínguez, the Ambassador of Spain, adding significance to the event.

Mr. Shikhar Aggarwal, Joint Managing Director at BLS International, expressed enthusiasm about the new centre, stating, “With great pride, we announce the inauguration of our enhanced facility in Delhi—a testament to our unwavering dedication to delivering unparalleled services to our valued clientele. Our commitment to excellence in visa processing is etched in the very foundation of our updated infrastructure, propelled by the integration of cutting-edge technology and a substantial expansion of capacity. This milestone reflects not just our progress but our steadfast promise to elevate every journey, reinforcing our legacy of exceptional service and reliability.”

“We would like to congratulate BLS International for opening the new visa application centre and improving the visa processing services. It is great to see that BLS understands our philosophy behind the visa/consulate section. We strongly believe in the dignity of the people and are committed to giving respect to all the people in Spain. We are a visa-friendly country for various reasons, such as trade and tourism, and beyond this, we fully aim to provide positive hospitality to all people in any part of the world. We are happy to share that we have received a green flag from the Indian government to open a new consulate in India soon which will be in Bangalore, and at the same time, India will open its consulate in Spain.” – H.E. Mr. José María Ridao Domínguez, Ambassador of Spain.

The new office boasts a significantly larger space to comfortably accommodate up to 1000 applicants daily. The expanded facilities aim to reduce waiting time and focus on capacity building to handle increased demand, ensuring timely processing of visa applications. The centre is staffed with trained professionals dedicated to providing exceptional service. The visa application centre features a modern and welcoming design, creating a positive environment.

Additionally, the event witnessed the presence of key dignitaries, including government officials and diplomats, highlighting the significance of BLS International’s role in facilitating international travel.

On World Computer Literacy Day, writer Mandakini Dwivedi on adapting to technology: Was excited to learn but also a bit scared

In the past, writers crafted their thoughts with pen and paper, a tradition that evolved as technology advanced. Computers, followed by laptops, phones, and tablets, became the new medium for writing. Change is gradual; some adapted swiftly, while others, particularly in the heartland of India, took their time, catching up gradually. As we celebrate World Computer Literacy Day on December 2nd, a global observance dedicated to promoting digital skills, writer Mandakini Dwivedi from Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh, shares her journey into the world of computers and its transformative impact.

 Mandakini, a talented writer from Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh, joined Pocket FM during the Covid-19 pandemic. Formerly a teacher and counselor in a government organization, fate led her to take a chance on life by joining the global audio series platform. While she used to write with pen and paper in her early writing days, joining Pocket FM introduced her to the world of computer writing.

 Reflecting on this shift, Mandakini said, “I’m new to writing stories on the computer. I did write in a diary before. It’s a bit different; the computer feels a bit heavy. I was excited to learn but also a bit scared. I wondered, ‘Can I do this? Can I make a living?’ Tasks that took one hour with a pen now take three on the computer. There were moments of doubt, but I believed in myself. It was a chance to try something new without spending money. I left my city and kept writing. It took time, but eventually, my computer became faster than using a pen.”

 Acknowledging the challenges in the transition, Mandakini shared, “Suddenly, everything changed with the first computer screen. I didn’t spend much time, and my eyes hurt from staring at the computer all day. There were health problems and changes in my writing style. Change is tough; it starts in the gut. But I made it a habit to ignore problems and focus on writing. That’s where I found my challenge. Over time, what used to take three hours to write now only takes one. This victory is big for me because I write just for a day.”

 In a message for those hesitant to adopt technology, Mandakini expressed, “We’re in the age of technology, especially AI. If you don’t adapt and update and stay relevant, changing trends and time will leave you behind. Embrace the paperless trend because social media and technology are everywhere. If you’re not creatively inclined, social media is there at your disposal. But if you want a new identity, you have to become tech-savvy. It’s the computer age, and being tech-savvy is the way to go.”

 Mandakini has penned the successful audio series ‘Amrapali’ for Pocket FM, and *when asked about listeners’ response, she mentioned, “Even today, listeners comment for Amrapali, saying she should continue. Even after the show ends, both new and old listeners keep sharing positive feedback and comments. They’re eagerly waiting for the next season of Amrapali Nemzhu. It has given the series a new identity, and I never expected this much love from people after the show ended. Reading those happy comments makes all the worries and fatigue in the day disappear.”

PhonePe’s Indus Appstore powers up, onboards major game developers

•  MPL, Dream11, Nazara Technologies, A23, RummyCulture, RummyTime, Junglee
  Rummy, Rummy Passion CardBaazi, Taj Rummy, and more have partnered with the Indus Appstore
•   Zero In-app Commissions and Localized Reach: Game-Changing Features Excite Developers

National, November 30, 2023: PhonePe’s Indus Appstore, India’s very own Android-based mobile app store, announces the onboarding of leading game developers, revolutionizing the gaming experience for users across the nation.

 In a groundbreaking move Dream11, Nazara Technologies, A23, MPL, Junglee Rummy, Taj Rummy, Rummy Passion, RummyCulture, RummyTime, and CardBaazi have partnered with the Indus Appstore.

 This partnership promises to enhance the gaming experience for millions of users, providing a diverse range of quality games that align with Indus Appstore’s commitment to diversity and innovation.

 PhonePe’s Indus Appstore’s commitment to supporting developers is highlighted by the zero commissions on in-app payments, a stark contrast to other app stores charging hefty fees ranging from 15-30%. This revolutionary move empowers developers to focus on crafting immersive gaming experiences without financial constraints. Additionally, the platform’s localization feature ensures that these games can now reach every corner of India, offering content in the language of the user’s choice.

 Speaking on the partnership Akash Dongre, Co-founder of Indus Appstore, said “We are thrilled to welcome these gaming giants to the Indus Appstore family. Their expertise and commitment to delivering top-notch gaming experiences align seamlessly with our vision. Together, we look forward to crafting the next growth story in the Indian gaming industry.”

 Partner Quotes

 ● Sunit Warraich (CEO), CardBaazi: “With Indus Appstore, we’re set to redefine the card gaming sphere, providing not just entertainment but a commitment to fair and rewarding interactions for players. With Cardbaazi’s immersive gameplay and Indus Appstore’s supportive environment, we’re excited to offer an unmatched card gaming escapade, enriched by zero commission on in-app purchases, fostering a community passionate about fair play and
enjoyment.”

 ● Manish Shrivastava (VP Marketing), MPL: “Being a platform that has an enviable roster of games, MPL’s aim is to make gaming accessible to people all across the country, giving users the opportunity to play games of skill that they’d want. Partnering with Indus Appstore will help us reach out to the India we are building for.”

 ● Amandeep Singh (CMO), Rummy Passion: “We are looking forward to scale our product, Rummy Passion, on the Indus Appstore and are eager to explore the significant growth opportunity that awaits us. Indus Appstore’s India-based Support Team stands out, offering real-time and dedicated support—an invaluable resource ensuring seamless user experience. We believe this partnership will help us drive widespread user product adoption and engagement.”

 ● Pratik Sahu(AVP Marketing), Gameskraft: “Partnering with Indus Appstore will open avenues to reach the newer audience for Gameskraft. Their ingenious video-led app discovery experience will help spark a significant wave of awareness for our apps. We are looking forward to being part of India’s first appstore and reaching a wider audience.”

 ● Sudhir Kamath(COO), Nazara Technologies: “Our dedication to bringing diverse gaming experiences to players across different platforms aligns perfectly with Indus Appstore’s vision of empowering users with a variety of quality apps. We’re thrilled to join this innovative platform,  further expanding our reach and offering our engaging games to a broader audience.”

 ● Bhanuchander B (Head of Marketing), Taj Rummy: “Indus Appstore’s distinctive advantage of Localized App Listing resonates deeply with us—it’s a bridge to connect with Bharat by embracing their language and culture. This tailored approach amplifies our reach, offering a more personalized gaming experience. Together with Indus Appstore, we’re poised to elevate the joy of rummy gaming, ensuring our platform resonates authentically with diverse audiences.”

 ● Sudarshan (Senior Director, Acquisition), A23: “We’re thrilled to join forces with Indus Appstore and are excited about unleashing our gaming experiences to a broader audience. With targeted advertising solutions, we’re poised to reach the right users, engage effectively, and drive conversions. Join us in this exciting journey as we captivate audiences and elevate the gaming experience with Indus Appstore’s tailored advertising solutions”

Getting Around the Cloud: Information Security and Navigation Go Hand in Hand

Information security and cloud computing go hand in hand in today’s quickly changing technological landscape. This essay explores the complex relationship between these two domains, showing how cloud computing not only changes the way we manage data but also offers opportunities and challenges for protecting sensitive data.

1. The Cloud Shown Off

Cloud computing provides previously unheard-of levels of scalability, flexibility, and accessibility. It is frequently compared to a virtual playground for data. The traditional limits of data processing and storage are being redrawn as businesses move their operations to the cloud. To understand how cloud technology affects information security, it becomes necessary to look at its underlying theories.

 2. Cloud Security

Security issues are brought to light as data moves across the cloud’s digital thoroughfares. In this ever-changing environment, identity management, access controls, and encryption stand out as essential components of information security. This section examines the strong security protocols that cloud service providers have put in place as well as the joint accountability that providers and users share to guarantee a strong defense against cyberattacks.

 3. Problems and Their Fixes

Although the cloud offers many advantages, it also presents a unique set of difficulties. Organizations face a variety of security challenges, ranging from data breaches to compliance problems. This section tackles these issues head-on and looks at creative solutions to strengthen the cloud against emerging cyber threats, such as continuous monitoring and sophisticated encryption algorithms.

4. Cloud and Information Security Integration

Information security and cloud computing must work together seamlessly; this is not just a goal. This section explains how companies can build a strong and resilient technology infrastructure by utilizing the synergies that exist between these domains. It talks about how important it is to take a proactive approach to security, stressing that businesses must be alert and flexible to deal with constantly changing threats.

 5. Looking Ahead

Both the technological landscape and the way cloud computing and information security interact are always changing. This last section looks into the future and discusses new developments like edge computing, quantum-safe cryptography, and artificial intelligence’s role in strengthening the cloud. It emphasizes how crucial it is to keep up with the times in order to guarantee data security in a digital ecosystem that is getting more and more complicated.

 According to Prof.(Dr.)cDirector & Principal FoE & CCSIT, TMU Moradabad

 It’s critical to comprehend the complex relationship that exists between cloud computing and information security as the world grows more interconnected. This piece acts as a compass, assisting readers on their journey through the cloud’s transformative potential and offering guidance on overcoming its obstacles.

Infinix Unveils Smart 8HD: Setting New Standards in Design and Display

Delhi, 24th November: Infinix is set to redefine the budget smartphone market, and is gearing up to unveil the Smart 8 HD, succeeding the immensely popular Smart 7 Series. The Smart 8 HD promises a paradigm shift in the budget smartphone landscape, boasting a very stylish and premium design and several upgrades compared to its predecessor.

 A standout feature of the Smart 8 HD is its impressive display, setting a new standard in the segment with a groundbreaking 90Hz punch-hole display offering users a remarkably smooth and responsive screen experience. The 6.6-inch HD+ Sunlight Readable display with 500 Nits peak brightness ensures optimal visibility even in bright conditions, further elevating the user experience. Adding to the allure is the premium design of the Smart 8 HD, featuring a textured back panel that not only enhances the device’s aesthetic appeal but also provides a comfortable grip. In a move aimed at elevating user convenience, Infinix introduces a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, a first in its segment. This innovative placement not only streamlines the unlocking process but also contributes to the overall sophistication of the device. The smartphone also comes with UFS 2.2 storage and Type C charging.

 To cater to diverse preferences, the Smart 8 HD comes in four striking Color variations Crystal Green, Shiny Gold, Timber Black, and Galaxy White. Anticipated with excitement, this device is set to launch on 8th Dec, which sets the bar higher for budget smartphones.

The Weakest Link in the Cybersecurity Chain – The Human Element

By Sundar Balasubramanian, Managing Director, Check Point Software Technologies India & SAARC

In my 2-decade career in cybersecurity, I have observed firsthand that while technology plays a significant role in protecting organizations, the human element is equally crucial. It is often said that the most sophisticated security protocols can be undermined by a single click from an uninformed or careless employee. In this article, I aim to shed light on the often-overlooked ‘human factor’ and provide recommendations to help businesses bolster this weakest link in the cybersecurity chain.

The current threat landscape
The global cybersecurity landscape is complex and ever-changing, with new vulnerabilities and threats surfacing almost daily. According to Check Point’s Threat Intelligence Report, in the last six months, an organization in India has been attacked on average 2146 times per week in the last 6 months, compared to 1239 attacks per organization globally.

 We’ve come a long way in implementing Zero Trust Architectures, implementing advanced artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and more to safeguard our organizations. However, it’s startling to note that most security incidents are not solely the result of sophisticated hacking techniques, but are often aided by human error.

 Human errors, like falling for phishing emails, weak password practices, or accidental data leakage, can make an organization’s fortified network vulnerable. These mistakes are not just limited to junior staff; even executives fall prey to such attacks. It’s evident that no one is immune, making human factors an urgent concern for every organization. For example, the recent MGM Resorts breach was a result of simple social engineering. The threat actor tricked the help desk attendant into resetting a password without sufficient information.

The cost of negligence

 Neglecting the human factor can result in considerable financial loss, damaged reputation, and loss of customer trust. Sometimes, the damage is irreversible. In the wake of an incident, organizations often realize they could have avoided the breach had they invested
inadequate human-centric security measures.

 Additionally, starting December 18, 2023, the SEC will require public companies to report material cyber incidents within four business days. This will bring greater transparency to investors and customers, and will also shine a spotlight on companies experiencing material breaches.

Strategies to Reduce Human-induced Risks

 In my role as an Architect and Evangelist, I strongly advocate for the integration of human-centric strategies into your cybersecurity approach. Remember, the most effective security strategy is one that accounts for both machine and human vulnerabilities.

 In my experience I have seen CISOs making certain changes to reduce this risk by doing the following:

 Phishing attacks
The art of deception is a hacker’s best tool. Employees often fall victim to emails or messages that appear genuine but are designed to gather sensitive information or install malware. According to Tanla Platforms, approximately 300 million individuals in India are
susceptible to phishing attacks, with around 500,000 individuals being at risk of falling victim to scammers. Most organizations keep their defense limited to corporate email and ignore the biggest threat vector around Mobile Threat Defense – protecting employees from falling prey to a texting or smishing attack via different chat applications or personal email running on the same mobile device. In fact, the average cost of a phishing breach is $4.76M. This clearly needs to be a focus for better protection.

 Cyber training
Most organizations conduct a one-off phishing exercise to satisfy compliance needs and forget that cyber threats are continuously evolving. Employees must continuously update their defenses against these evolving threats.

Regular training on good cyber hygiene is very important for reducing the chances of a human error causing a breach. The good news is that there are many training options – from virtual escape rooms to phishing games to advanced cyber courses.

 Credentials management
Security leaders across industries have the challenging task of ensuring that their organization’s digital assets are protected. One of the key aspects of this is password management. Here are some recommended best practices.

 ● Zero Trust Architecture: Adopt a zero-trust model where no user or system is trusted by default. All must go through verification and authentication, regardless of their location relative to the network perimeter
● Single Sign-On (SSO): Consider implementing SSO solutions to reduce the number of passwords an employee needs to remember. However, ensure that the SSO solution itself is extremely secure

● Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Implementing MFA adds an extra layer of security, usually involving something the user knows (password) and something the user has (a mobile device to receive a one-time code on either an Authenticator App or Text message). According to the Thales Access Management Index 2022 conducted by the research firm 451 Research, India achieved the highest percentage increase in the adoption of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and the highest overall percentage of MFA usage, with a 19-percentage-point increase to reach 66% this year. Following India, Singapore showed a notable increase of 17 percentage points in adoption, reaching 64%, and the UAE followed suit with a 10- percentage-point increase, reaching 65%.

 ● Periodic Audits: Conduct regular audits to ensure that password policies are being followed. Many modern systems allow admins to see if users are reusing passwords or if they are not changing them frequently enough.

 ● Account Lockout Policies: Implement an account lockout policy that temporarily locks accounts after a certain number of failed login attempts. This can thwart brute-force attacks but should be balanced to not lock out legitimate users unintentionally.

 ● Password Expiry and Rotation: Regularly requiring users to change their passwords can prevent attackers from gaining prolonged access to an account.  However, this needs to be balanced as very frequent changes can lead to poor password choices.

The non-technology changes or enhancements to reduce risk
Based on industry-available data and surveys, CISOs and CEOs also take advantage of the following non-technology solutions to secure their organizations.

 Implement a change control/management system: I can’t overstate the importance of implementing a multi-approval level change control system. In an era of complex cyber threats, the human element often becomes a vulnerability. A multi-tiered approval process allows us to add layers of scrutiny, involving varied roles from tech specialists to executives, effectively reducing single points of failure. This approach minimizes risks tied to human error and ensures alignment with our cybersecurity strategies. It serves as a vital checks-and-balances system, making our cyber-defense more resilient and adaptive to the evolving threat landscape.

 Culture of Accountability
● Reward Programs: Implement reward programs for reporting vulnerabilities or potential risks
● Transparency: Maintain an open dialogue about the importance of security

Vendor Risk Management
● Due Diligence: Perform due diligence before onboarding new vendors. Ensure they adhere to your organization’s security standards.
● Continuous Monitoring: Regularly audit vendor security compliance.

 Legal Framework
● Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs): Get legal contracts in place to protect sensitive information.
● Regular Audits: Ensure compliance with data protection laws and industry standards.

Incident Response Plan: In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats, it is no longer a question of if a security incident will happen, but when. This makes having both an effective Incident Response Plan (IRP) and an in-house Red Team indispensable for any organization serious about its cybersecurity posture.

 In a world saturated with cyber threats, focusing solely on technological solutions is akin to building a fortress but leaving the gate unguarded. In fact, Rupal Hollenbeck, President of Check Point, often says that cybersecurity is really about “people, process, and technology – in that order.” By elevating the awareness and understanding of the human factor in cybersecurity, organizations can build a more robust, comprehensive defense against cyber threats.

Cashfree Payments launches ‘KYC Link’ – India’s first no-code verification solution to empower Indian businesses in their digitalization journey

● A seamless way for merchants to verify user identity eliminating the need for technical expertise thereby enhancing accuracy and reducing drop-offs
● The solution is the newest addition to Cashfree Payments’ Verification Suite which is India’s fastest-growing Verification Platform, authenticating over 40 cr+ individuals annually
● In the last few months, Cashfree Payments has launched multiple revolutionary innovations such as BNPL Plus, UPI Autopay, and Flash UPI among others

 Bengaluru, November 21, 2023: – Cashfree Payments, India’s leading payments, and API banking company announced the launch of ‘KYC Link’ – India’s first no-code verification solution for Indian businesses, marking a significant leap in simplifying digital identity verification for MSMEs, emerging and digitally transitioning sectors. The solution eliminates the need for extensive technical expertise, allowing businesses to adopt KYC solutions on day 0, and accelerating revenue generation from newly onboarded users.

 Announcing the launch, Akash Sinha, CEO, and Co-founder, of Cashfree Payments said, “We are excited to introduce India’s first no- ode verification solution, KYC Link, to help Indian businesses across MSMEs, emerging and digitally transitioning sectors address verification constraints seamlessly. Built and developed in-house, this solution will revolutionize customer experience, reduce user drop-offs, and unlock a higher verification completion rate while helping businesses get compliant with applicable regulations at lower cost. At Cashfree Payments, we continuously problem solve through our engineering excellence, and through industry-first launches like these, our aim is to build products and solutions that will support the Indian business ecosystem to grow, thrive, and set new benchmarks.”

 With KYC Link, merchants can effortlessly send verification links through SMS, email, or WhatsApp to the user’s mobile number, providing a seamless experience and ensuring a close to 99% success rate. This process can be automated, saving time and resources for the merchant, or done manually as per their preference. Due to its user-friendly interface, the solution mitigates user drop-offs, enhances the overall customer experience, and achieves a higher verification completion rate.

 Addressing the technological excellence behind the groundbreaking product, Ramkumar Venkatesan, CTO at Cashfree Payments, “KYC Link is a powerful metadata-driven, no-code platform designed for dynamic customisation and easy maintenance. Our engineering team has utilized a proprietary Domain-Specific Language (DSL) and tools to generate customized dynamic forms for our merchants, ensuring a seamless user experience. We are excited to introduce yet another industry-first product and look forward to delivering accessible and efficient solutions as per market requirements.”

 KYC Link incorporates all existing verification solutions offered by Cashfree Payments, including Bank Account Verification (across a network of 600+ banks), UPI, PAN, and Aadhaar among others. Also, the solution enables businesses to generate personalized KYC verification links, with the feature to incorporate a business logo and color scheme to enhance the brand experience.

 KYC Link is the newest addition to CashFree Payments’ Verification Suite, which is India’s fastest-growing Verification Platform, authenticating over 40 cr+ individuals annually. Businesses can process over 10,000 verifications at once through Excel upload or a simple API integration. Verification Suite by Cashfree Payments helps businesses verify the identity and source of funds of individual users and partner businesses like suppliers or service providers through the authentication of Aadhaar, PAN, GSTN, Bank Accounts, and UPI handles among others.

 Cashfree Payments today is among the leading online payment aggregators and also leads the way in bulk disbursals in India with its Payouts with over 50% market share. India’s largest lender, SBI invested in Cashfree Payments underscoring the company’s role in building a robust payments ecosystem. Cashfree Payments works closely with all leading banks to build the core payments and banking infrastructure that powers the company’s products. Cashfree Payments is also integrated with major platforms such as Shopify, Wix, Paypal, Amazon Pay, Paytm, and Google Pay. Apart from India, Cashfree Payments solutions are used in eight other countries including the USA, Canada, and UAE.

HCLTech wins IBM Partner Excellence Award for cloud

NOIDA, India, Nov 21, 2023—HCLTech, a leading global technology company, has won the IBM Partner Excellence Award in the cloud business category. The company is the only global system integrator in the Trailblazers of 2023 segment at the awards.

“This recognition reflects our consistent efforts to empower organizations with new capabilities across cloud, data, and Al. Our continued focus on training and certifying professionals on the latest IBM technologies enables us to drive exceptional delivery for our clients,” said Rajesh Venkatachalam, Senior Vice President and Head of IBM Red Hat Business Unit, HCLTech.

HCLTech integrates its enterprise solutions with IBM’s hybrid cloud, sustainability, and Al products to help clients accelerate their digital transformation.

As an IBM Partner Plus, HCLTech leverages IBM’s technology solutions to provide clients with advanced digital application services. CloudSMART for IBM is an adaptive portfolio of solutions that aims to assist businesses in developing advanced technologies to drive progress and foster continuous innovation using the latest business and technology insights.

IIM Lucknow and Emeritus launch Chief Technology Officer Programme to Empower India’s Aspiring and Upcoming Strategic Technology Leaders

Mumbai, November 20, 2023: With the rapid technological integration and digital innovation taking place around the world, the role of Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) has been increasingly widening, and encompasses a whole-scale technological transformation, ranging from streamlining business models, and modernising technology for digital dividends, to enhancing customer experience. Recognising the pivotal role of a CTO in today’s world, the Indian Institute of Management Lucknow  (IIM Lucknow), a leading business school in India, has partnered with Emeritus, a global pioneer in offering accessible and affordable high-quality education to individuals and organisations, to launch the Chief Technology Officer Programme.

 This high-impact 10-month programme is curated for new and evolving CTOs and CIOs who want to acquire the nuts and bolts of strategic acumen and innovation to unlock strategic technology leadership. The programme can also help seasoned technology leaders who want to establish strategic tech alignment to drive positive organisational impact and claim a C-suite position as well as business owners and leaders who want to harness technology and innovation to drive digital disruption, achieve and maintain competitive advantage, and spur business growth.

 According to the Deloitte 2023 Global Technology Leadership Study, 36% of tech executives say they are generating revenue from data or technology, and another 16% plan to do it in the next two years. The role of CTOs is actively expanding and becoming fundamental not just for business growth but also for supporting the ESG functions of the company along with their sustainability goals. Keeping this expanding role in mind, IIM Lucknow’s Chief Technology Officer Programme’s module has been very carefully designed to acknowledge and train leaders for this role. The module includes Data Strategy, and Data Science Pipeline, Innovating for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics at the Cutting Edge, Leading in Generative AI, Blockchain, and Metaverse, Mastering Cloud Strategy and Adoption, Digitalization of Value Chain, Addressing Algorithmic Bias and Ethical Considerations Sustainability and imperative of ESG Cybersecurity among other topics.

 This programme is designed to provide flexibility in learning for participants and includes 100% live online classes conducted by the esteemed IIM Lucknow faculty. It also includes a 3-day campus immersion for networking with CXO peers along with a capstone project, business simulations and real-world case studies. This programme has been designed to help professionals not only gain knowledge and learn about the leading technology functions but also to teach them how to use this knowledge to develop strong strategies and achieve organizational goals.

 Commenting on the launch of the programme, Mr Mohan Kannegal, CEO, of India and APAC, Emeritus, said, “We are committed to bringing high-impact programmes for professionals to upskill, gain in-depth industry knowledge, and learn about the new developments integrating various sectors. The role of CTOs has expanded in the past few years, and we have confidence in the design and module of this programme, and its uniqueness in including essential learnings such as developing a CTO playbook and various new and essential technology integrating various sectors. We are confident that this programme will help these C-Suite leaders with actionable, objective insights to not just play catch-up in this rapidly evolving business world but enable alignment, smarter decisions and robust performance for their teams, drive innovation within their organisation and achieve long-term sustainable business growth. We are excited to partner with prestigious institutions such as IIM Lucknow to drive this growth among CTOs and thereby their organisations.”

 The eligibility for this programme includes Graduates/Diploma holders/Postgraduates with a minimum of 10 years of work experience. This programme will commence on December 30, 2023, with a fee of INR 5,00,000 plus applicable taxes. Upon successful completion of the programme, participants will be awarded a certificate of completion and will be eligible to receive IIM Lucknow’s Executive Alumni Status which includes various benefits such as executive alumni status, and access to IIM Lucknow’s newsletters, among others.

Sony India announces next-generation APS-C Mirrorless interchangeable lens camera α6700

1. Highly accurate subject recognition with AI
2. Excellent video performance compatible with 4K120p 1
3. Mobility, operability, and connectivity unique to a compact and lightweight device
4. Environmental consciousness and accessibility

Bangalore, 20th Nov 2023: Sony India today announced the release of its newest APS-C mirrorless camera, the α6700 (ILCE-6700). This new offering combines the cutting-edge still image and video capabilities found in the latest full-frame Alpha™ and Cinema Line series with the compact and lightweight design of the α6000 series, resulting in Sony’s most advanced APS-C mirrorless camera to date. Combining an APS-C back-illuminated Exmor R® CMOS image sensor boasting 26.0 effective megapixels with the speed and power of Sony’s advanced BIONZ XR® processing engine, the α6700 achieves exceptional imaging performance while maintaining a compact and lightweight design.

 The camera supports high-resolution 4K video recording at up to 120fps 1, a wide latitude of 14+ stops 2 for capturing details in harsh or under-lit conditions, and features the S-Cinetone™ picture profile found in Sony’s professional Cinema Line for refined movie imagery that doesn’t require color grading, and it delivers stunning representation of human skin tones.

“With the launch of the α6700, Sony is steadfast in its commitment to empower creators at every level in India. We are dedicated to providing cutting-edge tools that empower their creativity. Sony will continue expanding its APS-C lineup, catering to the diverse image production needs of creators across the nation.” said Mukesh Srivastava, Head of Digital Imaging Business, Sony India.

1. Highly accurate subject recognition with AI
The latest APS-C size, back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor boasts approximately 26.0 effective megapixels, paired with our advanced BIONZ XR engine for exceptional imaging performance. Standard ISO sensitivity spans 100 to 32000 for both stills and movies, allowing high-sensitivity, low-noise shooting. Enhanced color reproduction ensures subjects like people and plants are captured with natural hues, while Creative Look features allow unique visual expressions. The AI processing unit is inherited from the “α7R V,” enabling high accuracy “Real-Time Recognition AF (autofocus).” Beyond the α6000 series’ human and animal recognition, it now accurately identifies various subjects such as human, animal, bird, insect, car/train, and airplane, catering to diverse creative expressions. When paired with the recently launched FE 70-200mm F4.0 G Macro OSS II 3, it offers 105 mm to 300 mm focal lengths in 35mm full-frame equivalent, leveraging the power of telephoto zoom for high-quality shooting. Additionally, it’s compatible with a broad array of E-mount lenses, and Sony’s E-mount lenses cover full-frame and Cinema Line cameras with a single mount.

2. Excellent video performance compatible with 4K120p 
Harnessing data equivalent to 6K, the α6700 outputs superior 4K video, including support for high-frame-rate recording at 4K 120fps. It features S- Log3, offering a latitude of 14+ 2 above, for stellar gradation. Also equipped with S-Cinetone, the α6700 offers impressive skin tone depiction and subject highlighting, technologies honed through our Cinema Line development, while its AI-driven Auto-Framing 4 smoothly tracks subjects, eliminating the need for manual camera movement. The body houses a Multi-Interface (MI) Shoe compatible with digital audio interfaces.

 3. Mobility, operability, and connectivity unique to a compact and lightweight device

With a compact design (approx. 4 7/8 × 2 3/4 × 3 in. and weighing about 1 lb 1.4 oz 5 .), the α6700 is highly portable. It claims a user-friendly, touch-operable vari-angle LCD monitor, coupled with a modern touch menu for effortless operation. A customizable front dial and a switching dial for still images, movies, and S&Q modes are also featured. It is also equipped with an optical 5-axis in-body image stabilization system with 5.0 stops 6 of shutter speed advantage for stills and an Active Mode 7 ensures stable footage. In terms of connectivity, the camera now supports the Creators’ App 8 for seamless uploads of videos
and still images to cloud services.

 4. Environmental consciousness and accessibility
Over the past 10 years, Sony has replaced approximately 379 tons 9 of virgin plastic with recycled plastic in digital cameras and digital video cameras. Recycled materials, including SORPLAS TM 10, are actively used for the camera body, reducing environmental impact without sacrificing functionality. In addition, it is equipped with a Screen Reader function 11 that reads menus and video playback screens aloud to assist operations, supporting the creative activities of a wide variety of creators.