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Awards & Recognition

Why Blockchain is the Game Changer We Need

By J A Sheikh

The world of Information Technology (IT) security has been under constant evolution, facing growing threats as cyberattacks become increasingly sophisticated. From ransomware to data breaches, the need for more robust security solutions has never been greater. Amid this rising demand, Blockchain technology has emerged as a transformative force, offering innovative solutions to safeguard digital assets, transactions, and data. But how exactly is blockchain shaping the future of IT security?

Understanding Blockchain in the Context of IT Security

Blockchain, often associated with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, is a decentralized and distributed ledger technology. At its core, it’s a system for securely recording transactions across a network of computers (or nodes) in such a way that it is virtually impossible to alter or tamper with the recorded data. Each “block” in the chain contains a list of transactions, and every block is linked to the previous one, forming an immutable chain.

This feature of immutability, combined with decentralized consensus mechanisms, makes blockchain a powerful tool for enhancing IT security. Let’s dive deeper into how blockchain is making waves in the IT security landscape.

1. Enhancing Data Integrity and Transparency

One of the primary benefits of blockchain technology is its ability to provide data integrity. Once information is recorded in a blockchain, it becomes incredibly difficult to change or erase, due to its cryptographic and consensus-based mechanisms.

In the context of IT security, this ensures that data cannot be tampered with or falsified. Whether it’s personal data, financial records, or critical system logs, blockchain provides an immutable trail that can be audited and verified. For enterprises, this reduces the risk of data manipulation and provides transparency in the handling of sensitive information.

Use Case: Secure Document Storage and Verification

Blockchain can be used for storing sensitive documents, such as contracts, intellectual property, or regulatory compliance records. When a document is uploaded onto a blockchain, it is hashed (a form of encryption), and the hash is stored on the blockchain. This ensures that any future attempts to alter the document will be immediately apparent, as the hash will no longer match the original.

2. Decentralized Identity Management

Identity theft and unauthorized access to systems are among the most common forms of cyberattacks today. Traditional identity management systems rely on centralized authorities, such as government agencies or corporations, to verify and authenticate users. However, these centralized systems present a single point of failure, making them vulnerable to hacking or insider threats.

Blockchain offers a decentralized alternative for identity management, where individuals have control over their own identity data, stored securely on the blockchain. This decentralized approach eliminates the need for intermediaries and provides users with self-sovereign identity (SSI), ensuring greater privacy and security.

Use Case: Blockchain-based Authentication

Blockchain can provide a secure, cryptographic-based method for verifying user identities. Instead of relying on passwords or centralized databases, a user could authenticate themselves with a cryptographic key stored on the blockchain. This method, often known as “public key infrastructure” (PKI), is much more secure because the private key never leaves the user’s device, and the blockchain’s decentralized nature ensures no central authority is responsible for managing the identity.

3. Secure Transactions and Smart Contracts

Blockchain is widely known for its role in cryptocurrency transactions, where it ensures the authenticity and integrity of financial transfers. However, beyond simple peer-to-peer transactions, blockchain also supports more advanced features like smart contracts—self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement written directly into code.

Smart contracts operate autonomously and ensure that the terms of a contract are met before any action occurs. In terms of IT security, this means that processes and transactions can be automated in a way that reduces human intervention, limits errors, and ensures that all actions are traceable and secure.

Use Case: Supply Chain Security

Blockchain-based smart contracts can play a pivotal role in securing supply chains. Each step in the supply chain can be recorded on the blockchain, from manufacturing to delivery. A smart contract can automatically trigger a payment once a certain condition is met, such as delivery confirmation, eliminating the possibility of fraud or disputes.

4. Protection Against Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) Attacks

Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks are one of the most common types of cyberattacks, wherein an attacker overloads a target system or network with a flood of traffic to make it unavailable to legitimate users. Blockchain can help mitigate these attacks by distributing the network load across a decentralized structure, making it harder for malicious actors to overwhelm a single point of failure.

Use Case: Blockchain-based Web Hosting

Decentralized cloud computing platforms, powered by blockchain, can help mitigate DDoS attacks by using a distributed network of nodes to host web applications and services. The redundancy provided by blockchain’s decentralized architecture ensures that if one node is attacked or compromised, others can continue to function, thereby minimizing downtime and service disruption.

5. Enhancing Security in Internet of Things (IoT) Networks

The rapid growth of Internet of Things (IoT) devices has introduced a host of new vulnerabilities into IT environments. Each IoT device is a potential entry point for cybercriminals, and ensuring the security of these devices is a major challenge.

Blockchain can play a significant role in securing IoT networks by providing a decentralized and tamper-proof method of device authentication, data exchange, and access control. By recording device interactions and transactions on a blockchain, the network becomes more resilient to unauthorized access and cyberattacks.

Use Case: Blockchain for IoT Device Authentication

In IoT environments, blockchain can be used to store and authenticate the credentials of devices. A blockchain-based authentication system ensures that only verified devices can connect to the network, and each transaction or data exchange between devices is logged securely on the blockchain, making it more difficult for hackers to manipulate or intercept communication.

6. Blockchain for Secure Voting Systems

Traditional electronic voting systems have been subject to security concerns, such as voter fraud, tampering with results, or hacking. Blockchain technology offers a solution by providing a secure, transparent, and verifiable voting process.

Each vote can be recorded as a transaction on the blockchain, creating an immutable record that is visible to all stakeholders, ensuring transparency. Blockchain’s inherent security features make it nearly impossible to alter voting results once they are recorded, improving the overall trustworthiness of the electoral process.

Use Case: Blockchain-based Voting in Elections

In blockchain-based voting systems, each voter’s identity is verified using blockchain-based digital credentials, and their vote is recorded as a transaction on the blockchain. Once the vote is cast, it cannot be altered or deleted, and the final tally can be publicly audited in real-time, offering an unprecedented level of security and transparency.

Conclusion: Blockchain’s Future in IT Security

As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, traditional security measures alone may no longer be sufficient. Blockchain is offering a new paradigm for IT security, characterized by decentralization, immutability, and transparency. From data integrity and identity management to secure transactions and DDoS protection, blockchain has the potential to significantly transform how organizations approach cybersecurity.

While blockchain is still an emerging technology, its application in IT security is poised to grow in the coming years. As more industries adopt blockchain-based solutions, we can expect a future where IT security is not only more robust but also more transparent and user-centric. The decentralized nature of blockchain is already making it a cornerstone of next-generation security frameworks, and its influence is only set to expand.

Auto & Electric Mobility

Battery swapping can be a game changer for Indian commercial vehicles

SUN Mobility’s solution stands out with its modular and scalable battery packs, designed to cater to a wide range of commercial vehicles—from 7-metre buses to 13.5-metre buses and commercial vehicles ranging from three tonnes to 55 tonnes.

India aspires to be energy-independent by 2047, the centenary year of its freedom. In this pursuit, decarbonisation of the commercial vehicle segment, especially heavy-duty buses and trucks, will be imperative. Occupying less than five per cent of the total vehicle fleet, heavy-duty buses and trucks account for about half of transport-related emissions.

Electric vehicles (EVs) have emerged as a leading technology in decarbonization, particularly in smaller segments like two and three-wheelers. However, the challenge of electrifying heavy commercial vehicles (HCVs) remains formidable due to their demanding energy requirements and operational complexities.

Globally, battery swapping has emerged as a promising solution for electrifying heavy electric vehicles (HEVs).

Electric buses have seen significant traction in regions like China and Kenya. BasiGo in Kenya and Shenzen bus group in China procured buses without pre-fitted batteries. In Germany, the eHaul project while Ample and Yamato in Japan are also conducting dedicated swapping pilots for HEVs.

In India, electrification of vehicles has been driven by a suite of policy support, fiscal subsidies, and the entry of new-age startups. However, the focus on HEV electrification has been limited. The recently launched PM E-bus Sewa and the State Transport Undertaking (STU) focused bus electrification through FAME subsidy is concentrating on the urban bus fleet, which has a miniscule share of the Indian bus market. Fleet operators in India face several challenges in transitioning to electric vehicles as around 90 per cent of the country’s overall bus market is operated by fragmented private fleet owners, the majority of who have less than five buses and do not have access to subsidies and finance.

For commercial vehicles ranging from three tonnes to 55 tonnes, electrification is hindered owing to challenges like high upfront cost, longer charging times, battery obsolescence, and range anxiety.

There is a limited and uneven distribution of charging and battery-swapping stations across India, particularly outside major urban areas. This limits the practicality of EVs for long-distance or intercity travel, where reliable access to charging is critical.

Battery Swapping is the best bet:

To this end, battery swapping can be a game-changing opportunity for electrification for buses and trucks. It provides myriad benefits namely: zero downtime, increased productivity by 30 per cent, alleviated battery obsolescence concerns, reduced anxiety about battery performance and vehicle range, and improved affordability of HEVs.

First, battery swapping improves the affordability of heavy electric vehicles (HEVs) by significantly reducing the upfront cost.

Second, it alleviates the customers’ challenge of battery obsolescence by disassociating the battery from the vehicle. The customer need not worry about the high battery replacement cost over time, the battery performance, and the evolving battery technologies itself.

Third, battery swapping offers a transformative solution to one of the most significant challenges in the adoption of electric vehicles: long charging times and the associated high-power demand from the grid.

Fourth, the ability to quickly swap batteries eliminates concerns like longer waiting time and a dense battery swapping network will eliminate range anxiety. The flexibility to swap the vehicle at ease is crucial for the heavy-duty segment, where reliability and uptime are paramount.

Fifth, once the battery is disassociated from the vehicle, the upfront cost is reduced, and the obsolescence related to technology and its performance is also mitigated as it is taken care of by the battery swap operator. This makes it a lucrative option for financial institutions to fund at par with the ICE vehicles.

In addition to the above benefits, SUN Mobility’s solution stands out with its modular and scalable battery packs, designed to cater to a wide range of commercial vehicles—from 7-metre buses to 13.5-metre buses and commercial vehicles ranging from three tonnes to 55 tonnes. This versatility offers fleet operators a unified energy solution across their diverse vehicle portfolio, reducing the need for multiple battery types and simplifying maintenance and logistics.

These measures backed by appropriate policy push will open the floodgates for EVs in India. By integrating battery swapping into the electrification strategy for heavy-duty trucks and buses, India can significantly reduce its carbon footprint, enhance energy security, and position itself as a global leader in green mobility.

(The writer is CEO- HEV, SUN Mobility)

Awards & Recognition

Honeywell Launches Inncom Direct: A Game Changer for Mid-Market Hotels Aiming to Cut Carbon Emissions

An intuitive energy management system helps hotels monitor energy consumption across properties and automate energy efficiency

DELHI: Honeywell (NASDAQ: HON) announced the launch of INNCOM Direct, an easy-to-install energy management system that uses automation to help improve energy efficiency in mid-market hotel properties. The launch of INNCOM Direct supports Honeywell’s alignment of its business around three compelling megatrends, including automation and the energy transition.   

With more than 30% of U.S. hotel rooms typically vacant at any time, INNCOM Direct enables a hotel to manage energy-intensive HVAC systems more efficiently during periods when guestrooms are vacant. 

“As hotels become more carbon-conscious, they are taking meaningful steps to show they care about their impact on the environment,” said Billal Hammoud, president and chief executive officer of Honeywell Building Automation. “Until now, mid-market hotels faced fewer options when it came to better managing their HVAC systems with automation. Now, INNCOM Direct is leveling the playing field with an affordable, cloud-based energy management system.”  

The INNCOM technology was previously only available to high-end hotel operators. Now, this combination of hardware, software, and cloud monitoring provides mid-market, also known as limited-service, hotels with quick setup and portfolio analytics that can be accessed from mobile devices or a dashboard and can be used either on a single property or across an entire portfolio.  

Since empty rooms and common areas do not need the same level of heating or cooling, INNCOM Direct uses a proprietary detection system to identify empty spaces and autonomously adjust the temperature without impacting consumer comfort. Similarly, unrented guest rooms can be set to a specific setting that can be heated or cooled to a more comfortable temperature once a guest checks in. If a guest leaves a room for an extended time, INNCOM Direct can change the temperature to an eco-friendlier temperature that is then automatically adjusted when the guest returns.  

When it broke ground on its fifth hotel in Spring Hill, Tenn., Halifax Hospitality wanted ways to control its HVAC use, which can consume as much as 25% of the power bill, so it signed on to use INNCOM Direct. At 92,000 square feet and 159 rooms, this hotel is double the size of what the company would have developed a decade ago, leading to higher operational costs.  

“Hotel rooms are getting bigger and bigger, and we needed something that will deliver energy savings, especially when guests aren’t using the room or a common area is empty,” said Hitesh Patel, vice president of Halifax Hospitality. “Utility costs are going up just like anything else. We’re always looking to find the next big thing to cut costs where we can.”  

Auto & Electric Mobility

A game changer for e-mobility battery safety • EVreporter

The E-Mobility revolution is taking the world by storm, but its success depends on one crucial element: safe and reliable Lithium-ion batteries. These powerful batteries propel electric vehicles, but they often contain flammable electrolytes that pose a safety risk if they leak. Leaks can also lead to a rapid decline in battery performance, reducing driving range and overall efficiency.

Marposs, a company dedicated to innovation in manufacturing, has introduced a game changing solution: The Leak B-TRACER. This revolutionary semi-automatic station offers comprehensive leak testing throughout the battery assembly process, ensuring the integrity and safety of every battery cell.

Double-Edged Sword: Uncompromising Leak Detection

The Leak B-TRACER takes a two-pronged approach to leak detection for unmatched reliability:

  • Pre-filling Leak Detection: Before the battery cell is filled with the electrolyte and sealed, the Leak B-TRACER leverages a tried-and-tested method – helium leak detection within a vacuum chamber. Here, the system introduces helium gas into the empty cell. A highly sensitive mass spectrometer then meticulously identifies and measures any leaks, ensuring the cell is in perfect condition before filling.
  • Electrolyte Tracing – A Pioneering Post-Filling Inspection: Marposs doesn’t stop there. They have introduced a groundbreaking Electrolyte Tracing technique for leak detection after the cell is filled and sealed. In the unfortunate event of a leak, the Leak B-TRACER vaporizes and extracts the electrolytes within the controlled environment of the vacuum chamber. A specially calibrated mass spectrometer then analyses the extracted vapor, quantifying the leak rate with exceptional precision. This vital information allows manufacturers to identify and address even the most minute leaks before defective batteries enter the production line.

Seamless Integration for Maximum Efficiency

Designed for seamless integration into existing production lines, the Leak B-TRACER offers a userfriendly, semi-automatic operation. Operators manually load the battery cells, and the system takes care of the rest with its automated testing cycle. This makes the Leak B-TRACER ideal for a variety of tasks, including:

  • Prototype and Pilot Line Testing: During the development phase of new battery designs, the Leak B-TRACER plays a vital role in ensuring the integrity of early prototypes.
  • Random Off-line Testing and Statistical Process Control (SPC) Analysis: Manufacturers can perform regular quality checks throughout production runs using the Leak B-TRACER. This helps identify any potential issues in the assembly process and implement corrective measures to ensure consistent quality.
  • Re-checking of Scrap Batches: Even the most advanced manufacturing processes can produce defective batches. The Leak B-TRACER allows for efficient re-checking of scrap batches, helping to salvage usable cells while identifying the root cause of the initial failure.

Unmatched Versatility: A Champion for Multiple Battery Applications

The Leak B-TRACER demonstrates exceptional versatility, accommodating various battery cell formats. Whether you’re working with button, cylindrical, prismatic, or pouch cells, the Leak B-TRACER can handle them all. Furthermore, the system is adaptable for integration at different stages of the battery building process, including pre and post-filling, as well as end-of-line testing. This flexibility makes it a valuable asset for any manufacturer producing lithium-ion batteries for a wide range of applications.

Fast Retooling and User-Friendly Design: Minimizing Downtime

Marposs prioritizes ease of use with the Leak B-TRACER. The system features a rapid retooling kit that ensures minimal downtime during production line changeovers. This allows manufacturers to quickly switch between different battery cell formats without sacrificing production efficiency.

Marposs: Pioneering a Safe and Sustainable E-Mobility Future

The Leak B-TRACER is a testament to Marposs’ unwavering dedication to advancing E-Mobility. This innovative solution ensures battery safety and performance, paving the way for a more reliable and secure future for electric vehicles. By safeguarding battery integrity, the Leak B-TRACER fosters trust in E-Mobility technology, accelerating the transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable future.

Contact Marposs

Marposs India – Plot 147, Sector 7, IMT Manesar, Gurugram, Haryana 122052
Phone: +91 124 473 5776
email: sales@in.marposs.com

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Awards & Recognition, Drones & Aero Technology, Technology

TiE50 Awards 2024 recognizes Garuda Aerospace as a Game Changer in Drone Technology

Garuda Aerospace Kisan Drones, Garuda Aerospace Drones

twenty fourth April, 2024; National: India’s main drone expertise producer Garuda Aerospace, is honored to be acknowledged as the winner on the worldwide TiE50 Award 2024 for its main innovation and expertise in the drone business. This world recognition highlights Garuda Aerospace’s distinctive achievements, its pioneering spirit and its dedication to growing cutting-edge drone applied sciences.  The win positions India as a key participant in the worldwide drone business.

TiE50 Drone Technology Awards

The extremely aggressive annual award attracted participation from hundreds of promising startups the world over. Garuda Aerospace emerged victorious submit a rigorous choice course of involving a number of rounds. Marking its 14th 12 months, the TiE50 awards have been a hallmark of figuring out and honoring essentially the most impactful and disruptive technology-enabled startups.

Garuda Aerospace will probably be felicitated on the grand stage with the TiE50 winner trophy on the TiEcon 2024. TiEcon is a premier world tech convention designed for main entrepreneurs, company executives, and buyers.

Drone Technology Winners

Elated on the win, Agnishwar Jayprakash, CEO and Founder, Garuda Aerospace mentioned, “We are honored to be acknowledged as a TiE50 Award Winner. This award is a validation of our group’s arduous work and unwavering dedication. Garuda Aerospace is proud to symbolize India at a world stage and place India as a world drone hub. We are dedicated to pushing the boundaries with steady analysis and innovation, thereby contributing to the development of drone expertise worldwide.”              

Backed by MS Dhoni, Garuda Aerospace is shaping the way forward for drone ecosystem in the nation. Recently, the corporate secured orders of high-tech quadcopter drones from ISRO. Garuda Aerospace additionally dominates the drone market with 55% market share in agri drone class and 25% market share throughout all drones in India.

About Garuda Aerospace

Garuda Aerospace is India’s main Drone tech start-up centered on disrupting two main multi-billion-dollar sectors, Precision Agri Tech and Industry 4.0 upgradation. Garuda Aerospace is asset-light, recession-proof, and agnostic, and focuses on eliminating labourers in the agricultural subject with drones specializing in designing, constructing, and customization of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Founded in 2015 with a group of 5, Garuda has scaled to a 200+ member group having the biggest drone fleet in India with over 400 drones and 500 pilots working in 84 cities. Garuda Aerospace manufactures 30 varieties of drones and provides 50 varieties of companies. Having served over 750 shoppers together with TATA, Godrej, Adani, Reliance, Swiggy, Flipkart, Delhivery, L&T, Survey of India, SAIL, NTPC, IOCL, Smart cities, Intel, Amazon, Wipro, IISC, MIT Boston, NHAI for varied tasks, the corporate just lately partnered with world giants such as Lockheed Martin, Cognizant and Elbit Systems. Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji launched the drone yatra the place 100 drones had been flagged off concurrently throughout 100 villages in India. Garuda Aerospace is the primary drone firm to get DGCA approvals for Type Certification and Remote Pilot Training Organisation. Garuda is on a mission to impression 1 billion lives positively utilizing reasonably priced precision Drone Technology. Mahendra Singh Dhoni has invested in the corporate and is the Brand Ambassador.