The Chhattisgarh

Year: 2024

  • IMA President writes letter to CM Sai, demands removal of bank guarantee worth lakhs in MBBS admission

    Raipur. Indian Medical Association (IMA) President Dr. Rakesh Gupta has written a letter to Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai demanding removal of bank guarantee worth lakhs in MBBS admission. In this, Dr. Rakesh Gupta said that there are clear guidelines in the Supreme Court, High Court and other states. No one’s entry can be stopped due to lack of bank guarantee. Lakhs of rupees have to be given as guarantee. It is returned after 6 years, whereas the order is to return after one year. Therefore, our demand is that the bank guarantee rule should be abolished or the bank guarantee should be returned after one year.

    Dr. Rakesh Gupta has further written in the letter that, bank guarantee is being taken for the recruitment of MBBS students in private medical colleges of Chhattisgarh. Which is not appropriate to be taken as per the orders of the High Court of various states. I am sharing with you the links of the referred High Court decisions and newspapers. In this, instructions have been given to return the bank guarantee amount from the medical college. Our demand is that after getting the test done, the bank should be directed to refund the guarantee fees. Hundreds of students will be benefited by this public interest decision of yours and the middle and lower middle class will get financial relief.

  • Agniveer Bharti Rules: There may be a big change in the rules of Agniveer recruitment, this important information came out

    Agniveer Bharti Rules: There may be a big change in the rules of Agniveer recruitment under the Agneepath scheme. Now Agniveer can get a chance to work again even after the end of his four-year tenure. According to the report presented in Parliament, after the end of the tenure, the services of Agniveer can be taken in emergency situations. It is being speculated that instructions may be issued in this regard soon.

    In fact, recently a report was presented in Parliament, in which it was suggested that the Defense Ministry should set up a mechanism to avail the services of firefighters in emergency situations. Since Agniveers are better trained with a tenure of 4 years and they are also young. In such a situation, a database of firefighters willing to serve again should be prepared. Currently, the Defense Ministry is considering this.

    What is the current rule?

    According to the current rule, Agniveer is appointed for 4 years. During this time, they are completely trained. After 4 years, 75 percent of Agniveers are thrown out and only 25 percent of Agniveers are made permanent. If the new change is implemented then firefighters will get a lot of facilities. Let us tell you that the first batch of Agniveer started work in the year 2023.

    How are fire warriors selected?

    Under Agniveer Recruitment, candidates are selected on the basis of written examination, document verification, physical efficiency test and medical test. In the written examination, questions are asked from subjects related to English, Reasoning, General Awareness. After this there is a physical efficiency test, which varies according to different armies. Let us tell you that earlier the written examination was scheduled as the final stage, but by amending the rules it was made the preliminary stage.

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  • Sports Success Story: From Swing To Stardom, Irfan Pathan’s Inspirational Journey To Cricket Greatness | cricket news

    New Delhi: Irfan Pathan, born on October 27, 1984, in Vadodara, Gujarat, is a former Indian cricketer who left an indelible mark on the sport with his exceptional skills as a fast-bowling all-rounder. His journey from a modest background to becoming a prominent figure in Indian cricket is a testament to his dedication and perseverance.

    Early Life And Struggles:

    Irfan Pathan’s cricketing journey began in the narrow lanes of Vadodara, where he honed his skills playing street cricket with makeshift equipment. Despite financial constraints, his father recognized his talent and supported his aspirations. Pathan’s breakthrough came when he joined the MRF Pace Foundation, showcasing raw talent that would soon make waves on the international stage.

    Rapid Rise In International Cricket:

    Irfan Pathan made his international debut in 2003, catching everyone’s attention with his swing bowling and aggressive batting. His hat-trick against Pakistan in the first over of a Test match in 2006 remains one of the most iconic moments in Indian cricket history. Pathan’s performances in both Test and One Day Internationals (ODIs) solidified his position as a key player for the Indian team.

    Challenges And Comebacks:

    Injuries and fluctuations in form posed challenges to Pathan’s career, leading to temporary setbacks. However, his resilience and work ethic saw him make successful comebacks. His ability to reinvent himself, adopting a more nuanced bowling style, showcased his adaptability and determination.

    T20 Success And Franchise Cricket:

    Irfan Pathan excelled in the shorter format of the game, becoming a sought-after player in T20 leagues worldwide. His contributions to various franchises, both with the ball and the bat, demonstrated his versatility and made him an asset in the evolving landscape of cricket.

    Legacy And Post-Retirement Contributions:

    After retiring from professional cricket, Irfan Pathan continued to contribute to the sport. Whether it was as a commentator, mentor, or coach, he remained actively involved in nurturing young talent and sharing his wealth of experience.

    Irfan Pathan’s success story is a testament to his unwavering determination, skill, and adaptability. From the narrow streets of Vadodara to the international cricketing arena, he overcame challenges, leaving an indelible mark on Indian cricket. His legacy extends beyond his playing days, as he continues to inspire the next generation of cricketers.

  • Scam Alert! Delhi Engineer Loses Rs 12 lakh In Telegram Crypto Scam

    Cryptocurrency scams rise in India, targeting social media users. Engineer Ankit Chaudhary lost Rs 12 lakh in a Telegram group scam. Delhi Police investigates and warns against online frauds.  

  • Twisted Tale Of Love And Betrayal: Shoaib Sheikh Kills His Bank Manager Partner Amit Kaur |

    In yet another case of love relation gone wrong, a man murdered his partner in Mumbai. The duo met on social media three months ago. The incident took place in Turbhe of Navi Mumbai. The crime blurred the lines between love and vengeance, as a man named Shoaib Sheikh, 24, orchestrated the murder of his lover, a bank manager named Amit Kaur, 35, a divorcee and mother of a teen girl.

    The tale began a few months ago when Shoaib and Amit first crossed paths through social media. What seemed like a blossoming romance took a dark turn on the night of January 8th when Shoaib arrived in Turbhe to celebrate Kaur’s birthday.

    According to the information provided by the police, Shoaib, fueled by suspicions and emotions, strangled Amit Kaur to death in a lodge where they had planned to mark the occasion. After committing the heinous act, Shoaib fled the scene, leaving the staff to make a gruesome discovery when they opened the door to find the woman’s lifeless body.

    Upon conducting an investigation, the Sakinaka police in Mumbai apprehended Shoaib Sheikh. The young man, who worked in a garage, eventually confessed to the crime after being taken into custody.

    The police revealed that Shoaib harbored suspicions about his lover, which ultimately led him to carry out the murder. The victim, a respected bank manager, was completely unaware of the sinister intentions that had been festering within Shoaib.

    The tragic incident shed light on the consequences of a relationship tainted by distrust and betrayal. As the legal proceedings unfolded, the dark secrets behind this twisted tale of love and betrayal continued to unravel, leaving the community grappling with the shocking reality that had unfolded in their midst.

  • Congress in search of ‘Sanjeevani’ in Hasdev Aranya: After the defeat in CG, Congressmen became vocal against the coal block, here the mining company claimed to have planted 42 lakh saplings.

    Raipur. Politics has intensified regarding the cutting of trees in Hasdev Aranya of Chhattisgarh. Both Congress and BJP are engaged in allegations and counter-allegations. Congress, which was silent till now while being in government regarding the opening of coal block here, has now come out in protest. It seems that after the crushing defeat in the assembly elections, Congress is now searching for Sanjeevani in Hasdev Aranya for the general elections. This is the reason why Congress leaders are now vocally opposing the coal block. The irony is that the permission for Parsa East Kete Basan Coal Block to be opened in Hasdev Aranya was given by the Congress government at the Centre. Firstly, approval for diversion of 1898.328 hectares of forest land for this mine was given by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on 15/03/2012. When there was Congress government at the centre.

    Parsa East Kete Bassen Coal Block was allotted to Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited, Jaipur (RRVUNL). MDO for coal block by Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited, Jaipur (RRVUNL). Parsa Kete Coal Limited (a venture of M/s Adani Enterprises) has been appointed. After getting necessary permissions like mining lease approval, environment approval, forest diversion approval, mining work on Parsa East Kete Basan started in 2012 without any local opposition.

    Whereas, under Parsa East Kete Basen Phase-2, approval of 1136 hectares of land was given by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on 02/02/2022. The final phase of approval for forest land diversion was given by the Forest Department, Government of Chhattisgarh on 25/03/2022, when Congress was in power in the state. Now that Congress has sat in the opposition, there seems to be an issue for the return of Hasdev Aranya in the form of Aranya. BJP leaders have accused Congress of two-faced political conduct. He says that the entire paper work of Hasdev Aranya which the Congress party is doing politics about was done during the time of Congress and today when they came out of power, they are putting the entire blame on BJP.

    BJP says that on June 23, 2022, the DGPS survey report was verified by Forest Division Surguja Chhattisgarh to Rajasthan Government, Deputy Divisional Officer Udaipur and Range Officer Udaipur. At that time, there was Congress government in Chhattisgarh. This makes it clear that the Congress government itself wanted to give permission for coal excavation.

    Claim of planting 42 lakh saplings

    Here, officials of Parsa Kete Coal Limited said that in lieu of diversion of forest land under the coal mine project, 42,04,200 saplings have been planted under alternative plantation in a total of 3822 areas. Similarly, as per the conditions imposed by the Government of India, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, New Delhi, a total of 8,20,700 saplings have been planted in the dump and reclamation area. Thus, 50,24,900 trees have been planted so far under the project. Apart from this, according to the Mine Reclamation Plan, about 1 lakh saplings will be planted every year on the reclaimed land.

  • Safeguarding India’s Digital Frontier: Unveiling Ransomware Challenges And Cybersecurity Strategies |

    The global expansion of the technology ecosystem has led to a significant rise in cybersecurity challenges. India, too, faces these challenges, underscoring the crucial need for robust measures and collaborative initiatives to ensure the safety, integrity, and continual growth of our cyber ecosystem.

    Recent findings from the Data Security Council of India (DSCI), an active consortium of cybersecurity ecosystem participants, reveal a projected demand for 64,000 cybersecurity professionals in India. The DSCI anticipates a substantial increase in the demand for cybersecurity products and services, expecting the workforce to grow from 1.10 lakh employees in 2019 to over 10 lakh employees by 2025-26. Despite the rising demand and salaries in the cybersecurity industry, a notable concern is the projected 30% demand-supply gap by the end of 2023.

    The alarming gap in the cybersecurity workforce isn’t confined to national borders but spans globally, reaching an impressive 4.7 million by 2023. Despite this, the workforce gap has notably widened, experiencing a substantial 26.2% year-on-year increase in 2022. This underscores the pressing need to urgently address and narrow the expanding imbalance within the cybersecurity workforce.

    Ransomware attacks have become increasingly common. When asked why they predominantly affect SME and MSME sectors, Kaushik Ray, COO of WhizHack Technologies, explained, “The SME and MSME sector, lacking regulation, face heightened cyber threats. Sophos’ report reveals that 83% of targeted organizations have under 1,000 employees, with missing logs in 42% of attacks. Despite holding valuable data, limited resources and a false sense of security make them vulnerable. The improved cybersecurity infrastructure is evident in a 44% decrease in ransomware ‘dwell time.’ However, with the rising sophistication of attacks, SMEs, adopting technology at just 36%-37%, remain at risk. A crucial shift in mindset and substantial technology adoption is necessary for robust cyber defense.”

    With each passing day, hackers are advancing their techniques in tandem with technology. It raises the question of whether there’s a standard module or if hackers employ diverse techniques to target businesses. Ray said, “These attacks evolve constantly, with hackers keenly aware of defense levels. They possess a well-developed playbook to navigate defenses. SMEs are especially vulnerable to spam, phishing, DDoS attacks, ransomware, and corporate account takeovers. As MSMEs shift to the cloud for digital transformation, the risk of cyberattacks on cloud services increases. Security experts note that smaller organizations using Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) are particularly susceptible to cyber extortion attempts, where ransomware encrypts files, demanding payment for decryption keys.”

    Regarding the sophistication of ransomware attacks, he said, “India has faced a surge in state-sponsored attacks, a concern we’ve highlighted since our inception. Over the last three years, these attacks have increased by 278%. State-sponsored attacks inherently possess complexity and sophistication. Until September, service companies in India, particularly in IT and BPO, reported the majority of these incidents. The same report notes a 460% increase in attacks on government agencies and a 508% rise in the SME sector. Ransomware attacks are proliferating in the cybersecurity sector, evolving beyond existing defenses. The most severely impacted and vulnerable is the SME sector. Modern cyberattacks utilize advanced tactics, circumventing traditional malware detection and operating within the intricacies of their targets’ environments, aiming to steal data, install ransomware, encrypt data, and cause widespread disruption.”

    It’s evident that the cyber attacks on MSMEs and SMEs are very common now and affect the entire economy at a large scale. Kaushik believes that India’s position is not very good. The WhizHack COO further said, “Once again, based on the numbers, globally, state-sponsored attacks stand at 68%, while India stands at 72%. Many Indian SMEs, integral to the nation’s growth, face heightened susceptibility to global ransomware attacks, exposing them to risks such as service disruptions, delivery delays, and significant financial losses. To address these threats, organizations need to proactively prepare and establish recovery strategies in anticipation of potential attacks. There is a significant dependency on threat countermeasures and reactive approaches, such as firewalls and anti-malware software, which are proving insufficient against increasingly sophisticated attacks. Simple yet cost-effective practices, which organizations often overlook, need to be implemented. The starting point is creating awareness.”

    Talking about how vulnerable the MSME and SME sectors are to these cyber attacks, the WhizHack COO added, “Ransomware attacks have affected a significant portion of respondents in the last two years, with 73% reporting an incident. Among those affected, 28% admitted to paying the ransom, while an additional 42.5% acknowledged the possibility of considering such payments. Cybercriminals are now also attempting to exfiltrate intellectual property from companies, victimizing industries like BFSI, Chemicals, Automobiles, Airlines, and Food & Beverage. A study revealed that industries considering ransom payments include Construction (74%), Technology (51%), and Energy (43%). Regarding the impact on specific sectors, Legal (92%), Financial Services (78%), Manufacturing (78%), and Human Resources Services (77%) were most likely to have experienced ransomware attacks. Construction companies, in particular, may find themselves compelled to pay due to potential losses of crucial plans, disrupting large contracts, and jeopardizing deadlines and downstream projects. In terms of impact, the Manufacturing and Technology industries ranked highest for ransomware incidents, with Retail and Wholesale experiencing a notable increase in victims throughout the year, rising from 9th place to the top three.”

    Now it is a fact that the government’s involvement and policy efforts have a significant ability to improve the susceptibility of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to ransomware. Yet, the effectiveness of these actions depends on how carefully they are put into practice, how easily they are accessed, and how well they address the specific challenges faced by the sector. A well-thought-out and complete plan that includes these elements can greatly strengthen SMEs against ransomware attacks.

    Government involvement and strategic policies can significantly enhance SME resilience against ransomware. Meticulous implementation, accessibility, and tailored solutions are crucial. “To initiate this process, providing financial support for cybersecurity measures, implementing training and awareness programs, establishing regulatory standards and compliance support, offering incident response and recovery assistance, and fostering collaborative information sharing are essential components,” he suggests.

    There’s a significant need for an approach that equips the sector to confront and mitigate the threat of ransomware more effectively. It is high time when it must accelerate technology adoption, necessitating a mindset shift. “Addressing naivete, a lackadaisical cyber defense approach, and distrust is imperative. Adopting best practices is crucial, including employee training, robust password use, Multi-factor Authentication (MFA), regular software updates, and investing in effective Firewalls and Antivirus Software. Continuous technology review and updates are essential, as cybersecurity is an ongoing commitment. Like a virus, cyber threats evolve, demanding a proactive defense. Well-planned data backup mechanisms and regular cybersecurity drills are equally vital, akin to fire drills.”, says Kaushik Ray.

    WhizHack Technologies, a 100% Make in India firm, offers services and solutions to businesses to mitigate ransomware-related vulnerabilities and is actively making changes to enhance the integrity of its services. 

    “By simulating a ransomware attack, one can not only enhance awareness of ransomware security within a company but can also assess the effectiveness of systems in preventing and detecting ransomware, and provide customized advice to improve overall defense against ransomware. This simulation involves a proactive and controlled exercise designed to replicate a genuine ransomware attack in a secure setting. It serves as a deliberate test by organizations to assess their preparedness and response to a simulated cyber threat without causing any actual harm to their systems or data,” said Ray.

    It is believed to a large extent that cybersecurity is very expensive, which is why the SME sector players have been fence-sitters in adopting and upgrading their cyber defense. It is good that Swadeshi companies are working to help the MSME and SMEs by building a safe cyber-ecosystem and software in India.

  • The main accused who cut the palm of a college professor in Kerala arrested, NIA got success in the 13 year old incident…

    Thiruvananthapuram. The NIA has taken into custody Savad, the first accused involved in the gruesome incident of cutting the palm of a college professor of Newman College in Thodupuzha in Kerala in 2010. The accused was caught from Mattanur in Kannur district on Tuesday. Read this also: ABVP mobilized to remove the Vice Chancellor of Horticulture University, alleged irregularities in the recruitment of assistant professors…

    Let us tell you that on July 4, 2010, a seven-member gang armed with deadly weapons had cut off the right palm of Professor TJ Joseph. The professor was accused of blasphemy in a question paper prepared by him.

    Read this also: Tremendous enthusiasm among the devotees regarding the consecration of the idol of Lord Ram in Ayodhya, preparations to celebrate a festival like Diwali from villages to cities.

    Sawad, who was among those who attacked the professor, was a member of the banned Popular Front of India, against whom Interpol had issued a red-corner notice. At the same time, NIA had announced a reward for anyone giving information about Sawad.

  • CG BREAKING: Hitesh Baghel will be SDO of CM Vishnudev Sai, know who has been made personal assistant and under secretary of CM Secretariat…

    Raipur. General Administration Department, Chhattisgarh Government has issued posting order of SDO, Personal Assistant and Under Secretary of Chief Minister’s Secretariat to CM Vishnudev Sai. The state government has appointed State Administrative Service officer Hitesh Baghel as officer on special duty in the personal establishment of the Chief Minister, Suraj Sahu as Under Secretary in the Chief Minister’s Secretariat and Akash Gupta as personal assistant to the Chief Minister.

    The State Government has appointed State Administrative Service officer Shri Hitesh Baghel as Officer on Special Duty in the private establishment of the Chief Minister, Shri Suraj Sahu as Under Secretary in the Chief Minister’s Secretariat and Shri Akash Gupta as Personal Assistant in the private establishment of the Chief Minister. pic.twitter.com/oT7gs974Mg

    — CMO Chhattisgarh (@ChhattisgarhCMO) January 10, 2024

  • Canon India CEO Discusses Next-Gen Imaging Vision, Innovative Strategies for 2024 |

    New Delhi: Canon is stepping into the future by marrying its heritage of excellence with the latest technological advances. With the constant emergence of new platforms and the ever-increasing demand for video content, Canon, having been synonymous with quality photography and imaging, is redefining its offerings. In an exclusive conversation with Ayaz Farooqui, Manabu Yamazaki, President and CEO of Canon India, discusses the company’s plans to adapt and innovate in the rapidly changing world of imaging technology. Yamazaki highlights how the company is not only keeping pace with these changes but also anticipating customer needs in various sectors, including video surveillance and professional printing.

    Here are the excerpts from the interaction

    1. With the introduction of newer technologies, what steps is Canon taking to integrate new-age innovation into its products and services while leveraging its legacy in imaging technology?

    The imaging industry’s expansion in recent years can be attributed majorly to technological advancements, which have met the evolving demands across sectors. Over decades, we at Canon have remained trailblazers, offering the best experiences to our customers, through innovative product innovations and the continual provision of the most up-to-date features that enhance efficiency and add value to their work.

    For instance, we are extensively delving into the potential of Virtual Reality (VR) to facilitate top-notch content creation. In 2021, we unveiled the EOS VR System, which marked a significant milestone in empowering the crafting of stunning 180° VR content at resolutions up to 8K. Artificial intelligence (AI) is the future of the connected devices and systems around us. Supporting a wide range of broadcasting avenues including Education, Sports, Broadcast News, Events, Live Streaming and more, AI equips our PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) broadcast cameras powered by the auto tracking application and seamless operations enabled by the auto loop application. As part of our network surveillance solution offerings, we have incorporated advanced video analytics, along with CCTV surveillance, access control, and public addressing, thereby addressing the complete networking and surveillance life cycle. We recognize the transformative power of such emerging technologies and are committed to leveraging our legacy to create innovative and enhanced experiences for our customers.

    2. With the increasing importance of video content across various platforms, how is Canon adapting its product line to cater to the needs of both amateur and professional videographers?

    Consumption of video content has witnessed a significant increase in recent years. In line with this, we have been focusing on a video-first strategy that extends to our product offerings, as well as our marketing approach and engagement with stakeholders. We have been catering to the rise in demand for video content equipment by introducing specialized products tailored across segments including weddings, content creation, education technology, OTT, and house of worship. Notably, we unveiled the Canon EOS R8, for wedding professionals, and the EOS R50, EOS R100, and PowerShot V10 for content creators, showcasing a dedication to providing cutting-edge tools for videography.

    At the same time, the rise in streaming content, growth of OTT, and booming cinema segment has resulted in an uptick in demand for our exhaustive Cinema EOS series. The recent inclusion of Canon EOS R5 C as the eighth addition to the list of cameras approved by Netflix for production underscores Canon’s unwavering focus on delivering the high-quality standards demanded by professionals in the broadcasting and videography industry. We aim to understand the diverse needs of the videography community with a focus on strengthening our product portfolio and services for the same.

    3. In what ways is Canon investing in the next generation of photographers and creators, and how does this align with the company’s long-term vision? Highlight company’s expansion beyond cameras into the imaging industry?

    Grounded in the ‘GEMBA’ culture, where we actively stay close to customers to understand their requirements, we have identified significant growth potential in the photographers and content creator/vlogger segment. Our vision is to empower and upskill the influencer community through focused products and workshops, facilitating their conquest of the world of creativity. Beyond offering cutting-edge technology, our engagement with the creative community includes educational webinars and collaborations with top institutions and expert EOS Ambassadors. This holistic approach is aimed at nurturing the photography industry and seamlessly aligns with our vision to transcend traditional boundaries, solidifying our leadership in the imaging industry for years to come. 

    Talking about expanding our legacy beyond cameras, we have strengthened our positioning across a comprehensive range of digital imaging products and solutions in India catering to segments across Healthcare, Government, Home Segments, Enterprises, Educational Institutions, and much more. We have been empowering enterprises with our range of printing and business imaging solutions including document management systems (DMS), multi-functional devices (MFDs), cloud-based tools, and more. We also forayed into the cyber security domain to further enable organizations to optimize workflow efficiently. Our professional printing products are designed to cater to the evolving needs of jobbers and print shops, while our extensive line-up of consumer printers caters to homes, small offices/home offices, and small to medium-sized businesses. Similarly, we continue to grow our market presence in imperative segments including Surveillance and Medical, thereby solidifying our industry leadership as a futuristic and innovative technology brand even further.

    4. Could you share insights into any upcoming technologies or products that Canon is particularly excited about?

    Canon’s expansion beyond its traditional identity as a camera company is marked by a strategic shift towards becoming a comprehensive digital imaging solutions provider. This evolution is underscored by our diversified product range and their dominance across various market segments in India. We aim to continue solidifying our leadership in the imaging technology industry by further expanding our foothold in key sectors such as Healthcare, Government, Enterprises, and Educational Institutions. One of the key avenues in this regard is surveillance, owing to the development of Smart Cities in India; we aim to become an end-to-end surveillance solutions provider and systems integrator, offering cutting-edge technologies, including our innovative PTZ camera series in the field of broadcasting as well. We are particularly keen on supporting enterprises in their digital transformation journey. In this regard, we forayed into cybersecurity in 2023, allowing us to offer organizations comprehensive solutions that optimize workflow efficiency and prioritize data security.

    In the professional printing industry, we have been introducing innovative products that have been specially designed to cater to the evolving needs of jobbers and print shops. Additionally, our consumer printers fulfilling the diverse requirements of homes, small offices, and small to medium-sized businesses, aligns with the changing dynamics of remote work and the increasing demand for versatile printing solutions in various settings. As we adopted the ‘Henkaku’ strategy, emphasizing transformation as a key driver of growth in India, our continued commitment to expanding offerings based on evolving market requirements stands out.

    5. How does Canon tailor its strategies to cater to diverse markets, especially in countries like India?

    We employ a consumer-first approach in tailoring our strategies for diverse markets, particularly in India, by understanding and adapting to the unique needs of each segment. For instance, with businesses increasingly adopting automation to improve efficiency, we have invested heavily in innovating our office automation tools and software solutions that support them in their digital transformation journey. Additionally, there has been an increasing importance of cybersecurity in today’s digital landscape due to a rise in cyber threats. Hence, we addressed the growing requirement for cybersecurity solutions by launching our offerings in collaboration with ESET, an industry expert.

    In the realm of professional printing, we recognized the emerging need for jobbers and print shops to improve their productivity and efficiency by increasing machine speed while delivering quality output. With the evolving landscape of hybrid work models, we have strategically designed our consumer printing offerings to address the demands of consumers seeking versatile and high-performance products. We have also been heavily focused on empowering the growing cohort of content creators and professional segments like Wedding, through specialized products as well as regular engagements that are aimed at boosting their creativity. This consumer-first approach ensures that customers using our imaging solutions can operate securely and confidently in an ever-changing digital environment.

    6. What challenges and opportunities does Canon see in the Indian market specifically?

    In the dynamic landscape of the Indian market and the rapid advancements in imaging technology, we recognize the challenge of staying ahead of the curve and delivering technological innovations that effectively cater to the evolving needs of our customers. In the B2B sector, especially amidst the surge in demand for printers prompted by the shift to hybrid working, we see a significant opportunity, thereby accelerating the need for efficient home and office printing solutions. As India embraces the Smart City infrastructure movement, our surveillance offerings align seamlessly with the government’s investment in the development of 100 smart cities. The Network Video Surveillance Solutions (NVS) business has experienced notable growth, with plans to expand into government projects, including critical infrastructure, safe city initiatives, and integrated traffic management projects.

    Office automation is also a significant focus area for us, addressing the increasing demand in sectors like BFSI, Healthcare, and Startups. The introduction of office automation tools and software solutions such as Therefore, Uniflow, and Kofax has garnered substantial attention. These solutions not only play a crucial role in data analytics but also assist organizations in their digital transformation journey. Our cloud-based solutions have emerged as powerful tools in simplifying business operations, reducing costs, and enhancing overall efficiency.

    On the camera front, we recognize the evolving needs of content creators, responding with products like the PowerShot V10 catering to the growing trend of vlogging. The surge in demand for streaming services across various sectors, including weddings, education, and corporate events, positions our Pro-DV and remote PTZ camera range as essential tools.

    7. How has the printing industry evolved post the pandemic, and how has Canon adapted to the changes through its offerings?

    The pandemic has been a catalyst for significant transformation in the printing industry due to the rise of hybrid working environment. This shift has led to a surge in demand for printers, not only from large corporations but also from homes, small offices/home offices (SOHOs), and small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs). In 2023, we introduced 16 state-of-the-art printers spanning our PIXMA, MAXIFY, and laser series that were tailored to these requirements. Furthermore, we empowered consumers to explore new avenues and creative outlets for printing, which went beyond printing documents.

    Our professional printing segment has also witnessed considerable growth as we introduced technologies tailored to emerging trends. Innovative products like the Desktop A1-Plus Large Format printers imagePROGRAF TC 20 series, the revolutionary imagePRESS V series, and the recently unveiled imagePROGRAF TM series have addressed evolving printing needs, providing cost-effective and multipurpose solutions ideal for remote worksites, small offices, and retail outlets. Our commitment to constant innovation and adaptation ensures that our offerings align with the ever-evolving needs of consumers in the post-pandemic era.

    8. As we are in the new year, what are the long-term plans that the company is aiming to achieve in 2024?

    In 2024, Canon India is focused on achieving ambitious long-term goals centered on market expansion and category leadership. We aim to become the fastest-growing sales company by 2024, emphasizing an innovation-first approach. Recognizing the immense potential in the Indian market, especially in the realms of surveillance and medical business, and acknowledging their strategic importance, we are determined to expand our presence further, building on our past successes and continuously growing our customer base. Our core mission, encapsulated in the Japanese term ‘Henkaku’ for transformation, guides our efforts to integrate imaging solutions into new domains, as we aim to further expand existing business propositions as well as create ‘new business avenues’, showcasing the versatility of our exhaustive portfolio.

    We recognize the importance of customer experience, aiming to go beyond traditional offerings by creating meaningful experiential engagements that highlight the real-world benefits of our products. Along with all this, a key focus area will be to enhance our reach across the length and breadth of the country, with Canon seeking to establish a robust technology ecosystem nationwide. With a diverse range of 360-degree offerings, our goal is to stay dynamic, lead industry trends, and consistently delight customers through experimentation and innovation, serving as a one-stop-shop for all digital imaging needs.