GAIL Training Institute Celebrates 29th Foundation Day with L&D Conclave on AI and Energy Transition

Noida, 10 June, 2025: GAIL Training Institute (GTI), the premier learning and development arm of GAIL (India) Limited, celebrated its 29th Foundation, with a thought-provoking L&D Conclave held at GTI, Noida. Themed “AI – The Compass to Navigate Turbulent Energy Transition,” the event brought together senior HR leaders and industry experts to explore the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence in navigating the rapidly evolving energy landscape.

Delivering the opening address, Shri Ayush Gupta, Director (HR), GAIL (India) Limited, highlighted the urgent need for organizations to embrace and integrate emerging technologies to remain competitive in a dynamic environment. He emphasized that while innovation is essential, it must be pursued without compromising ethical standards, organizational integrity, or the human element that remains at the core of HR practices.

The centerpiece of the event was a thematic panel discussion moderated by Shri Anish De, Global Head, Energy & Natural Resources, KPMG. The panel featured distinguished HR leaders, including Smt. Rashmi Govil, Director (HR), IOCL; Shri Raj Kumar Dubey, Director (HR), BPCL; Shri Krishna Kumar Singh, Director (Personnel), SAIL; Shri Krishna Kumar Thakur, Director (HR), BHEL; and Shri Ayush Gupta himself. Together, they shared insights on balancing technological advancement with human-centric values, drawing from real-world examples such as the digitalization of employee benefit systems and the implementation of direct benefit transfers to contract laborers—initiatives that have enhanced transparency and operational efficiency across public sector enterprises.

The discussion delved into various facets of technology-driven HR transformation. Topics included the use of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) to streamline internal processes, the application of AI in IOCL’s learning and development framework, the “HP GPT” journey in HR intelligence, and innovative practices from OIL India Ltd. aimed at building an ecosystem for continuous employee learning and growth. Panelists also highlighted signature L&D initiatives that are reshaping talent development and organizational agility in the energy sector.

The conclave concluded on a forward-looking note, reinforcing the belief that technology, particularly AI and Machine Learning, is not only enhancing business outcomes but also empowering human capital. As the energy sector faces significant shifts, such platforms play a vital role in fostering collaboration, sharing best practices, and ensuring a seamless and ethical transition into a tech-enabled future.

Technology Leaders Face High Stakes in the AI Race, finds new KPMG International Report

7 June 2025: KPMG International has released its latest flagship study, “The Intelligent Tech Enterprise: A Blueprint for Creating Value Through AI-Driven Transformation,” revealing that while 88% of tech leaders believe AI adoption is key to competitive advantage, only 47% are currently seeing significant ROI from their investments.

The report, based on insights from 1,390 global executives which included 183 respondents from the technology sector. These leaders shared their experiences and perspectives on overcoming barriers to AI adoption, from dismantling legacy systems to addressing organizational inertia. We also tapped into our own experiences from helping KPMG clients on more than 500 AI engagements that outlined a clear, three-phase blueprint for technology companies to realize meaningful value from AI in three phases: Enable, Embed, and Evolve.

Sharing his views, Purushothaman KG, Partner and Head Technology Transformation, KPMG in India  said “India’s tech ecosystem is uniquely positioned to leapfrog into the intelligent enterprise era, with 81% of technology firms planning to systematically integrate AI into their products and services within the next 12 months. The strategic integration of AI can redefine our global competitiveness, as 63% of enterprises are set to increase AI spending by more than 10% in the coming year. However, realizing AI’s full value requires a concerted effort—underscoring the importance of robust governance frameworks, talent development, and embedding AI into core business operations. Organizations that proactively embrace these imperatives will not only drive innovation but also set new benchmarks in delivering value and efficiency.”

Here are the key highlights

  • Technology companies face the biggest opportunities and threats from AI, with many playing a pivotal dual role, as users of AI and providers of AI to all other sectors. They now hold the pole position in the race towards an intelligent enterprise and set the pace for others to follow, but risk obsolescence at every turn.
  • AI also threatens their current business models as software development costs plummet, AI-native startups emerge and agents make it possible to deliver “service- as-software” (new SaaS)
  • Technology executives need to solve at least three AI challenges in parallel. First, they must master the use of available AI tools to boost productivity in their own organisation. Next, they need to embed AI into their products and services faster and better than their competitors. Finally, executives must prepare to adapt their business model to a world where all their customers and suppliers have adopted AI, while considering the role that agents will play in the near future
  • 88% believe that technology companies that embrace AI will develop a competitive edge over those who do not
  • 85% will  increase the percentage of global budget spent on AI
  • 68% expect a moderate to very high ROI from AI investments of 10% or more
  • 63% are aiming to increase AI investments by more than 10% in the coming year
  • 60% are seeking to improve efficiency
  • 51% of technology companies are systematically incorporating AI into products and services enabling continuous innovation, tailored solutions and market differentiation, with 81% planning to do so in the next 12 months, signaling a strong commitment to embedded AI as a core driver of business value. This is the opposite of most other sectors where the focus is largely on improving efficiency
  • Top 5 GenAI opportunities for technology firms:
  • Performance optimization
  • Customer relationship management
  • Operations execution
  • Code generation
  • Supply chain resource allocation
  • Data governance
  • Intelligent analytics
  • Supply chain optimization
  • Quality assurance
  • Digital assistants & automation

The report suggests five key actions for AI success:

  1. Architect a coherent, AI-centric vision and strategy
  2. Build trust and ethical AI frameworks
  3. Supercharge AI product intelligence
  4. Scale AI operations with next-gen infrastructure and data
  5. Evangelize AI internally to power workstream transformation

IIT Madras Integrates AI Tools to Personalise Learning for BS Degree Students, in Partnership with Scaler School of Technology

Chennai, June 6, 2025 — The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), through its Centre for Outreach and Digital Education (CODE), has announced a strategic collaboration to enhance the academic experience of students enrolled in its Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree in Data Science and Applications. As part of this initiative, AI-powered educational tools will be deployed to support scalable, personalised learning experiences for its BS degree students across the country. This initiative reflects CODE’s ongoing mission to make high-quality education accessible and scalable for learners across India.

The rollout follows a successful pilot with 500 students earlier this year and is being executed in partnership with Scaler School of Technology (SST)—an undergraduate CS program recognised for its applied pedagogy and in-house AI engineering capabilities. These tools support students with interview preparation, coding practice, conceptual clarity, and real-time feedback loops.

Key success metrics from the pilot that demonstrated the effectiveness of these tools:

  • AI Interview Companion: Over 600 interviews attended by 157 unique students in 2.5 months, focusing on modules such as Resume Discussions, Exploratory Data Analysis, and Machine Learning.
  • AI Teaching Assistant (TA): Provided 24/7 coding support, leading to a 44% increase in successful submissions across key problem statements.
  • AI Flashcards & Class Notes: Students averaged 63 flashcards each, indicating strong engagement and positive feedback from faculty.
  • Gamified Revision (Matching Game): Though used by a smaller cohort, it saw 107 high-engagement sessions, highlighting its potential for broader adoption.

Prof. Andrew Thangaraj, Chair of COE, IIT Madras, commented, “Our mission is to make quality education accessible at scale. Technology, when applied thoughtfully, can play a crucial role in making that happen. The AI tools being deployed are designed to supplement our existing academic framework and help learners gain confidence, receive faster feedback, and practice skills independently”

Abhimanyu Saxena, Co-founder, Scaler, added: “We’re honoured to support IIT Madras in its vision for tech-enabled learning. Our work at SST focuses on solving real-world classroom problems through AI-led systems, built in collaboration between students and practitioners. This collaboration allows those innovations to benefit thousands of learners across India”

Scaler’s contribution draws from its AI research and engineering efforts within its residential four-year undergraduate program, the Scaler School of Technology (SST). Several SST students, under the guidance of senior engineers, were involved in developing key features of the Companion tools.

The MoU, signed on June 2, 2025, is valid for one year with the option for extension. The tools will carry appropriate attribution to Scaler School of Technology, while IIT Madras retains control over data privacy and student engagement policies.

embedUR systems Develops Edge AI Solution on NXP Platform to Advance Automotive Sensing Technology

India – June 06th 2025 – embedUR systems, a leader in embedded software and Edge AI solutions, has developed an Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Sensing Edge AI solution with NXP® Semiconductor’s Trimension™ NCJ29D6 platform. This technology powers gesture-based control, such as hands-free trunk opening for cars, and extends to advanced sensing applications in automotive and beyond.

 

NXP’s Trimension NCJ29D6 is a fully integrated, low-energy UWB transceiver IC designed for secure ranging and radar applications in automotive environments. It supports Digital Key functionality for seamless, hands-free vehicle access while also enabling radar-based applications, such as Child Presence Detection (CPD) and kick-sensing for easy trunk access. By leveraging ranging and radar capabilities in a single chip, the Trimension NCJ29D6 maximizes system value and reduces overall cost.

embedUR systems optimized a lightweight and efficient UWB Gesture and Motion Recognition Model to work with NXP’s Trimension NCJ29D6, allowing for real-time gesture detection at a compact model size of just 215 KB.

Enhancing Experiences with UWB AI

This UWB-powered AI model allows for intuitive, touch-free vehicle interactions, and enables new affordable opportunities all running on the Edge, such as:

  • Touch-Free Trunk Opening – Open the trunk with a wave of a hand or foot.
  • Parking Assistance – Start/stop automated parking maneuvers using gestures.

Beyond automotive, this technology can be adapted for consumer electronics, industrial automation, and smart home applications, enabling touch-free user interactions across multiple industries.

Optimized AI for UWB Sensing Applications

embedUR systems specializes in embedded AI on the Edge, model optimization, and real-time processing on power-efficient, low-memory edge devices. The combination of secure ranging and radar support in the Trimension NCJ29D6 provides a unique foundation for advanced AI-driven sensing applications. By leveraging this platform, embedUR delivers robust and efficient UWB gesture recognition for a range of use cases.

“With our expertise in embedded AI and UWB technology, we are delivering practical, hands-free interaction solutions that enhance safety and convenience,” said Eric Smiley, VP of Business Development at embedUR systems. “This project demonstrates how UWB, combined with optimized Edge AI models, can help create advanced sensing applications for automotive and beyond.”

Michael Leitner, General Manager, Secure Car Access at NXP Semiconductors, confirms: “The knowledge of embedUR in wireless sensing and efficient implementation of data processing on edge devices positions embedUR to fully leverage the capabilities of our Ultra-Wideband (UWB) devices. EmbedUR demonstrated very positive results in UWB-based gesture sensing and we are looking forward to further applications that embedUR is able to address based on our UWB IC.”

Driving Edge AI Acceleration

With over two decades of expertise in embedded systems and wireless technologies, embedUR has delivered AI-powered solutions across automotive, industrial, and IoT markets. embedUR has developed a range of Edge AI applications, such as a real-time image segmentation model running on an Arm® Cortex®-M7 at under 300 KB and deployed facial recognition AI pipelines on a low-power edge device with <1MB memory footprints. embedUR’s engineers routinely optimize AI models to fit within 200–500 KB, enabling real-time inference on power and memory efficient platforms without sacrificing accuracy. This proven track record in model compression, quantization, and efficient runtime integration positions embedUR to help customers accelerate development cycles, meet strict power/memory budgets, and bring next-generation products to market faster.

Regulating the Game: India’s Journey Towards Safer Online Gaming

India’s online gaming sector is booming. What started as light entertainment has now become part of millions’ daily routines. But with scale comes responsibility. And the question the industry is now asking itself is: how do we grow while also protecting the player?

From thoughtful product design to fairness frameworks, the online gaming space – particularly in skill-based games – is shifting towards a more mindful, responsible future. Platforms are integrating fairness tools like RNG certification and anti-bot measures to ensure trust and transparency. Gaming platforms such as Zupee, exemplify this shift by offering short, skill-based games that promote cognitive skills and social interaction.

  • Time-Limited Play That Respects a Player’s Life

One of the smartest interventions in gaming today is also one of the simplest: time limits. Platforms are intentionally designing games that end in under 10 minutes – just enough for a quick burst of fun, without the risk of long hours. This matters more than ever in a world where screen time is easy to lose track of.

Games like time-bound Ludo or card-based strategy games allow users to play at their convenience – during a break, while commuting, or winding down – without compromising their day. It’s a quiet but important shift that helps players stay in control.

  • Designing for Trust: Fair Play Isn’t a Feature, It’s the Foundation

In real money gaming, fairness isn’t a luxury – it’s the baseline. Today’s top platforms are building that trust through tools like RNG (random number generation) for unbiased outcomes, third-party audits, and blockchain-led verification systems.

Zupee, for example, has doubled down on transparency with both RNG certification and robust anti-bot protections – ensuring players know they’re always up against real people and fair odds. When users feel confident in the process, they’re more likely to play with a clear, healthy mindset.

  • Games That Ask You to Think, Not Just Tap

There’s a common misconception that mobile gaming is mindless. In reality, skill-based games often require quick thinking, risk assessment, and emotional control. Take Ludo – not the version from your childhood but its competitive, timed counterpart. You’re weighing probability, reading the opponent, and adjusting strategy on the fly.

This kind of play quietly builds cognitive skills. Players aren’t just reacting – they’re planning, learning, and growing. For many, that’s the real reward.

  • Social Play, Real Skills

The best games don’t just entertain – they teach you how to lose, how to wait your turn, and how to stay calm when you’re one move away from winning. Multiplayer formats create an unexpected space for sportsmanship. You learn how to compete without taking it personally, and how to reconnect with others through a shared childhood game – just with a modern twist.

It’s part nostalgia, part life lesson. And in an age where digital spaces often feel isolating, these small but meaningful interactions matter.

  • Regulation and Responsibility Are Now Part of the Game Plan

It’s no longer enough to be popular. Platforms are now being held to higher standards by both users and regulators. We’re seeing the rise of self-regulatory frameworks, increased transparency around taxation, and serious conversations about how to differentiate games of skill from games of chance.

Many operators, including those in the casual and board game segment, have embraced this shift – not just for compliance but as a long-term investment in industry credibility. That includes certifications from recognized bodies, regular audits, and an active push toward safer, more inclusive gaming environments.

  • The Bottom Line

Gaming isn’t just about play anymore – it’s about responsibility. As the industry grows, the leaders won’t be the ones chasing downloads. They’ll be the ones designing for trust, mental well-being, and genuine connection. Responsible gaming isn’t a checkbox. It’s the future.

Revolutionizing Content Creation with AI-Driven Tools in 2025

AI is now a key tool that makes content creation much easier in this digital era. Because of AI, creators can make great visuals, whether photographic or filmed, more quickly and effectively than ever before. One breakthrough in image creation is the development of AI generators, which help everyone create high-quality images without advanced tech abilities.

AI Image Generators: Transforming the Creative Process

AI is used more and more by digital artists, social media managers and marketers to create images. With the help of deep learning, these tools generate both realistic and abstract images, art and designs from just a few words of input. As a result, photo creators can quickly produce top-quality images for use on websites, blogs, social media networks and other platforms, without spending a lot on software.

One of the best tools in the field is the Free AI Image Generator from Magic Hour AI. Because of this tool, anyone can easily produce attractive visuals which is very helpful for people who need unique images. It doesn’t matter if you’re blogging, creating ads or just experimenting with images; this tool helps you make accurate and creative images.

Elevating Video Editing with AI

It’s not just about creating still images with AI; it’s also changing video editing. Before, traditional editing needed plenty of time and practice, but with AI, the process is often computerized. It is now easier than before to improve videos because AI manages scene transitions and color correction.

AI can go through your video, highlight important parts and even recommend changes that fit with the video’s theme or reason for making it. It is especially convenient for those creating large amounts of video content who still aim for the best results.

The Future of Content Creation: AI as a Creative Partner

As AI keeps improving, creating all kinds of content becomes more possible. Many people depend on AI for enhancing pictures, videos and even for making fresh illustrations. Artists can try new concepts, experiment with different tools and simplify their production methods.

Over the next few years, we may see new AI tools that give us better control over how we create music. People who want to lead in the industry should learn about existing AI tools and see how AI can aid their work.

Magic Hour AI offers a Free AI Image Generator that makes it possible for anyone to create many types of images. No matter if you’re an expert or just starting in design, this AI image generator makes it easy for you to visualize what you imagine.

Conclusion

With AI, people without special technical qualifications can access content-creation applications that were previously only for industry experts. Thanks to AI for image creation and online video editors, it’s possible now for content creators to impress their audience with better-looking materials like never before. Developments in AI technology indicate that content creation will expand, giving those who adapt lots of new opportunities.

Engineering a Secure Tomorrow: Cybersecurity Careers on the Rise

By-Er. Koneru Lakshman Havish, Vice President, KL Deemed to be University

Cybersecurity has become an important concern for businesses, governments, and individuals. With the increasing reliance on digital platforms and the surge in cyber threats, there is a growing demand for cybersecurity professionals. Aspiring engineers looking to make their mark in a dynamic and rewarding field should consider cybersecurity as a promising domain. This article explores the importance of cybersecurity, the skills required, and the opportunities it offers to engineers.

What is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity refers to the practice of protecting systems, networks, and data from digital attacks, thefts, and damage. The goal is to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information and resources. As organizations and individuals become more connected through the internet, the risk of cyberattacks such as hacking, phishing, and data breaches continues to rise. Cybersecurity professionals play a crucial role in preventing, detecting, and mitigating these threats.

Why is Cybersecurity a Thriving Domain?

The growing threat of cybercrime has made cybersecurity a thriving domain for engineers. The reasons are as follows:

  1. Increase in Cyber Threats: With the rise of sophisticated cyber-attacks, businesses and organizations are investing heavily in cybersecurity to protect their data and infrastructure. This has created a significant demand for skilled professionals.
  2. Pervasiveness of Technology: As industries such as finance, healthcare, and retail embrace digital transformation, the need for robust security systems grows. The Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud computing have further expanded the potential attack surfaces, making cybersecurity even more essential.
  3. High Demand for Skilled Professionals: According to industry reports, the cybersecurity workforce gap is widening, creating numerous opportunities for engineers. The shortage of qualified professionals has made it one of the fastest-growing sectors in the technology industry.
  4. Lucrative Salaries and Job Stability: The demand for cybersecurity professionals has led to high salaries and job stability. As the risks of cyberattacks escalate, organizations are willing to offer competitive pay and benefits to attract talents.

Skills Required for a Career in Cybersecurity

Aspiring engineers looking to pursue a career in cybersecurity need to develop a diverse set of skills. These include both technical and soft skills. Some essential skills for cybersecurity professionals include:

  1. Technical Knowledge: Engineers should have a strong understanding of networks, operating systems, and cryptology. Familiarity with protocols like TCP/IP, DNS, and HTTP, as well as knowledge of firewalls, VPNs, and intrusion detection systems (IDS), is highly essential.
  2. Programming Skills: A deep understanding of programming languages such as Python, Java, and C is beneficial for developing security tools, automating tasks, and analysing vulnerabilities. Knowledge on Kali Linux, and Caine will be very essential too.
  3. Problem-Solving Abilities: Cybersecurity professionals need to think critically and creatively to solve complex security issues. Engineers must be able to identify vulnerabilities, anticipate potential threats, and respond to incidents promptly.
  4. Knowledge of Cybersecurity Tools and Frameworks: Familiarity with security tools such as Wireshark, Metasploit, and Nessus, along with industry frameworks like NIST and ISO/IEC 27001, can give engineers a competitive edge in the field.
  5. Continuous Attention and Patience: Cybersecurity requires a high level of continuous attention to analyse the indicators of a potential breach. Engineers must be thorough when reviewing systems and logs to detect vulnerabilities.
  6. Soft Skills: Strong communication, teamwork, and leadership skills are essential, as cybersecurity professionals often work in collaborative environments and must effectively convey technical information to non-technical stakeholders.

Educational Pathways for Aspiring Engineers

Aspiring engineers can pursue various educational pathways to enter the cybersecurity domain. Here are a few steps they can take:

  1. Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Computer Science: A solid foundation in engineering or computer science provides the necessary knowledge for a career in cybersecurity. Courses in networking, operating system, data structures, and algorithms are fundamental to understanding cybersecurity concepts.
  2. Specialized Cybersecurity Programs: Many universities and institutions offer specialized programs in cybersecurity. These programs cover topics such as ethical hacking, cryptography, network security, Digital forensics, and security governance.
  3. Certifications: In addition to formal education, certifications can enhance an engineer’s qualifications and make them more attractive to employers. Popular certifications include CompTIA Security+, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM).
  4. Internships and Hands-on Experience: Gaining practical experience through internships, personal projects, or open-source contributions is invaluable for aspiring engineers. Hands-on experience helps engineers understand real-world challenges and develop the skills required to tackle them.

Career Opportunities in Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity offers a wide range of career opportunities for engineers, from technical roles to leadership positions. Some of the common career paths include:

  1. Security Analyst: Security analysts monitor systems for potential threats and ensure that security protocols are followed. They may also be responsible for responding to security incidents and conducting risk assessments.
  2. Ethical Hacker (Penetration Tester): Ethical hackers test the security of systems by simulating cyber-attacks to identify vulnerabilities. They help organizations strengthen their defences before malicious hackers can exploit weaknesses.
  3. Security Architect: Security architects design and implement secure network systems. They work closely with other departments to ensure that security measures are integrated into every aspect of the organization’s technology infrastructure.
  4. Incident Responder: Incident responders are responsible for managing and mitigating the impact of security breaches. They work to contain the breach, investigate its cause, and prevent future occurrences.
  5. Chief Information Security Officer (CISO): The CISO is a senior executive responsible for overseeing an organization’s cybersecurity strategy. They ensure that the organization’s security measures align with its business goals and regulatory requirements.

Conclusion

Cybersecurity is a preferred domain that offers numerous opportunities for aspiring engineers. As technology continues to evolve and cyber threats become more sophisticated, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals’ increase. Engineers with the right technical skills, certifications, and practical experience can embark on a rewarding career in cybersecurity, contributing to the protection of critical infrastructure and classified information. With job stability, lucrative salaries, and the chance to work on cutting-edge technologies, cybersecurity presents an exciting and fulfilling career path for the next generation of engineers.

Operant AI Launches Woodpecker to Open Source Automated Security Testing

Bengaluru, May 22 2025, Silicon Valley-headquartered Operant AI, has launched Woodpecker, an open-source, automated red teaming engine, that will make advanced security testing accessible to organisations of all sizes. Woodpecker is designed to help organizations proactively detect and address security vulnerabilities across AI systems, Kubernetes environments, and APIs. 

Red teaming is a simulated cyberattack used to test and improve an organization’s cybersecurity readiness. It involves ethical hackers emulating real-world adversaries to uncover vulnerabilities and assess how effectively defenses can detect, respond to, and mitigate threats. Traditionally, such sophisticated security testing is reserved for large enterprises with dedicated security teams. Red teaming has now become increasingly vital for organizations of all sizes—especially as modern infrastructure grows more complex with the rise of cloud-native applications and AI technologies.

According to the IBM X-Force Threat Intelligence Index 2025, AI-related vulnerabilities have become a critical concern for security teams, driven by the rapid adoption of Large Language Models (LLMs) and automated agents across enterprise environments. Notably, the Asia Pacific region accounted for over one-third of global cyberattacks in 2024, underscoring the urgent need for proactive defense. 

Red Teaming for all

“Security vulnerabilities don’t discriminate based on an organization’s size or resources, we believe red teaming should not be a privilege for a few, it should be a foundational practice for all,” said Vrajesh Bhavasar, CEO and co-founder of Operant AI. “With Woodpecker, we’re leveling the playing field by providing enterprise-grade red teaming capabilities in an open source solution that any organization can deploy. Security testing at this depth should be a universal right, not a privilege reserved for those with the largest security budgets.”

Woodpecker is built for today’s GenAI world

Threats such as prompt injection, data poisoning, and model leakage continue to rise, yet only 24% of generative AI projects are currently secured, according to the IBM report.  The DSCI–Seqrite India Cyber Threat Report 2025 also underscores the growing complexity of attacks, with 62% of malware detections occurring in cloud environments. Advanced threats like BlackMamba, a generative AI-powered malware that rewrites its code on the fly, are already bypassing traditional defenses—targeting critical sectors such as healthcare and BFSI.

Woodpecker is purpose-built to address these modern threats targeting AI applications, cloud APIs, and Kubernetes environments and is designed to mimic how real attackers operate across multiple layers of infrastructure.

“Secure AI applications like Cohere’s North demand rigorous testing across complex components. Woodpecker simplifies this with open-source red teaming, enabling early vulnerability detection and encouraging secure AI adoption,” said Prutha Parikh, Head of Security at Cohere and board member at the Coalition for Secure AI.

Woodpecker provides automated red teaming capabilities across three critical domains:

  1. Kubernetes Security: Identifies misconfigurations, privilege escalations, and vulnerable deployment patterns within container orchestration environments.
  2. API Security: Simulate various attack scenarios to uncover vulnerabilities in API endpoints, authentication mechanisms, and data handling processes.
  3. AI Security: Tests machine learning models and AI systems for prompt injection, data poisoning, and other emerging AI-specific attack vectors.

“The era of reactive security is over, especially with the rise of LLMs and AI agents in live applications,” asserted Dr. Priyanka Tembey, Operant’s co-founder and CTO. “Woodpecker puts the power of proactive red teaming directly into the hands of developers, allowing them to rigorously test and secure their environments against emerging threats before they materialize.”

Key Features of Woodpecker:

  • Red Teaming Across Kubernetes, APIs, and AI Workflows
      • Red Teams for K8s, APIs, and AI Models/Agents
      • Multi-layer Threat Simulation across runtime, APIs, and LLM integrations
  • Automated LLM Red Teaming
      • Covers prompt injection, jailbreaks, model theft, sensitive data leakage and more
      • Uncover vulnerabilities by testing malicious prompts originating from both adversarial and typical users.
      • Test output manipulation and filtering evasion
  • Compliance Mapping for regulatory Frameworks
      • Covers across threat vectors for OWASP top 10 for K8s, API and AI, MITRE ATLAS and NIST
    • Open-Source and Free
      • Benefit from a powerful red teaming tool without licensing fees, fostering widespread adoption.
  • Easy Integration
    • Seamlessly integrate Woodpecker into existing security workflows and CI/CD pipelines.

Operant’s Woodpecker is now available as an open source project on https://github.com/OperantAI/woodpecker. Operant invites security engineers, developers, and the open-source community to explore, contribute, and help advance the future of proactive cybersecurity.  As part of the launch, Operant will also host hackathons and developer engagement programs in India, alongside community collaborations with the Coalition for Secure AI (CoSAI), where the company is an active member. For more information on Woodpecker visit https://www.operant.ai/solutions/woodpecker-red-teaming

With the launch of Woodpecker, an open-source and easy-to-use platform, Operant is democratizing advanced security testing accessible to every organization, regardless of their size or expertise. Woodpecker already simulates >50% of OWASP top 10 threats across APIs, Kubernetes, and LLMs, exceeding the threat simulation scope of leading commercial red teaming products. Woodpecker enables security teams, developers, and DevOps professionals to proactively identify vulnerabilities and build more resilient applications, without the cost and complexity of traditional solutions.

SHRM Tech 2.0 2025 Kicks Off with Powerful Conversations on AI, Human Potential and the Future of Work

Mumbai, 21 May 2025 : The much-anticipated SHRM Tech 2.0 2025 commenced today in Mumbai with a powerful opening that brought together some of the most influential voices in business, HR, and technology. Hosted by the SHRM India (Society for Human Resource Management), the event is set to shape the future of the workplace through high-impact discussions, innovation showcases, and leadership insights.

A powerful opening segment set the tone for the transformative event. In her welcome address, Achal Khanna, CEO – SHRM India, MENA & APAC, emphasized the need for a human-centred approach to digital transformation, and said, “SHRM Tech is not just a platform for conversations – it’s a launchpad for action. As we step into a future powered by AI and human ingenuity, we must focus on trust, purpose, and adaptability. Limitless possibilities unfold when people and technology come together to lead change. People influence the global growth, we influence the people”.  

Some of the keynote speakers like Zarin Daruwala, Former Cluster CEO – India & South Asia, Standard Chartered Bank, Richard Rekhy, Vice Chair, Grant Thornton Bharat & Former CEO, KPMG India, Dr. Praveer Sinha, CEO & Managing Director, The Tata Power Company delivered thought-provoking perspectives.

Day 1 at SHRM Tech 2.0 2025 featured a series of dynamic panel discussions that tackled some of the most pressing themes in the world of work. Experts delved into topics exploring AI’s impact on talent acquisition, from building high-intent pipelines with employer branding to enhancing hiring decisions through smart assessments. With agentic AI, culture personalization, and inclusive leadership beyond performative I&D, the focus remains human-centric. Ultimately, it’s about blending speed, ethics, and trust to empower delegates with actionable insights and tools to drive change in their organizations.

The vibrant Tech Expo and Start-Up Zone saw 90+ solution providers showcase next-gen HR technologies—ranging from AI-powered recruitment bots to immersive L&D platforms—drawing attention from CHROs, talent leaders, and investors.

Building on the momentum of an inspiring first day, Day 2 of SHRM Tech 2.0 2025 promises to deliver deeper insights and future-forward thinking. The day will feature a high-impact sessions by Andy Biladeau, Chief Transformation Officer, SHRM; Pranjal Sharma, Economic Analyst, Advisor & Author, The Next New; A. Balasubramanian, Managing Director & CEO, Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC; Puneet Chandok, President, Microsoft India & South Asia & several other illustrious names from industry. These experts will dive into pressing themes including data ethics, redefined leadership, and building adaptive, digitally resilient organizations. The thought-provoking sessions will herald a vibrant Workplace 2.0—where recognition, roles, and resilience evolve through AI, leadership, and culture in concert, not conflict.

With over 2,000+ delegates, 150+ speakers, and 100+ partners, SHRM Tech 2025 has set the stage for workplace transformation at scale.

VergeCloud Launches L4 Gateway Pro: Real-Time Traffic Control for Gaming, Fintech, and IoT

Bangalore, 20 May, 2025: VergeCloud, India’s fast-growing CDN and edge infrastructure provider, today announced the launch of L4 Gateway Pro, a powerful Layer 4 proxy solution that gives developers full control over network layer with unmatched performance, security, and flexibility.

Built for low-latency, high-concurrency applications, L4 Gateway Pro empowers businesses to handle real-time workloads — from multiplayer gaming and live trading systems to VoIP and IoT platforms — with ease.

Feature Highlights:

  • Full support for TCP traffic routing
  • Firewall rules for protocol-level access control
  • Load balancing with health checks and failover
  • Support Different Proxy protocols for preserving client IPs
  • Multi-domain and subdomain configurations
  • Integrated DDoS protection at the transport layer
  • Transparent Proxy Mode (Non-Terminating)

“With L4 Gateway Pro, we’re giving developers a simple way to manage raw TCP connections at the edge,” said Dheeraj Chaudhary, Director of Technology at VergeCloud. “Whether you’re running high-frequency financial apps or real-time multiplayer games, you need predictable routing and deep control — and we deliver that with firewall rules, load balancing, and more.

This solution is designed to support a wide range of demanding applications across industries. For gaming platforms, it ensures lightning-fast, lag-free gameplay and smooth voice communication, keeping players fully immersed. Fintech and trading applications benefit from secure and seamless data flow through advanced load balancing and DDoS protection. In IoT networks, it efficiently manages millions of connected devices with intelligent traffic control and secure access mechanisms. Lastly, for VoIP and real-time applications, it delivers crystal-clear call quality and real-time performance, supported by robust monitoring and built-in security features. For high-security websites and services that require L3/L4 DDoS protection without compromising SSL/TLS key control, L4 Gateway Pro offers transparent proxying modes, allowing full protection at the network layer while leaving TLS termination at the customer’s infrastructure.

This is ideal for banks, crypto platforms, and regulated industries, ensuring maximum privacy and compliance while keeping their services safe from volumetric attacks.

L4 Gateway Pro is now available to all Professional and Enterprise plan users. Developers can deploy and manage configurations directly from the VergeCloud dashboard or API.