Archives May 2025

Bangalore, 29th May, 2025. Supertails, the leading tech-enabled pet-care startup, is excited to mark its four-year milestone, celebrating significant growth, innovation, and unwavering dedication towards pet parents across India. Supertails is marking the milestone with a heartfelt celebration that goes beyond cakes and candles. Staying true to its mission of creating a kinder, more compassionate world for pets, Supertails has launched Feed a Streetie, a street-wide birthday party where the real VIPs are the streeties who bring so much love into our lives.

India is home to over 62 million stray dogs and most of them rely on community feeding for survival, as per estimates by the Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations (FIAPO). With its Feed a Streetie, Supertails is stepping in and  distributing 1000 kgs of nutritious food to street dogs across three  cities through trusted feeders. This effort is part of a larger mission to build a more inclusive, compassionate pet care ecosystem, one that sees and serves every kind of pet.

“Every pet, whether living in a home or on the streets, deserves love, dignity, and a full bowl of food. With Feed a Streetie, we are not just celebrating a milestone, we are recognising and honouring the street dogs who are so often overlooked. This campaign is our way of giving back to the community that continuously inspires our purpose and mission” Varun Sadana, Aman Tekriwal, and Vineet Khanna, the co-founders of Supertails said.

Supertails has collaborated with three well-known community feeders Modern Mowgli, Rescue by Garima, and Manjari from South Bengaluru Cares to create a video capturing real moments from the street feeding drives in their cities. The collaborative reel, which went live on Supertails’ and the feeders’ social handles, highlights the daily realities of stray animals and the efforts made by local communities to support them.

With “Cake Katega, Sabme Batega!”, Supertails is ensuring that no furry friend is left behind. As part of this initiative, the brand is partnering with three popular pet feeders from across the country who have been tirelessly working at the grassroots level to care for street animals. Together, they will be distributing a total of 1000 kgs of dog food split across Delhi, Dehradun,, and Bangalore.

Each of these feeders represents a growing movement of pet lovers and rescuers who are using their platforms to create real change. By collaborating with them, Supertails aims to support the people behind this change, while also bringing its community together in a shared act of kindness.

The celebrations will come alive on Instagram with collab reels between Supertails and each feeder’s handle, inviting the audience to be part of the movement. As a call to action, viewers will be encouraged to support the cause by adding a Feed a Furrball box to their cart on the Supertails app or website, directly contributing to feeding efforts for more street pets. Through this initiative, Supertails is not just celebrating a birthday, but reinforcing its belief that compassion should be inclusive. Feed a Streetie brings together community, purpose, and paws, all in one joyful celebration.

Austin, TX – May 29, 2025 – WSO2, the leader in enterprise digital infrastructure technology, today announced it has acquired Moesif, a San Francisco-based startup specializing in advanced API analytics and monetization. The all-cash acquisition marks a strategic milestone in WSO2’s long-term plan to accelerate global growth through targeted inorganic opportunities.

As part of the agreement, Moesif will operate as an independent subsidiary under WSO2’s API Management Business Unit. The Moesif brand and current product offering will be retained, and its leadership along with its team will continue to drive existing business and expand customer growth globally. Moesif customers will continue receiving the same level of service and support, while benefiting from WSO2’s global presence and expanded product offerings. Moesif’s advanced API analytics and monetization capabilities will also be integrated into WSO2’s product portfolio, bringing enhanced value to existing and future customers.

“This acquisition is a first step in our strategy to establish WSO2 as a global technology leader through select inorganic opportunities,” said Dr. Sanjiva Weerawarana, founder and CEO of WSO2. “Moesif brings market-leading capabilities in API analytics and monetization, areas that are increasingly critical to digital businesses today. This is just the beginning—we’re committed to exploring further opportunities that align with our long-term goal to help enterprises deliver seamless, high-impact digital experiences.”

The acquisition enhances WSO2’s positioning in the API management space by adding best-in-class analytics and monetization tools that help businesses optimize, measure, and generate revenue from their APIs. Moesif’s offerings will complement WSO2’s comprehensive API management platform, creating a synergy that benefits both customer bases.

“Joining WSO2 is a natural next step in Moesif’s journey,” said Derric Gilling, founder and CEO of Moesif. “We share a deep commitment to empowering developers and businesses to build powerful digital experiences. As part of WSO2, we’ll continue to innovate rapidly, serve our customers with excellence, and now reach an even broader global audience.”

WSO2 customers will start gaining access to Moesif’s capabilities as part of an enhanced product suite, while Moesif customers will benefit from WSO2’s global support infrastructure and expanded services.

By- Ms. Prachi Narkar, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, AIMS Hospital, Dombivli.

Children can show early signs of mental health issues through their behaviour, emotions, and physical health. Hence, recognising these signs early can help parents support their children better and get timely help.

Mental health is as important for children as it is for adults. But often, parents overlook signs in children, thinking it’s just a phase.  However, many children experience mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or mood disorders. The causes can be due to academic pressure, financial struggles, family stress, trauma, death of a loved one, bullying, and lack of emotional support. Moreover, these issues can severely impact their learning, relationships, and overall well-being. So, understanding the early signs can make a big difference in helping children cope better and lead healthier lives.

Parents, watch out for these signs
· Mood swings : Children may become sad, angry, or irritable without any apparent reason. These mood swings may last for days and affect their behavior at home or school. They will constantly feel agitated, too.

· Withdrawal or isolation : If a child who was once active and outgoing suddenly avoids friends or stops talking to family, then try to seek timely help. It can be a sign of stress and depression.

· Sleep problems : Difficulty falling asleep, nightmares, or sleeping too much can be associated with stress or anxiety.

· Changes in eating habits : Eating very little or overeating can indicate stress or anxiety.

· Loss of interest : A sudden lack of interest in hobbies, school, or play may be a warning sign.

· Difficulty focusing : Children may struggle to pay attention or follow instructions, which can be mistaken for laziness or misbehaviour.

Mumbai, 29 May 2025: Sony SAB, known for its unique blend of light-hearted and family-oriented entertainment, is all set to captivate audiences with its latest rom-com family drama, Ufff… Yeh Love Hai Mushkil. The show is a refreshing addition to Sony SAB’s programming slate and features two contrasting characters Yug Sinha (Shabir Ahluwalia) and Kairi Sharma (Ashi Singh), from completely different worlds who are brought together by a complicated situation.

The show sees much-loved Indian actor Shabir Ahluwalia stepping away from his traditional ‘adarsh’ roles to explore the layered and woman loather Yug, a man whose vulnerability lies beneath his stoic surface. Meanwhile, Ashi Singh, known for her performances on Indian television, brings warmth and effervescence as Kairi, a girl who wears her heart on her sleeve and faces life with wide-eyed optimism.

The story follows the charming tale of Yug Sinha, a highly regarded lawyer with a brilliant mind and a tightly locked heart, and Kairi Sharma, an ambitious young girl who believes in dreams, destiny, and the power of love. While Yug carries the weight of past scars and chooses caution over connection, Kairi bursts into his world with idealism and unshakable positivity. Yug and Kairi are joined by their siblings who bring chaos in abundance. Can two polar opposite people overcome their differences and discover something truly meaningful?

Comments

Nimisha Pandey, Programming Head, Sony SAB

“Ufff Yeh Love Hai Mushkil is a refreshing rom com in a world of melodramatic love sagas. It is a family drama set in an unlike family. With Ufff… Yeh Love Hai Mushkil we are redefining what family means. This show is a rare combination of fun, romance and family drama, making it a perfect fit for Sony SAB audiences. We are thrilled to partner with Sonali Jaffer and actors like Shabir Ahluwalia, Ashi Singh and Supriya Shukla to bring this entertaining story alive. At Sony SAB we stay committed to provide entertainment that caters to the entire family and be home to exceptional talent.”

Sonali Jaffer, Full House Media

“As creators, our goal has always been to craft stories that reflect the world we live in – its contradictions, its charm, and its challenges. With Ufff… Yeh Love Hai Mushkil, we wanted to present a love story that doesn’t follow the conventional fairytale route. Instead, it mirrors the kind of relationships many people experience today, with clashing viewpoints, and yet, an undeniable pull. The show brings together two individuals, Yug and Kairi, who represent two ends of the spectrum, one ruled by logic and guardedness, the other driven by dreams and the belief in love.”

Shabir Ahluwalia playing the role of Yug Sinha

“What intrigued me about Yug is the subtlety with which he feels things but refuses to show it, and the complexity of a character who is respected in his professional world yet conflicted in his personal life. Playing Yug Sinha in Ufff… Yeh Love Hai Mushkil is one of the most refreshing and challenging roles of my career. Yug is a man who has built walls around himself, someone who leads with logic and has carefully distanced himself from anything that might shake his foundation especially love. What makes this show special is that it doesn’t follow the usual template of a love story.”

Ashi Singh playing the role of Kairi Sharma

“Kairi is full of life, hope, and conviction — she’s someone who truly believes in love, in purpose, and in creating her own path. What drew me to her character is that she’s not afraid to be vulnerable, yet she’s incredibly strong in her beliefs. She’s the kind of person who walks into a room and lights it up but also has the depth to navigate the most difficult situations with grace. Working with Shabir has been amazing; he brings so much nuance and restraint to his performance, and that contrast plays out beautifully onscreen.”

Premiering 9th June, the show will air on Sony SAB, Monday to Saturday at 8:00 PM, promising viewers a compelling mix of fun, love, and life’s everyday chaos.

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., May 29, 2025 – Cisco, the leader in security and networking, today unveiled Duo Identity and Access Management (IAM), a new security solution that transforms how organizations combat persistent identity-based attacks that are accelerating in the AI era. Identity is a prime target for bad actors, accounting for 60% of Cisco Talos Incident Response cases in 2024, because current solutions have critical weaknesses that attackers exploit. Duo IAM offers an innovative and security-first approach, with added protection built on its globally trusted multifactor authentication (MFA). Duo IAM is the latest advancement in Cisco’s long-standing commitment to user-friendly Zero Trust security.

“The security industry is facing an ‘identity crisis’ as persistent identity-based attacks are among the most dangerous and costly challenges for security teams. Attackers don’t need to hack in, when they can simply log in,” said Jeetu Patel, President and Chief Product Officer, Cisco. “While identity is the foundation of strong security, traditional IAM solutions have failed to prioritize security despite increasingly sophisticated threats. With this massive innovation, Duo is moving beyond MFA and restoring trust in identity security with a fundamentally different approach that attackers hate and users love.”

Security-First Identity and Access Management

According to Cisco’s 2025 Cybersecurity Readiness Index, nearly a third of companies worldwide rank identity as their top cybersecurity challenge, but traditional IAM solutions often treat security as optional rather than foundational. Purpose-built to protect against modern identity threats, Duo IAM enables organizations to securely manage their entire identity infrastructure.

Duo includes a new User Directory to simplify storing user identities – including usernames, emails, and roles – and managing their access to resources. Paired with its existing capabilities including MFA and Single Sign On (SSO) to provide users with simple, easy and secure access to hundreds of applications from one login page, Duo now offers customers a comprehensive IAM solution.

Open and flexible, Duo IAM also integrates effortlessly with existing third-party identity systems. The new Identity Routing Engine allows Duo to integrate with many identity providers either as an identity broker or as a secondary identity provider. Incorporating security by default, Duo IAM frustrates attackers, while improving user experience and management costs. The Cisco AI Assistant is embedded in Duo to help organizations easily deploy and manage the new solution out-of-the-box.

End-to-End Phishing-Resistance

AI has accelerated the scale and complexity of account takeover through automated agentic social engineering. In response to rising threats, globally trusted Duo MFA now delivers the strongest form of authentication, without sacrificing convenience or purchasing expensive hardware keys. Recent innovations strengthening end-to-end phishing resistance include:

• Complete Passwordless: New option ensures a secure authentication experience without users ever having to use or remember a password.
• Proximity Verification: This capability uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to ensure a user’s mobile and access devices are near each other when authenticating.

• Session Theft Protection: New enhancements to Duo Passport remove the reliance on browser cookies from authentication, protecting against session theft and hijacking.

Unified Identity Intelligence

Identity infrastructure is complex and often disconnected, creating blind spots where attacks and vulnerabilities go unnoticed. To help organizations continuously monitor and respond to changes in identity risk, Duo IAM integrates with Cisco Identity Intelligence, connecting identity and access data across the Cisco Security Cloud platform. With AI-driven behavioral analytics and Cisco’s unmatched reach into the network, organizations gain comprehensive visibility, threat detection, and the ability to take graduated responses like quarantining an identity, killing active sessions or isolating the network.

“Cisco Duo has been a trusted security partner when it comes to MFA, and in today’s environment we’re eager to use these new capabilities to fight growing identity-based attacks,” said Todd Perrault, Senior Vice President of Client Advisory, Optiv. “Duo’s expanding suite of identity and access management solutions will deliver even stronger results for our customers with a security-first approach to identity while providing reduced friction for end users.”

“Identity breaches are no longer the exception—they’re the rule. Seeing a trusted security brand like Duo broaden from access management to include identity management and provide a security-first approach in the market is both timely and refreshing,” said Todd Thiemann, Principal Analyst, Enterprise Strategy Group. “Duo’s commitment to maximizing security while minimizing user and admin friction is exactly what the industry needs. In particular, their approach to end-to-end phishing resistance marks a major leap forward, not just in security, but also in ease of deployment, to combat the latest identity threats.”

 By-Arsh Mogre, Economist, PL Capital based on IIP data

“India’s April 2025 IIP print at up 2.7% YoY against consensus of 1% YoY signals that the economy’s supply side remains on an investment-led trajectory. Sectorally, manufacturing powered the headline with 3.4% growth, offsetting a –0.2% slip in mining and a modest 1.1% rise in electricity, the latter clipped by the April heatwave that lifted maintenance outages at thermal plants.

Inside manufacturing, the expansion was strikingly concentrated. Three heavyweights —basic metals (+4.9%), motor vehicles (+15.4%) and machinery & equipment (+17.0%)—account for barely a quarter of manufacturing weight yet delivered roughly four-fifths of the headline increase, with 16 of 23 industry groups in positive territory. The breadth index implicit in the release fell to its lowest since August 2024, confirming a narrow but forceful capex spine rather than a broad-based factory revival.

Capital-goods output surged 20.3 % y/y to 114.3, the strongest single-month jump since mid-2021, mirroring front-loaded public-sector orders and last-mile private spending ahead of the FY26 sunset for the first PLI cohort. Intermediate goods grew 4.1%, while infrastructure-linked production climbed 4.0%, both consistent with the project-execution phase of the capex cycle. In stark contrast, primary goods slipped –0.4%, consumer durables eked out 6.4%, and non-durables fell –1.7%, their third contraction in four months.

Capacity utilisation is running above its 10-year mean, project financing flows are tilted toward fixed-asset creation, and external commercial-borrowing registrations are dominated by capex-linked raisings—all of which keep machinery and metal demand humming.

Sequentially, the General Index advanced just 0.3 pt over March after a 6.3-pt jump the previous month, pulling the three-month annualised momentum down to roughly 1½%. By comparison, capital goods added nearly 15 pt month-on-month, underscoring how the investment accelerator is masking softness elsewhere.

Looking ahead, the IIP is likely to oscillate in a 2–4 % y/y range through Q2 FY26. Capex-centric industries should remain in double-digit territory as ministries front-load spending before the October automobile-emission reset and as firms race to qualify under PLI, but headline gains will stay capped unless (i) mining normalises post-maintenance shutdowns and (ii) a timely monsoon revives rural staples. Until those two cylinders fire, India’s industrial engine will continue to idle on a potent yet narrow investment thrust rather than a broad consumption-production flywheel.”

Mumbai, 29 May 2025 – ClearTax is proud to collaborate with Dice Media, Pocket Aces’ long-form content studio, to present AFK—Away From Keyboard, a witty and heartfelt workplace dramedy that captures the evolving dynamics between Gen Z and millennial professionals.

Set within a mental health tech startup, AFK follows Maya (Pragati Nagpal), a Gen Z newcomer eager to make her mark, who quickly learns the realities of burnout, blurred boundaries, and navigating passive-aggressive work messages under the leadership of well-meaning but slightly jaded millennials. The series skillfully blends startup chaos, office romances, and the ever-present generational tug-of-war with sharp humour and emotional depth.

Apart from sponsoring the web series, ClearTax’s engagement with AFK went far beyond, involving close collaboration with Dice Media throughout the creative journey. Members of Cleartax played a key role in pre-production tasks such as scripting, narrative building, and ensuring authentic storytelling that resonates with modern professionals. Together, we crafted storylines where each character faces a unique tax-related challenge that reflects their lifestyle, income level, and personality, highlighting real financial dilemmas in a relatable way.

The series features a talented ensemble cast including Arjun Deswal, comedian and content creator Shubham Jadhav, Mrinmayee Godbole, Saadhika Syal, and Akash Dhar, with direction by Sachin Darekar.

“AFK – Away From Keyboard thoughtfully shines a light on the shifting expectations and realities of India’s workforce. At ClearTax, we are committed to empowering professionals at every stage to confidently manage the complexities of taxes, finances, and work-life balance. This series aligns perfectly with our mission to simplify financial lives and provide clarity amidst complexity,” stated Avinash Polepally, Senior Director, Consumer Business, ClearTax.

“As workplaces evolve with multiple generations collaborating, brands must reflect these diverse narratives. AFK opens the door to culturally relevant storytelling that speaks authentically to both Gen Z and millennials — a challenge and opportunity ClearTax embraces in its commitment to user-first innovation,” added Vishwanath Shetty, D2C Head at Pocket Aces.

Whether you’ve dealt with last-minute work pings, questioned the traditional 9-to-5, or navigated mental health conversations at work, AFK offers a comedic yet sincere reflection of today’s professional life. Catch the first episode of this engaging series on YouTube today!

National, 29 May, 2025: Across the globe, consumers are embracing the freedom to shop from international brands, and this shift is reshaping the online commerce and retail landscape. To explore this trend, we are releasing a playbook, ‘Grow Your Exports: A Guide to Cross-Border Business Growth’, to provide businesses and advertisers with valuable insights into the evolving habits of cross-border shoppers. The playbook dives into how brands can leverage digital tools, and our platforms, to expand their reach beyond borders.

In a study we commissioned with Kantar titled, ‘Consumer Shopping Study’, nearly half of the 14,591 surveyed shoppers had made a cross-border purchase in the last six months. Among them, 71% of cross-border shoppers said that they were open to trying new brands that they discovered online. In fact, 72% of shoppers said they would try a new brand if enticed by the right promotion or offer.

Shoppers expect experiences that empower them with information, personalization, and entertaining content. For brands, this presents a big opportunity, but also a new set of imperatives. Today’s cross-border shoppers expect a wide selection (61%), personalized experiences (62%), and seamless journeys from discovery to purchase. They are also making more unplanned purchases as shopping becomes more convenient and immersive, with 57% reporting an increase in spontaneous buys. Social validation and connection are key, with many relying on recommendations from friends, family, and influencers.

“At Meta, we believe that cross-border business is a powerful driver of economic growth and opportunity. Our platforms are designed to help businesses of all sizes reach new customers and markets around the world, and grow their presence on the global stage. Our platforms and tools, such as AI, Business Messaging, and Reels, are empowering Indian businesses to seamlessly connect with customers across the globe. By leveraging our solutions, businesses can target the right audience, build trust through personalized customer solutions, and showcase their products in a visually engaging way.” – Gaurav Jeet Singh, Director, Agency and VC Partnerships for Meta in India

How can brands leverage digital tools to capture this opportunity?

First, discovery is everything. 40% of shoppers said they follow creators specifically to discover new brands and products from abroad, and more than a third say personalized ads on our platforms have led to new shopping experiences. 

“Meta is the platform of choice for discovering brands and driving performance. With over $200M in ad spends from India to global markets for Blink Digital, we’ve seen firsthand how borderless ambition meets measurable performance. This playbook captures those hard-won insights—some already powering case studies across industries—and invites more brands to test, learn, and scale beyond boundaries.” – Rikki Agarwal, Co-Founder, Blink Digital

Personalization is rapidly becoming an expectation. Our survey shows that 62% of cross-border shoppers want shopping experiences tailored to their preferences, and 61% want relevant product recommendations. Our AI-powered solutions like Advantage+ sales campaigns enable brands to deliver highly relevant content at scale, optimizing creative assets and targeting the right audiences for maximum impact. 

“Bid multipliers are a great tool for testing new demographics and prioritizing spend towards more profitable audiences. We’ve seen a significant impact on our business by shifting budgets away from low-performing segments and maximizing returns from high-value ones.” – Andrew Squillace, Chief Marketing Officer, Muddy Mat

“Our collaboration with Meta has delivered strong results. Bid multipliers helped us explore new demographics while optimizing budget allocation toward high-performing segments, leading to improved ROI and reduced spend inefficiencies.” – Shahroz Alam, Head of Digital, Mirraw

Trust and validation are also essential in international shopping. Shoppers look to their communities for recommendations: 40% are influenced by suggestions from their social network, and 31% discover new brands through influencers. By collaborating with creators and encouraging authentic reviews, brands can build credibility and foster lasting relationships with customers across borders.

“Meta has consistently gone beyond being just a platform — they’ve been a true enabler of global success for businesses. Their latest playbook is a goldmine of insights, offering a clear path for brands ready to scale internationally. At Social Beat, we’re excited to bring this to life for our clients and accelerate their journey into global markets.” – Suneil Chawla, Co-founder, Social Beat

Convenience and seamless experiences are critical to converting interest into sales. Shoppers expect frictionless journeys, from discovery to checkout, and are increasingly using new technologies like AR to explore products in immersive ways (41%). 

Entertainment and immersive content are also powerful drivers. Consumers are drawn to engaging videos, live shopping, and interactive features, making product discovery more fun and memorable, and further driving consideration and loyalty.

As cross-border commerce accelerates and grows in value, brands that embrace digital transformation and harness the full potential of Meta’s platforms will be best positioned to grow without limits. The future of shopping is global, social, and powered by AI.

29, May 2025: India Inc’s journey towards gender parity has seen gradual progress, extending even to traditionally male-dominated technology roles in non-tech sectors. However, despite marked improvements, substantial disparities in representation and pay persist. Addressing this, TeamLease Digital, a leading specialised staffing firm in India, has unveiled a detailed analysis focusing on contractual tech roles across non-tech industries.

The comprehensive analysis highlights an encouraging trend in the gender composition of India’s tech contractual workforce between 2020 and 2024. Female representation surged from 9.51% in 2020 to 27.98% in 2024, reflecting growing momentum for diversity in a space long dominated by men. This shift underscores the increasing recognition of women’s contributions to tech roles across non-tech domains and the growing appreciation for diversity in innovation-driven functions. The following are the key aspects of the analysis:

Steady year-on-year growth

Gender representation within India’s contractual tech workforce has undergone a complex evolution. Tech roles in non-tech sectors have showcased a positive narrative since 2020, with steady, albeit gradual improvement in gender parity. As per TeamLease Digital’s findings, in 2020, female representation for tech roles in non-tech sectors stood at a mere 1.90%. However, by 2023 and 2024, this reached 11.8% and 14%, respectively, indicating a slow but encouraging shift in traditionally male-dominated roles.

Gender diversity in tech roles across non-tech industries 

Despite this progress, female representation in contractual tech roles remains uneven across non-tech industries. While sectors such as BFSI (46.88% women) and Lifesciences & Healthcare (29.58% women) have embraced gender parity, others, such as Manufacturing & Engineering (4.82% women) and Energy (6.25% women), lag behind. On the other hand, sectors such as Automotive have 23.91% female representation. This imbalance is largely attributed to rigid hiring practices, cultural stereotypes, and limited skilling pathways for women in core technical functions.

The concerning level-based composition 

A closer look at the level-based composition of females in tech roles in non-tech sectors reveals a concerning statistic: women’s representation in senior roles stands at a mere 3.35%, women in mid-level roles comprise 4.07%, and those in entry-level roles make up 3.03%. This signals a major discrepancy as male dominance considerably surges, and women continue to face challenges in ascending to leadership roles.

However, between 2023 and 2024, there has been a noteworthy increase in female representation in mid and senior levels, going from 4.98% in 2023 to 5.14% in 2024 in mid-level roles. Similarly, female representation in senior positions increased from 3.95% in 2023 to 4.86% in 2024, a gradual shift in gender parity, with greater female representation.

To deepen this understanding, TeamLease Digital’s analysis further examined industry-wise and skill-based representation trends, offering a clearer picture of where inclusion is progressing—and where significant gaps remain.

The industry-wise skill-based representation: BFSI and Lifesciences & Healthcare lead the way

In the industry-wise skill-based analysis, TeamLease Digital’s findings highlighted that BFSI had the highest female representation in both non-technical and technical skills, standing at 49.28% and 44.31%, respectively. Lifesciences and Healthcare followed closely, with female representation in non-technical and technical skills standing at 47.32% and 34.58%.

Meanwhile, Manufacturing & Engineering, Energy, and Tech had some of the lowest female representation in technical and non-technical skills. Female representation in non-technical and technical skills in the Manufacturing & Engineering industry was 19.08% and 23.68%, respectively, while in the energy sector, it was at an alarmingly low rate of 16.77% and 4.27% for non-technical and technical skills, respectively.

For the tech industry, female representation for non-technical and technical skills stood at 35.97% and 16.07%, respectively. Overall, in all the industries, it was technical skillsets where women’s representation took a hit, particularly in conventionally male-dominated sectors such as Automotive, Manufacturing & Engineering and Energy.

The geography factor 

Having thoroughly analysed the city-wise composition of female representation, TeamLease Digital’s analysis reveals that gender representation varies significantly by city tier, underscoring a disparity in opportunities. Overall, tier-I cities have a more gender-diverse workforce than tier-II cities.

In tech roles in non-tech sectors, tier-I cities saw a 15.88% female representation, while in tier-II cities, this was reduced by almost half, standing at 7.58%. This imbalance largely stems from biased hiring practices and an underrepresentation of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) fields. The gap in female representation also underscores the need for digital literacy initiatives, remote work options, and adequate upskilling/reskilling programs.

Commenting on the detailed research and its findings, Neeti Sharma, CEO of TeamLease Digital, said, “The significant rise in female representation in tech roles within non-tech sectors from 1.90% in 2020 to 14% in 2024 reflects a promising shift towards inclusivity. However, persistent gaps in technical skill representation and leadership roles highlight the need for targeted interventions. TeamLease Digital’s in-depth analysis sheds light on the gradual increase in gender diversity while highlighting the gaps effectively. Now, it’s time for organisations to encourage equitable resources for women, address industry-specific barriers, and empower women to represent a larger portion of the workforce. By doing so, companies can unlock diverse talent pools, driving innovation and sustainable growth across India’s workforce.”

Focused intervention, such as tailored upskilling programs and inclusive hiring practices, combined with greater accessibility to resources and opportunities, will play a key role in levelling the playing field and creating equitable work environments across sectors.

Research Methodology

This study is based on a quantitative research approach, analysing a proprietary dataset of 13,000 associates from TeamLease Digital’s tech contractual workforce between 2020 and 2024. A linear regression model was used to evaluate the impact of gender on salary outcomes, accounting for industry, experience levels, job roles, and geographical locations.

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.