Category Archives: Business

FireCompass AI Agent Reaches 3 on HackerOne, Signalling a New Era of AI-Driven Cybersecurity for Enterprises

Aug 06:  FireCompass, an agentic AI platform for autonomous penetration testing and red teaming, today announced that its AI-powered penetration testing agent secured Top 3 positions across multiple HackerOne global leaderboards during a three-month live bug bounty experiment conducted against authorised live production systems. The achievement demonstrates how AI is making advanced offensive cybersecurity capabilities significantly more accessible, marking a pivotal shift in how organisations approach cyber defence. Operating against real-world production targets not controlled lab environments, the company autonomous AI agents independently discovered, validated and responsibly reported vulnerabilities while operating at a cost comparable to a single manual application penetration test.  The findings carry significant implications for India’s rapidly expanding digital economy, where enterprises are accelerating AI adoption while facing an increasingly sophisticated cyber threat landscape. As advanced penetration testing becomes dramatically more affordable through AI, the same economics that enable organisations to continuously identify vulnerabilities can also empower malicious actors with capabilities that were once limited to highly skilled security researchers. For Indian enterprises, this underscores the need to transition from periodic penetration testing to continuous AI-powered security validation. The timing is particularly significant as India’s technology industry is projected to generate US$315 billion in FY26, while headcount is expected to grow by only 2.3%, reflecting a broader shift from labour-led growth towards AI–driven productivity and innovation. 

Bikash Barai, Founder and CEO of FireCompass, said: “Our agents had already reached 100% on the benchmarks we tested. This experiment was about what it costs to get into the Top 3 spots in a global bug bounty leaderboard. We reached there with just $5K per month. What it means is that threat actors with a very small investment can be as powerful as the world’s tophackers. This is an opportunity for defenders, but the same economics reach attackers at the same time. The next challenge is not just building more powerful AI. It is engineering the controls, safety, and accountability around it.” 

Jay Bavisi, Founder and CEO of EC-Council, said, “We invested in FireCompass because we believed AI would empower cybersecurity professionals, not replace them. FireCompass reached the Top 3 on HackerOne, demonstrating the strength of its technology and engineering. The future of offensive security testing is not AI replacing cybersecurity professionals. It is AI-powered professionals. The experiment also demonstrates that while AI is rapidly transforming offensive security testing, responsible deployment is equally critical. FireCompass incorporated multiple safety mechanisms throughout the exercise, including strict enforcement of authorised programme scope, non-destructive validation of vulnerabilities, and limits on request rates, concurrency and operational blast radius. These controls ensured that all testing remained within authorised programme boundaries while maintaining human oversight and accountability”.  Bruce Schneier, security technologist, author, Harvard lecturer and FireCompass advisor, said, “The history of security is a history of falling costs. When a capability gets cheap, everyone gets it at once, defenders and attackers alike. This experiment shows offensive AI has crossed that line. The question is no longer whether AI can find real vulnerabilities cheaply; it plainly can. The question now is whether defenders adopt the same capability fast enough, and deploy it with safety and discipline.” 

FireCompass’ harness engineering had multiple frontier models coupled with its purpose-built small language models created by FireCompass. The safety controls included: 

• Hard enforcement of each program’s authorized scope 

• Non-destructive validation of vulnerabilities 

• Limits on request rates, concurrency, and blast radius 

These controls kept the agents within authorised program boundaries. As autonomous ethical hacking becomes more widely adopted, scope enforcement, controlled validation, auditability and human accountability will be as important as model capability. As autonomous ethical hacking becomes more widely adopted, the company believes that model capability alone will not define the future of offensive cybersecurity. Strong governance through scope enforcement, controlled validation, auditability and human accountability will be equally essential to ensuring AI-powered security testing remains safe, trusted and effective for enterprises. 

Methodology note

The experiment was conducted over a three-month period against authorised public bug bounty programmes hosted on HackerOne. FireCompass deployed an automated pipeline of autonomous AI agents to discover, validate and responsibly report vulnerabilities on live production systems within authorised programme scopes. The reported operating cost included AI model usage, cloud infrastructure and human oversight, making it comparable to the cost of a single manual application penetration test. 

Skorecard Marketing Unveils Strategic Communications and Growth Advisory Services in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, Aug 6: As Hyderabad strengthens its position as one of India’s business destinations, Skorecard Marketing has officially launched with a mission to help organisations navigate growth through strategic communications, brand positioning, stakeholder engagement and market intelligence through an integrated approach that brings together diverse strategic capabilities to address evolving business needs.

The city’s transformation has been fuelled by the rapid expansion of Global Capability Centres , alongside sustained growth in real estate, life sciences and allied industries. Together, these sectors have attracted global investments, generated employment and strengthened Hyderabad’s reputation as a centre for innovation and enterprise.

As businesses scale, they face challenges that extend beyond operations. Building credibility, communicating innovation, strengthening stakeholder relationships and establishing a distinct market position have become essential for long-term growth. Skorecard Marketing has been established to address these evolving needs by providing integrated communications and strategic advisory services to organisations operating in high-growth sectors.

Skorecard Marketing offers expertise in strategic communications, corporate reputation management, thought leadership, market positioning and growth advisory, helping businesses engage the audiences that matter most, including customers, investors, policymakers, partners and employees.

“Hyderabad’s economic growth is being shaped by a diverse set of industries that are transforming the city into a global business hub. As organisations grow, they need more than operational excellence – they need a clear market position, a strong reputation and meaningful stakeholder engagement. Our role is to help businesses communicate their vision with clarity and build lasting influence in their respective sectors,” said Anurag Kumar, Managing Partner, Skorecard Marketing.

Speaking on the launch, Murli Muktapuram, Managing Partner, Skorecard Marketing, said,

 “Today’s businesses require far more than visibility; they need trust, credibility and a compelling narrative that resonates with stakeholders. At Skorecard Marketing, we combine market intelligence with strategic communications to help organisations strengthen their reputation, establish thought leadership and create long-term business value. Our focus is to become a trusted growth partner for companies contributing to Hyderabad’s evolving economy.”

Ms. Mukta Kumar, Managing Partner, Skorecard Marketing, added

“Today’s business leaders recognise that reputation is built through consistent, strategic communication. Hyderabad’s dynamic business landscape demands partners who understand both industry nuances and the evolving expectations of stakeholders. Skorecard brings together deep communications expertise with market insight to help organisations build influence, navigate change, and create lasting brand value”.

With Hyderabad continuing to attract investment across technology, life sciences, real estate and other emerging industries, Skorecard Marketing partners with organisations seeking to strengthen their market presence, build stakeholder confidence and support sustainable business growth.

LTM Collaborates with Chainguard to Strengthen Software Supply Chain Security through BlueVerse RightLogic

Mumbai, Aug 06: LTM, the Business Creativity partner to the world’s largest enterprises, today announced a strategic collaboration with Chainguard, the trusted source for open source, to strengthen software supply chain security through BlueVerse™ RightLogic, LTM‘s cybersecurity assessment and risk assurance framework. The collaboration enables organizations to strengthen security while maintaining the speed and agility required for AI-enabled software development.

With BlueVerse RightLogic, LTM combines AI-powered cyber risk assessment with a growing ecosystem of technology partners to help enterprises identify, assess, and remediate cyber exposure while accelerating AI adoption. Chainguard strengthens the BlueVerse™ RightLogic ecosystem by helping enterprises secure open-source components from the outset, complementing LTM‘s cybersecurity services to close the gap between AI-speed discovery and enterprise-speed remediation.  

As AI adoption accelerates, complex software supply chains and growing reliance on open-source components have made software supply chain security a strategic priority. With vulnerabilities now discovered and exploited at machine speed, organizations need trusted ways to manage open-source risk without slowing innovation.

Together, LTM and Chainguard will help enterprises:

• Strengthen software supply chain security across modern application environments.
• Improve visibility into open-source software risk
• Enhance cyber resilience by addressing software supply chain exposure
• Build secure foundations for AI and digital transformation initiatives.

“Organizations today are looking beyond vulnerability management to building trusted software supply chains. Through our collaboration with Chainguard, we’re helping clients secure open-source software, reduce software supply chain risk and build resilient foundations for AI-driven innovation,” said Krishnan Iyer, Chief Growth Officer, LTM. 

“Enterprises everywhere are accelerating how fast they build and ship software with AI, but few are slowing down to inspect the open-source powering it. The only real fix is making sure the components going into that software are trustworthy from the start. Through Chainguard’s partnership with LTM, we’re helping organizations move at AI speed with confidence in their entire software supply chain,” said Dan Lorenc, CEO and Co-founder, Chainguard.

The collaboration with Chainguard represents an important milestone in the continued expansion of the BlueVerse™ RightLogic ecosystem. By bringing together leading cybersecurity technology partners with LTM‘s consulting, implementation and managed security services, BlueVerse™ RightLogic enables enterprises to take a holistic approach to identifying, prioritizing and addressing cyber risks across AI, applications, infrastructure, identities and software supply chains.

Click here to learn more to know more about LTM x Chainguard partnership.  

ServHub Unveils Proven Hub Logistics to Power Last-Mile Delivery Across the UAE

New division to create up to 2,000 structured jobs by 2028, bringing riders into proper employment and clear career paths

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Aug 06 — ServHub, a leading facilities management service provider in the GCC, today announced the launch of its new business division, Proven Hub Logistics, a worker-centric last-mile delivery business that extends the company’s core operational strengths into the heart of the region’s fast-growing quick-commerce and e-commerce sector.  

Proven Hub Logistics is built on the same accommodation network, recruitment pipelines, and worker management infrastructure as Servhub. The initial focus will be on quick-commerce and e-commerce last-mile delivery and will span everyday essentials, consumer electronics, groceries, and general retail across platforms including the likes of Amazon, Noon, Keeta, and more. It will launch in Dubai, and expand progressively across the other emirates and, ultimately, the wider GCC. The new division has already secured its first commercial partnership with a leading UAE delivery platform and expects to create approximately 750 structured, contract-based jobs by the first quarter of 2027, rising to 2,000 by the mid of 2028. 

The Middle East’s e-commerce market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 21.56% from 2026 to 2034 and be worth USD 13,319 billion by 2034 from USD 2,794 billion in 2026. The United Arab Emirates courier, express, and parcel (CEP) market size is estimated to reach USD 2.06 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 7.90% from 2026 to 2031. These growth projections are propelled by rising e-commerce penetration, a young and digitally native population, and high smartphone adoption in the region.  As demand for faster, more reliable deliveries continues to rise, success in this sector will increasingly depend on operational resilience, workforce stability, and strict regulatory compliance.

Commenting on the launch, Saboor Ahmad, CEO of ServHub said: “The UAE’s delivery economy is growing faster than almost anywhere in the world, and that growth depends entirely on the people who carry every order to the customer’s door. This expansion marks a strategic evolution for ServHub, from a workforce accommodation provider to a vertically integrated workforce solutions company. By owning the employment and deployment of the riders we house, we aim to establish a deeper, more durable value proposition for our residents and a new engine of growth for the business. It also positions us as a critical infrastructure partner for the UAE’s fast-growing logistics sector, with a model built to scale across the GCC.” 

Proven Hub Logistics fields a structured, company-employed rider fleet supported by dedicated team leaders, senior team leaders, camp wardens, and rider trainers. Every rider is housed, trained, visa-sponsored, and health-insured before their first delivery, an investment that translates directly into lower absenteeism, higher productivity, and more reliable service for platform partners. Customers will continue to order through the apps they already use, while Proven Hub Logistics focuses on the operational layer rather than serving as a consumer-facing platform. Its technology investments are centred on rider management, fleet performance, and delivery quality, the operational capabilities that ensure orders are delivered on time and in excellent condition.

Additionally, the business model is founded on a commitment to full UAE Labour Law adherence, with employment contracts, proper wage structures, mandatory insurance, and documented frameworks embedded as core business principles and not an afterthought. And while Dubai marks the starting point, the operational model has been deliberately designed to replicate across the GCC.

Bajaj Electricals Foundation’s ‘Flame of Change’ Improved Cookstove Project Wins CSR Times Award

India, Aug 6: Bajaj Electricals Foundation, the CSR arm of Bajaj Electricals Limited, has been recognised with the Silver Award in the Clean Energy category at the CSR Times Awards 2026 for its flagship ‘Flame of Change’ Improved Cookstove Project. The award was presented at the 13th National CSR & ESG Summit, held on 4 August 2026 in New Delhi by the Managing Director of CSR Times, in the presence of H.E. Mr. Juan Rolando Angulo Monsalve, Ambassador of the Republic of Chile to India & Air Marshal Shri VPS Rana, PVSM, VSM, Jury Member, CSR Times. The recognition celebrates the Foundation’s efforts to restore nature through sustainable cooking practices by improving rural health, reducing indoor air pollution, lowering dependence on firewood, empowering women and contributing to climate action.

Over the years, Bajaj Electricals Foundation has distributed 14,000 improved cookstoves across Karauli and Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan and Jawhar and Vikramgad in Maharashtra, positively impacting over 70,000 lives. By replacing traditional biomass cookstoves with cleaner, fuel-efficient alternatives, the initiative has helped create healthier kitchens, reduce firewood consumption, improve household well-being and save valuable time for women, while contributing to forest conservation. The project’s impact has also been independently validated through a third-party assessment of 8,000 cookstoves distributed in Rajasthan, which estimated a carbon mitigation potential of approximately 222,711 tCO₂e over five years, reinforcing the initiative’s contribution to environmental sustainability.

Commenting on the recognition, Pooja Bajaj, Executive Director – CSR & ESG, Whole-time Director, Bajaj Electricals Limited, said,

“This recognition is a proud milestone for Bajaj Electricals Foundation and reinforces our belief that sustainability creates the greatest impact when it addresses everyday challenges while protecting the environment. The Improved Cookstove Project is a simple yet powerful example of how thoughtful interventions can transform lives—creating healthier homes, empowering women, reducing pressure on forest resources and contributing to climate action. As we have strengthened our focus on environmental sustainability over the past two years, we have remained committed to investing in initiatives that deliver measurable outcomes. We are encouraged by the independently validated impact of this project and will continue to build scalable solutions that create long-term value for communities and the planet. This achievement is a testament to the dedication of our CSR team, led by Shreya Sudhir, along with our NGO and implementation partners. Their passion, commitment and collaborative efforts have been instrumental in bringing this vision to life and creating meaningful, measurable impact on the ground.”

Guided by a focused approach to environmental sustainability, Bajaj Electricals Foundation continues to invest in high-impact interventions that create measurable and lasting change. The Improved Cookstove Project reflects this commitment by combining community development with nature restoration through sustainable cooking practices. The initiative contributes to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including No Poverty , Good Health and Well-being, Gender Equality , Affordable and Clean Energy , Decent Work and Economic Growth , Climate Action and Life on Land , reinforcing the Foundation’s commitment to building a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient future.

Global independent tyre network sets its sights on LATAM region

Aug 06 – Following this year’s World Endurance Championship round in São Paulo, Point S International, official sponsor of Team Peugeot TotalEnergies confirmed that the race weekend has reinforced its strategic ambitions to accelerate its expansion across Latin America (LATAM).

Point S International currently maintains a global footprint spanning 54 countries, representing more than 3,150 independent tyre businesses and in excess of 7,000 points of sale. Building on its established presence in Europe, North America, and Asia, the network has stated its ambition to achieve significant long-term growth throughout LATAM.

Point S International CEO, Fabien Bouquet, explained: “When we look at the positive future trajectory of our network, the LATAM region represents an exceptionally strong strategic opportunity.

“Brazil in particular is one of the world’s largest automotive markets, and we recognise both the opportunity and the importance of working alongside experienced local partners to establish a network that supports independent tyre dealers, garages, and motorists for years to come.”

Point S first entered the Brazilian market in 2022. What began with flagship sites in São Paulo, Recife, and Vitória has since evolved into a growing national network, and Bouquet believes the market is now ready for a major expansion of the brand.

“The LATAM market offers enormous, untapped potential for the independent sector. With a car parc of well over 100 million vehicles across the region and a growing appetite among motorists for professional, multi-brand service, the conditions are right for a network like ours to make a real difference. Our success across Europe, North America, and Asia has shown what independent businesses can achieve when they combine local expertise with global scale, and we see no reason why that story cannot be repeated across Latin America.”

 

The WEC race at the Interlagos Circuit served as a powerful commercial platform to drive regional momentum. Beyond the trackside action, the event brought together prospective partners from across LATAM to experience Point S first-hand. Delegation members visited local points of sale, met with international suppliers, and engaged directly with the Brazilian Master Franchisee to exchange operational best practices.

Point S International’s expansion strategy in the region will mirror the proven business model that has driven its global growth: partnering with established local operators who retain their commercial independence while gaining access to global supplier agreements, private label products, training programmes, and international marketing support.

With the Team Peugeot TotalEnergies partnership continuing to showcase the Point S brand to millions of motorsport fans across the region this season, the network’s message to Latin America’s independent tyre dealers is clear: the world’s largest independent network is open for business in LATAM, and there has never been a better time to join.

Supporters of Team Peugeot TotalEnergies do not have to wait very long before their next taste of the action. The Lone Star Le Mans is scheduled to take place from Friday 4th to Sunday 6th September, with Point S’s partner taking to the track at Circuit of The Americas in the hope of securing a podium.

Zain Omantel International wins Sustainable Stand Construction Award at Oman Sustainability Week 2026.

NIVEA India launches its next-generation Serum-Infused Gel Moisturiser

Mumbai, Aug 6: NIVEA, India’s most trusted skincare brand, expands its skincare innovation portfolio with the launch of the all-new NIVEA Soft Gel, a next-generation hybrid moisturiser designed to deliver intense hydration with a lightweight sensorial experience. Bridging the gap between skincare efficacy and everyday comfort, this breakthrough formula combines the freshness of a gel with the potency of a serum offering a new standard in hydration-led skincare.

This product features an advanced serum-infused gel technology, a key differentiator that elevates it beyond conventional moisturisers. The ultra-light, fast-absorbing formula penetrates up to 10 layers deep into the skin, delivering up to 100 hours of hydration while maintaining a non-sticky, breathable finish. Designed for modern skincare users seeking high performance without heaviness, the formula leaves skin feeling instantly refreshed and visibly healthier.

Infused with Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide, the formulation works synergistically to boost hydration and improve overall skin quality. Hyaluronic Acid helps replenish and lock in moisture, enhancing skin’s hydration levels and leaving it feeling soft, supple and revitalised. Niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier, helping improve texture and resilience for healthier-looking skin over time.

Together, these powerful actives deliver visibly plump and bouncy-looking skin, making the NIVEA Soft Serum Infused Gel an ideal choice for consumers looking for lightweight yet effective hydration solutions. Its airy texture glides effortlessly onto the skin, absorbing quickly to provide long-lasting hydration making it perfect for everyday use across seasons.

Commenting on the launch, Geetika Mehta, Managing Director, NIVEA India, said:

 “At NIVEA, innovation is driven by reimagining our most iconic products to meet evolving skincare needs. The NIVEA Soft journey – from the OG moisturiser known for hydration, to NIVEA Soft UV offering the dual benefit of hydration and sun protection, and now to NIVEA Soft Gel reflects this commitment. With this launch, we introduce a next-generation, serum-infused gel format that brings together advanced skincare science and a sensorially elevated experience, setting a new benchmark for lightweight hydration.”

With this launch, NIVEA continues to strengthen its position in the hydration skincare segment by offering innovative formats that cater to evolving consumer preferences. The NIVEA Soft Gel is designed to simplify skincare routines while delivering powerful hydration and skin-enhancing benefits in one effortless step.

The product is now available across  retail outlets and e-commerce platforms across India.

GMM Pfaudler announces Q1 results FY 2026-27

Mumbai, Aug 06: GMM Pfaudler Limited, a diversified global engineering company serving the process industries, announces its financial results for the first quarter (Q1 FY27) ended June 30, 2026.

Financial Performance

Consolidated

Key Highlights

Performance Highlights:

·Revenue up 16% YoY and down 2% QoQ

·EBITDA down 7% YoY and up 25% QoQ 

·PAT up 118% YoY and 44% QoQ

·Order Intake of ₹ 1,007 Crores up 16% QoQ

·Backlog of ₹ 2,289 Crores up 20% YoY and 4% QoQ

Corporate Highlights:

·Reorganization of our businesses into four distinct global divisions to drive growth, diversification and cost efficiencies.

·Repayment of approx. EUR 7 million of debt by the end of Q2 FY27, funded through internal accruals.

·Revision of the dividend payout frequency from semi-annual to annual, with no change in the Company’s Dividend Distribution Policy.

Commenting on the Company’s Q1 FY27 results, Mr. Tarak Patel, Managing Director, said; “Revenue for Q1 FY27 grew 16% year-on-year, reflecting the strength of our diversified business portfolio and execution capabilities. While EBITDA was lower compared to the corresponding quarter last year, the initiatives undertaken over the past year have improved our earnings flow-through, resulting in profit after tax more than doubling year-on-year.  Our order intake momentum continues to remain strong, with our backlog increasing 20% YoY.”

He further commented, “As part of our ongoing Global Transformation Programme, we have now reorganized our businesses into four distinct divisions. This new global structure allows each division to focus on its strategic priorities, while unlocking meaningful value across the group.We believe this strategic realignment will enable us to leverage our global scale more effectively, unlock operational synergies, improve profitability, and support our long-term vision of building a diversified, technology-driven global engineering company.”

Commenting on the Company’s Q1 FY27 results, Mr. Gregory Gelhaus, Group CEO, said; “Q1 marks a positive start to the year and reflects the benefits of the strategic decisions and operational initiatives undertaken over the past year. With our new global operating structure now in place, our focus is on driving execution, strengthening accountability, and accelerating growth. This multi-quarter transformation programme is designed to build a simpler, more efficient organization with higher-quality earnings and stronger cash generation.”

Imagicaaworld Entertainment Accelerates India Expansion Strategy with 50 percent Stake in Mehsana Next Park

Aug 06: Imagicaaworld Entertainment Limited, India‘s largest amusement and water park operator, today announced that it has signed an investment agreement to acquire a 50% equity stake in Mehsana Next Parks Private Limited (MNPPL), the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) established to own, operate and expand Shanku’s Water Park in Mehsana, Gujarat.

The investment marks another significant milestone in Imagicaaworld‘s expansion strategy, which is focused on scaling its presence across high-growth markets through strategic partnerships, operational excellence, and disciplined capital deployment. By partnering with established regional destinations, the company is building a stronger nationwide network of leisure assets while elevating guest experiences and creating sustainable long-term value.

As part of the transaction, Imagicaaworld Entertainment Limited will invest ₹50 crores in MNPPL, which has acquired Shanku’s Water Park through a slump sale arrangement. The SPV also plans to raise additional capital over the next 12–18 months to introduce new attractions, enhance infrastructure and further strengthen the park‘s appeal as a leading family entertainment destination. Beyond its equity participation, Imagicaaworld will rebrand it as Aqua Imagicaa at Shanku’s and will serve as the Operations & Management (O&M) partner for the park, bringing its proven expertise in park operations, safety systems, guest experience, food & beverage, retail and revenue optimisation. Under the O&M arrangement, the company will earn management fees ranging between 6% to 10%, based on agreed performance parameters.

Commenting on the investment, Jai Malpani, Managing Director, Imagicaaworld Entertainment Limited, said: “This investment represents another important step in our long-term growth journey. Our strategy is to expand Imagicaaworld‘s presence by partnering with strong regional assets where we can create value through our operational expertise, guest-centric approach and proven capabilities. Gujarat is one of India‘s fastest-growing leisure and tourism markets, and Shanku’s Water Park has built a strong brand and loyal customer base over the years. Together, we see tremendous opportunity to elevate the park into a destination that sets new benchmarks for water-based entertainment while delivering sustainable growth for all stakeholders.”

He further added: “India‘s leisure and entertainment industry is entering an exciting phase of growth, driven by rising disposable incomes, increasing domestic tourism and growing demand for quality family experiences. At Imagicaaworld, we believe this presents a significant opportunity to build a stronger ecosystem of professionally managed entertainment destinations across the country. Our expansion strategy is designed not only to grow our business but also to contribute to the development of India‘s leisure infrastructure by bringing global operating standards, innovation and exceptional guest experiences to more markets.”

The investment further reinforces Imagicaaworld Entertainment‘s vision of becoming India‘s leading integrated leisure and entertainment platform. By combining strategic investments with best-in-class operational capabilities, the company continues to expand its footprint across the country, strengthen regional tourism, generate local employment, and contribute to the growth of India‘s rapidly evolving leisure and entertainment industry.