8, Aug 2025
Oracle Boosts Performance and Reliability for Mission-Critical AI Apps
Austin, Texas , August 8, 2025 : Oracle today announced the general availability of Oracle Globally Distributed Exadata Database on Exascale Infrastructure, designed to simplify the deployment of distributed mission-critical applications across Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) regions worldwide. This new service automatically distributes, stores, and synchronizes data across multiple locations, enabling applications to remain online even during regional outages and helping businesses meet data residency requirements.
With a flexible, serverless architecture, the service can dynamically scale up or down to meet the needs of changing workloads—without complex setup or management. Customers with real-time analytics, high-volume transaction processing, and variable agentic AI workloads gain the benefits of an always-on architecture, lower costs, simplified operations, and the ability to expand globally with confidence.
“Providing exceptional customer satisfaction is important to PayPal, so we’ve been using Oracle Exadata for many years to provide lightning-fast response times and mission-critical availability,” said Akash Guha, director of database engineering, PayPal. “As our global business grows, we plan to provide even faster responses by using distributed solutions that are integrated with our core systems of record to provide extreme availability and performance. We look forward to using Oracle Globally Distributed Exadata Database on Exascale Infrastructure’s always-on, serverless architecture with built-in Raft replication to accelerate responses, enable greater application resilience, and lower costs with scalable resources.”
- Globally Distributed Exadata Database on Exascale Infrastructure helps customers meet the demanding requirements for agentic AI workloads, including:
- High performance: Allows customers to handle high-volume workloads and vector search across massive data sets by extending Exascale’s elastic scalability.
- Mission-critical availability: Enables customers to maintain always-on operations and fast zero data loss failover across data centers and regional outages by leveraging Raft replication and Exascale’s fault-tolerant architecture.
- Data residency: Helps customers address data residency concerns for storing, accessing, and processing AI vectors and business data with easy-to-use automated data distribution methods.
- Cost-efficiency: Helps customers cost-effectively meet fluctuating demands from agentic AI workloads driven by end-user interactions with a hyperscale, serverless architecture that can be dynamically scaled up and down, as required.
“Customers often struggle to deploy and manage distributed databases due to the high cost and complexity involved in operating large numbers of servers across multiple data centers and regions,” said Wei Hu, senior vice president, High Availability Technologies, Oracle. “Oracle Globally Distributed Exadata Database on Exascale Infrastructure’s serverless architecture enables customers of all sizes to meet their diverse requirements at a low cost. Today, we are providing a mission-critical distributed database to the masses.”
This service delivers a consistent and efficient database experience globally, making it ideal for customers that operate across multiple geographies. Furthermore, because this service supports the full capabilities of Oracle Database and SQL, customers can distribute their databases across multiple locations without major application rewrites.
Customers benefit from a unique data architecture designed to support demanding workloads requiring:
- Always-on databases: Enables customers to meet their needs for extreme availability by implementing an Active/Active/Active architecture across multiple data centers using Raft replication to support mission-critical use cases such as payment processing, e-commerce, and stock trading.
- Data residency: Enables customers to address data residency concerns by leveraging automated data distribution policies to appropriately place data across OCI data centers worldwide—critical in highly regulated industries such as financial services and healthcare.
- User proximity: Enables customers to improve responsiveness and user satisfaction by storing data in OCI data centers closest to users, which is essential for applications in entertainment, retail, healthcare, and telecommunications.
- Petabyte-scale AI and analytics: Enables customers to run long-duration AI and analytics workloads on real-time streaming data by horizontally scaling to ingest and process millions of records per second. This is crucial for data-intensive industries such as manufacturing and utilities.
- Hyperscale OLTP: Enables customers to scale databases to support millions of transactions per second with petabyte-scale data, elastic capacity, and near-instant response times. This level of performance is critical for agentic AI, real-time image recognition, hyperscale analytics, and online marketing.
“In the age of AI, especially agentic AI, customers need a new approach to allow for vector processing across distributed global applications,” said Holger Mueller, vice president and principal analyst, Constellation Research. “Oracle Globally Distributed Exadata Database on Exascale Infrastructure incorporates Exadata’s extreme performance for AI processing and availability for the core back-end systems that implement agent-initiated tasks, while Exascale’s hyper-elastic and pay-per-use capabilities makes it very cost-effective. With this service from Oracle, CIOs can confidently deploy agentic AI and mission-critical applications globally and meet local data residency requirements.”
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- By Neel Achary
8, Aug 2025
Metro Brands Limited Reports Steady Performance in Ǫ1 FY 2025-26 EBITDA margin of 31.4% in Ǫ1 FY 2025-26
Mumbai, 8th August 2025: Metro Brands Limited, one of the largest Indian footwear specialty retailer, today announced the Standalone and Consolidated Financial Results for the quarter ended 30th June 2025.
Metro Brands Limited delivered a steady performance in the first quarter of FY 2025–26, driven by sustained consumer demand and a focused execution of strategic initiatives. During the quarter, Metro Brands reported a standalone revenue of INR 615 crores, registering a year-on-year growth of 9.2%. The growth was supported by an increase in wedding-related footfall, owing to a higher number during the quarter.
Revenue from E-commerce, including omni-channel sales grew by 45%, contributing to 13.7% of the revenue (compared to 10.4% in Ǫ1 FY25). Gross margin for the quarter was reported at 59.7%, while the PAT margin stood at 15.7%. The Company added 20 new stores across formats during the quarter, further expanding its footprint and presence in key markets.
Commenting on the results, Mr. Nissan Joseph, CEO, Metro Brands Limited, said, “Ǫ1 FY 2025–2C was a quarter of stable growth for the business, supported by strong consumer sentiment and consistent execution across channels. While external factors such as the preponement of Eid to March, an early onset of monsoons, and ongoing global geopolitical tensions posed minor challenges, we remained focused on delivering a seamless customer experience both online and offline. Our continued investments in digital and retail expansion enabled us to maintain momentum.”
During the quarter, Metro Brands also signed a long-term strategic partnership with Clarks, becoming its exclusive licensee and distributor across India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, and Sri Lanka. This agreement grants Metro Brands exclusive rights to manage the brand’s presence across all channels of trade, including exclusive brand outlets, multi- brand outlets, e-commerce platforms, and distribution networks. Clarks will be launched in Ǫ3 of this financial year.
As part of its premium brand strategy, the Company is preparing to launch three new Foot Locker stores ahead of the festive season in Ǫ3 FY 2025–26. Additionally, plans are in place to open new exclusive brand outlets for FILA in the second half of the fiscal year, further strengthening Metro Brands’ premium offering and consumer connect.
Metro Brands remains committed to driving long-term growth through strategic partnerships, digital acceleration, and a differentiated retail footprint, reinforcing its position as a leading player in India’s branded footwear industry.
7, Aug 2025
Nurturing Young Minds and Bodies: Yoga and Fitness for Children through the Siddhaa Tradition
By – Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, Author, Columnist, Founder – Akshar Yoga Kendraa
Work – Yoga and Spiritual Leader
In today’s fast-paced, digitally saturated world, children often grow up with more screen time than sunshine. The consequences are evident—reduced physical activity, disrupted sleep cycles, emotional imbalances, and deteriorating posture. Against this backdrop, the Ancient Teachings of the Himalayas offer time-honoured, holistic solutions through Yoga and the Siddhaa Path—a profound system rooted in the Tradition of the Siddhas.
The Siddhaa Path: A Holistic Vision for Children’s Wellness
More than just a form of physical exercise, Yoga—as preserved in the Siddha Tradition—is a comprehensive science that nurtures the body, calms the mind, and elevates the spirit. For children, the gentle practices within the Siddhaa Path provide a sanctuary of balance amid the chaos of academic stress, social media exposure, and sedentary routines.
Simple postures such as Tadasana (Mountain Pose), Vrikshasana (Tree Pose), and Balasana (Child’s Pose) improve flexibility and posture, while simultaneously enhancing muscle strength and stability. These are not just physical drills—they are tools of awareness. When combined with Pranayama and breathwork training, such as Anulom Vilom and Bhramari, children begin to experience mental clarity and emotional calm.
Breath, Mudra, and Mantra: Tools for Inner Harmony
One of the unique offerings of the Siddhaa Path is its emphasis on Mudra and mantra practice, which engages subtle energies and aligns the child’s inner and outer worlds. These ancient Himalayan tools are designed to awaken latent potential in young minds and foster spiritual discipline without dogma. Chanting mantras like “Om” or “Shanti” helps calm emotional turbulence and instill deep-rooted peace.
Himalayan Yogic science and energy teachings offer more than just postures and techniques—they introduce children to the vibrational nature of life. Through these practices, children naturally connect with inner silence, learning how to listen, observe, and respond with greater awareness rather than react impulsively.
Energy Healing and Emotional Resilience
Children today face increased levels of anxiety, peer pressure, and overstimulation. The Himalayan Siddha Tradition incorporates gentle energy healing methods that help balance emotional energies and promote mental resilience. Practices such as guided visualizations, healing sounds, and breath awareness can help children release suppressed emotions and prevent the build-up of stress and tension.
By integrating these tools early in life, we lay a strong emotional foundation that allows children to thrive—not just survive—in the face of modern-day pressures.
Fitness, Fun, and Mindfulness
While yoga provides stillness, fitness introduces joyful motion. Physical activity boosts brain development, enhances motor skills, and encourages sound sleep. The blend of yogic tradition with modern fitness—through dance, play-based workouts, and mindful martial arts—creates a balanced environment where children can explore their physicality while remaining centered in their energy.
This balanced approach ensures that fitness is never forced but becomes a joyous lifestyle rooted in the child’s natural rhythm.
The Role of Family and Community
Children imitate adults. When parents and teachers embody the values of the Siddhaa Path, children follow with ease. Weekend yoga sessions, family walks, and digital detox hours reinforce collective wellness. Shared participation in Pranayama, mantra, and mudra practice cultivates not only good health but also deep emotional bonding.
The classroom, too, becomes a spiritual space where calm, compassion, and cooperation flourish.
A Future Anchored in Wisdom
The Tradition of the Siddhaas teaches us that children are not merely to be instructed but awakened to their true potential. By reintroducing them to the Ancient Teachings of the Himalayas, we gift them the most vital inheritance—a balanced body, a calm mind, and a courageous heart.
In nurturing children through the Siddha Tradition, we are shaping a generation equipped with resilience, grace, and clarity—rooted in timeless wisdom, yet ready for tomorrow’s world.
7, Aug 2025
CMAI Raises Alarm Over Proposed 50 Percentage U.S. Tariff on Indian Apparel Exports
The Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) has expressed deep concern over the United States’ decision to further increase tariffs for from 25% to 50%, calling it a severe setback to Indian apparel exports.
“The imposition of an additional 25% tariffs on India will deliver a crippling blow to the Indian apparel industry. The proposed 50% tariff will increase the cost of Indian apparel by 30–35% compared to alternatives from countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam, making Indian exports uncompetitive in the global market. Buyers are unlikely to bear such a substantial pricing gap, which could lead to a sharp decline in export orders,” expressed Santosh Katariya, President of Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI). He further denounced the move as “unjustified, unfair, and arbitrary.”
CMAI cautions that such elevated duties could severely destabilise the Indian apparel industry and leading to factory closures, unemployment, and widespread economic distress.
Ankur Gadia, Vice President of Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), added, “We urge the Government of India to take a firm and proactive stance on this matter and work towards negotiating more balanced and equitable trade terms with the United States.”
Rahul Mehta, Chief Mentor of Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), stated, “While we continue to hope that this development is part of a broader negotiation strategy, we strongly recommend that both the Government and the industry collaborate urgently to devise measures that can mitigate the adverse impact of this draconian levy.”
CMAI anticipates that the coming months will be extremely challenging for the Indian apparel export sector and calls for strategic intervention to safeguard the industry’s long-term viability.
7, Aug 2025
Panasonic Revamps TV Lineup, Relaunches ShinobiPro MiniLED Flagship for Premium 4K
Panasonic strengthens its TV Portfolio, reintroduces ShinobiPro – the flagship MiniLED Series; reinforces its commitment to premium 4K
Delhi, 07 August 2025: Panasonic Life Solutions India (PLSIND) – the diversified technology company today launched its all-new P-Series TV range including its flagship ShinobiPro – MiniLED range designed to deliver powerful performance, intuitive smart experiences, and immersive sound. The new line-up includes 21 new LED models ranging from ShinobiPro MiniLED, 4K Google TV, Full HD & HD ready range of Google TVs that cater to diverse Indian households from premium entertainment enthusiasts to compact home users. With the rise in demand for premium, high-quality viewing experiences, Panasonic has launched the P-Series—an advanced and diverse TV line-up featuring key innovations such as 4K Studio colour engine, Hexa Chroma Drive, Accuview Display, Dolby Vision , Dolby Atmos, DTS TruSurround, built-in Chromecast, ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), bezel-less design to name a few—designed to meet the evolving preferences of modern Indian consumers. The P Series offers value-based pricing starting from INR ₹17,990 to ₹399,990 ensuring value-driven options for every segment. Panasonic’s range is available across all Panasonic authorised stores (offline) and online e-commerce platforms & Panasonic’s D2C platform.
ShinobiPro MiniLED – 75inches – Panasonic’s D2C platform link
ShinobiPro MiniLEDs – 65 inches – Panasonic’s D2C platform link
Panasonic’s ShinobiPro concept is inspired by a Ninja’s agility, stealth and tactics. Drawing a parallel to the televisions the focus of the series is on:
- Precision: to drive clear visuals and smart processing; powered by a 4K Studio Color Engine, Hexa Chroma Drive
- Motion: to deliver the smoothest images in fast moving scenes with 120Hz refresh rate and MEMC technology
- Sound: to deliver balanced & immersive audio through Dolby Atmos® audio
- Design: to seamlessly blend in consumer’s living spaces
Complementing it further are Panasonic Soundbars that feature technologies such as Dolby Digital Plus, 3D surround sound, touch control to name a few. These soundbars range from 160W (2.1) to 600W (5.1) starting from INR 12,990.
Commenting during the launch, Fumiyasu Fujimori, Managing Director, Panasonic Marketing India (PMIN), Panasonic Life Solutions India (PLSIND), said, “At Panasonic, we’re driven by innovation that enriches lives, creating technology that seamlessly blends into the heart of Indian homes. With the new P Series, we’re bringing personalized entertainment to every family, from the immersive brilliance of large 4K screens to the sleek versatility of compact smart TVs. This launch reflects our commitment to delivering cutting-edge, future-ready TVs that elevate shared moments—be it festive movie nights or daily family viewing—into extraordinary experiences, all in one Panasonic screen.”
Samaksh Ahuja, Product Category Chief, CE & HA, Panasonic Marketing India (PMIN), PLSIND said, “In 2025, the television market in India is estimated at USD 2.6 billion, and while it’s projected to grow modestly in the coming years, the demand for smart TVs is seeing a strong upward trend. This is being fuelled by greater access to high-speed internet, a rise in OTT content consumption, and a shift towards connected living. At Panasonic, we’re shaping this digital shift through our latest LED offerings. The reintroduction of ShinobiPro -the flagship Mini 4K Smart LED TV is a testament to design, performance, and innovation—crafted for today’s discerning viewers. Designed for modern Indian homes Panasonic ShinobiPro MiniLEDs and the P-series offer stunning 4K visuals, immersive sound, and seamless integration with smarter ecosystems. These televisions deliver unmatched value and convenience, transforming binge-watching sessions or family entertainment into delightful experiences, all while keeping you effortlessly connected to your favourite content.”
7, Aug 2025
FTCCI urges the Telangana Government to support and protect exporters amid Global Trade Challenges
Hyderabad, August 7, 2025 – The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI) has submitted a representation to Sri Duddilla Sridhar Babu, Hon’ble Minister for Industries & Commerce, IT, E&C and Legislative Affairs, Government of Telangana, urging the state government to take immediate steps to protect exporters from Telangana from the impact of global trade uncertainties.
FTCCI President Mr. R. Ravi Kumar expressed serious concern over the potential escalation of tariffs on Indian exports by the United States, which could significantly impact Telangana’s export-driven sectors such as chemicals, agricultural products (including rice), engineering goods, textiles, and gems and jewellery. These industries contribute substantially to the state’s GSDP, employment generation, and government revenues.
The threat of higher tariffs and penalties, coupled with weakening capital inflows, poses a grave challenge to exporters and MSMEs operating in the state. While the Government of India is actively exploring measures to mitigate the impact—such as recalibrating bank risk models to lower borrowing costs, reducing testing and certification fees, and launching an Export Promotion Mission—FTCCI believes that state-level interventions are equally vital.
In its appeal, FTCCI has recommended the following key support measures from the Telangana Government:
1. Exemption of Trade License Fee for manufacturing industries.
2. Reduction in Trade License Fees for commercial establishments, reverting to the earlier cap of ₹7,000 per annum, in line with practices in other states.
3. Expedited release of pending incentives to MSMEs and large industries.
4. Subsidies on logistics costs to make Telangana’s exports more competitive globally.
Mr. Ravi Kumar emphasised that timely and targeted support will give exporters the confidence that the state government stands firmly with them during global disruptions. “Shielding exporters from external shocks is essential not just for protecting existing businesses but also for sustaining employment and economic growth in Telangana,” he said.
FTCCI reiterated its commitment to working closely with the government to safeguard the interests of the business community and ensure that Telangana remains a robust contributor to India’s export economy.
7, Aug 2025
Presenting Farro Experiences, Where Food Becomes a Story Worth Telling
There’s something quietly distinctive about a Farro event. It doesn’t shout or rely on excess. It invites you in through flavour, story, and moments that feel thoughtfully personal and beautifully unhurried. Farro Experiences was founded in July 2023 by Chef Meherwan Bawa, Karan Malik, and Mehma Bawa, a trio connected by a shared love for food that feels lived in, not just styled. Together, they bring decades of experience from the world of hospitality, but Farro was never meant to be just another catering company. It’s a philosophy – one that values depth over display, and craft over convention.
Chef Meherwan’s journey began in the kitchens of the Oberoi STEP programme and led him to Michelin-starred restaurants in Italy and Toronto, where technique fulfilled instinct, and ingredients were treated with quiet reverence. That training now flows into each Farro menu, whether it’s a nostalgic chutney or an umami-rich ramen bowl. Alongside him, Mehma handles the machinery behind the scenes, finance, operations, and structure. He has built and managed two premium food brands, including Pete’s Deli, a NYC-style deli based in Delhi. Karan brings a curious, creative energy and an eye for experience design, drawing on his experience as one of the co-founders of Long Finish and years spent turning bold ideas into beloved food brands. What they’ve created together is something rare in India’s hospitality landscape, an experience that balances precision with emotion. Farro works closely with every client to design events that don’t just look beautiful but feel considered. The themes are never templated; they grow from the guest, the setting, and the season. A Japanese evening might feature sakura blossoms and elegant plating, or a more rustic gathering may lean into terracotta serveware and bold, sun-soaked flavours. Every decision, from sourcing to styling, carries meaning.
Even the name, Farro, is a quiet nod to simplicity and endurance. It is an ancient grain rooted in nourishment and resilience. It reminisces a deeper belief that good food doesn’t need to be complicated to be meaningful. It just needs to be real. There’s a kind of rhythm to how Farro works. Here, conversations come first, then moodboards, and then menus. The team doesn’t chase novelty for novelty’s sake; instead, they chase feeling. The kind that stays with you and tells stories about later. As the brand continues to evolve, its focus remains grounded. Farro plans to expand its presence to cities like Jaipur and Chandigarh, with a series of small-format pop-ups also in the works. These will be quieter, more intimate showcases, set in incredible spaces, designed to introduce new audiences to the Farro way of doing things. As part of its growth, Farro is also deepening its presence in the wedding space, taking on curated catering assignments for destination weddings and pre-wedding celebrations. In a world of copy-paste catering, Farro offers something rarer. Food with depth and stories with flavour. It presents an experience that always feels one-of-a-kind.
7, Aug 2025
Embark on a Coastal Culinary Voyage at Novotel Pune with “Stories from the Shores” food festival
Pune, 7 August 2025: Novotel Pune invites you to experience “The Stories from the Shores” at The Square, a delightful celebration of India’s coastal culinary heritage. From 8th to 17th August, diners can immerse themselves in the authentic flavours of India’s shores with a specially curated spread showcasing timeless coastal treasures.
The feast promises an unforgettable journey through India’s diverse coastline with highlights such as Malabar Avial, Mangalorean Cashewnut Curry, Egg Hopper with Kadala Curry, Thalassery Biryani, Malabar Prawn Curry, Ghee Roast Neer Dosa, and Meen Moilee. Each dish captures the essence of traditional coastal recipes, delivering a vibrant symphony of spices, coconut, and fresh herbs.
Commenting on the festival, Mr. Anant Leekha, General Manager, Novotel Pune, said, “At Novotel Pune, we are always committed to offering our guests authentic and diverse dining experiences. ‘The Stories from the Shores’ is a tribute to India’s rich coastal culinary legacy, bringing together beloved regional dishes that celebrate both nostalgia and timeless flavours.” Chef, Gaurav Mawari, Executive Chef added “From the rich spices of Mangalore to the delicate flavors of Kerala, each dish tells a story of tradition, culture, and regional pride. It’s a culinary journey that celebrates the diversity of our coastal cuisine.”
Guests can expect a warm and inviting ambience that perfectly complements this flavoursome voyage, making it an ideal opportunity to relish regional favourites with friends and family.
So, gather your loved ones and head to The Square at Novotel Pune Nagar Road to discover India’s coastal treasures through “The Stories from the Shores.”
7, Aug 2025
Iron Mountain to acquire Capital Record Centre Private Limited
Mumbai, IN – August 7, 2025 – Iron Mountain (NYSE: IRM) today announced a definitive agreement to acquire Capital Record Centre Private Limited, a leading digitization services and records management company in India.This acquisition significantly strengthens Iron Mountain’s position as a leading player in the industry and expands its capabilities within India’s rapidly growing market.
“Capital Record Centre Private Limited’s robust market position, extensive infrastructure and deep customer relationships are an ideal enabler of our strategic growth initiatives in India,” said Arvind Subramanian, EVP & GM, India, Iron Mountain. “This acquisition solidifies our standing as a leader in digital solutions and records management and offers our Insight Digital Experience (DXP) platform capabilities to a broader range of customers. We are thrilled to benefit from Capital Record Centre Private Limited’s expertise and strong customer relationships. This enables us to deliver even greater value to our customers via Iron Mountain’s full range of offerings.”
7, Aug 2025
Antara Cruises Joins Serandipians, the Exclusive Network of Luxury Travel Designers
New Delhi, 7 August 2925 – Antara Cruises, India’s pioneering luxury river cruise line, is pleased to announce its partnership with Serandipians, a distinguished global network of bespoke travel designers, luxury hotels, and curated experiences. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Antara’s ongoing journey to redefine luxury travel in India and elevate its offerings to a discerning international clientele.
Serandipians is renowned for curating the world’s most refined collection of luxury brands and experiences. Membership is by invitation only, reserved for companies that uphold the highest standards of bespoke service, creative excellence, and authentic storytelling—qualities that Antara Cruises embodies through its elegant river journeys across India’s most iconic waterways.
“We are proud to join the Serandipians community, as it represents a shared commitment to delivering extraordinary, culturally immersive experiences,” says Raj Singh, Chairman of Antara Cruises.“This partnership opens new pathways for global travelers seeking authentic, intimate, and transformational voyages, directly connecting them with India’s rich heritage from a truly luxurious vantage point.”
Antatra Cruises’ meticulously designed all-suite vessels offer a seamless blend of heritage, sustainability, and refined elegance. Curated itineraries explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, immersive excursions, and authentic cultural encounters, showcasing India’s diverse heartland through an exceptional lens.
As a part of the Serandipians network, Antara will collaborate closely with top luxury travel designers worldwide and travel trade partners to craft tailor-made journeys, providing heightened visibility within the high-end travel sphere and reinforcing India’s position as a premier destination for river cruising.
