Category Archives: Business

India’s AI surge could require an additional 45–50 million sq ft real estate and 40–45 TWH incremental power for data centres by 2030: Deloitte report

National, 8 May 2025— As demand for artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure grows, India offers cost advantages, a renewable energy focus and a strategic location for the development of data centres. However, its emergence as a global AI data centre hub depends on bridging gaps in AI infrastructure, talent availability and policy framework. Per Deloitte India’s latest report titled Attracting AI Data Centre Infrastructure Investment in India, the country could require an additional 45–50 million square feet of real estate space and 40–45 Terawatt Hours (TWH) incremental power by 2030 to meet the growing demand for AI. The report further suggests that targeted policy interventions will be critical in positioning India as a global AI hub.

The report identifies six key pillars for India to reach its full potential in building a world-leading, AI-ready ecosystem. These pillars are real estate, power and utilities infrastructure, connectivity and network infrastructure, compute infrastructure, talent and policy framework.

“For India to accelerate its AI capabilities and realise its potential, it is necessary to introduce enabling policies to support the sector. India must develop its AI-ready infrastructure to meet this rising demand for data analytics and processing. Moreover, strengthening research and development (R&D), improving talent pipelines, securing vernacular datasets and supportive policies will further accelerate the AI-driven growth. By addressing key areas of growth and investment and promoting stronger public–private partnerships, India can solidify its position as a global AI ecosystem leader,” said S. Anjani Kumar, Partner, Deloitte India.

“India’s strategic location allows it to serve domestic and global markets effectively, positioning it as a critical node in the global data centre ecosystem. However, India’s vision to become a global AI hub demands a relook at the traditional data centre infrastructure. A greater focus on building high-performance compute infrastructure, scalable power and cooling systems and efficient networking infrastructure, with a reconsideration of policy framework, can make India a hotspot for AI-powered data centre development in the coming years,” said Neha Aggarwal, Partner, Deloitte India.

While India offers an advantage in data centre real estate with lower land and labour costs, significant new constructions are needed to meet the additional AI data centre capacity. The report highlights how rising interest in colocation models and government initiatives offering incentives under various state government data centre policies are helping drive growth. From a policy perspective, the report suggests that introducing a separate category for data centres in the National Building Code and recognising them under the Essential Services Maintenance Act could further incentivise specialised infrastructure development. Additionally, fast-tracking and simplifying the approvals by setting up data centre facilitation units can help boost the deployment of data centres.

The rapid expansion of data centres in India intensifies pressure on the country’s power infrastructure, creating an urgent need for enhanced transmission capabilities and grid stability. Substantial investments are needed to expand generation capacity, upgrade infrastructure and better integrate renewable energy sources, which are supported by advancements in energy-efficient cooling and offshore and onshore power sourcing. Building a supportive policy framework for dedicated power supply infrastructure and improving renewable energy banking policies and regulations across states will be critical to creating sustainable data centres.

Despite significant improvements, India continues to face network and connectivity challenges such as limited fibre optic reach in rural areas, unreliable high-speed internet and high latency, which limit the country from realising its full potential in building data centres. Addressing these gaps through strategic investments in expanding fibre networks, improving last-mile connectivity and ensuring network redundancy is critical to enabling efficient data centre growth. The report emphasizes the key policy support needed in this area, including enabling affordable access to dark fibre and campus cross-connects and aligning dark fibre regulations with global best practices. Further, easing regulatory frameworks for data centres to invest in and operate their terrestrial and subsea network infrastructure will enable rapid scale-up.

Compute infrastructure is a critical component of AI data centre operations. To stay competitive, the report suggests that India must urgently boost Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) supply, promote GPU-as-a-Service (GPUaaS) and attract foreign investment to build Exaflop-scale capacity with high-performance GPUs. Substantial public–private investment in GPUs, memory, storage and software is essential. Furthermore, engaging in Government to Government (G2G) conversations will be key to diluting the impact of restrictive policies such as the US AI Diffusion Framework on GPU imports.

The report emphasizes that India’s workforce must upskill to fit into AI and data centre ecosystem roles, accelerating sector growth. The lack of AI-focused research institutions limits local talent development and AI R&D. Partnering with educational institutions and tech companies to develop specialised training programmes focused on practical AI skills is essential.

Finally, policy support such as Text and Data Mining (TDM) exceptions under the Copyright Act, streamlined data localisation norms and the creation of dedicated data centre zones will be key to strengthening India’s AI infrastructure. Additionally, amending data access provisions under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 to reflect data centres’ operational realities and excluding data centres from surveillance scopes under the Telecommunication Act, 2023 will provide key policy support required for boosting India’s data centre capacity. Lastly, implementing safe harbour rules for data hosting service providers and establishing data embassies will catalyse investment and spearhead India’s data centre revolution.

Spectra at The Leela Ambience Gurugram Presents ‘The Great Wall’ Pop-Up

Gurugram, 8 May 2025 – A celebrated name in the realm of Chinese cuisine, The Great Wall is The Leela Mumbai’s signature Chinese speciality restaurant, known for its authentic Chinese and Cantonese offerings served in an elegant fine dining setting. Revered for its culinary precision and traditional techniques, The Great Wall has long been a destination for those seeking an elevated taste of the East.

For the first time, this iconic restaurant makes its way to Gurugram. From May 19th to 25th, 2025, The Great Wall Pop-Up takes over Spectra at The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences, offering a curated opportunity to experience the excellence of authentic Chinese and Cantonese cuisine. Renowned for its rich history and culinary precision, The Great Wall brings its iconic, time-honoured dishes to a whole new level of indulgence right in the heart of Gurugram.

The Great Wall’s legacy in Mumbai is built on a simple yet powerful idea – celebrating the elegance of Chinese and Cantonese flavours with the utmost finesse. Now, for the first time, this illustrious culinary experience makes its way to Spectra, where guests will be treated to a menu filled with bold aromas, delicate textures, and eye-catching presentations. Whether you’re a long-time fan of this cuisine or discovering it for the first time, it’s an opportunity to relish dishes that speak volumes about the art of fine dining.

This experience at Spectra is even more special as the restaurant features seven interactive culinary islands that are ready to serve you. The menu, inspired by The Great Wall’s finest dishes, includes everything. You can choose to gratify in an à la carte selection or opt for a bountiful buffet that serves the finest of Chinese and Cantonese cuisine.

Don’t miss this limited-time culinary event at Spectra, The Leela Ambience Gurugram, and experience the iconic Chinese and Cantonese cuisine from The Leela Mumbai courtesy of The Great Wall Pop-Up.

Celebrate Unconditional Love This Mother’s Day with Relaxo — Enjoy 20% Off on Women’s & Kinds’ Footwear from May 9–11

New Delhi, May 8, 2025: As Mother’s Day approaches, Relaxo Footwears Ltd., one of India’s most trusted names in footwear, invites families to honour the women who’ve walked beside them through every step of life. This year, Relaxo is celebrating the spirit of motherhood with a special offer designed to combine love, comfort, and thoughtful gifting.

 From May 9 to 11, 2025, customers visiting Relaxo Exclusive Stores across India can avail a flat 20% discount on the purchase of any two pairs of women’s or kids’ footwear. Whether you’re shopping for your mother, grandmother, wife, or daughter, Relaxo offers a stylish and comfortable selection to help you show your appreciation in the most meaningful way.

 This limited-time promotion spans across Relaxo’s most loved and iconic brands—Sparx, Flite, Bahamas, Mary Jane, Boston, and Kid’s Fun—ensuring there’s something for every personality and preference. From fashionable casuals and trendy flats to sporty sandals and playful designs for kids, each pair is crafted to deliver both style and comfort.

 The offer is valid exclusively on women’s and kids’ footwear, and is applicable only at Relaxo Exclusive Stores.

 With a legacy built on trust, quality, and affordability, Relaxo continues to be the footwear brand of choice for millions of Indian households. This Mother’s Day campaign not only celebrates meaningful gifting but also strengthens Relaxo’s commitment to everyday comfort and emotional connection with its consumers.

 Visit your nearest Relaxo Exclusive Store between May 9 and 11, and gift the women in your life the comfort they truly deserve—with every step.

CaratLane launches ‘Born of Her’ — a diamond-studded tribute to motherhood

New Delhi, May 8th, 2025: CaratLane, India’s leading omnichannel jewellery brand, has unveiled Born of Her — a heartfelt Mother’s Day campaign and special edition pendant collection celebrating the love, strength, and quiet heroism of mothers. Timed with Mother’s Day, this launch reimagines gifting as a deeply personal tribute to the woman who shaped our beginnings.

Crafted in gold and diamonds, the three limited-edition pendants feature an elegant depiction of a mother carrying her child — a timeless gesture of care and connection, now immortalised in precious jewellery. Designed to sit close to the heart, each piece is more than a gift; it is a keepsake of unconditional love, meant to be passed down through generations.

Born of Her is more than a campaign — it’s an emotional invitation to honour the person who gave us everything. As part of the campaign, CaratLane will also release a special Mother’s Day song, conceptualised by BBH India—encouraging people to celebrate their bond by posting cherished photos and memories with their moms, set to this exclusive track on social media.

Shaifali Gautam, Chief Marketing Officer at CaratLane, shared her personal perspective:

“The love of a mother often goes unspoken — it’s in the everyday, the quiet gestures, the unseen sacrifices. With Born of Her, we’re inviting people to Khul Ke Karo Express — to celebrate that love more openly and meaningfully. The collection features three specially crafted pendants, each symbolising the tender bond between a mother and child. It’s our way of turning that eternal connection into something tangible — a piece she can wear close to her heart.”

The Born of Her campaign will be amplified across digital platforms, social media, and retail stores nationwide. This campaign reinforces CaratLane’s mission to transform jewellery into a meaningful expression of life’s most important relationships — not just a gift, but a memory made tangible.

Emkay Global Financial Services

The Fed remained in a wait-and-watch mode yesterday, with rates on hold at 4.25-4.5%, frozen by what it described as ‘increasing but balanced risks of higher unemployment and higher inflation’. It, however, reiterated that policy is “well positioned†to wait for further clarity. The statement indicates that the FOMC is looking through the 1Q GDP contraction and still sees growth at the start of the year as “solid†.

Powell did not add much color to the presser beyond underscoring the balanced albeit increasing risks and the need to remain data dependent. Powell referred to “waiting†over 20 times. One notable is that despite risks being balanced, Powell did indicate a kind of ranking on dual mandates preferring inflation, by stating that “without price stability, we could not achieve the long periods of stronger labor market conditions†.

 This is neither a hawkish nor a dovish change – simply an acknowledgement of the stagflationary risks imparted by trade policy.

It appears that this classic supply-shock conundrum will keep the Fed on hold till there is a clearer sign of weakening in the labor market, implying that the summer could stay dry as far as the Fed’s additional easing is concerned. The next Fed move could be delayed till September.

In fact, Powell did not bite on the query about the June FOMC in his presser, though his tone indicated that staying on hold on this policy was an easy call for the Committee, thereby raising the bar to act as soon as next month. The OIS market is still pricing around three 25bp cuts in 2025.

Tactical easing to continue in rest of the world

 While the Fed grapples with at least a temporary rise in inflation due to tariffs, central banks across Europe (including EMs) and Asia are clearly in an easing mode. Among G-3, the ECB is at the forefront of this move and will diverge from the Fed by easing this quarter. China, on the other hand, has continued its easing bias.

Meanwhile, patchy global narrative on growth and tariff noise, and a generally weaker broad USD, has allowed EM central banks, including the RBI, to be less focused on the FX fight and enjoy some policy flexibility on rate settings in general.

We maintain we could see RBI’s terminal rate at 5.25% (+/-25bps) in this cycle, no doubt contingent on the extent of the global slowdown/recession. However, we are keeping a tab on fluid global dynamics and FX moves as well – both of which would be imperative inputs in the RBI’s reaction function. Besides, policy focus toward keeping liquidity in surplus and toward, or even higher than, 1% of NDTL should be seen as a de facto rate cut which could thus lead to reassessment of the depth of conventional rate cuts. We note that India has been the best-performer among key sovereign debt markets, with 10-year easing ~44bps CYTD vs 26-27bps in same-tenor USTs and +17-18bps in German Bund.

Mother’s Day Gifting Essentials by Fiama, Charmis & EDW Essenza

Fiama Joyous Celebration Gift Set

Celebrate love and indulgence this Mother’s Day with our Joyous Celebration Pack—a gift that embodies care, freshness, and the essence of nature. With 85% natural origin content, it transforms every bathing ritual into a refreshing and uplifting experience, making it the perfect way to pamper your special someone.

EDW Essenza Ignite

This Mother’s Day, celebrate with EDW Essenza’s new fragrance – Ignite. A mesmerising blend of Black Currant, Mandarin, Jasmine, and Patchouli, Ignite radiates sensuality, sophistication, and irresistible charm. Let this exquisite fragrance weave an unforgettable tale of romance, making every moment magical, every memory eternal, and every spritz a celebration of passion.

Charmis Deep Radiance Face Serum

Charmis Deep Radiance Face Serum is a skincare product designed to enhance your skin’s radiance and vitality. This 30ml serum is formulated to provide deep hydration and improve your skin’s overall texture, leaving you with a more radiant and youthful complexion.

Beyond Swiping: Aisle’s Wine & Sushi Experience Redefines Modern Dating in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, May 08, 2025 – In response to the growing demand for more meaningful, face-to-face connections in an increasingly digital dating landscape, Aisle Network recently hosted the fourth edition of its signature event series, Aisle Experiences. This time, the event’s theme was a ‘Wine & Sushi Afternoon’, and the event brought together a curated group of like-minded singles in an intimate setting. The experience highlighted Aisle’s commitment to fostering genuine connections in an era where conversations often remain transactional.

Building on the success of its earlier Single Mixers, Aisle, in its latest edition of Aisle Experiences — Wine & Sushi Afternoon — welcomed 25 attendees, all eager to explore the possibility of genuine connections. The event featured a guided, hands-on sushi-rolling session led by an expert chef, complemented by curated cocktails, fine wine, and delicious appetizers.

Chandni Gaglani, Head of Aisle Network, shared her enthusiasm about the event, stating, “At Aisle, we believe that while dating apps are a great starting point for sparking connections, it’s through real-world interactions that our most authentic selves truly shine. Aisle Experiences creates that space for singles to connect in a relaxed, genuine setting, where shared interests and meaningful conversations can naturally unfold. The Wine & Sushi Afternoon perfectly captured this spirit, showing how an easy-going, engaging environment can lead to real, lasting connections.”

Aisle ensured a warm and welcoming environment, with engaging icebreaking activities and attentive hosts who helped participants ease into conversations. The experience offered a refreshing alternative to typical dating formats, fostering a safe and friendly space for like-minded singles to interact meaningfully. This hybrid model leverages the advantages of online dating while offering a balanced and inclusive physical environment. For singles ready to trade endless swiping for real conversations and seeking relationships built on shared experiences and genuine chemistry, Aisle Experiences offers the perfect starting point.

Mother’s Day: gadgets to gift your mother to make her day extra special

Mother’s Day is more than a date on the calendar, it’s a celebration of the endless love, strength, and warmth that only a mother can give. And what better way to show your appreciation than by gifting her something truly meaningful? This year, surprise your mom with smart, stylish gadgets that seamlessly blend into her lifestyle and add a spark of joy to her everyday moments. From immersive sound experiences and creating memories, Sony India’s premium range of devices offers the perfect way to say ‘Thank you, Mom’. We have curated a list of thoughtful tech gifts that she will not just love, but use, enjoy and remember for a long time.

LinkBuds Fit

The recently introduced LinkBuds Fit make an ideal gift for your mother as they deliver exceptional sound quality and have a long-lasting battery, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable listening experience.

WH-CH520 and WH-CH720N
The newly launched WH-CH520 and WH-CH720N wireless headphones make for an ideal Mother’s Day gift, combining style, comfort and impressive performance. These elegant headphones deliver loud and clear sound ensuring an immersive listening experience. With seamless connectivity and a long-lasting battery, they facilitate a hassle-free user experience.

ULT Field 1 Bluetooth Speaker

The Sony ULT Field 1 Bluetooth speaker is the perfect gift for your mother. This compact yet powerful speaker is an amalgamation of class and powerful sound. With its punchy bass, sleek design and water-resistant build, it is ideal for both indoor relaxation and outdoor fun. The long-lasting battery and seamless Bluetooth connectivity ensure uninterrupted music all day long, because mothers deserve a soundtrack as vibrant as they are.

ED0C2421SRS-XV800 speaker

Whether you’re hosting a cozy family get-together or surprising your mom with an impromptu karaoke session, this premium speaker is designed to make every moment unforgettable. With its deep, room-filling audio and IPX4 splash-proof design, it’s ready for both living room sing-alongs and garden parties alike.

Offline retail remains remunerative in a disruptive online world

While online is the disruptive buzzword, offline still rules the roost, according to experts speaking at the two-day Phygital Retail Convention 2025 organized by the Images Group.

“Online is a matter of discount in India,” said Kumar Nitesh, CEO – Ajio Business, Trend Footwear – Reliance Retail indicating that margins are much better offline. Average online business is 25%, experts at the panel discussion said beyond, which can drive valuations, but bottom-line bleeds and rest on the offline business.

Earlier in the day, talking about profitability, P Senthilkumar, Senior Partner, Vector Consulting indicated that fast moving trends in fashions in India is leading to high gross working capital and in turn low inventory turnover.

The long lead time to forecast a trend is leading to inaccuracy in predicting demand as product lifecycle is getting limited to four months, Senthilkumar said, “What was sold in the previous session is no more relevant in the next season in a fast paced industry with changing demand profile,” he said.

Mr. Manoj Kumar Agarwal appointed as Director – Finance & CFO at Exide Industries Ltd

Kolkata, 7th May 2025: Exide Industries Ltd is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Manoj Kumar Agarwal to the position of Director – Finance& CFO, effective 1st May 2025. The decision was taken at the board meeting of Exide held on 30th April 2025, which took a note of retirement of Mr. Asish Kumar Mukherjee after serving 18 long years in the same position.

Mr. Agarwal joined Exide on 2nd February 2023 as Deputy CFO. Since then, he has provided leadership and supervision across key functions such as Finance, Accounts, Audit, Treasury, Taxation, Information Technology (IT) and Procurement. In a short span of time, he has demonstrated remarkable leadership qualities in his areas of responsibility.

In his new role as Director – Finance & CFO, he will continue with his supervision across the diverse functions and will be responsible to further strengthen the company’s financial and operational framework.

Commenting on the same, Mr. Avik Roy, MD & CEO of Exide Industries Ltd said “Manoj’s acumen, proven track record and insightful experience will further strengthen our capabilities in finance, accounts, treasury and many other functions, thus driving greaterefficiency and positive changes in the Company. Manoj takes the baton from Mr. Asish Kumar Mukherjee, who has been a long-standing pillar and has been instrumental in shaping up the company as it stands today.”

Mr. Manoj Kumar Agarwal is a qualified Chartered Accountant and Company Secretary. He brings with him over 30 years of extensive experience across finance, accounts, audit, treasury, taxation, insurance, procurement, IT, merger & acquisition, IPO, export & import, compliance and managing overseas subsidiaries.Prior to joining Exide, he held senior positions at several companies, notably Tega Industries Ltd and Vedanta Limited.