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Month: August 2025

Digital Native

Ola’s AI Venture Krutrim Partners with Cloudera to Boost AI and Data Capabilities in India

Observenow Desk August 12, 2025

Ola Group’s AI-focused cloud platform, Krutrim, has entered into a strategic partnership with Cloudera, a leading data and AI software company, to enhance large-scale analytics and data lake management on Krutrim Cloud. This collaboration is aimed at strengthening Krutrim’s AI-driven capabilities by leveraging Cloudera’s advanced data infrastructure and analytics tools. The partnership was officially announced during Cloudera’s Evolve25 event in Singapore, underscoring the shared commitment of both companies to accelerate AI innovation and data-driven transformation in India.

Krutrim, positioned as India’s sovereign cloud platform, focuses on providing cloud infrastructure tailored to meet the specific needs of the Indian market. The alliance with Cloudera enables Krutrim to integrate robust data engineering and AI model development capabilities into its cloud offerings. By adopting Cloudera’s data and AI platform, Krutrim aims to optimize its management of large-scale data lakes and accelerate AI training and inference processes. This, in turn, will help enterprises leverage AI for better decision-making and operational efficiency.

Navendu Agarwal, Senior Vice President and Head of Business at Krutrim, highlighted the importance of building a cloud ecosystem with deep integration across infrastructure, data, and AI, tailored to serve India’s unique requirements. The partnership reflects a strategic move to build a scalable, cost-effective AI infrastructure that can support the growing demand for AI-powered applications in various industries, including transportation, finance, healthcare, and more.

By combining Krutrim’s localized approach with Cloudera’s proven expertise in data management and AI technologies, the collaboration aims to create a sovereign AI cloud ecosystem that empowers Indian enterprises to innovate faster. This effort aligns with the broader national vision to position India as a global leader in AI adoption and digital transformation. With Cloudera’s platform, Krutrim will provide enterprises with enhanced capabilities to process massive volumes of data, apply advanced analytics, and develop AI models that can deliver actionable insights.

The partnership is also expected to benefit other enterprise clients who use Krutrim Cloud by offering improved AI-driven data operations and analytics capabilities. This can lead to better customer experiences, streamlined business processes, and the ability to quickly respond to market changes. Additionally, the integration of Cloudera’s technology will facilitate Krutrim’s ability to manage data governance and security, which are critical factors for cloud adoption, especially in regulated industries.

Overall, this collaboration marks a significant milestone in the evolution of India’s AI and cloud landscape. It demonstrates the growing emphasis on building indigenous technology platforms that cater to local market needs while harnessing global technological advancements. As AI continues to transform industries worldwide, partnerships like that of Krutrim and Cloudera play a crucial role in making advanced AI and data technologies accessible and practical for Indian businesses.

This move not only enhances the AI capabilities of Ola’s cloud platform but also contributes to the development of a strong data infrastructure in India. By fostering innovation and supporting the deployment of scalable AI applications, the Krutrim-Cloudera partnership is set to accelerate digital transformation across multiple sectors. As enterprises increasingly rely on AI to drive growth and efficiency, this alliance provides them with the tools and infrastructure necessary to compete on a global scale while addressing the specific challenges of the Indian market.

In conclusion, the partnership between Krutrim and Cloudera is a forward-looking initiative that promises to expand the reach of AI technologies in India. It underscores the importance of collaboration between domestic cloud providers and global technology leaders to build resilient, scalable, and AI-enabled cloud ecosystems. This strategic alliance is expected to propel India’s AI ambitions forward and create new opportunities for enterprises to harness the power of data-driven innovation.

Tags: ClouderaKrutrimOla

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Digital Native

MongoDB Unveils Advanced AI Models and Integration Tools to Boost Application Reliability

Observenow Desk

MongoDB has recently made significant advancements aimed at improving the reliability and performance of AI applications built on its platform. The company announced the release of new Voyage AI models, including the voyage-context-3, voyage-3.5, and rerank-2.5 series, which are designed to enhance embedding accuracy, affordability, and scalability for developers. Alongside these models, MongoDB also introduced the Model Context Protocol (MCP) Server in public preview, a tool that facilitates better integration with popular AI and development tools such as GitHub Copilot and Anthropic’s Claude.

These updates come as part of MongoDB’s continued commitment to supporting the growing demand for trustworthy, scalable, and efficient AI applications. The new Voyage AI models are engineered to offer improved context awareness, which allows applications to understand and process data more accurately in real time. This translates to better retrieval quality and overall enhanced user experiences for AI-driven solutions. Additionally, the pricing model for these new embeddings is designed to offer industry-leading price-performance ratios, making it more affordable for companies to leverage sophisticated AI capabilities without sacrificing cost efficiency.

MongoDB’s MCP Server is a major step toward simplifying AI integration. This server enables direct connections between MongoDB databases and various AI tools, including GitHub Copilot, which assists developers with code generation, and Anthropic’s Claude, a language model used for natural language processing tasks. By bridging these tools, developers can manage database operations and interact with AI models using natural language prompts, reducing complexity and accelerating development workflows. The public preview release of the MCP Server allows developers and enterprises to test and provide feedback on this integration, helping MongoDB refine the product further before its general availability.

The announcement was made during MongoDB’s annual AI-focused conference, Ai4, which serves as a platform for showcasing the company’s latest innovations and partnerships. MongoDB emphasized that these product enhancements are part of its broader vision to empower developers to build AI-powered applications that are both scalable and reliable. By expanding its AI partner ecosystem, MongoDB is creating a more comprehensive foundation for enterprises to adopt AI technologies seamlessly, speeding up time-to-market and reducing barriers to entry for AI adoption.

The improved embedding models are particularly important for applications that rely on generating and ranking information based on user queries or other data inputs. Embeddings, which convert data into numerical vectors, are essential for machine learning models to interpret and make predictions from complex datasets. MongoDB’s upgraded models aim to boost the accuracy and relevance of these embeddings, ensuring that AI applications deliver precise and meaningful results. The rerank-2.5 series further enhances this by improving the ability to sort and prioritize information effectively, which is critical for search engines, recommendation systems, and other AI-driven tools.

MongoDB’s focus on affordability and scalability addresses a key challenge many organizations face when integrating AI: balancing performance with cost. The new models are priced competitively to make advanced AI capabilities accessible to businesses of all sizes. This approach supports startups and large enterprises alike, enabling innovation across various industries that increasingly depend on AI for data analysis, automation, and customer engagement.

Overall, MongoDB’s latest product releases reflect the company’s dedication to advancing AI application development. By providing better tools, improved models, and robust integrations, MongoDB is helping businesses harness the power of AI more effectively and efficiently. As AI continues to evolve, these innovations position MongoDB as a key enabler for organizations seeking to build next-generation AI solutions that are reliable, scalable, and cost-effective.

Tags: MongoDB

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Digital Native

CFOs Shift from Caution to Commitment: Salesforce Research Reveals AI as a Strategic Growth Driver

Observenow Desk

A recent study by Salesforce reveals a major shift in how Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) approach artificial intelligence (AI) in their organizations. The research shows that CFOs are moving beyond viewing AI merely as a cost-saving tool and are now embracing it as a strategic investment that drives long-term business growth. Over the past five years, the number of CFOs with a cautious AI strategy has sharply decreased from 70% in 2020 to just 4% in 2025, indicating a significant increase in confidence around the benefits AI can bring to a business.

The study also highlights that more than 60% of CFOs are changing the way they measure return on investment (ROI) for AI projects. Instead of focusing only on immediate financial gains, many are incorporating broader impacts such as improved customer experience, faster decision-making, and enhanced innovation capabilities into their evaluation of AI’s value. This shift reflects a growing recognition that AI can contribute to competitive advantage and digital transformation in ways that go beyond cost reduction.

CFOs are increasingly integrating AI across various parts of their organizations. According to the report, AI technologies are widely used in financial planning and analysis, risk management, fraud detection, and gaining customer insights. These applications allow finance teams to better forecast market trends, spot opportunities earlier, and improve operational efficiency. Automation of routine and repetitive tasks is freeing up finance professionals’ time, enabling them to focus on higher-value strategic activities.

Despite the enthusiasm, CFOs acknowledge challenges that come with AI adoption. Issues such as finding the right talent, addressing data privacy concerns, and managing organizational change remain top of mind. However, the majority of CFOs are proactively investing in AI and experimenting with different approaches to harness its potential. Leadership commitment is crucial, and those CFOs who actively promote AI initiatives tend to report stronger business results and better alignment with their company’s overall goals.

This Salesforce research underscores the evolving role of CFOs as key advocates for AI adoption, which signals a wider trend across organizations toward embedding AI in core business strategies. Business leaders including CEOs and CIOs should take note, as the CFO’s growing emphasis on AI highlights its importance not just as a technology but as a driver of business growth and innovation. Companies that hesitate to invest strategically in AI risk falling behind in a rapidly evolving digital economy.

Salesforce has long been at the forefront of tracking technological trends, and this latest report offers valuable insights into how AI is reshaping financial leadership worldwide. As CFOs move from cautious adopters to committed investors, their organizations stand to benefit from accelerated innovation and enhanced competitive positioning. The message is clear: to succeed in today’s dynamic market, embracing AI as a core part of business strategy is essential.

Tags: CFOsSalesforce

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Governance

Parliamentary Panel Calls for Companies Act Overhaul to Enforce ESG Accountability

Observenow Desk August 11, 2025

A prominent parliamentary committee has urged a comprehensive overhaul of India’s Companies Act, 2013, to legally embed Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into corporate governance frameworks. The panel’s recommendations include making ESG responsibilities a mandatory part of the fiduciary duties of company directors, transforming what has traditionally been voluntary disclosure into enforceable compliance obligations. This shift reflects growing recognition among lawmakers of the critical role sustainable business practices play in driving long-term economic and social development.

The committee also proposed the establishment of a dedicated statutory oversight body tasked with monitoring ESG compliance and ensuring consistent enforcement across sectors. Such an authority would provide a centralized mechanism for reporting, auditing, and accountability, aligning Indian corporate governance with evolving global standards. The panel highlighted that embedding ESG considerations into legal frameworks is essential not only for environmental sustainability but also for enhancing investor confidence and protecting stakeholder interests. This legislative push comes as India seeks to position itself as a leader in sustainable finance and responsible business conduct amid increasing scrutiny from international investors and rating agencies.

Experts believe that the proposed changes will incentivize companies to adopt more rigorous sustainability policies and improve transparency on social and governance issues. However, the transition may pose challenges for businesses, especially smaller firms, in adapting to expanded reporting requirements and regulatory oversight. Stakeholders emphasize the need for phased implementation and capacity-building initiatives to support compliance. The parliamentary panel’s recommendations are expected to catalyze debate and eventual amendments to the Companies Act, marking a critical step towards integrating ESG into India’s corporate legal architecture. This move could have significant implications for listed companies, investors, and regulators, fostering a culture of accountability and sustainability that aligns with global best practices.

Tags: ESGIndia’s Companies Act

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Governance

HPCL Seeks Alternative Crude Supplies Amid Pricing and Sanction Risks

Observenow Desk

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) has significantly reduced its intake of Russian crude oil in the first quarter of 2025-26, with the share dropping to 13.2 percent, according to company chairman Vikas Kaushal. Kaushal clarified that this shift is motivated solely by economic factors, specifically shrinking price discounts on Russian crude, rather than geopolitical considerations.

The move reflects HPCL’s strategic approach to managing risks associated with evolving international sanctions and fluctuating crude prices. While Russian crude historically offered attractive pricing compared to other sources, recent changes in global supply dynamics and increased scrutiny over trade compliance have pressured discounts, prompting HPCL to diversify its procurement portfolio.

The company is actively exploring alternative crude suppliers across the Middle East, Africa, and other regions to mitigate dependency and safeguard refining operations. Kaushal emphasized HPCL’s willingness to resume imports of Russian crude if market conditions improve, signaling flexibility in sourcing strategies. This approach comes amid broader uncertainty in the energy sector, with several Indian refiners recalibrating their crude sourcing in response to geopolitical tensions and sanctions on Russia. Industry analysts view HPCL’s moves as prudent, balancing cost optimization with compliance risks.

The reduced exposure to Russian crude may also help HPCL maintain stable refining margins and avoid disruptions due to potential sanctions or supply constraints. However, such shifts could impact contract negotiations and logistics, requiring adjustments in refinery configurations and transportation arrangements. The company’s strategy aligns with the government’s larger energy security framework, which encourages diversification of crude supplies to enhance resilience against global shocks. Market observers note that HPCL’s agile procurement posture is critical in maintaining uninterrupted fuel supplies amid global volatility.

Investors have responded positively to the news, viewing the company’s risk mitigation efforts as a sign of sound governance. Looking ahead, HPCL’s continued emphasis on economic factors in crude sourcing suggests it will remain flexible to capitalize on pricing arbitrage opportunities while managing geopolitical risks.

Tags: Hindustan Petroleum Corporation LimitedHPCLVikas Kaushal

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Governance

Coal India Allows Sale of Surplus Power Under Revised Policy

Observenow Desk

Coal India Limited (CIL), the state-owned mining giant, has announced a policy shift that could have far-reaching implications for India’s electricity market and operational flexibility for thermal power plants. Effective August 1, 2025, CIL has lifted previous restrictions and will now allow power generators using its linkage coal under long- and medium-term fuel supply agreements to sell any unutilized electricity—commonly referred to as un-requisitioned surplus (URS)—through power exchanges and the open market.

The move aligns with the government’s revised SHAKTI (Scheme for Harnessing and Allocating Koyala Transparently in India) policy, which seeks to increase efficiency, improve cost competitiveness, and make electricity more affordable for consumers. By enabling plants to offload surplus power, the change is expected to help reduce wastage of generation capacity, particularly during off-peak demand periods, while also allowing distribution companies and bulk consumers to procure cheaper electricity in real time.

Industry analysts believe that this flexibility could benefit both generators and buyers, with the potential to stabilize prices during periods of demand volatility. The decision is also likely to incentivize better capacity planning and utilization rates for plants that often operate below optimal load factors due to fluctuating demand from their primary buyers. CIL officials have clarified that the policy will be implemented with safeguards to ensure priority supply to contracted buyers before any surplus is sold in the open market, thus maintaining energy security for long-term partners.

Power producers have welcomed the change, viewing it as a step toward a more market-driven electricity sector where resource allocation is optimized. Some energy economists also note that the policy could attract new investments in cleaner coal technologies and ancillary services, given the added revenue opportunities. However, critics caution that without parallel reforms in transmission infrastructure and regulatory coordination, the benefits might be unevenly distributed, particularly in regions with weaker grid connectivity.

The Ministry of Power has expressed confidence that the revised framework will be a win-win, promoting competition while supporting the financial health of generators. In the coming months, market watchers will be closely monitoring the volume of surplus power offered on exchanges and the impact on spot prices, as India continues its journey toward a more flexible and responsive electricity market ecosystem.

Tags: Coal IndiaMinistry of Power

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Governance

Groundnut Heist Exposes Warehouse Security Gaps

Observenow Desk

A major theft at a government-rented warehouse in Jetpur, located in Gujarat’s Rajkot district, has exposed alarming security lapses in the storage infrastructure used for agricultural commodities. During a routine inspection, officials discovered that over 1,200 sacks of groundnuts—valued at approximately ₹31.6 lakh—had gone missing.

The facility, operated under contract by the Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC), lacked even the most basic surveillance measures, including closed-circuit television cameras, and its on-ground security was outsourced to a third-party provider. Investigators believe that the absence of modern monitoring systems created a perfect opportunity for internal and external actors to coordinate the heist.

Authorities have so far detained four individuals in connection with the case, including a security guard posted at the site and a former contract employee who had knowledge of the warehouse’s operations and access protocols. The stolen groundnuts were stored as part of the state’s procurement system, intended for various public distribution and agricultural support schemes. Preliminary findings suggest that the theft may have been an inside job, carried out over several days to avoid drawing attention, with the stolen goods likely moved out in small consignments to escape detection. Law enforcement agencies are also probing whether the theft was part of a larger network involving the resale of stolen agricultural commodities in grey markets.

Industry experts note that such incidents highlight a chronic problem in India’s agri-warehousing sector, where manual record-keeping, outsourced security, and a lack of real-time inventory tracking leave assets vulnerable to pilferage. Calls are growing for urgent reforms, including the mandatory installation of CCTV cameras, biometric access systems, and digital inventory audits at all government-linked storage facilities. The Central Warehousing Corporation has stated that it will cooperate fully with the investigation and is reviewing its contractual arrangements with security providers. Farmers’ unions and political leaders have demanded that the state government not only recover the stolen produce but also compensate affected stakeholders to ensure that procurement operations and supply chain commitments remain intact.

This case, while significant in scale, is far from isolated—similar thefts have been reported in other districts, underscoring the pressing need for a nationwide review of warehouse security standards to protect valuable agricultural stockpiles.

Tags: Central Warehousing CorporationGujarat

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Governance

₹30,000 Crore LPG Subsidy Approval Lifts BPCL’s Market Sentiment

Observenow Desk

In a significant move aimed at supporting India’s energy security and protecting consumer affordability, the Union Cabinet has approved a ₹30,000 crore subsidy package for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). The financial aid will be distributed in 12 monthly tranches and is expected to ease the burden on oil marketing companies (OMCs) such as Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL).

The subsidy comes as a compensation mechanism for the revenue losses suffered by OMCs from selling LPG cylinders at rates significantly lower than market prices. For years, public sector oil companies have absorbed the difference between global LPG costs and government-regulated retail prices, especially under social welfare schemes. The newly approved package will help recover part of these under-recoveries, strengthening balance sheets and enabling future investments in infrastructure and clean energy transitions.

Investor sentiment reacted positively to the announcement. BPCL’s share price climbed up to 2% in intraday trading on the Bombay Stock Exchange following the news. Market analysts attribute the gain to expectations of improved cash flows and reduced debt pressure for the PSU, which has been navigating volatile crude prices and rising global freight costs. “This is a direct earnings boost for BPCL and a signal of policy support for the sector,” said an energy market analyst based in Mumbai.

While BPCL stands to gain, the benefits will extend across the LPG supply chain. The funds will help stabilize domestic supply, ensuring consistent delivery of cylinders to households under flagship schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY). Experts also point out that timely subsidy disbursements can help mitigate working capital stress, especially at a time when global energy markets are experiencing heightened volatility due to geopolitical tensions.

The approval aligns with the government’s broader objective of ensuring universal access to clean cooking fuel. With LPG penetration in Indian households now exceeding 99%, the challenge has shifted from access to affordability. The subsidy not only addresses this gap but also signals continued government backing for state-run energy companies as they balance commercial viability with social responsibility.

Looking ahead, energy policy watchers believe the subsidy will provide OMCs with breathing space to invest in LPG import facilities, bottling plants, and green energy initiatives. However, they caution that long-term sustainability will require gradual price rationalization and efficiency improvements in the distribution network.

For BPCL, the ₹30,000 crore approval offers both immediate relief and a platform to strengthen operations in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.

Tags: BPCLLPG Subsidy

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Governance

Air India’s Widebody Fleet Retrofit Delayed Again, Now Targeted for 2028 Completion

Observenow Desk

Air India’s much-publicised fleet refurbishment programme has hit yet another delay, with the airline now targeting October 2028 to complete upgrades to its widebody aircraft. The project, part of a $400 million modernization plan, was originally intended to be finished within five years, but global supply chain issues have forced a revised schedule.

The refurbishment covers both Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Boeing 777 aircraft, with plans to install new seats, improve cabin interiors, upgrade inflight entertainment systems, and refresh lavatories. Two Dreamliners have already entered the retrofit process, with the first expected to return to service by December 2025.

Airline CEO Campbell Wilson attributed the delays primarily to seat supplier shortages and unexpected contractual challenges, including one major supplier pulling out mid-project. These disruptions, compounded by component shortages in the global aviation supply chain, have slowed progress despite early planning efforts.

The narrowbody fleet upgrade, involving A320neo aircraft, is on a faster track and is expected to conclude by September 2025. However, the widebody programme is far more complex, involving extensive cabin reconfiguration and certification processes. The Boeing 777 retrofits, which will feature an updated three-class configuration including premium economy, are now scheduled to begin in early 2027.

Industry analysts warn that prolonged delays could impact Air India’s competitive positioning on long-haul routes, particularly against Gulf carriers and other international rivals offering newer, more comfortable cabins. Premium passengers, who are critical to profitability on these routes, may gravitate toward competitors if upgrades are not delivered promptly.

Nevertheless, the refurbishment remains a central pillar of Air India’s broader transformation strategy under Tata Group ownership. Beyond aesthetics, the programme aims to improve operational reliability, align product offerings with international standards, and enhance brand perception in key global markets.

The coming months will test the airline’s ability to manage complex logistical challenges while maintaining service quality. Success will hinge on aligning supplier commitments, accelerating work on aircraft already in the pipeline, and minimising the gap between customer expectations and on-board experience.

If completed as envisioned, the widebody retrofit will mark a turning point in Air India’s bid to reclaim its position as a preferred choice for premium international travel. But for now, the journey toward that goal remains turbulent.

Tags: Air IndiaTata Group

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Governance

SEBI Chief Declares PMS Industry at a Turning Point

Observenow Desk

Speaking at the annual conference of the Association of Portfolio Managers in India (APMI), SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey described India’s Portfolio Management Services (PMS) sector as being at a pivotal inflection point. He pointed to a combination of regulatory evolution, technological innovation, and growing investor sophistication as the forces driving this transformation.

Pandey highlighted that governance and trust will be the foundation of the sector’s next growth phase. He urged PMS providers to embrace standardised reporting, transparent fee structures, and strong compliance protocols. According to him, ensuring that investors clearly understand the products, risks, and performance metrics will be critical for sustaining long-term confidence.

Digital transformation emerged as a central theme. Pandey encouraged the industry to adopt robust e-onboarding processes, centralized data systems, and digital client dashboards to enhance efficiency and transparency. This, he said, would not only reduce operational friction but also appeal to the next generation of tech-savvy investors.

The APMI leadership echoed his vision, outlining an ambitious goal of increasing PMS assets under management to ₹25 lakh crore over the next five years. They emphasized that digital infrastructure and investor education will be key enablers of this growth.

Industry experts see technology as a double-edged sword—offering powerful tools for personalized portfolio strategies, but also demanding heightened cybersecurity measures and data privacy safeguards. Many PMS firms are already integrating artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, and real-time market monitoring into their offerings to differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive market.

For B2B stakeholders such as banks, custodians, and fintech platforms, the evolving PMS landscape presents both opportunities and challenges. Strategic collaborations with PMS providers that demonstrate governance strength and tech agility could unlock new revenue streams while enhancing client trust.

As India’s investment ecosystem matures, the PMS sector is positioning itself as a high-value option for affluent and discerning investors. The next few years will determine whether it can achieve both scale and credibility, cementing its role as a cornerstone of the country’s wealth management industry.

Tags: Association of Portfolio Managers in IndiaPortfolio Management ServicesSEBITuhin Kanta Pandey

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