Accelerating India’s AI Adoption: Meta’s Strategic Partnership With Reliance Industries To Build Llama-Based Enterprise AI Solutions

Today, Meta is announcing intent to form a strategic joint venture (JV) with Reliance Industries Limited[1] (RIL), aimed at developing enterprise AI solutions built on Llama for Indian enterprises. 

Announcing the partnership, Mark Zuckerberg, Founder and CEO, Meta said, “We’re excited to deepen our partnership with Reliance to bring the power of open‑source AI to Indian developers and enterprises. Through this joint venture, we’re putting Meta’s Llama models into real-world use, and I’m looking forward to Meta expanding its footprint in the enterprise space as we unlock new possibilities together.”

 

A Vision for AI Empowerment

 

At the core of this partnership is Meta's unwavering commitment to India and its shared mission with Reliance to democratize AI technology. The JV will aim to leverage Meta’s open-source Llama models to create AI solutions tailored for specific business needs in areas like sales, marketing, IT, customer service, finance, and more. The JV will introduce a secure full-stack environment for organizations to customize and deploy generative AI applications and offer a suite of pre‑configured AI solutions designed to address both cross‑functional and industry‑specific use cases.

 

The collaboration with RIL, a leader in digital infrastructure, brings AI benefits closer to Indian enterprises. By seamlessly integrating Meta's Llama models with RIL's strong digital foundation, the JV will be able to scale high performance models at a fraction of a cost. Jio's extensive connectivity network and RIL's advanced AI data centers will be pivotal in lowering inference costs and ensuring secure, low-latency AI deployments. Additionally, the JV will have the flexibility to deploy solutions over the cloud, on-premise, and across its own infrastructure, allowing for efficient management of infrastructure costs.

 

A Shared Commitment to Innovation

 

Meta's ongoing improvements to its models will facilitate a smooth shift from research to real-world application, bringing top-tier AI technology to Indian businesses. This collaboration goes beyond technology; it is focused on fostering innovation and growth across various industries, particularly India’s flourishing small businesses. With lower entry costs for advanced AI tools, SMBs and startups could more readily adopt AI-driven solutions, leveling the competitive landscape and enabling them to innovate faster.

 

Through this strategic partnership, Meta is not only advancing AI technology but also paving the way for a new era of innovation and growth in India.

Fairtrade Network To Host Second National Fairtrade Conference & Recognition Event In Bengaluru On Sept 9–10, 2025

·         Landmark two-day gathering to convene 150+ global and Indian producers, businesses, policymakers, and sustainability leaders to advance ethical trade, resilient supply chains, and climate-conscious markets in India.

 

Fairtrade India (Centre for Social Markets), in collaboration with the Fairtrade Network of Asia and Pacific Producers (Fairtrade-NAPP), will organize the Second National Fairtrade in India Conference & Recognition Event on 9–10 September 2025 at The Chancery Pavilion, Bengaluru. The event is supported by the European Union’s SWITCH-Asia Programme and EC FFPA.

 

FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY, MARKETS, AND IMPACT

The conference will bring together more than 150 global and Indian stakeholders from across the Fairtrade ecosystem, including Farmers’ organisations and plantations, businesses, policymakers, academia, civil society, and youth representatives. With the theme “Sustainability, Markets, and Impact,” the two-day programme will highlight the role of Fairtrade in advancing ethical trade, strengthening sustainable agriculture, and enabling resilient supply chains in and from India.

 

INDIA’S FAIRTRADE MOMENTUM

·         Domestic sales of Fairtrade-labelled products grew from ₹23.92 crore (2022) to ₹77.22 crore (2024) – more than a threefold increase measured in terms of GMV (Gross Merchandise Value).

·         Exports of Fairtrade-certified products from India are estimated at between  ₹330 to ₹450 crore annually.

·         Fairtrade Premium contribution of nearly ₹49.81 crore (5.57million Euros ) generated in 2023 alone,  have been reinvested in Indian farming communities for education, healthcare, infrastructure, and sustainable agriculture.

 

CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS

The two-day programme will feature plenary and breakout sessions on some of the most pressing themes in sustainable trade, including:

 

·         Fairtrade’s contribution to sustainable agriculture and climate resilience.

·         Decarbonisation in the textile sector and a just transition for MSMEs.

·         Navigating EU sustainability regulations and opportunities for Indian producers.

·         Impact stories from Fairtrade producers, including farmers and plantation workers.

·         Building sustainable fashion brands with leading Indian apparel companies.

·         Youth and education initiatives, including a Fairtrade-only e-commerce platform developed by students.

·         Innovative business models and collaborative partnerships across stakeholders to expand domestic Fairtrade markets in India.

 

DISTINGUISHED LINE UP OF SPEAKERS

The conference will also convene a distinguished line-up of global and Indian leaders, including:

·         Lisa Prassack, CEO, Fairtrade International (first visit to India).

·         Blaise Desbordes, Managing Director, Max Havelaar France.

·         Claudia Brueck, Executive Board Member, Fairtrade Germany.

·         Abhishek Jani, CEO, Fairtrade India Project.

·         Bindu S, CEO, Fairtrade Network of Asia and Pacific Producers.

·         Charath Narsimhan, Managing Director, Indian Terrain Fashions Ltd.

·         Vivek Sandhwar, COO, Being Human.

·         Pravakar Meher, Director, Pratima Agro & Paper, and Chairman, Fairtrade-NAPP.

·         Prarthana Borah, VP – Sustainability, Momentum India Pvt. Ltd.

·         MSME leaders from Tirupur, sharing experiences on driving decarbonisation in textiles.

 

Commenting on the second edition, Mr. Pravakar Meher, Chairman, Fairtrade Network of Asia and Pacific Producers (NAPP), said, “The first edition of the National Fairtrade Conference laid a strong foundation for advancing ethical and sustainable trade in India. Building on this momentum, the second edition brings together producer members—including farmers’ cooperatives and plantations—along with businesses, policymakers, and consumers to place Fairtrade firmly on the national agenda.  For farmers and workers, it translates into fairer prices and stronger livelihoods; for businesses, it offers transparent and responsible supply chains that meet the rising demand for sustainability.”

 

Mr. Abhishek Jani, CEO, Fairtrade India Project, added, “As global trading conditions become more volatile and effects of climate change become more devastating, it is crucial that we enable sustainable livelihoods for the farming communities and MSMEs. Fairtrade India has been working on building sustainability driven markets and value chains with this focus.  With fashion accounting for nearly 75% of our domestic Fairtrade Labelled market, and MSMEs driving decarbonisation in textiles, India is uniquely positioned to lead on ethical and climate-conscious supply chains. This conference is about mainstreaming Fairtrade – making sustainability accessible, scalable, and impactful for farmers, businesses, and consumers alike.”

Japanese Apparel Retailer - UNIQLO - Opens First Store in Bengaluru; Indian Cricket Legend Rahul Dravid Joins In Celebration

Global apparel retailer UNIQLO today opened the doors to its first-ever store in Bengaluru, marking a significant milestone in its India journey. Cricket legend, and Bengaluru local, Rahul Dravid joined the launch celebrations at UNIQLO Orion Mall, Brigade Gateway, where he participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside UNIQLO India representatives, drawing a crowd of excited customers and fans.

 

Spread across 9,012 square feet on the ground floor of the mall, UNIQLO Orion Mall Brigade Gateway, Bengaluru introduces the brand’s signature LifeWear philosophy to the city: high-quality, functional clothing designed to improve everyday life. This marks UNIQLO’s 17th store in India and its very first in South India.

“Today marks a significant milestone as we enter South India with the launch of our first store in Bengaluru,” said Kenji Inoue, Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer, UNIQLO India. “This debut has been long awaited, and we are truly encouraged by the warm and positive response from our customers in Bengaluru. We look forward to serving our customers in this city, introducing them to our LifeWear offering and providing them the best customer experience through our store”.

Rahul Dravid, former India captain and cricket legend, added, “UNIQLO is a brand I have long admired for its timeless style, functionality, and simplicity – qualities I personally value. It’s exciting to see the brand launch its first store in Bengaluru, right here in my hometown. Being part of this special occasion is truly wonderful, and I am confident that Bengalureans will embrace the LifeWear philosophy with enthusiasm.”

Ahead of the official store opening, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in front of a cheerful crowd of customers eagerly waiting to step inside to shop for exclusive offers as well as a chance to receive a specially designed tote bag made by a local artist, over a purchase of ₹6,000.

 

“The opening of renowned Japanese apparel brand UNIQLO adds to our existing lineup of international fashion labels and enhances our reputation as a preferred shopping destination for patrons seeking a global shopping experience. This strategic addition reflects our ongoing mission to elevate the shopping experience in Bengaluru, offering patrons a curated global mix of fashion, lifestyle, and culture.” said Nirupa Shankar- Joint Managing Director, Brigade Group.

 

Inside the new store, customers can explore the full range of UNIQLO LifeWear-versatile clothing designed with a focus on simplicity, quality, and longevity. The store houses wardrobe essentials across categories for men, women, kids, and babies, including Fall/Winter 2025 collections featuring innovative technologies such as HEATTECH, PUFFTECH, and AIRism, along with premium fabrics like denim, fleece, and cashmere.

 

Store Overview

Store Name: UNIQLO Orion Mall, Brigade Gateway, Bengaluru
Opening Date: August 29, 2025
Opening Hours: 10: 00 am to 10.00 pm
Sales Area: Approximately 9,012 sq. ft.
Address: Orion Mall, Brigade Gateway, Dr. Rajkumar Road, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru

For more information about UNIQLO and its collections, visit the website or download the UNIQLO India Official App.

UNIQLO India Website: www.uniqlo.com/in

UNIQLO India Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uniqloin/

UNIQLO India Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uniqloin

UNIQLO India Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/UniqloIn

About UNIQLO LifeWear

Apparel that comes from the Japanese values of simplicity, quality and longevity. Designed to be of the time and for the time, LifeWear is made with such modern elegance that it becomes the building blocks of each individual’s style. A perfect shirt that is always being made more perfect. The simplest design hiding the most thoughtful and modern details. The best in fit and fabric made to be affordable and accessible to all. LifeWear is clothing that is constantly being innovated, bringing more warmth, more lightness, better design, and better comfort to people’s lives.

 

About UNIQLO and Fast Retailing

UNIQLO is a brand of Fast Retailing Co., Ltd., a leading Japanese retail holding company with global headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. UNIQLO is the largest of eight brands in the Fast Retailing Group, the others being GU, Theory, PLST, Comptoir des Cotonniers, Princesse tam.tam, J Brand and Helmut Lang. With global sales of approximately 3.1 trillion yen for the 2024 fiscal year ending August 31, 2024 (US $21.42 billion, calculated in yen using the end of August 2024 rate of $1 = 144.9 yen), Fast Retailing is one of the world’s largest apparel retail companies, and UNIQLO is Japan’s leading specialty retailer.

 

UNIQLO continues to open large-scale stores in some of the world's most important cities and locations, as part of its ongoing efforts to solidify its status as a global brand. Today the company has a total of more than 2,500 UNIQLO stores across the world, including Japan, Asia, Europe and North America. The total number of stores across Fast Retailing's brands is now over 3,600.

 

With a corporate statement committed to changing clothes, changing conventional wisdom and change the world, Fast Retailing is dedicated to creating great clothing with new and unique value to enrich the lives of people everywhere.  For more information about UNIQLO and Fast Retailing, visit www.uniqlo.com and www.fastretailing.com.

About UNIQLO LifeWear

Apparel that comes from the Japanese values of simplicity, quality and longevity. Designed to be of the time and for the time, LifeWear is made with such modern elegance that it becomes the building blocks of each individual’s style. A perfect shirt that is always being made more perfect. The simplest design hiding the most thoughtful and modern details. The best in fit and fabric made to be affordable and accessible to all. LifeWear is clothing that is constantly being innovated, bringing more warmth, more lightness, better design, and better comfort to people’s lives.

 

About UNIQLO and Fast Retailing

UNIQLO is a brand of Fast Retailing Co., Ltd., a leading Japanese retail holding company with global headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. UNIQLO is the largest of eight brands in the Fast Retailing Group, the others being GU, Theory, PLST, Comptoir des Cotonniers, Princesse tam.tam, J Brand and Helmut Lang. With global sales of approximately 3.1 trillion yen for the 2024 fiscal year ending August 31, 2024 (US $21.42 billion, calculated in yen using the end of August 2024 rate of $1 = 144.9 yen), Fast Retailing is one of the world’s largest apparel retail companies, and UNIQLO is Japan’s leading specialty retailer.

TVS Motor Launches TVS Orbiter: New India’s Smart, Sustainable, Urban EV Commute

• Offers several segment-firsts such as 158 km IDC range, cruise control, hill hold assist, a spacious 34-litre bootspace, and a host of connected features.

• Introduces an industry-first 14” front wheel, for enhanced stability and ride comfort.

• Modern, endearing and purposeful design with enhanced aerodynamic efficiency.

• Superior comfort and utility with straight-line footboard and long flatform seat.

• Launched at ₹99,900 (ex-showroom, inclusive of PM e-Drive scheme, Bengaluru and New Delhi)

 

TVS Motor Company (TVSM), a global leader in the two and three-wheeler segments, announced the launch of its new electric offering, TVS Orbiter. Designed to redefine everyday commute, the TVS Orbiter combines several segment-first features such as a 158 km IDC range, cruise control, 34-litre boot space, hill hold assist, and advanced connected features. With an industry-first 14” front wheel, the scooter delivers unmatched comfort, convenience, and performance, at an attractive price of ₹99,900 (ex-showroom, inclusive of PM e-Drive scheme, Bengaluru and New Delhi).

 

The TVS Orbiter is packed with advanced features like the connected mobile app, front LED headlamp with visor, and a coloured LCD cluster with incoming call display, elevating customer delight and convenience. Its 3.1 kWh battery and enhanced aerodynamic efficiency delivers extended range with stable, efficient performance.

 

Speaking at the launch of TVS Orbiter, Mr. Gaurav Gupta, President, India 2W Business, TVS Motor Company said, “At TVS Motor, we are driven by unwavering focus on technology and customer-centric innovation. Leveraging our engineering expertise and advanced capabilities, we are building products that set global benchmarks in quality, performance, and safety. With TVS Orbiter, we are expanding our EV ecosystem and accelerating the adoption of electric mobility in India. We remain committed to strengthening our global presence, and offering solutions that contribute to a cleaner, sustainable, and smarter future.”

 

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Aniruddha Haldar, Senior Vice President — Head Commuter & EV Business and Head Corporate Brand & Media, TVS Motor Company said, “We are committed to consolidating our leadership in the EV space, driving India’s electric mobility journey with a strong foundation of trust and innovation. Guided by the evolving needs of our customers, the TVS Orbiter represents our next step in redefining urban commuting. It combines everyday practicality with advanced technology, enhanced aerodynamic efficiency, spacious comfort, and segment-first features. We are confident that TVS Orbiter will set new benchmarks in this segment, making sustainable mobility both accessible and aspirational.”

 

ENGINEERED FOR EFFICIENCY AND CONTROL

Equipped with a 3.1 kWh battery, the TVS Orbiter delivers an impressive IDC range of 158 km. Its enhanced aerodynamic efficiency improves both stability and energy performance, while the 14” front wheel paired with a dynamic rear configuration ensures exceptional grip, precise handling, and confident manoeuvrability in urban environments. The upright ergonomic handlebar further enhances ride dynamics, offering superior comfort and effortless control.

 

DESIGN PHILOSOPHY

At its core, the TVS Orbiter follows a modern, endearing and purposeful design philosophy that strikes the perfect balance between aesthetics and function. The 845 mm long flatform seat ensures comfort for both rider and pillion, while the 290 mm straight-line footboard provides ample legroom. The wide and upright handlebar offers an ergonomic posture, making rides effortless. It also includes 34 litre under-seat storage, large enough to fit two helmets.

 

TECHNOLOGY & CONNECTIVITY

The TVS Orbiter offers an intelligent connected riding experience, including:

• Proactive safety: Crash, fall, anti-theft, geo-fencing, and time-fencing alerts.

• Always in control: Check battery charge and odometer remotely on the mobile app.

• Smart navigation: Turn-by-turn guidance with customizable settings.

• Stay connected: Calls, SMS, and personalized alerts on the LCD digital cluster.

• Rider confidence: Hill Hold Assist, Cruise Control, and Parking Assist.

• Up-to-date, always: Effortless OTA updates.

• Dual modes: Eco and Power with regenerative braking for range and safety.

 

SAFETY & ASSURANCE

The TVS Orbiter redefines safety with an advanced suite of connected features including time fence, live location tracking, navigate-to-vehicle, crash and fall alerts, emergency notifications, geofencing, anti-theft and towing alerts – ensuring a truly intuitive riding experience. With 169 mm ground clearance, LED headlamp with integrated indicators, edge-to-edge combination lamps, a USB charging port, and robust body balance, the TVS Orbiter inspires unmatched confidence and assurance on every ride.

 

VIBRANT PALETTE:

TVS Orbiter is curated with a palette of exciting colours - Neon Sunburst, Stratos Blue, Lunar Grey, Stellar Silver, Cosmic Titanium, and Martian Copper.