Friday, January 17, 2025

Sify Reports Revenues Of INR 10,491 Million. EBITDA Of INR 1,914 Million


HIGHLIGHTS

Loss for the period INR 258 Million

Revenue was INR 10,491 Million, an increase of 21% over the same quarter last year.

EBITDA was INR 1,914 Million, an increase of 13% over the same quarter last year.

Loss before tax was INR 119 Million. Loss after tax was INR 258 Million.

CAPEX during the quarter was INR 3,343 Million.

MANAGEMENT COMMENTARY

Mr. Raju Vegesna, Chairman, said, “India's growing prominence in the global marketplace is driven by its liberal policies, a supportive business environment, and a wealth of skilled resources. These factors combine to create a compelling growth opportunity for international companies, making India a critical destination in their global strategic expansion plans.

India has long established a reputation of being an IT service provider for the world. That narrative is now maturing to recognize that India can be an important AI test-bed for the emerging digital economy.  Multiple global leaders have also gone on record regarding the importance of the Indian market in their investment roadmap”.

Mr. M P Vijay Kumar, ED & Group CFO, said, “We stay focussed on cost efficiency and fiscal discipline, ensuring our financial strategies align with long-term value creation. Our current results are weighed down by depreciation, interest payments and escalating manpower costs.

Our strategic investments are guided by a forward-looking approach, designed to anticipate evolving market dynamics and drive sustainable growth. Our pursuit of responsible and innovative growth will be strengthened through such sustainable practices.

We draw your attention to Sify adopting the new standard of International Accounting Standards Board’s recent issuance of IFRS 18 (Presentation and Disclosure in Financial Statements), starting with the last quarter ending June 30, 2024. By adopting the new standard, we seek to maintain clarity and consistency in our financial communications. Importantly, while our presentation may change, there is no alteration in total income or net profit. December 2023 numbers are restated consequent to filing of Amended Form 20-F/A with SEC on January 13, 2025.

The cash balance at the end of the quarter was INR 5,327 Million”.

BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS 

The Revenue split between the businesses for the quarter was Data Center colocation services 36%, Digital services 23% and Network services 41%.

During the quarter, Sify commissioned 5MW of additional Data Center capacity.

As of December 31,2024, Sify provides services via 1109 fiber nodes across the country, a 14% increase over same quarter last year.

As of December 31, 2024, Sify has deployed 9473 contracted SDWAN service points across the country.

CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENTS

Among the most prominent new contracts during the quarter were the following:

Data Center Services

A web hosting company and an ecommerce IT peripherals player migrated from the competition’s data center to Sify Data Center.

One of the largest private and public sector banks contracted to expand their DR at two Sify’s premises.

The Central Bank’s arm for payments and settlement contracted for a DR location and a private bank contracted for an Near DR.

Digital services

An industrial construction major and a mobility solutions provider contracted to migrate their on-prem DC to Sify’s Cloud platform.

One of the oldest publishing houses, a retail automation player, a home grown diversified MNC and inland waterway channel contracted Sify to build greenfield cloud platforms.

A majority of these entities also signed up for value added services, such as services like DRaaS, PaaS and IaaS.

A publicly listed state technology mission signed up for on-prem commissioning of private cloud services.

New contracts for Managed services included the IT mission of a state government, a public sector bank and a national insurance player.

The technology partner to the Government of India, multiple banks and a heavy machinery supply chain major signed up for on-prem Security build services.

A Public sector bank, the technology partner to the Government of India, an insurance major, a fintech major and the IT mission of a state government signed up for technology refresh.

Sify delivered more than 2 million online assessments this quarter.

A homegrown MNC’s international hospitality division contracted for supply chain integration.

Network Services

A global banking major with presence in India and a retail MNC signed up for Sify’s Global Cloud interconnection.

One of the largest Investment banks and a global FMCG contracted for Sify's Cloud interconnect Solutions.

A global investment bank and the country’s premier financial transaction settlement assurance platform transitioned their networks to Sify.

A state government’s police service signed up for Wide Area Networking.

Sify landed a second intercontinental cable system at its Open Cable landing station.

Sify has also commenced services on the Mumbai – Noida National Long Distance (NLD) network.

Management-defined Performance Measures (MPMs)

Sify uses Earnings before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) as the management-defined performance measure in its public communications. This measure is not specified by IFRS Accounting Standards and therefore might not be comparable to apparently similar measures used by other entities.

Management believes adjusting operating profit for these items provides comprehensive information of the company’s operating performance.

About Sify Technologies

A multiple times award winner of the Golden Peacock from Institute of Directors for Corporate Governance, Sify Technologies is India’s most comprehensive ICT service & solution provider. With Cloud at the core of our solutions portfolio, Sify is focussed on the changing ICT requirements of the emerging Digital economy and the resultant demands from large, mid and small-sized businesses. 

Sify’s infrastructure comprising state-of-the-art Data Centers, the largest MPLS network, partnership with global technology majors and deep expertise in business transformation solutions modelled on the cloud, make it the first choice of start-ups, SMEs and even large Enterprises on the verge of a revamp.

More than 10000 businesses across multiple verticals have taken advantage of our unassailable trinity of Data Centers, Networks and Digital services and conduct their business seamlessly from more than 1700 cities in India. Internationally, Sify has presence across North America, the United Kingdom and Singapore. Sify, www.sify.com, Sify Technologies and www.sifytechnologies.com are registered trademarks of Sify Technologies Limited.

Wipro Announce Robust Results For Quarter Ended December 31, 2024


* Revenue grew 0.1% QoQ. Net income grew 4.5% QoQ.

* IT Services margin expands 70 basis points QoQ to 17.5%. Highest in last 3 years.

Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO), a leading technology services and consulting company, announced its financial results under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for the quarter ended December 31, 2024.

Highlights of the Results

1. Gross revenue was at Rs 22,320 Crore, an increase of 0.1% QoQ

2. Net income for the quarter was at Rs 3,350 Crore, an increase of 4.5% QoQ

3. IT services operating margin for the quarter was at 17.5%, an increase of 0.7% QoQ.

4. Total order bookings was at $3.5 billion. Large deal bookings was at $961 million, an increase of 6% YoY

5.Earnings per share for the quarter was at ?3.21, an increase of 4.6% QoQ.

Wipro today announced that in the quarter ended December 31, 2024, the company has performed better than its own guidance. The company clocked INR 22,320 crore revenue and INR 3,350 crore in profit. The company also improved its IT services margin by 70 basis points (QoQ) to 17.5%, which is also the highest operating margin for the company in the last 3 years. The company also announced an interim dividend of Rs 6 per share for its shareholders.

Srini Pallia, CEO and Managing Director, said “In a seasonally weak quarter, our strong in quarter execution helped us deliver above the top end of our revenue guidance. We also achieved our highest margins in the past three years while continuing to invest in our people. We closed 17 large deals with a total value of $1B. We are advancing steadily and investing decisively to lead our clients in an AI-driven future.”

For the quarter ending March 31, 2025, the company expects revenue from its IT services to be in the range of $2,602 million to $2,655 million. This translates to sequential guidance of (-)1.0% to 1.0% in constant currency terms.

Titan Company Champions Craft-Based Livelihoods With Project Tarasha


The ongoing Tarasha Craft Exhibit 2025 at the Bengaluru International Centre, a collaborative effort between Titan Company Limited and Creative Dignity, has been the spark of the town this week. The exhibit focused on empowering rural craft entrepreneurs and enhancing craft-based livelihoods. This year Tarasha went to new heights, witnessing 75 craft entrepreneurs from 18 states, promoting 40+ unique crafts. The event was also graced by Ms. Suparna Mitra, CEO Watches and Wearables, Titan Company Limited.

The initiative sets premise as an organic incubator for rural artisans. Through various activities like workshops, personalized mentoring, training sessions, and continuous monitoring, it aims to empower craftpreneurs and promote local artisans. Adding to the exhibit’s vibrancy are workshops, engaging panel discussions and live performances through the week. Swarathma, Bengaluru’s iconic folk-rock band also graced the event with a special performance and immersive interactions with the artisans.

Open to the public until 19th January 2025 at the Bengaluru International Centre, Domlur, Bengaluru, Tarasha underscores Titan’s dedication to celebrating India’s cultural and rich artisans’ heritage.

Jaypore Partners With Shobitam To Showcase India’s Handcrafted Masterpieces – Also Launches Shobitam’s Vidya Balan’ Collection


* The partnership seeks to amplify Jaypore's role as a champion of India’s artisanal heritage, advancing the recognition of handcrafted products and traditional Indian crafts

Jaypore, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited’s leading artisanal lifestyle brand, has partnered with Shobitam, a renowned D2C ethnic fashion brand. This partnership will bring Shobitam’s signature offerings—including the coveted ‘Shobitam Vidya Balan’ collections and handwoven pure silk sarees from their award-winning weaves—to Jaypore’s thoughtfully curated retail experience as well as its e-commerce platform. Through this initiative, Jaypore continues to offer a premium shopping experience that connects consumers to India’s finest artisanal traditions.

Jaypore, known for its focus on preserving and promoting India’s artisanal legacy, has long been a champion of handcrafted artistry. This partnership with Shobitam, which brings their beautifully crafted sarees to Jaypore’s in-store experience, marks another milestone in Jaypore’s journey to bring authentic, timeless designs to its customers.

Sooraj Bhat, Chief Executive Officer, Ethnic Business, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited, said, “This partnership with Shobitam is yet another step towards elevating the narrative of India’s artisanal legacy on a global stage. At Jaypore, we are deeply committed to celebrating and preserving the timeless traditions of India’s crafts. By combining Shobitam’s exceptional craftsmanship with our dedication to authenticity, we are not just offering a product, but an experience that connects our customers to the heart of India’s heritage. This partnership is a testament to our unwavering vision of bringing the finest handcrafted creations to the world."

Aparna Thyagarajan, Chief Product Officer & Co-Founder of Shobitam, added, “Taking the Shobitam experience offline is a significant milestone for us, and our partnership with Jaypore marks an exciting new chapter. Jaypore’s unwavering commitment to celebrating India’s indigenous art forms and its artisans aligns seamlessly with our mission and our shared passion for preserving and promoting India’s textile heritage. We’re thrilled to partner with Jaypore, renowned for offering exceptional value to its customers across India and Globally”

Radhika Chhabra, Creative Head, Jaypore, shared, “At Jaypore, our mission has always been to showcase India’s artisanal brilliance through creations that resonate with authenticity and heritage. This partnership with Shobitam is a celebration of India’s timeless craftsmanship, bringing their exquisite weaves to our customers. Together, we are not only presenting masterpieces but also fostering a deeper connection with the rich cultural tapestry of India, ensuring it continues to inspire generations to come.”

The curated ‘Store-in-Store’ experience at Jaypore will spotlight Shobitam’s exquisite collections, celebrating intricate craftsmanship and heritage. Shobitam sarees feature a wide array of crafts, including hand block prints, hand painting, hand weaving, Jamdani, Kanjivaram, Madhubani, Maheshwari, Shibori, and intricate embroidery, representing diverse weaving traditions from across India. Each saree is a tribute to the artistry and cultural richness of the states they originate from.

The first phase of this partnership will see Shobitam’s exquisite sarees available at Jaypore’s flagship locations in HSR Bangalore, Jubilee Hills Hyderabad, and Khan Market Delhi, as well as on Jaypore’s e-commerce platform, www.jaypore.com. As part of Jaypore’s ongoing commitment to promoting exceptional artisanal craftsmanship, the brand plans to expand the availability of Shobitam’s collections to more stores in the coming months, bringing a curated selection of traditional artistry and contemporary design to an ever-growing audience across India.

Realme Unveils 14 Pro+ 5G And Realme 14 Pro 5G Launched In India:; Unveils First Cold-Sensitive Colour-Changing Smartphones


Realme on January 17, 2025 launched the Realme 14 Pro series 5G featuring Realme 14 Pro+ 5G and Realme 14 Pro 5G smartphones in Bangalore. The new Realme 14 Pro series carries forward the legacy of Realme 13 Pro series launched last year.

The Chinese smartphone maker also launched the Realme Buds wireless 5 ANC which claims to offer up to 50dB hybrid active noise cancellation, ENC call noise cancellation, and a 38 hour battery life. The earbuds are IP55 rated as well for dust and water. It has been priced at ?1,799. It goes on sale starting January 23 on Flipkart, Realme and offline stores.

The new Realme 14 Pro series 5G claims to be the world’s first cold-sensitive colour-changing smartphones, developed with Nordic design studio Valeur Designers.

Available across Realme 14 Pro+ and Realme 14 Pro, when the temperature drops below 16°C, the phone’s back cover transitions from Pearl White to a Vibrant Blue. The lower the temperature, the faster the transition becomes. The colour-changing feature is also reversible, as environmental temperatures rise again, the company claims.

The Realme 14 Pro series 5G comes in a globally available Pearl White and Suede Grey, along with two India-exclusive variants shades: Bikaner Purple and Jaipur Pink.

Realme 14 Pro+ 5G

The Realme 14 Pro+ 5G has a 6.83 inch AMOLED quad curved display with a refresh rate of 120 Hz and 1,500 nits peak brightness. It uses Gorilla Glass 7i protection.

Realme 14 Pro+ 5G holds a 6,000 mAh battery supported by an 80 W charger inside the box.

Realme has used Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor with up to 12 GB RAM and 256 GB storage. It operates on Realme UI 6.0 based on Android 15.

The Realme 14 Pro+ 5G sports a 50 MP main Sony IMX896 sensor, along with a 50 MP Sony IMX882 telephoto lens and an 8 MP ultrawide lens. It has a 32 MP selfie camera. The phone also brings triple flash to the forefront.

The phone is IP66. IP68 and IP69 rated for dust and water immersion.

The Realme 14 Pro+ 5G will start at Rs 29,999 for the 8 GB/128 GB. The 8 GB/256 GB variant comes at Rs ?31,999 and the 12 GB/256 GB model for Rs 34,999.

It goes on sale starting January 23 on Flipkart, Realme and at retail stores.

Realme 14 Pro 5G

Realme 14 Pro 5G features a 6.77 inch display with a 120 Hz refresh rate and 4,500 nits peak brightness.

The Realme 14 Pro ships with a 6,000 mAh battery accompanied by a 45 W charger inside the box.

Realme has used the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Energy chipset with 8 GB RAM and 256 GB storage in Realme 14 Pro. It operates on the same UI as Realme 14 Pro+ 5G

The Realme 14 Pro 5G comes with a 50 MP main camera, a 13 MP ultrawide lens and a 2 MP macro sensor. It has a 16 MP front camera as well.

It is also IP66, IP68 and IP69 rated.

The Realme 14 Pro 5G will begin at Rs 24,999 for the 8 GB/128 GB variant. The 8 GB/256 GB model will cost Rs 26,999. It also goes on sale the same day and on same platform as Realme 14 Pro+ 5G

FlixBus India Expands In South India With New Routes Introduced To Goa And Kerala


·         FlixBus introduces night services from Bangalore to Goa and Alleppey, offering affordable, eco-friendly travel options priced at ?1600 and ?1400 respectively

FlixBus, a global travel-tech leader providing sustainable and affordable travel options, announced the launch of its new routes connecting Bangalore to Goa and Alleppey starting January 17, 2025. These routes will cater to the rising demand for eco-friendly and comfortable mobility solutions in South India. With fares starting at ?1600 for Bangalore-Goa and ?1400 for Bangalore-Alleppey, the reliable night services will operate six days in a week on L (large) bus models and seven days in a week on XL (extra-large) bus models, offering a convenient travel option for both tourists and business travellers.

“We are thrilled to introduce these two new routes in India. Goa and Alleppey are vital economic and tourist hubs, that perfectly align with our mission to create a robust travel network in the region. By connecting Bangalore to these iconic locations, we aim to provide comfortable, affordable, and eco-friendly travel options for business travellers and tourists alike,” said Surya Khurana, MD, FlixBus India.

The new routes are part of FlixBus India’s strategy to expand its network and deepen its presence in South India. Goa and Kerala are key markets for FlixBus, and this network expansion aligns with the company’s commitment to delivering tech-enabled bus travel options to larger segments of the second largest bus market in the world.

FlixBus has meticulously designed its Bangalore-Goa and Bangalore-Alleppey routes to meet seasonal travel demands and regional festivities. The Bangalore-Goa route caters to the high influx of tourists during the winter season, while the Bangalore-Alleppey route aligns with monsoon tourism, showcasing Kerala's picturesque backwaters. With flexible schedules, these routes ensure smooth travel for major celebrations such as Onam in Kerala and the Goa Carnival in Goa. Passengers can enjoy convenient night services on both routes, with the Bangalore-Alleppey line featuring stops at Krishnagiri, Salem, Erode, Tiruppur, Coimbatore, Palakkad, Thrissur, Kochi, and Alappuzha. Also, Bangalore to Goa route includes stops at Tumkuru, Chitradurga, Davanagere, Haveri, Yellapur, Karwar, and key locations in Goa such as Palolem, Madgaon, Panjim, and Mapusa.

FlixBus is committed to safety and quality, utilizing standardized BS6 buses that meet strict emission norms and include advanced safety features such as anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC) for all buses. The buses are equipped with live tracking and staffed by background-verified personnel, ensuring a secure and comfortable journey for our travellers.  

The 2nd Edition Of Education Excellence Awards – Celebrating Outstanding Contributions To Education


After the tremendous success of the inaugural edition, The Education Excellence Awards returns for its highly anticipated 2nd edition. The event, scheduled for January 18th, 2025, at the Courtyard by Marriott, Hebbal, Bangalore, aims to honor institutions, educators, and leaders who have demonstrated exceptional contributions to the field of education.

Designed to inspire and foster meaningful connections, The Education Excellence Awards will offer attendees valuable insights that go far beyond mementos and certificates. This year, we are honored to welcome Dr. G. Parameshwara, Minister of Home Affairs for Karnataka and Chancellor of Sri Siddhartha Academy of Higher Education, as the Chief Guest. The event will also bring together over 150 esteemed educational professionals, including Principals, Directors, Chairpersons, Vice Chancellors, Chancellors, Deans, Professors, and other thought leaders in the field of education, alongside our distinguished guests.

Attendees can look forward to two thought-provoking panel discussions on trending educational topics - The Role of Government Policies in Shaping Educational Excellence and Importance of Mental Health, featuring top educational personalities.

In essence, the Education Excellence Awards 2024 aspire to go beyond merely celebrating educational achievements. But the aim is to serve as a platform for showcasing innovative practices, impactful contributions, and inspiring success stories that resonate with and uplift the education community across India.

A Message from Rakesh Raj, CEO of Academic Insights:

"Our aim is to shine a spotlight on the exceptional efforts of educators and institutions, motivating others to reach new heights in educational excellence."

Key Highlights of the Event:

* Lifetime Achievement Awards:

* Lord Prakashnath Swamiji, BGS National Public School, Bangalore – Lifetime Achievement Award in K12 Education

* Jagadguru Sri Sri Sri Dr. Nirmalanandanatha Mahaswamiji, Adichunchanagiri University – Lifetime Achievement Award in Higher Education 2024

* Felicitation of leading educational institutions and individuals.

* Insightful discussions on the future of education and innovation in pedagogy.

* Networking opportunities with industry leaders and peers.

About Us:

The mission of the Education Excellence Awards is to recognize and celebrate excellence in education by honoring outstanding colleges, schools, teachers, management profiles, and students who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, innovation, and impact in their respective fields.

The award selection process follows a multi-phase methodology. It begins with open nominations from various stakeholders, which are then shortlisted by The Academic Insights editorial panel based on data provided by the institutions and individuals, along with, where applicable, on-site visits. The selected institutions and individuals are publicly recognized and celebrated during the award ceremony.

Awards are presented in several categories, including:

* Awards for Higher Education Institutions in various categories

* Awards for Schools (K-12 Education) in multiple categories

* Best Teacher Awards

* Top Education Pioneers

* Awards for Student Innovations

* Awards for Edtech Companies

This event aims to honor and uplift those shaping the future of education across diverse sectors.

Join us as we come together to celebrate educational excellence and the leaders shaping the future of our students.

Date: 18th January, 2025

Time: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Venue: Courtyard by Marriott, Hebbal, Bangalore.

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