Monday, April 21, 2025

Bengaluru Among Top Cities For Digital Payment Transactions In H2 2024: Worldline India


Worldline (Euronext: WLN), a global leader in payment services, today released its latest analysis of digital transactions processed by them in the second half of calendar year 2024 (July–December 2024), revealing key trends in India’s rapidly evolving payments ecosystem.

According to the analysis, Bengaluru has emerged as a frontrunner, ranking among the top five cities in terms of both digital payment volume and value. The city accounted for 20% of total transaction volume, up from 15% in H2 2023, and 18% of total transaction value, marking a significant year-on-year increase from 14%.

Bengaluru is followed by New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, and Hyderabad—together making up the top five Indian cities with the highest digital payment activity.

Ramesh Narasimhan, Chief Executive Officer - Worldline India, said, “Bengaluru’s rise to the top in both transaction volume and value reflects the city’s dynamic digital ecosystem and strong merchant adoption of modern payment solutions. The broader trend across cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, and Hyderabad signals a nationwide momentum toward seamless, contactless, and mobile-first transactions. At Worldline, we remain committed to fostering this transformation through secure, innovative, and inclusive payment solutions that empower businesses and consumers alike."

Key Consumer Trends

In-store purchases remained strong, with the top-performing merchant categories including:

·         Grocery stores

·         Restaurants

·         Service stations

·         Clothing stores

·         Government services

·         Pharmacies and hospitals

These categories accounted for approximately 68% of total in-store transaction volume and 53% of total value.

Online transactions were driven by:

·         E-commerce

·         Gaming

·         Utility payments

·         Government services

·         Financial services

These segments contributed to 81% of total online transaction volume and 74% of the value.

Saturday, April 19, 2025

TVS Motor Company Unveils The Upgaded TVS Apache RR 310 With Advanced Features


TVS Motor Company (TVSM) - a leading global automaker in the two and three-wheeler segment - unveiled the updated TVS Apache RR310 – its flagship offering in the Super Premium Sports Motorcycle category. The 2025 edition is compliant to the OBD-2B norms. It commemorates the 20th anniversary of the TVS Apache series and the milestone of surpassing 6 million customers worldwide.

The TVS Apache RR 310 is a masterpiece forged from over four decades of TVS Racing dominance. Engineered for pure performance, it takes inspiration from the record-shattering machine that dominated the Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) with a best lap time of 1:49.742 seconds and a blazing top speed of 215.9 km/h. This isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a statement of speed, precision, and racing pedigree.

First launched in 2017, the Apache RR310 has been a pioneer in the super sport motorcycle segment, setting benchmarks in power, technology, and design. With continuous evolution, the latest upgrade introduces key enhancements that elevate its appeal and riding experience.

The all-new TVS Apache RR 310 will be available in two variants with three BTO customization options. Designed for pure super sport performance, it features an aggressive fully-faired design and race-focused ergonomics for optimal control on the track. Equipped with four dynamic riding modes - Track, Sport, Urban, and Rain; it adapts seamlessly to varying conditions. Powering the machine is a refined reverse-inclined DOHC engine, delivering an impressive 38 PS at 9,800 rpm and a peak torque of 29 Nm at 7,900 rpm, ensuring an exhilarating ride.

Segment First Features

Sequential TSL

Cornering Drag Torque Control (RT-DSC)

Additional New Features

Launch Control (RT-DSC)

Gen-2 Race Computer with Multi Language Support

8 Spoke Alloy Wheels

Speaking about the launch, Vimal Sumbly, Head Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company, said, "Since its debut in 2017, the TVS Apache RR 310 has emerged as a formidable force in the super-premium sport motorcycle segment, redefining performance benchmarks through its race-bred DNA. Rooted in over 43 years of TVS Racing heritage, it embodies our relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence. The latest evolution of the RR 310 integrates cutting-edge technologies such as segment-first : sequential turn signal lamps (TSL), Launch Control, and Drag Torque Control—reinforcing our leadership in rider-focused advancements. The new BTO Race Replica colourway pays tribute to our record-breaking TVS Asia One Make Championship legacy. With this latest avatar, the Apache RR 310 not only pushes the boundaries of track performance but also elevates everyday rideability—delivering a thrilling yet refined experience that appeals to both spirited racers and discerning enthusiasts.”

A striking new Sepang Blue Race Replica colour scheme inspired from the TVS Asia OMC race bike has been introduced with the upgraded TVS Apache RR310.

Bookings for the new TVS Apache RR310 is now open.

The latest updates reaffirm TVS Apache RR 310’s position as a leader in the super premium motorcycle category. With advanced rider aids and premium features, it continues to push the boundaries of technology and performance, offering riders an exhilarating experience on the road and track.

Sify Reports Robust Consolidated Financial Results For FY 2024-25


* Revenues of INR 39886 Million. EBITDA of INR 7562 Million

Loss for the Year was INR 785 Million.

HIGHLIGHTS

Revenue for the year was INR 39886 Million, an increase of 12% over last year.

EBITDA was INR 7562 Million, an increase of 12% over last year.

Loss before tax was INR 286 Million. Loss after tax was INR 785 Million.

CAPEX for the year was INR 12745 Million.

MANAGEMENT COMMENTARY

Mr. Raju Vegesna, Chairman, said, “India’s emergence as a global growth hub is no longer a forecast. It is a present-day reality. India is set to become the third-largest economy by 2030-31 with projected annual growth of 6.7%, according to S&P Global.

This growth is underpinned by liberal economic reforms, a vibrant startup ecosystem, and a demographic dividend. With over 1.2 billion mobile phone users and the second-largest internet user base globally, India is now a important test-bed for emerging technologies such as AI, 5G, and cloud computing.

Government initiatives like ‘Digital India’ and ‘Startup India’ have further accelerated tech innovation, with India now home to over 100 unicorns. For global enterprises, the convergence of policy support, digital infrastructure, and deep talent positions India as a growth opportunity that is both immediate and immense.”.

Mr. M P Vijay Kumar, ED & Group CFO, said, “We remain committed to cost efficiency and fiscal discipline, aligning our financial strategies with long-term value creation across all our businesses. While we plan essential investments for future readiness, our current results face multiple headwinds of depreciation, interest expenses, and rising manpower costs. Our approach remains to invest to build resilience, enhance operational agility, and capture emerging opportunities.  The income tax expense includes tax, both current and deferred tax, of Rs.539 Million on profit of its data center subsidiary.

The cash balance at the end of the year was INR 6836 Million”.

BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS 

The Revenue split between the businesses for the year was Data Center services 38%, Digital services 21% and Network services 41%.

As of March 31, 2025, Sify provides services via 1137 fiber nodes across the country, a 10% increase over last year.

As of March 31, 2025, Sify has deployed 1870 contracted SDWAN service points across the country.

CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENTS

Among the largest new contracts for the year were the following:

Data Center Services

One of India’s earliest Security SaaS companies migrated from a competitor’ data center to Sify Data Center.

One of the largest private banks in India nearly doubled their capacity for DR.

One of the largest Public Sector lenders in India has signed up for significant capacity in our latest hyperscale data center campus in the west.

Digital services

One of the largest private networks, the largest English media publishing group, an upcoming IT major and an MNC into heavy engineering signed up to migrate from their on-premise data center to multiple Cloud platforms.

The largest housing lender, the largest NBFC, a joint venture steel making major and private capital advisor signed up for Greenfield cloud implementation.

A subsidiary of an automobile major, a heavy engineering group, the largest MNC in India and a performance materials and specialty chemicals manufacturer signed up for services like DRaaS, PaaS and IaaS.

The largest insurance player and the National insurance regulator signed up for Private Cloud commissioning at their data center.

Multiple banks, a MNC in steel manufacturing, an NBFC and a retail major signed up for Managed services.

Three of the largest banks and a paint manufacturing major were the largest signups for Security services, including building their Security Operations Center.

Network Services

A Public Sector insurance major signed up for a full suite of Network connectivity services including SD-WAN services across 3500 locations.

A major ITeS player signed up for security services for their entire rooster of clients.

An upcoming regional player and a ITeS MNC signed up for Managed services for their clients in western and eastern India.

A co-operative bank signed a multi-year deal for on-site NOC support services.

The largest Indian clearing house for foreign currency settlement signed up for two different services in two regions.

One of the largest vendors operating the ID authentication for India’s airport regulatory authority signed up for SD-WAN at multiple airports. 

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 the 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.

Non-IFRS Measures 

This press release contains a financial measure not prepared in accordance with IFRS. In particular, EBITDA is referred to as “non-IFRS” measure. The non-IFRS financial measure we use may be calculated differently from, and therefore may not be comparable to, similarly titled measures used by other companies - refer to the reconciliation provided in the table labelled Financial Highlights for more information. In addition, these non-IFRS measures should not be considered in isolation as a substitute for, or as superior to, financial measures calculated in accordance with IFRS, and our financial results calculated in accordance with IFRS and reconciliation to those financial statements should be carefully evaluated.

Mining Industry Unites At DGMS Seminar To Tackle Safety In Bulk Material Handling


Directorate General of Mines Safety, Ministry of Labour & Employment, Govt. of India organised two day National Seminar on 16th & 17th April 2025 at Bengaluru, on “Safety challenges in Bulk Material Handling Equipment of Mining (Coal and Non-coal)” under the guidance of Shri Ujjwal Tah, DG, DGMS as Chief patron.

Shri D Bageshwar Naik, DDG(Mech) as Chairman, Shri Ajay Singh, DDG (Elec), Shri R T Mandekar, DDG, NW Zone, as co-convenor, Shri P.M. Prasad, CMD, CIL,  Shri Amitava Mukherjee, CMD, NMDC, Shri Uday A. Kaole, CMD, MCL, Shri N. Balram, CMD, SCCL are patrons to this seminar.

Dignitaries Shri Vinay Kumar, Director (Technical), NMDC, Shri S.K. Sinha, Director (Operations), HCL, Shri Nirbhay Sancheti, Director (SMS), Shri R.A. Meena, DDG(WZ), Shri Suprio Chakraborty, DDG (EZ), Shri Neeraj Kumar, DDG (NZ), Shri Satyanarayana, Director, SCCL, presided in the seminar.

Officials from Mining companies, including CIL, NMDC, SCCL, HZL, HCL, MCL, Tata Steel, JSW, faculty members from premier mining institutes, experts from global mining safety organisations and research institutes and equipment manufacturers participated in the seminar.

In the seminar, 30 technical papers were presented, and a total of 58 papers were published in the souvenir for understanding and analysing the present safety challenges in Bulk Material handling in the mining industry, and deliberations were made to find out a way forward to mitigate associated risks.  This seminar provided a framework to ameliorate safety standards and to strengthen the implementation of statutory provisions to improve the safety and health of persons employed in the mining industry. The seminar concluded with a valedictory function and felicitation of the participants.

Madhya Pradesh’s Glorious Heritage Moves Towards Inclusive Tourism


* Work underway in Maheshwar, Mandu, Dhar, and Orchha to make historic sites accessible for all

Every monument has a story, every ruin whispers history, and every ancient wall echoes the soul of a civilization. This World Heritage Day, Madhya Pradesh is not just celebrating its rich cultural legacy, but also ensuring that its heritage is experienced by everyone — regardless of ability.

In a remarkable initiative to make tourism more inclusive, the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board is executing the ‘Accessibility Infrastructure and Development’ project across four prominent heritage sites — Maheshwar, Mandu, Dhar, and Orchha. The move is aimed at making these culturally significant destinations accessible to persons with disabilities through thoughtfully designed infrastructure like ramps, Braille signage, accessible washrooms, and wheelchair-friendly pathways.

“Under the guidance of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav and the leadership of Minister of State for Tourism, Culture and Religious Trusts & Endowments (Independent Charge) Shri Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi, we are working to have more of Madhya Pradesh’s iconic locations added to the UNESCO World Heritage list. Our goal is to make these destinations not only more visited, but more inclusive. This is a step towards enabling every individual, regardless of physical ability, to experience the timeless beauty of our heritage,”

— Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary, Tourism, Culture, and Religious Trusts & Endowments Department, and Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board.

Heritage for All: What the Project Entails

Designed with a people-first approach, the project will enhance facilities for those with locomotor disabilities, visual and auditory impairments, intellectual and multiple disabilities. Modern features like audio guides, tactile paths, and signboards in Braille will offer a more immersive experience to visitors.

Major Site-Wise Interventions:

Maheshwar: Improvements at Narmada Resort, Ram Kund, Devi Museum, Kaleshwar Temple, Jaleshwar Temple, and Kamani Gate.

Mandu: Development at Seven-Chamber Temple, Delhi Darwaza, Jami Masjid, Ashrafi Mahal, Hoshang Shah’s Tomb, Rani Roopmati Pavilion, Baz Bahadur Palace and others.

Dhar: Upgrades at the ancient Bagh Caves and Bagh Museum.

Orchha: Infrastructure for accessibility at Raja Mahal, Jahangir Mahal, Rai Praveen Mahal, Chhatris, Panchmukhi Mahadev Temple, and Tamirat ki Kothi.

The detailed project plan is ready, and financial support is proposed under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Once implemented, this will further position Madhya Pradesh as India’s most inclusive tourism state, enabling a larger, more diverse group of travelers to engage with its timeless heritage.

A UNESCO-Rich State

Madhya Pradesh currently has 18 sites recognized by UNESCO, with 3 on the permanent list — Khajuraho Group of Monuments, Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, and Sanchi Stupa — and 15 on the tentative list, including:

Ashokan Rock Edicts, dating back 2,200 years

The mystical Chausath Yogini Temples (Khajuraho, Mitaoli, and others)

Ancient Gupta-era temples that showcase India’s temple architecture at its early zenith

Grand Bundela palaces and forts in Orchha, Datia, and Gadhkundar

Gwalior Fort, Bhojeshwar Temple, the Bhedaghat-Marble Rocks in Narmada Valley, and more

These recognitions reaffirm Madhya Pradesh’s reputation as the heart of India’s heritage landscape — where every stone is steeped in stories, and every initiative is a step towards preserving those stories for all.

Dream, Together’ With Sonata’s Wedding Collection, Crafted For Modern Couples


Weddings mark the beginning of a new chapter, where connections, values and aspirations seamlessly intertwine to create a shared future. Today weddings are evolving to embrace each other's personal identity while building a relationship that fosters support and mutual growth. Embracing this evolving narrative, Sonata, India’s largest-selling watch brand from Titan, unveils its latest wedding collection centered around the ‘Dream, Together’ theme, reinforcing its position as the ultimate destination for wedding watches.

Marriage is more than just a union of two individuals; it is a start of a new chapter, a fresh journey into shared dreams, aspirations and a lifetime of experiences. Dream, Together captures the essence of what this milestone means to a modern couple: a blend of tradition and modernity, commitment and conviction. The narrative positions Sonata as an ideal companion for those who carve out their identity in relationships and build a shared future, with thoughtfulness and confidence.

The wedding collection reflects this very sentiment, making it perfect for young couples who wish to leave a lasting impression on their special day. Blending traditions with new-age design, the collection features sleek, well-defined silhouettes and an artful medley of detailing and bold accents. Featuring designs that combine contemporary sophistication, a hint of sparkle and a whole lot of glamour, Sonata’s wedding range is more than a statement piece or a thoughtful gift; it is a reflection of the wearer’s personality and aspirations, as they prepare to walk the aisle. Whether paired with a traditional ensemble or a contemporary look, these timepieces elevate every wedding celebration with effortless style and refined confidence.

With this, the brand reflects the spirit of the upstart generation who embrace new beginnings with passion, enthusiasm and ambition. As a gift or symbol of self-love, these timepieces become the perfect choice for brides, grooms, groomsmen, bridesmaids, and loved ones who wish to mark the occasion with something truly meaningful.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Prateek Gupta, Marketing Head, Sonata said, "Today's ambitious upstarts are apprehensive when it comes to commitment because they think it may hinder their personal growth. However, partnerships are pathways to broaden dreams, not limit them. At Sonata, we recognize that weddings symbolize the union of two futures. Through our ‘Dream, Together’ narrative, we highlight the transformative power of shared time over individual time, celebrating the synergy of two individuals who, when together elevate each other’s goals."

Starting at INR 2495, explore the Sonata Wedding Collection at Titan World outlets or online at www.sonatawatches.in. Embrace your new journey with style and celebrate your shared journey with Sonata.

Thursday, April 17, 2025

HDFC Life: Another Year Of Sustained Performance And Consistent Delivery: 18% Individual APE Growth


The Board of Directors of HDFC Life approved and adopted the audited standalone and consolidated financial results for the year ended March 31, 2025. The Company grew faster than the sector, whilst delivering healthy performance across all key metrics.

Performance Highlights:

Topline Growth: Delivered strong individual APE growth of 18%, supported by increase in both number of policies sold and ticket size and a balanced product mix

Market Share: Overall market share (individual WRP) increased by 70 bps to 11.1% for the period 11MFY25. Private sector market share stood at 15.7%, an increase of 30 bps

Value of New Business (VNB) grew by 13% to ? 3,962 crore, reflecting robust growth in profitable business

Assets under Management (AUM): AUM stood at ? 3,36,282 lakh crore as on 31st March 2025, an increase of 15% YoY

Persistency: Our persistency for the 13th and 61st months stood at a strong 87% and 63%, respectively. Notably, our 61st-month persistency saw a significant improvement of 1000 basis points, demonstrating the company's deep customer engagement and effective retention initiatives

Embedded Value (EV) grew by 17% and stood at ? 55,423 crore, with 16.7% operating return on EV, showcasing sustained long-term value creation for shareholders

Profit After Tax (PAT) of ? 1,802 crore was achieved in 12M FY25, clocking a steady growth of 15% year-on-year, helped by an 18% increase in profit emergence from our back book. The Board has recommended a final dividend of ? 2.1 per share, in line with our dividend payout policy, aggregating to a payout of about ? 452 crore

Solvency Ratio stood at 194%, comfortably above the regulatory threshold of 150%

Employee Focus: certified as Great Place to Work in 2025, highlighting commitment to employee well-being. Also recognized amongst the top 50 organisations for building a culture of innovation by Great Place to Work. HDFC Life was recognised for its inclusivity and employee-friendly policies, being awarded the Best Companies for Women in India 2024 in the BFSI sector and Exemplar of Inclusion (Most Inclusive Companies India 2024) by Avtar & Seramount.

CEO’s Statement:

Vibha Padalkar, Managing Director and CEO of HDFC Life, commented: “FY25 was a year where we deepened our reach, continued sharpening our value propositions and demonstrated the resilience of our business model. We are happy to report an 18% growth in Individual APE for FY25, in line with our stated growth aspirations for the year. Our overall industry market share expanded by 70 bps to 11.1% and by 30 bps to 15.7% within the private sector.

Retail protection continued to show strong momentum with APE growth of 25%. All channels registered double-digit growth. We continue to enhance customer experience through intuitive digital platforms, with over 90% of service requests now handled via self-service.

As we enter our 25th year of existence, our aspiration remains, against a backdrop of a stable regulatory regime, to consistently outpace sector topline growth, deliver VNB growth in line with APE growth and double key metrics every 4 to 4.5 years.”

Definitions and abbreviations

Annualized Premium Equivalent (APE) - The sum of annualized first year regular premiums and 10% weighted single premiums and single premium top-ups

Assets under Management (AUM) - The total value of Shareholders’ & Policyholders’ investments

managed by the insurance company

Embedded Value Operating Profit (EVOP) - Embedded Value Operating Profit (“EVOP”) is a measure of the increase in the EV during any given period, excluding the impact on EV due to external factors like changes in economic variables and shareholder-related actions like capital injection or dividend pay-outs

First year premium - Premiums due in the first policy year of regular premiums received during the financial year. For example, for a monthly mode policy sold in March 2025, the first monthly instalment received would be reflected as First year premiums for 2024-25 and the remaining 11 instalments due in the first policy year would be reflected as first year premiums in 2025-26, when received

New business received premium - The sum of first year premium and single premium, reflecting the total premiums received from the new business written

Operating expense - It includes all expenses that are incurred for the purposes of sourcing new business and expenses incurred for policy servicing (which are known as maintenance costs) including shareholders’ expenses. It does not include commission

Operating expense ratio - Ratio of operating expense (including shareholders’ expenses) to total

premium

Operating return on EV - Operating Return on EV is the ratio of EVOP (Embedded Value Operating Profit) for any given period to the EV at the beginning of that period

Persistency - The proportion of business renewed from the business underwritten. The ratio is measured in terms of number of policies and premiums underwritten

Premium less benefits payouts - The difference between total premium received and benefits paid (gross of reinsurance)

Renewal premium - Regular recurring premiums received after the first policy year

Solvency ratio - Ratio of available solvency margin to required solvency margin

Total premium - Total received premiums during the year including first year, single and renewal premiums for individual and group business

Weighted received premium (WRP) - The sum of first year premium received during the year and 10% of single premiums including top-up premiums

About HDFC Life

Established in 2000, HDFC Life is a leading, listed, long-term life insurance solutions provider in India, offering a range of individual and group insurance solutions that meet various customer needs such as Protection, Pension, Savings, Investment, Annuity and Health. The Company has over 70 products (individual and group products) including optional riders in its portfolio, catering to a diverse range of customer needs.

HDFC Life continues to benefit from its increased presence across the country, having a wide reach with branches and additional distribution touch-points through several new tie-ups and partnerships. The count of distribution partnerships is over 300, comprising banks, NBFCs, MFIs, SFBs, brokers, new ecosystem partners amongst others. The Company has a strong base of financial consultants.

For more information, please visit www.hdfclife.com.

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