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Schneider Electric India wins Golden Peacock Award for best-in-class energy efficiency
Mumbai: Schneider Electric, the global leader in the digital transformation of energy management and NextGen automation, has been honoured with the prestigious Golden Peacock Award for exceptional energy efficiency initiatives at its Chennai plant. This covers exceptional performance in various areas such as energy policies, training & performance monitoring practices, energy conservation and improvement efforts, and communication of best practices. These efforts have resulted in an impressive ~ 33 per cent improvement in energy efficiency over the past three years, leading to a substantial reduction of 6,368 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
Through focused energy-efficiency initiatives, 1/3rd of the plant’s energy now comes from renewable sources, aligning with Schneider Electric’s goal of reaching 100% green energy usage within five years. This outstanding accomplishment underscores the plant’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Schneider Electric India zone president – Greater India, MD & CEO Deepak Sharma said, ” At Schneider Electric, we believe that electrification is the most potent tool for decarbonization. We understand that technology-infused, energy-efficient factories are pivotal for manufacturers to drive innovation and attain operational excellence. Our dedication to sustainability remains resolute, and we are immensely proud of the acknowledgment of our Chennai plant’s energy efficiency initiatives, exemplified by the prestigious Golden Peacock Award. This accolade is a testament to our endeavours in shaping the factories of the future, and we are committed to setting similar high standards throughout our 31 factories in the country.”
Schneider Electric India vice president – Sustainability Venkat Garimella added, “At the core of Schneider Electric’s heritage lies a steadfast dedication to energy efficiency and a sustainable tomorrow. Our pride stems from ongoing investments in technological innovations and progress, coupled with a robust approach to responsible energy management across our factories, products, and services. By nurturing a culture that champions energy-efficient practices and decarbonization, we remain steadfast in our pursuit of environmental distinction. Over the next five years, Schneider Electric will unwaveringly follow its definitive path to embracing 100% renewable energy. Through this accolade, we take immense pride in setting the standard for the creation of greener, sustainable smart factories.”
Building energy-efficient and sustainable factories in India aligns with Schneider Electric commitment to environmental responsibility and innovation. Embracing sustainable practices not only benefits the environment but also contributes to long-term cost savings and a positive impact on local communities. Schneider Electric currently has 31 factories in India and has targeted an investment of Rs 3200 crore in expanding its Industrial footprint with the addition of ~1,200,000 sq.ft. up to 2026, as part of its continued commitment towards Atmanirbhar Bharat.
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Wipro hires 7,500 freshers, withholds FY27 hiring outlook
Profit rises to Rs 3,522 crore, Rs 15,000 crore buyback announced.
MUMBAI- Hiring may be on, but visibility is off, Wipro is adding talent even as it pauses the crystal ball. The company hired 7,500 freshers in FY26 but stopped short of offering any hiring outlook for FY27, underscoring the uncertainty gripping the IT services sector as it pivots towards an AI-led operating model.
The disclosure came alongside its fourth-quarter earnings, where management flagged volatile demand conditions and refrained from committing to future workforce expansion. Chief human resources officer Saurabh Govil noted that over 3,000 of the total hires were onboarded in the March quarter alone, signalling continued intake despite a lack of clarity on deployment pipelines.
This divergence active hiring without forward guidance reflects a broader industry pattern where talent acquisition continues even as deal conversions remain uneven and client spending cycles stretch. Wipro expects its IT services revenue for the June quarter to range between a decline of 2 per cent and flat growth sequentially in constant currency terms, reinforcing near-term caution.
Chief executive officer Srini Pallia pointed to artificial intelligence as both a disruptor and an opportunity. He said evolving client priorities are pushing the company towards outcome-driven engagements, with Wipro increasingly focusing on a services-as-software model through its AI Native Business and Platforms unit. The shift marks a structural change from traditional headcount-led growth to AI-enabled delivery frameworks.
The company has already committed over $1 billion to its AI ecosystem, with investors closely watching how these investments translate into revenue. For now, the numbers present a mixed picture. Net profit rose sequentially to Rs 3,522 crore, while revenue grew 3 per cent to Rs 24,236 crore. However, core IT services performance remained under pressure, with full-year revenue declining 0.3 per cent in dollar terms and 1.6 per cent in constant currency.
Large deal bookings offered a counterpoint, rising 45.4 per cent year-on-year to $7.8 billion, highlighting a widening gap between deal wins and actual revenue realisation. On a quarterly basis, IT services revenue slipped 1.2 per cent sequentially, signalling continued softness in execution.
Margins, however, told a more optimistic story. Operating margins expanded to 17.3 per cent in the fourth quarter, up from 14.8 per cent in the previous quarter, reflecting improved cost discipline. That said, the company cautioned that upcoming wage hikes and the ramp-up of large deals could exert pressure going forward.
Attrition stood at 13.8 per cent in the March quarter, indicating stabilisation after periods of elevated churn. Alongside its earnings, Wipro also announced a Rs 15,000 crore share buyback, reinforcing its focus on shareholder returns, with a payout ratio of 88 per cent over the past three years.
Taken together, the numbers capture a company in transition investing in AI, maintaining hiring momentum, but navigating a demand environment where growth is uneven and visibility remains limited.
