14, Feb 2024
75.2% In-House Counsel Believe That Technology Adaption Will Yield Significant Gains: Khaitan & Co Survey
Mumbai, 14 February 2024: Industry-specific regulations, and data protection and privacy rules pose some of the biggest challenges to in-house legal teams in India as per the latest survey by Khaitan & Co, a leading full-service law firm. The ‘In-House Counsel Survey 2024’ highlights how the role of in-house legal functions is rapidly transforming amidst changing business and regulatory requirements in a digital economy. Organisations and their in-house counsel teams are increasingly recognising the potential of technology to enhance efficiency, with 75.2% acknowledging that technology and innovative legal tech products can result in significant gains. 90.3% of respondents emphasise the role of technology in improving the efficiency of legal operations, whereas 84% highlight technology’s potential in process standardisation and consistency.
Rabindra Jhunjhunwala, Partner, Khaitan & Co said, “As businesses navigate an era defined by digital evolution and regulatory complexities, in-house counsel teams must gear up to play an active role to build future ready organisations. Our survey aims to serves as a guide and throw light on the transformative journey of in-house counsel as C-suites and Boards increasingly turn to them for guidance, assurance and security. The survey further underscores our commitment to providing insights for organizations to grow and thrive in this dynamic legal environment.”
The survey comprises insights from over 400 in-house counsel across India. It outlines the evolving roles and responsibilities of in-house counsel, and emerging risks, challenges, and priorities for organisations which will shape India’s legal landscape.
Key highlights:
Confronting industry-led legal challenges: Amidst rising global volatility and a fluctuating regulatory regime, businesses operating in India are faced with intricate legal challenges. 65% of the respondents identified industry- specific regulations as the primary challenge for in-house legal teams.
Organisations and their in-house counsel in healthcare can anticipate a slew of reforms due to a surge in demand from global and domestic stakeholders. India’s fintech industry has also recently garnered regulatory attention, with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) introducing several regulations related to digital lending, payments, and Central Bank Digital Currency. In-house counsel are also charting the course for the renewable energy sector, given the government’s formulation of various regulations, policies, and guidelines to regulate the sector.
Data privacy regulations: As India enters a new era of digital regulation with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023 and the upcoming Digital India Act, the onus on organisations and their legal teams to elevate data privacy standards, mitigate liabilities, and comply with evolving regulations has increased significantly. The survey highlights that the majority of the respondents are responsible for managing their organisation data privacy and protection, and cybersecurity functions. 44% of respondents identified data privacy and protection laws as one of the key legal concerns, while 65.5% have data privacy, protection, and cybersecurity within the ambit of in-house legal teams. Additionally, 54% foresee the need for external legal support on data privacy laws in the next 12 months.
Widening ambit of in-house legal teams: Legal teams have an expanded role and focus, with 77.9% respondents prioritising compliance, 65.5% addressing data privacy and protection, cybersecurity, 61% focusing on governance and ethics, and 29.2% exploring environmental, social and governance (ESG) and corporate social responsibility (CSR).
Uptick in litigation, and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transactions: The evolving legal landscape has witnessed an increase in litigation and M&A activities, prompting 65.5% of respondents to seek external legal expertise for areas such as compliance, tax laws, and reputational risk.
Rising white collar crime concerns: Post-COVID-19, there has been an uptake in the number of internal investigations and other regulatory and white-collar crime issues. In line with this, 77.9% respondents identified overseeing compliance and 61% highlighted governance and ethics among their key responsibilities. Most In-house counsel identified that their key roles include monitoring ethical conduct, ensuring regulatory compliance, and risk management and planning.
Enhanced role of external legal advisors: External legal advisors play a pivotal role for businesses. According to the survey, 65.5% of respondents sought their expertise in litigation and dispute resolution, 64.6% in assisting on significant transactions including M&A, and 54% in tackling new data privacy and protection rules.
In-house counsel can consider four critical success factors as they strive to become future ready. The first is adapting to the evolving regulatory landscape and second is leveraging technology, including generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) to enhance efficiency and navigate complexity. The third key area is enhancing compliance assessments, with heightened attention on net-zero goals and increased ESG compliance. Lastly, fostering strategic partnerships with external legal counsel for specialized guidance is crucial. This multifaceted approach will position in-house counsel to tide over legal challenges and thrive in a transforming business landscape.
- 0
- By Rabindra
14, Feb 2024
TO THE NEW completes audit for AWS Managed Service Provider Program
New Delhi, 14 February 2024: TO THE NEW, a leading global digital technology services company, is pleased to announce the successful retention of its Amazon Web Services (AWS) Managed Service Provider (MSP) designation for the fourth consecutive year.
The AWS MSP Program validates AWS Partners with a proven track record and experience,
providing end-to-end AWS solutions to customers at any stage of the cloud journey, including
planning and design, building and migration, operations and support, and automation and optimization. TO THE NEW’s continued retention in the program reflects its ongoing commitment to excellence in meeting its customer’s goals.
TO THE NEW completed an extensive independent audit to ensure that its business health and technical capabilities meet a high, and was able to achieve a 100% compliance score. This achievement builds confidence among AWS customers seeking qualified MSP Partners, offering them an independent assessment of TO THE NEW’S capacity to drive continuous innovation, support AWS adoption, ensure security, embrace DevOps and excel in customer management.
This assessment included discussions and a review of selected processes, procedures, and records. The audit specifically mentioned several of TO THE NEW’s strengths, including:
● AWS Premier Tier Consulting Partner with AWS Migration Consulting and AWS DevOps Consulting competencies
● Good practice around optimizing workload placement to increase energy efficiency
● Implementation of security best practices adhering to the AWS Guardrails
● Provision of comprehensive cost optimization reporting to customers
This underscores TO THE NEW’s capability to deliver next-generation managed services and
expertise in cloud architecture, automation, optimization, and management across AWS
services.
Narinder Kumar, COO and Co-Founder, of TO THE NEW, expressed, “We are proud to maintain and continue our membership in the AWS MSP Program. The assessment was extensive, but our Newers demonstrated and built upon best practices. Passing the audit process is a validation of the continued evolution of TO THE NEW’s Managed Services and Cloud capabilities that have been delivering value to customers across the globe for over 15 years. We are enthusiastic about continuing to help them achieve their cloud transformation goals by leveraging the passion for innovation and breadth of services that AWS and TO THE NEW brings to each customer’s cloud journey.”
14, Feb 2024
Zell Education Survey: Financial Analyst Emerges as Most Coveted Role
February 2024: Zell Education, India’s leading finance and accounts Ed-tech platform, has conducted a comprehensive survey to understand the preferences, motivations, and challenges faced by individuals seeking careers in finance and accounting. The survey, encompassing college students, recent graduates, and working professionals, sheds light on key trends shaping the finance education landscape.
The survey reveals that 68.57% of respondents are driven by their inherent interest in the financial field, while 56.19% are motivated by the earning potential it offers. Additionally, 47.61% cite opportunities for advancements as a significant motivator, highlighting the diverse factors influencing career choices in finance.
Financial Analyst emerges as the most sought-after role, capturing the interest of 58.09% of respondents. Following closely are Accountant (49.52%) and Investment Bankers (38.09%), indicating a strong inclination towards analytical and financial management roles.
A notable insight from the survey is the significant portion of college students (65.90%) who have not pursued any finance-related courses or certifications. This underscores the existence of knowledge gaps and the need for targeted educational initiatives to bridge them.
Challenges in networking (46.66%), lack of relevant education or training (40.95%), and limited job opportunities (24.76%) are identified as the top hurdles faced by individuals pursuing careers in finance. Addressing these challenges is crucial for facilitating a smoother transition into the industry.
The survey highlights a preference for online courses and webinars among 42.85% of respondents, while 40.95% still favor in-person classes or workshops. This indicates the importance of offering a diverse range of educational resources to cater to varied learning preferences.
Mr. Pratham Barot, Co-Founder & CEO of Zell Education, “Our survey findings underscore the need for targeted education initiatives. It’s surprising to see that a significant percentage of students aren’t still aware of the finance courses and their impact indicating a strong knowledge gap. This is closely followed by 46.6% of students citing networking as a challenge while pursuing their career in Accounts or Finance. All such findings provide insights into why students are not actively pursuing finance knowledge thereby acting as a guidepost for education providers to ensure that programs are tailored to address specific barriers”
Based on the survey results, Zell Education proposes several actionable points for the industry such as developing programs for specific roles like Financial Analyst and addressing industry needs and knowledge gaps. Facilitate mentorship programs and industry events to overcome networking challenges for students and recent graduates. Acknowledge diverse learning preferences by offering both online and in-person resources for a well-rounded educational experience. Emphasize earning potential and offer practical solutions for common challenges like networking difficulties and limited job opportunities.
14, Feb 2024
The Revolutionary Effect of Tele-Delivered Training on Reducing PCOS Symptoms
Dr.Jeslin.G.N (PT), Lecturer at Saveetha College of Physiotherapy, Chennai, MPT (Urology and Obstetrics), (PhD) Department of Urology and Obstetrics,
Saveetha College of Physiotherapy, SIMATS, Chennai
Telemedicine has revolutionized the healthcare industry, particularly in treating complex diseases like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Despite the disease’s uncurable nature, effective management techniques can improve quality of life. Tele-delivered training offers a convenient method for people to control their symptoms from the comfort of their homes, enhancing their quality of life.
Convenience and Accessibility
Programs for tele-delivered training are exceptionally practical and readily available, bypassing both location as well as time limitations. There is no longer a requirement for participants to frequently make trips in person to healthcare institutions since they may get professional assistance and assets remotely. This ease of use guarantees that people receive regular assistance and education wherever they are, which is especially helpful for those with busy schedules or little availability of specialized care.
Individualized Method
The capacity of tele-delivered training to offer individualized support catered to each participant’s particular needs is one of its main advantages. Medical professionals can evaluate each patient’s symptoms, lifestyle, and needs via collaborative meetings and online discussions in order to create customized therapy regimens. Since they feel personally involved in handling their PCOS, participants are more engaged and stick to the treatment thanks to this customized approach.
Knowledge and Self-determination
Tele-delivered learning programs focus on independence and self-management, providing individuals with the necessary information and skills to manage PCOS symptoms. These classes cover stress management, medication management, nutrition, and exercise regimens, promoting informed decision-making and self- management, enhancing overall wellness and achieving better achievements.
Community Assistance
Remote instruction fosters camaraderie among individuals facing similar challenges, promoting interaction and support through social media networks, online forums, and virtual assistance circles. This empathy can reduce feelings of isolation and provide emotional support during PCOS management.
Conclusion
Tele-delivered training is a revolutionary approach to PCOS treatment, offering individualized assistance, community involvement, and availability. As technology advances, telemedicine will become increasingly important, enhancing healthcare delivery and improving PCOS patients’ lives.
14, Feb 2024
Global Education Leaders Converge at 2nd Annual ASU+GSV & Emeritus Summit
New Delhi, February 14, 2024: The 2nd Annual ASU+GSV & Emeritus Summit convened today, bringing together a diverse array of global leaders committed to advancing education and skills development across the “Pre-K to Gray” spectrum.
Held at The Oberoi Hotel in Gurugram, the Summit opened with a dynamic address by Michael Moe, Founding Partner and CEO of GSV, setting the stage for an insightful exploration into the transformative potential of the “East.” In his opening remarks, Moe articulated a compelling vision for the ASU+GSV & Emeritus Summit as the premier gathering of minds driving innovation and progress in education and skills development. Emphasizing the pivotal role of regions including India, MENA, Africa, and SEA, he underscored the importance of harnessing the collective power of these regions to drive global transformation.
The Summit commenced with a thought-provoking discussion featuring Amitabh Kant, India’s G20 Sherpa, and a leading advocate for governance reform and policymaking. Kant delved into India’s remarkable growth trajectory and the critical role of its youth in shaping the nation’s future. Their fireside dialogue illuminated the imperative of nurturing a robust education system that seamlessly integrates academic knowledge with skill development, propelling India toward becoming a global leader in higher education.
Kant shared insights from his experience as a key architect of the country’s startup ecosystem. Exploring themes of innovation, investment, and entrepreneurship, Kant’s perspective offered invaluable lessons for fostering a culture of innovation and propelling India’s economic narrative forward.
The Summit also featured a captivating fireside chat between Dr. Chris Howard, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Arizona State University, and Eric Garcetti, the U.S. Ambassador to India. Delving into Ambassador Garcetti’s multifaceted journey — from Rhodes Scholar to Mayor to diplomat — the conversation underscored the importance of servant leadership, technology, and global sustainability in today’s interconnected world. Highlighting the significance of India in the global landscape, Ambassador Garcetti emphasized the pivotal role of partnerships between nations and institutions in driving progress and innovation.
Ambassador Garcetti also shared, “One of the remarkable aspects shared between India and the US extends beyond mere brilliance or operational technological entrepreneurial spirit. The 4Ps: Peace, prosperity, planet, and people are central to the US mission in India, supplemented by the 5th P, which is the principle. Presently, what eludes us is the construction of a robust social community. I highly value education that fosters social cohesion—a space for learning discourse, engaging in debate, and respectfully acknowledging disagreement. Cultivating a sense of belonging is paramount; we must actively cultivate it.”
The event saw panel discussions on topics like Exporting EdTech of the East to the World, AI’s Potential to Transform Education: GSV Spotlight, Students of the East – Driving Global Higher Education Demand, Skilling at Scale for the New Age of Work, Reimagining K-12 Education in India, Back to the Future: New-age EdTechs Going “Offline”, Transforming Online Higher Education at Scale and more. The 2nd Annual ASU+GSV & Emeritus Summit is a testament to the power of collaboration and dialogue in advancing education and skills development worldwide.
14, Feb 2024
Nexus Select CITYWALK Launches “Serving with Love”
New Delhi, February 14, 2024: This Valentine’s Day, Nexus Select CITYWALK, the capital’s premier shopping destination, is spreading love and flavor with its “Serving with Love” campaign. Partnering with renowned chefs and popular social media influencers, the campaign promises culinary expertise and heartwarming entertainment.
Saatvik, Andrea’s Eatery, and Harajuku Tokyo Café. Each chef will be paired with a charismatic influencer – Akshat Kapoor, Arjun Madan, and Pavithra Paruthi respectively. Together, they’ll embark on a culinary journey, whipping up delicious Valentine’s Day specials while engaging in lighthearted conversations about love, life, and their passion for food.
Viewers will be given a unique glimpse into the chefs’ personalities and culinary styles as they answer fun questions. The videos will showcase the chefs’ expertise and highlight the delectable special dishes created exclusively for this campaign, available only at Nexus Select CITYWALK throughout February.
This Valentine’s Day, let Nexus Select CITYWALK be your destination for love, laughter, and unforgettable culinary experiences.
14, Feb 2024
Ugro Capital Limited Public Issue
Chennai, February 14, 2024: UGRO Capital Limited is currently engaged in the business of lending and primarily deals in financing SME and MSME sectors. The company has announced the issue of secured, rated, listed, redeemable, non-convertible debentures of the face value of ₹ 1,000 each. The Issue opens on Thursday, February 08, 2024, and closes on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, with an option of early closure subject to compliance with Regulation 33A of the SEBI NCS Regulations.
The Issue has a base issue size of ₹ 10,000 lakhs with an option to retain oversubscription up to ₹ 10,000 lakhs, aggregating up to ₹ 20,000 lakhs. The NCDs are proposed to be listed on the Stock Exchanges and NSE is the Designated Stock Exchange for the Issue. The NCDs have been rated “IND A/Stable” by India Ratings & Research Private Limited.
JM Financial Limited is the sole lead manager to the issue Link Intime India Private Limited is the Registrar to the Issue and Mitcon Credentia Trusteeship Services Limited is the debenture trustee to the Issue.
This issue has tenor of 18 months, 24 months, and 27 months for secured NCDs. Effective yield (% per annum) for NCD holders in all Categories ranges from 10.72% to 11.03%. Redemption Amount (₹ / NCD) on maturity for NCD holders in all Categories range is ₹ 1000 and for Series III it is through Staggered Redemption in eight (8) quarterly payments of ₹ 125 each, starting from 1st quarter from the deemed date of allotment until maturity.
At least 75% of the Net proceeds of the Issue shall be utilized for onward lending and financing business of the company in the ordinary course of business (including for repayment / refinance of existing borrowings) and Not exceeding 25% shall be used for general corporate purposes.
As of March 31, 2023, its CRAR, by the Audited Financial Results was at 20.23%, and for the nine months ended December 31, 2023 stood at 22.27%.
UGRO’s AUM has grown from ₹ 1316.87 crore as of March 31, 2021, and ₹ 2969.80 crore as of March 31, 2022, to ₹ 6080.71 crore as of March 31, 2023. As of December 31, 2023, our AUM is at ₹8363.76 crore. Across the offered products, as of December 31, 2023, the average ticket size stood at ₹ 16.19 lakh and our average lending rate stood at 16.3% p.a.
14, Feb 2024
WION team spotted at Craft Village; Dialogue on Sustainable Fashion spark
The WION team was spotted amidst the enchanting charm of the Craft Village, Delhi, signaling a deep dive into the world of Sustainable Fashion. Amidst whispers of artisans and eco-conscious innovations, anticipation builds for the unveiling of their discoveries.
Rahesha Sehgal’s Instagram stories, one of the distinguished news anchors at WION, also offered a sneak peek into the team’s endeavors on #FashionforGood. Additionally, there were also some more captivating images capturing the essence of the shoot location, providing glimpses of artisans immersed in their craft and the serene surroundings of the Craft Village.
With sustainability emerging as a pressing global concern, WION’s foray into this domain signals a commitment to fostering dialogue and awareness around responsible fashion practices. The unfolding narrative of WION’s exploration into Sustainable Fashion at the Craft Village will gradually reveal itself over time.
14, Feb 2024
Mgm Healthcare Presents the 2nd Edition of Tamil Nadu Doctors Premier League
Chennai 14th February, 2024: MGM Healthcare presents the Second Edition of Tamil Nadu Doctors Premier League (TNDPL) an exclusive cricket league for doctors. Marking the beginning of the 2nd edition of the league Mr. T. Natarajan, Indian Cricketer along with Dr. Prashanth Rajagopalan, Director, MGM Group unveiled the Coveted Trophy and launched the vibrant team jerseys. The Tamil Nadu Doctors Premier League will commence from 14th February 2024 and end on 18th February 2024. The league will be conducted at four different grounds across Chennai.
The Tamil Nadu Doctors Premier League is organized in collaboration with MGM Healthcare and Tamil Nadu Doctors Cricket Association (TNDCA) this year. The TNDCA is a non-profit organization started by the doctors around the state with cricket as their passion. The second edition of the TNDCA’s goal is to bring doctors from in and around Tamil Nadu to participate and compete at the highest level. This is a recreational activity for doctors who are rather busy round-the-clock taking care of others. This league will be a venue for them to nurture their passion for cricket, the event brings-in all the doctors from various cities across Tamil Nadu together.
Match Details
Over the 5 days there will be 60 matches conducted at four different venues in city. The venues are Wahe Guru Cricket Ground, Pbel Cricket Ground and Tagore Medical College grounds. There will be 3 matches conducted at each venue consisting of 20 overs every day.
There are 22 teams from across Tamil Nadu that will participate in the Tamil Nadu Doctors Premier League
1. Invincible XI
2. Medical Miracles
3.Medi Hitterz
4.CBCC Thanjavur
5. Chemco Cruisers
6.Madras Medical College Cricket Club
7.Royal strikers Chennai
8.JIPMER Cricket Club
9.UCA Medicos
10.Marina Super Docs
11.Surgical strikers
12.Vellore super kings
13.ORCC
14.Dindigul Dons
15.(XV) Mighty Medicos
16.SRMC CC
17.Madras Medicos CC
18.Pondy Strikers club
19.Trichy Tyrants
20.KDCC
21.Thillai Thunders
22.Chennai Master Blasters
The Tamil Nadu Doctors Premier League (TNDCA) will award Rs.1 Lakh for the Winners and Rs.50,000 for the runner-up of the tournament.
The event will be hoisted by Dr. Roshan Santhosham, Secretary, Tamil Nadu Doctor Premier League and Dr.N.Vignesh Karthik, Joint Secretary, Tamil Nadu Doctor Premier League under the presence of Mr.T.Natarajan (Indian Cricketer), Mr. Anand Krishnan, Director, Namma Veedu Vasantha Bhavan Hotel, Dr. Ashok Sigamani (President, Tamil Nadu Cricket Association), Dr. Jayaraj (President, TNDCA)
14, Feb 2024
SonicWall Honours Treasured Partners, Distributors with Annual SonicWall Partner Awards
India, 14th February 2024 — SonicWall acknowledged distinguished partners and distributors for their sustained excellence in protecting customers in an ever-evolving, complex threat landscape with its annual SonicWall Partner Awards. The awards recognise SonicWall partner organisations worldwide that have displayed uncommon excellence on delivering cybersecurity solutions to their customers.
“For the past three decades, SonicWall has owed its success to the dedication of its esteemed partners and distributors,” said SonicWall CEO and President Bob VanKirk. “We’re extraordinarily grateful for our growing community of 17,000 partners and distributors. But above all, we’re grateful for the opportunity to honour those SonicWall SecureFirst partners who have exemplified our values and dedicated themselves to delivering world-class SonicWall security to organisations across the globe.”
Commenting on the remarkable achievements of the APJ winners, Debasish Mukherjee, Vice President, Regional Sales, Asia Pacific Japan at SonicWall said “We are honoured to acknowledge the outstanding achievements of our partners and distributors in the Asia Pacific Japan region. Their relentless dedication to delivering top-notch cybersecurity solutions has been instrumental in safeguarding customers amidst a rapidly evolving threat landscape. The annual SonicWall Partner Awards reinforce our heartfelt gratitude for their unwavering commitment to excellence and securing organisations worldwide.”
Partners were nominated in various categories in each region for outstanding performance throughout the past year. For each of the Partner Awards, SonicWall selected from a large pool of nominees one partner per region who demonstrated consistent excellence over the past year. These partners have delivered tremendous performance, comprehensive expertise and unsurpassed service.
SonicWall is pleased to announce the following APJ winners:
| Sub-region | Category | Winners |
| ANZ | Distributor of the Year | Dicker Data Australia |
| Partner of the Year | Focus Networks | |
| Enterprise Partner of the Year | Hitech Support | |
| Newcomer of the Year | Techbridge Consulting | |
| Partner Hero of the Year | Sean Dendle (CYMAX PTY LTD) | |
| ASEAN | Distributor of the Year | MEC Networks Corporation |
| Partner of the Year | Titan Systems Integration | |
| Enterprise Partner of the Year | Accent Micro Technologies Inc. | |
| MSP Partner of the Year | Nanyang Tech Pte Ltd | |
| Newcomer of the Year | Xcess Networks (M) Sdn. Bhd | |
| Partner Sales Hero of the Year | Hesdi Triantono (PT Wahana) | |
| GCR | Distributor of the Year | Data World Computer & Communications |
| Partner of the Year | Shenzhen Secuunion Info-Tech | |
| Enterprise Partner of the Year | IT Check Solutions | |
| Newcomer of the Year | Shenzhen Cydefend Communication Information Technology | |
| Partner Sales Hero of the Year | Cheng Bingsong (Nanjing Yinqiang) | |
| INDIA and SAARC | Distributor of the Year | Redington India Ltd |
| Partner of the Year | ITCG Technologies LLP | |
| Partner of the Year | Oculin Tech (BD) Limited. | |
| Enterprise Partner of the Year | Network Techlab (I) Pvt Ltd | |
| Newcomer of the Year | Lapsys Infotech Pvt Ltd | |
| Partner Hero of the Year | Miloni Mehta (HT Technologies) | |
| JAPAN | Distributor of the Year | SB C&S Corporation |
| Partner of the Year | Dell Japan | |
| Newcomer of the Year | DIS Service & Solutions Corp | |
| Partner Sales Hero of the Year | Hideo Doi (Nihon ICS) | |
| KOREA | Distributor of the Year | Secuwide Corp |
| Partner of the Year | Core IT Co., Ltd. | |
| Newcomer of the Year | SG Nine | |
| Partner Hero of the Year | Jeong Seok-Jo (Secuwide) |
SonicWall takes great pride in honouring partners and distributors every year for their special contributions in protecting customers from cyber threats.
