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MCA Notifies ₹2,000 Crore Deal Value Threshold for Mergers and Acquisitions

/ Governance Community

The Union Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has introduced a significant update to India’s merger and acquisition regulations by notifying the deal value threshold (DVT) provision under the Competition (Amendment) Act, 2023. Effective from September 10, this new rule mandates that all mergers or acquisitions with a deal value exceeding ₹2,000 crore must undergo review by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) if the target company has substantial business operations in India. This move aims to address potential gaps left by traditional asset or turnover-based thresholds, especially in the context of high-value transactions within digital markets. By incorporating the DVT, the MCA intends to provide additional scrutiny to ensure that large digital deals do not escape regulatory oversight merely because they do not meet conventional financial criteria. Alongside the DVT provision, new rules under the Competition (Minimum Value of Assets or Turnover) Rules have been introduced, offering a safe harbour for certain combinations. Transactions involving enterprises with assets below ₹450 crore and turnover less than ₹1,250 crore are exempt from CCI approval, thereby easing regulatory burdens on smaller deals unlikely to pose anti-competitive risks. The CCI has also updated its regulations under the Competition Commission of India (Combinations) Regulations, 2024, detailing how deal value is to be calculated. All forms of valuable consideration—whether direct, indirect, immediate, deferred, or non-cash—are included. This encompasses payments related to covenants, technology assistance, intellectual property rights, branding, and other inter-connected transactions within two years of the deal. The updated regulations also specify filing fees for different types of combinations: ₹30 lakh for Form I filings and ₹90 lakh for Form II filings. If a combination’s market share exceeds specified thresholds, a more detailed review (Form II) is mandated to assess its impact on competition. The newly notified regulations will have an overriding effect on all other regulations under the Competition Act related to mergers and combinations, reinforcing the importance of these updates. The amendments, passed by the Lok Sabha in 2023, are intended to modernize India’s merger control regime by introducing a more comprehensive assessment criterion focused on deal value, particularly relevant to rapidly evolving digital and tech markets. This regulatory overhaul marks a critical step in aligning India’s competition framework with global standards, ensuring fair competition and protecting the interests of consumers in an increasingly digital economy. Source: Times of India

MCA Notifies ₹2,000 Crore Deal Value Threshold for Mergers and Acquisitions Read More »

Tackling Unspoken Parenting Challenges in the Digital Age: Kalorex MD & CEO Unveils ‘Total Parenting Solutions’  

/ Press Release

Ahmedabad, September 4, 2024 – Raising a human being in today’s world requires a wellspring of love, boundless energy—and at times, dealing with typically unspoken and taboo subjects such as cyberbullying, catfishing, blackmailing, grooming, and sexting. Driven by this vision, Dr. Manjula Pooja Shroff, MD & CEO of Kalorex Group, has on September 4, 2024 in New Delhi, launched Total Parenting Solutions, a complete resource on parenting, offering timely guidance to parents, educators, and students in dealing with the critical challenges faced by today’s adolescence. This extensive package on raising children includes the No 1 Bestseller book by Dr. Manjula Pooja Shroff, Baby Steps to Big Dreams; the newly-released sequel to Baby Steps, ‘Safe Teen Steps’ – Making Young Adults Cyber Secure and Sitting-By-MAYA, a state-of-the-art, AI-generative tool that offers instant solutions to specific challenges and queries of students, parents and educators. Drawn from extensive surveys of educators, students and parents, the insights on parenting are backed by years of comprehensive research and real-life data. This makes the package a vital resource as it reflects a wide range of perspectives and experiences. Unveiling of Safe Teen Steps Adapted from Baby Steps to Big Dreams, Safe Teen Steps delves into the complexities of raising cyber-secure teenagers. Written by esteemed journalist and author Ms. Ragini Bharadwaj, alongside Dr. Shroff, this book delves into crucial topics including social media addiction, bullying, grooming, harassment, and taboo topics like sexting, blackmailing, scarlet letter — a powerful metaphor for the public shaming and social stigmatisation that can occur in the digital age. This pioneering book was unveiled in the presence of distinguished leaders and luminaries across various fields in Delhi on the 4th Sep 2024. The event was graced by Dr. Deepak Vohra, Ambassador, Special Advisor in Africa; Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, Department of SE&L, Ministry of Education, Govt of India; Mr. Himanshu Gupta, Secretary, CBSE; Dr. Sanyam Bhardwaj, Controller of Examinations, CBSE; Mr. Manbir Bedi, Co-Founder, Primary Plus; Dr. Murthy Bevarabhotla, Global president, The Diplomatic Club; Dr. Babli Moitra Saraf, Former Principal, IP College, Delhi University; Mr. Rajesh Bajaj, Founder, PM Publishers, Mr. Yuvraj Malik, Director-National Book Trust; Dr. Deepak Narwal, Economic Senator, EES, Brussels; Ms. Lina Ashar, Founder, Dreamtime Learning; Ms. Ragini Bharadwaj, Author; Dr. Manjula Pooja Shroff, Author; Mr. Anantha Krishnan, CEO Operations, Kalorex Group. Their collective presence underscored      the significance of nurturing the next generation with wisdom and care. “The role of the Internet in our lives will only intensify in future, and it is essential to train the young brigade to make informed choices for the ideal Internet interface. The book deals with the fundamentals of the digital world and safety. It aims to empower teens and tweens with knowledge and wisdom to confidently explore the online world because a single click can change life,” according to Ms Bharadwaj. 85% of Indian Kids Face Cyberbullying Alarmingly, close to 85 percent of children in India have reported being cyberbullied—the highest in the world, according to a survey released by McAfee Corp. What’s more is that 45% of the youth hide their cyberbullying experiences from their parents or guardians. In today’s volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world,Total Parenting Solutions details how parents and teachers need to look beyond the physical realm, and explore the vast, uncharted territories of social media, dating apps and the internet when looking out for their children. Now, parents face additional hurdles in guiding their children’s growth in a world where digital literacy is just as important as reading and writing. “The teenage years are so formative that they can either make or break a person. The influence that parents, educators, and adults have is enormous—they are the guiding force. We need to create this awareness in society,” says Dr Manjula Pooja Shroff, who has been in the education sector for nearly 30 years, managing 60+ institutions and shaping the careers of more than 88,000 students. This complete package on parenting aims to empower families by providing them with the tools they need to raise confident, well-adjusted young adults. Sitting-By-MAYA is an online Adaptive AI interactive portal that offers instant solutions to specific parenting queries and doubts. In an era where the lines between humans and machines are getting increasingly blurred, Kalorex Group last year introduced MAYA, India’s first Teacher, Mentor and Influencer, as well as the AI clone and avatar of Dr Shroff. Emphasising the role of AI in education, MAYA has reached over 70 cities, 7,000 students, 8,000 senior educators, as well as 15,000 parents in India and abroad. To learn more about the Total Parenting Solutions package, visit https://bit.ly/MPSTPS.  

Tackling Unspoken Parenting Challenges in the Digital Age: Kalorex MD & CEO Unveils ‘Total Parenting Solutions’   Read More »

IIT Placements: Lowest Salary Packages Received by Students in Top IITs Since 2019

/ Education Community

The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), renowned for their impressive placement records and multi-crore salary packages, have reported surprisingly low minimum salary offers in recent years. While average salaries range between ₹20 to ₹28 lakh per annum, and top packages can exceed crores, some students have received much lower offers, reflecting the impact of global economic uncertainties. Recent placement data from IIT Bombay showed that the lowest package offered this year was ₹4 lakh per annum, a significant drop compared to previous years. Experts attribute this trend to the broader economic situation, which has influenced campus recruitment. IIT Placement: Lowest Salaries (2019-2024) IIT Madras: Ranked first in NIRF 2024, IIT Madras saw its lowest salary fluctuate between ₹5.4 lakh per annum in 2019-20 to ₹6 lakh per annum in 2023-24, despite a rise in average salaries from ₹29.28 lakh to ₹41.72 lakh over the same period. IIT Bombay: Ranked third in NIRF 2024, IIT Bombay’s lowest package this year was ₹4 lakh, with 10 offers ranging from ₹4 to ₹6 lakh. The campus also saw 22 students securing crore-plus offers, mostly for international roles. IIT Kharagpur: Ranked fifth, IIT Kharagpur’s lowest packages varied from ₹7 lakh to ₹16 lakh in recent years. The 2023 placements saw over 700 offers, including six crore-plus packages on the first day. IIT Roorkee: Salaries consistently ranged between ₹6-8 lakh annually across the past five years. IIT Guwahati: Noted a low salary of ₹5.23 lakh in 2022-23, with other years averaging around ₹7 lakh. IIT Delhi: Ranked second in NIRF 2024, IIT Delhi reported a lowest package of ₹10 lakh per annum, with highest and average stipends being ₹4.04 lakh and ₹2.63 lakh per month, respectively, in its summer placements. Despite the impressive overall numbers, IITs have decided not to publicly disclose individual salary packages, recognizing the potential negative impact on students’ mental health due to the intense competitiveness and high expectations around compensation figures. According to an AIPC member, “Majority of these crore-worth offers are international, and publicizing such figures can adversely affect students’ mental well-being.” This approach aims to maintain a balanced environment where the focus remains on skill development rather than salary comparisons. Source: Indian Express

IIT Placements: Lowest Salary Packages Received by Students in Top IITs Since 2019 Read More »

India Records First Suspected Mpox Case; Patient in Isolation After International Travel

/ Health & Wellness Community

India has recorded its first suspected case of mpox, a virus formerly known as monkeypox, in a young male patient who recently traveled from a country experiencing an outbreak. The health ministry announced that the patient is currently isolated in a hospital and is in stable condition, with ongoing measures to manage the case in line with established protocols. “The case is being managed in line with established protocols, and contact tracing is ongoing to identify potential sources and assess the impact within the country,” the health ministry said in a statement. While the specific strain of the virus is yet to be confirmed, tests are underway to identify the type of mpox infection. The mpox clade 1b variant, recently confirmed in Sweden and linked to an outbreak in Africa, has sparked global concern due to its rapid transmission through close contact. India has previously detected 30 cases of the older clade 2 strain between 2022 and March 2024. Mpox, originally identified in monkeys in 1958 and in humans in 1970, is transmitted from infected animals to humans and can spread through close physical contact. While typically mild, the virus can cause flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions, and is fatal in rare cases. The World Health Organization (WHO) renamed monkeypox to mpox last year, addressing concerns that the original name was perceived as racist. Recently, the WHO declared the mpox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern following the emergence of the new clade 1b variant. However, the WHO emphasized that mpox is not another COVID-19, despite its spread. Globally, over 17,500 mpox cases and 629 deaths have been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) this year alone, where both clade 1b and 1a strains are present. The DRC has received its first batch of mpox vaccines to curb the outbreak, which has also spread to countries like Pakistan, the Philippines, and Thailand. India’s health ministry has assured that the country has robust measures in place to handle the situation, with efforts focused on containment and preventing further spread of the virus. Source: Aljazeera

India Records First Suspected Mpox Case; Patient in Isolation After International Travel Read More »

Six International Students Join Hands to Educate Underprivileged Children in India

/ Education Community

Six international students from Taiwan, Morocco, Japan, Romania, and Kenya have teamed up with the Karma Foundation to provide education to underprivileged children as part of a cross-cultural exchange program. The initiative, named ‘Prayas,’ aims to bridge educational gaps by involving these students in teaching basic subjects and conducting various activities with the children. The diverse group of students includes Mako Miura, Yura Maetsubo, and Akane Sumi from Japan; Su Ming Ming from Taiwan; Mirel Vasile from Romania; and Souhauib Benyassi from Morocco. Each brings unique expertise and cultural perspectives, enriching the learning experience for the children. Priyanshi Patel, the founder and managing trustee of the Karma Foundation, highlighted the significance of this collaboration. “The participation of these international students reflects our mission to bridge educational disparities,” she said. She emphasized that their involvement goes beyond just imparting knowledge, as they also inspire the children to think globally and embrace new cultural experiences. The ‘Prayas’ initiative focuses on teaching core subjects, enhancing communication skills, and nurturing creativity through interactive learning methods. The international students will also engage the children in extracurricular activities, including art, music, and sports, aimed at fostering holistic development. This partnership marks a significant step in the NGO’s ongoing efforts to make quality education accessible to all, regardless of socio-economic background. By integrating cross-cultural learning, the Karma Foundation hopes to create a dynamic and inclusive environment that empowers underprivileged children and prepares them for a brighter future. Through such initiatives, the Foundation continues to strive toward reducing educational inequalities and creating opportunities for children to learn from diverse global perspectives. Source: Times of India

Six International Students Join Hands to Educate Underprivileged Children in India Read More »

GOAT Box Office Day 1: Vijay’s Film Earns Rs 55 Crore, Sets New Record as Biggest Tamil Opener

/ Article/Stories
Article

Thalapathy Vijay’s highly anticipated film The GOAT has shattered records at the Tamil box office, earning an estimated Rs 55 crore on its opening day across India. This impressive figure marks the film as the biggest Tamil opener, surpassing all expectations. The GOAT becomes the third Vijay film and the fifth overall from Kollywood to cross the Rs 50 crore threshold on its opening day. In Tamil Nadu alone, the film grossed over Rs 30 crore, with final numbers expected to be between Rs 32-35 crore, according to early reports. This puts The GOAT in line with Vijay’s other massive openers, such as Sarkar, Beast, and Leo, all of which have crossed the Rs 30 crore mark. It remains to be seen if The GOAT can break the first-day record held by Beast at Rs 35 crore as official figures are confirmed. The GOAT’s strong debut has dethroned Kamal Haasan’s Indian 2 as the biggest Tamil film opener of 2024, which previously held the record with Rs 26 crore net earnings in India. The film’s success further cements Vijay’s dominance at the Tamil Nadu box office, driven by his star power alone, as it lacks a popular IP or standout musical score to boost its appeal. Outside Tamil Nadu, the film also saw significant success, grossing over Rs 9 crore in Karnataka and Rs 6 crore in Kerala. However, it received a lukewarm response in the Telugu states, with analysts attributing the lower numbers to the film’s music, which may not have resonated as strongly with audiences in those regions. Despite mixed reviews, including a 2.5/5 rating from News18 Showsha, which criticized the film for lacking depth and character development, The GOAT’s record-breaking debut highlights Vijay’s unmatched box office pull, solidifying his title as the “Greatest of All Time” in Tamil cinema.    

GOAT Box Office Day 1: Vijay’s Film Earns Rs 55 Crore, Sets New Record as Biggest Tamil Opener Read More »

Makers of Kangana Ranaut’s ‘Emergency’ Approach Bombay High Court Seeking Film Release

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

The makers of Kangana Ranaut’s film Emergency have approached the Bombay High Court, seeking its release and a censor certificate. Co-produced by Zee Entertainment Enterprises, the petition was filed on Wednesday, accusing the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) of arbitrarily withholding the censor certificate. According to the plea, the CBFC is allegedly ready with the certificate but has refrained from issuing it. The plea was mentioned before a division bench of Justices B.P. Colabawalla and Firdosh Pooniwalla, who agreed to hear the case later in the day. Originally slated for release on September 6, the film’s launch was postponed indefinitely following objections from Sikh organizations, including the Shiromani Akali Dal. The groups accused the movie of misrepresenting the community and distorting historical facts, sparking controversy around its content. Directed and co-produced by Kangana Ranaut, who also plays the lead role of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the biographical drama has faced significant backlash. Ranaut, a BJP MP from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, expressed disappointment over the delay, accusing authorities of imposing an “Emergency” on her movie. Reacting to the postponement, Ranaut stated, “It’s a very hopeless state. I’m quite disappointed by our country and the circumstances.” She argued that the events depicted in her film are not new, referencing other films like Madhur Bhandarkar’s Indu Sarkar and Meghna Gulzar’s Sam Bahadur, which portrayed similar historical episodes. Determined to release her film uncut, Ranaut vowed to fight the legal battle, stating, “I’ve made this film with a lot of self-respect, which is why the CBFC can’t point out any contention… I’ll fight in court and release an uncut version.” Source: Hindustan Times

Makers of Kangana Ranaut’s ‘Emergency’ Approach Bombay High Court Seeking Film Release Read More »

Assam’s ‘Shiksha Setu Axom’ App Wins Gold for Excellence in e-Governance

/ Governance Community

The Assam government’s ‘Shiksha Setu Axom’ mobile application has been awarded the prestigious gold category award for excellence in e-governance by the Centre’s Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances. The award was received by Assam Samagra Siksha Mission Director Om Prakash and Executive Director Sanjoy Dutta at the National Conference on e-Governance 2024, held in Mumbai on Tuesday. The conference was organized by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievance, as stated in an official release on Wednesday. The ‘Shiksha Setu Axom’ app was recognized for its innovative use of technology to enhance real-time monitoring and attendance management, setting new benchmarks in educational governance. With a user base of 4.9 million, the app captures real-time, geo-fenced attendance of teachers, students, and non-teaching staff. Its AI-based system eliminates proxy attendance and ghost students, ensures timely teacher attendance, monitors prolonged student absence, predicts potential dropouts, and helps re-engage students. The department presented a total of nine gold, six silver, and one jury awards in the e-governance sector. By integrating AI-based solutions, the app provides an efficient and transparent platform that addresses critical issues like absenteeism, dropout rates, and the challenge of maintaining accurate attendance records. Its geo-fencing capabilities ensure that attendance data is captured only when users are physically present within designated school premises, thereby maintaining the integrity of the system. This forward-thinking approach not only supports the state’s mission to enhance educational governance but also serves as a model for other states looking to implement digital reforms in the education sector. Source: Times of India

Assam’s ‘Shiksha Setu Axom’ App Wins Gold for Excellence in e-Governance Read More »

Govt to Launch Central Database for Allied Healthcare Professionals Amid SC Directive

/ Health & Wellness Community

The Union government is set to launch a central register for allied and healthcare professionals, creating a comprehensive database of qualified personnel across the country. This move is in response to the Supreme Court’s recent directive to both central and state governments to implement the National Commission of Allied and Healthcare Professionals (NCAHP) Act, 2021, by October 2024. The NCAHP Act, passed by Parliament in 2021, was designed to regulate and maintain standards of education and services provided by allied and healthcare professionals, along with the institutions that assess these professionals. The Act aims to standardize the training, qualifications, and practices of allied healthcare workers, ensuring high-quality care and services in the healthcare sector. The planned central register will serve as a vital repository of information, facilitating streamlined regulation and oversight. This initiative will enhance transparency and accountability while ensuring that only qualified individuals are allowed to practice. It will also address the pressing need for accurate data on the availability and distribution of allied healthcare professionals, a critical component in healthcare planning and policy formulation. The Supreme Court’s directive comes amid ongoing efforts to strengthen the healthcare sector in India, which relies significantly on allied healthcare professionals, including technicians, therapists, and other support staff. Implementing the NCAHP Act will not only elevate the professional standards but also contribute to the broader goals of improving healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. Officials believe that the creation of a central database will lead to better workforce management, aid in policy decisions, and help address shortages in various healthcare roles. The initiative is seen as a significant step towards recognizing the essential contributions of allied healthcare professionals in India’s medical ecosystem. Source: Business Standard

Govt to Launch Central Database for Allied Healthcare Professionals Amid SC Directive Read More »

Health Union Launches ILLUMINÉ: A Revolutionary People-based Data Engine

/ Health & Wellness Community

Health Union, a leader in condition-specific online health communities and patient engagement, has launched the ILLUMINÉ data engine, a groundbreaking innovation in direct-to-consumer (DTC) marketing and media solutions. Combining deep patient and caregiver insights with advanced data technology, ILLUMINÉ offers cutting-edge advertising solutions that prioritize privacy while delivering optimal results. For over a decade, Health Union’s online communities have served as trusted platforms where patients and caregivers find support, information, and connection during key moments of their health journeys. With ILLUMINÉ, Health Union uses knowledge engineering and machine learning to transform patient-reported data, collected transparently and with consent, into sophisticated business solutions across programmatic media, content sponsorships, and influencer marketing. ILLUMINÉ’s data engine leverages over 44 billion data points refreshed daily and more than 50 million unique patient IDs to connect brands with the right audiences at critical health moments based on contextual and behavioral triggers. With capabilities for persona-based segmentation and analysis across 100+ variables, ILLUMINÉ sets a new standard for precision and relevance in health marketing, offering brands a unique advantage over traditional health data providers. Built with a privacy-first approach, ILLUMINÉ ensures that community users’ data is protected while enabling Health Union’s audience-building methodology. Health Union recently achieved SOC 2 Type II compliance for its technology platforms, reinforcing its commitment to data security and responsible data management. Will Rompala, Chief Technology Officer at Health Union, emphasized the company’s dedication to privacy and security, stating that adherence to SOC 2 Type II standards is a testament to their efforts to protect patient and caregiver data, instilling confidence in future partnerships. Health Union is the leading provider of condition-specific, online health communities, reaching millions of people through platforms like Migraine.com and MultipleSclerosis.net. For over a decade, Health Union has transformed pharmaceutical and healthcare brand engagement, offering innovative solutions in advertising, market research, and clinical trials. Source: prnewswire  

Health Union Launches ILLUMINÉ: A Revolutionary People-based Data Engine Read More »