Archives July 2023

New Delhi, 13th July 2023: Meghalaya’s Aroma Mission has emerged as a resounding success in the realm of aromatic plants, spearheaded by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya. Since its launch in 2019, this flagship initiative has been instrumental in transforming aromatic plants into valuable products while promoting sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices, with the ultimate goal of doubling farmers’ income and enhancing their livelihoods. During a visit to one of the Aroma Mission sites at Byrwa in the Ribhoi district. The Hon’ble Chief minister of Meghalaya Conrad K Sangma, accompanied by Shri Gunanka D.B. IFS Executive Director, INRM, Shri Arpith Upadhyay, DC Ribhoi district, and Ms. IsawandraLaloo, IAS, Secretary to the Department of Agriculture, expressed satisfaction with the remarkable progress achieved in aromatic plant cultivation and the production of valuable products, including essential oils and natural repellents.

The Aroma Mission operates thirteen essential oil distillation units in collaboration with women entrepreneurs. These units propagate various plants such as Citronella, Lemon Grass, Turmeric, Vetiver, Winter Green, Geranium, and more. Notably, these grasses thrive even in severely degraded lands where other crops struggle to grow. Moreover, their thick fibrous root system contributes to recharging groundwater and springs, and they are also proved to be an efficient soil binder and preventing soil erosion making them ecologically valuable.

Wholeheartedly supporting this initiative, the Hon’ble Chief Minister assured the farmers involved in aromatic plant cultivation of the government’s unwavering assistance to scale up their enterprises. He encouraged them to share their future plans to ensure the long-term success of this business, benefiting both the farmers and the state economically. Furthermore, the Chief Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering collaboration among organizations to create more value-added products from aromatic plants.

To bolster the capabilities of the Byrwa unit, Hon’ble Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma announced additional financial aid from the government for the purchase of machinery. Furthermore, the cultivators are exploring the possibilities of extracting oil for perfume production, expanding their product range.

The Meghalaya Aroma Mission has played a pivotal role in promoting aromatic plant cultivation in the state and has achieved significant milestones. Over 3,000 farmers across the state, covering 500 hectares of waste land, have been supported through this mission. Ten essential aromatic plants, well-suited to the agro-climatic conditions in Meghalaya, have been cultivated, and the mission plans to expand the area under aromatic plantations to 1,000 hectares. Wintergreen, lavender, damask rose, and wild marigold, classified as High-Value Crops, have been given priority under the mission.

To ensure the production of value-added products like aromatic and essential oils, the Aroma Mission intends to establish more distillation facilities. The goal is to provide at least one field distillation unit for every 10 hectares of these crops.

The government of Meghalaya’s vision for the Aroma Mission extends beyond cultivation to strengthen institutions and promote holistic development in the aromatic plant sector. As part of this effort, 130 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have been formed, empowering farmers and fostering collective efforts in the cultivation and marketing of aromatic plants. Additionally, cooperative societies have been established to facilitate collaboration and resource-sharing among farmers engaged in aromatic plant cultivation. Moreover, the creation of farmer groups has encouraged peer learning, knowledge sharing, and collective initiatives for sustainable agriculture.

The Aroma Mission has achieved a production output of 4 metric tons, significantly contributing to the state’s aromatic plant industry. As a result of this initiative, 3,000 farmers have directly benefited, improving their livelihoods and income opportunities.

In the ever-evolving world of public relations, having a reliable and innovative PR agency by your side is crucial for effective brand communication and reputation management. In India, several agencies have carved a niche for themselves with their strategic approach, creativity, and track record of successful campaigns. They have established themselves as industry leaders through their strategic approach, creativity, and ability to deliver exceptional results. Whether you’re seeking comprehensive PR solutions, crisis management expertise, or brand visibility, partnering with these agencies can provide the expertise and resources necessary to elevate your brand’s communication game. Here are the top 5 PR agencies in India, which have been leading the industry and setting new benchmarks:

Weber Shandwick

Weber Shandwick is a global communications powerhouse with a strong presence in India. Known for its strategic counsel and innovative campaigns, the agency has a robust team of PR professionals who excel in media relations, crisis management, and brand storytelling. Weber Shandwick’s extensive network and deep understanding of the Indian market make them a go-to agency for local and multinational brands seeking comprehensive PR solutions.

Cha-Chi

Cha-Chi Communications stands out as one of the top PR agencies in India, revolutionizing the way businesses connect with their target audiences through modern integrated PR strategies. The young and dynamic full-service agency aims to bridge the gap between contemporary businesses and the evolving landscape of PR. With a strong commitment to delivering compelling messages to the right target groups, Cha-Chi Communications offers an omnichannel approach to meet the demands of today’s discerning consumers. Cha-Chi Communications is not only at the forefront of PR excellence but also actively contributes to industry insights. They conducted an India In-Depth Survey Report, which involved face-to-face interviews with over 2,000 Indians across 28 states and 7 union territories. This research-driven approach showcases their commitment to understanding the Indian market and leveraging data-driven strategies to deliver impactful campaigns. In a rapidly evolving PR landscape, Cha-Chi Communications stands tall as a visionary agency, combining creativity, strategic thinking, and innovative approaches to redefine PR excellence in India.

Edelman

Edelman is one of the world’s largest PR agencies, with a strong presence in India. Renowned for their strategic thinking and integrated communications approach, Edelman excels in building trust and credibility for brands. From corporate communications to public affairs and crisis management, they offer a comprehensive suite of PR services. Edelman’s in-depth industry knowledge and expertise have earned them a stellar reputation among clients across various sectors.

BCW

BCW is a leading PR agency in India, known for its data-driven and insights-led approach to communication. They combine creativity with analytics to develop impactful campaigns that drive results. BCW specializes in corporate reputation management, crisis communications, and media relations. With a strong network of media contacts and a talent pool of experienced PR professionals, BCW delivers effective communication strategies for brands in diverse industries.

Ogilvy

Ogilvy is a renowned global communications firm with a strong foothold in the Indian PR landscape. They offer a wide range of PR services, including media relations, influencer engagement, and content creation. Ogilvy’s strategic counsel and storytelling prowess enable them to create compelling narratives that resonate with audiences across channels. With a legacy of excellence in the industry, Ogilvy continues to redefine PR standards in India.

Software as a Service (SaaS) has been revolutionizing various industries, and K-12 education is no exception. With the advent of technology, schools and educators are increasingly turning to SaaS solutions to enhance the learning experience for students, streamline administrative tasks, and improve overall efficiency.

In this listicle report, we will explore five key competitors in the SaaS market that are revolutionizing K-12 education.The landscape of K-12 education is undergoing a profound transformation, thanks to the emergence of Software as a Service (SaaS) platforms. These innovative solutions are revolutionizing the way educators manage classrooms, engage students, and foster collaboration. With their intuitive interfaces, robust features, and mobile accessibility, SaaS platforms have become essential tools for teachers, students, and parents alike.

1.Edmodo:

Edmodo is a popular SaaS platform that combines social networking features with educational tools. It creates a virtual classroom environment where educators can share resources, post assignments, and engage students in discussions. Edmodo’s interactive features, such as quizzes and polls, promote active learning and student participation. The platform also facilitates parent-teacher communication, fostering a collaborative learning community.Edmodo offers various communication tools to facilitate interaction between teachers, students, and parents. Users can engage in discussions, ask questions, and provide feedback on assignments. Teachers can also send announcements, reminders, and private messages to individuals or groups. This fosters a collaborative learning environment and encourages active participation.Edmodo enables teachers to share educational resources, such as lesson plans, presentations, and worksheets, with their students. These resources can be organized into folders and accessed by students at any time. Additionally, teachers can discover and join communities or groups to share ideas and access a wider range of resources.

2. Next Education

Next education is a fast-growing , SaaS- based technology – driven company revolutionizing the education system in India . Every day , our innovative products and solutions transform the lives of 10% of india`s private -school – going children,The Next Education app offers a vast library of interactive digital content, including animations, videos, simulations, and virtual labs. This engaging and visually appealing content helps make concepts more understandable and memorable for students, enhancing their learning experience.The app provides personalized learning experiences tailored to the needs of individual students. It uses adaptive learning algorithms to identify students’ strengths and weaknesses and provides targeted content and assessments accordingly. This personalized approach ensures that each student can progress at their own pace and receive the support they need to succeed.

3.Schoology

Schoology is a robust learning management system that provides a wide range of features for K-12 education. It offers tools for content creation, assessment management, gradebook tracking, and communication. Schoology’s user-friendly interface and extensive integrations with other educational apps make it a top choice for schools and districts looking to streamline their administrative processes.The Schoology app provides a comprehensive LMS that allows teachers to create, distribute, and manage course materials. Teachers can easily upload documents, videos, and other multimedia resources, making it convenient for students to access and engage with learning materials. The LMS also supports online discussions, quizzes, assessments, and assignments, promoting interactive and personalized learning experiences.

4.PowerSchool

PowerSchool is a comprehensive SaaS solution that provides a suite of tools for managing student information, attendance, grades, and assessments. It offers a centralized platform for administrators, teachers, parents, and students to access and analyze real-time data. PowerSchool’s robust reporting capabilities and customizable features make it an essential tool for data-driven decision-making and improving student outcomes.The PowerSchool app simplifies attendance tracking by providing an intuitive interface for teachers to record student attendance. Teachers can easily mark students’ presence, tardiness, or absence directly from their mobile devices. This real-time data helps schools monitor student attendance patterns and take necessary actions to address any issues.

5.Canvas

Canvas is another leading SaaS platform that focuses on providing a user-friendly and customizable learning management system. With features like multimedia content creation, a comprehensive grade book, and integrated communication tools, Canvas enables teachers to create engaging and interactive learning experiences. Its robust analytics and reporting capabilities also allow administrators to track student progress effectively. The Canvas app offers a comprehensive set of features and benefits to support teaching and learning in K-12 and higher education. Its course management capabilities, mobile accessibility, communication and collaboration tools, assignment submission and grading features, calendar and notifications, multimedia integration, assessment and analytics options, integration with third-party tools, and parent and observer access make it an invaluable tool for educators, students, and parents. By leveraging the Canvas app, educational institutions can create a dynamic and engaging learning environment that promotes collaboration, communication, and student success.

New Delhi, 13th July 2023: Pramerica Life Insurance, a leading provider of life insurance solutions, is proud to announce that it has earned the esteemed Great Place To Work® CertificationTM. This recognition is considered the ultimate benchmark for identifying and commending exceptional workplace cultures and designates Pramerica Life Insurance as an ‘Employer-of-Choice.’ The Great Place To Work Certification is awarded based on a rigorous evaluation of organizational culture, employee satisfaction, and people practices.

Delighted with the recognition, Pankaj Gupta, MD & CEO of Pramerica Life Insurance said, “The Great Place To Work recognition for Pramerica Life Insurance affirms the core strength, solid practices, and sound values of the company. Our work environment gives people an opportunity as well as inspiration to contribute their best each day. It also enables us to attract and nurture some of the best talent in the industry, further augmenting our strength, resilience and agility. As we enter a phase of accelerated growth, we are banking on our great people to build a great company.”

By attaining the Great Place To Work Certification, Pramerica Life Insurance has not only demonstrated its commitment to create an environment where employees can thrive, but has also showcased its dedication to ensure employee satisfaction and engagement.

Commenting on the achievement, Sharad K Sharma, CHRO, Pramerica Life Insurance adds, “Great Place To Work recognition is a testament to the solidity of the core that the people at Pramerica Life Insurance have built over the years; solidity of products, people values and capabilities. This solidity has ensured that even after significant transitions, we’ve continued to shape a progressive narrative for our people, through stability, growth and empathy. This recognition reaffirms what we’ve always believed in; our agility to stay relevant and our people.”

Great Place To Work is the global authority on workplace culture and is a well-respected management research and consulting firm dedicated to enabling organizations to achieve business objectives by building better workplaces. It works with over 10,000 organizations globally every year to help them create and sustain high-trust, high-performance cultures.

The Fern Kesarval Hotel & Spa is delighted to announce the promotion of Mr. Ajay Singh as General Manager. In his new role, Ajay is wholeheartedly dedicated to fostering teamwork, establishing trust, providing professional leadership, and exceeding stakeholder expectations. He is well aware that this position brings fresh challenges and heightened expectations, and he is determined to deliver his very best by continuously enhancing his knowledge and skills in line with the latest trends in the hospitality industry.

Ajay approaches his responsibilities with infectious enthusiasm and unwavering motivation. His primary focus will be on enhancing efficiency, driving departmental profits, and effectively managing all aspects of the hotel’s operations.

In his role as General Manager, Mr. Ajay Singh assumes a vital position in upholding The Fern’s exceptional standards of excellence and sustainability. With his exceptional leadership skills, industry experience, and unwavering commitment to providing extraordinary guest experiences, Mr. Singh will play a pivotal role in driving the hotel’s success. His expertise will further enhance The Fern’s position as a prominent and leading hotel brand in India.

The Fern Hotels & Resorts, India’s premier environmentally conscious hotel chain and one of the fastest-growing brands in the country celebrates a remarkable milestone with 100 hotels and resorts currently operational or opening soon across 85 locations in India and globally. The Fern boasts a diverse portfolio of brands, including The Fern, The Fern Residency, The Fern Habitat, Zinc Journey by The Fern, and Beacon Hotels. The brand’s commitment to sustainability and delivering unparalleled hospitality experiences have been instrumental in its impressive growth and success.

Reaching the milestone of 100 hotels in India is a significant achievement for The Fern, a testament to the unwavering dedication and hard work of the entire team. With a steadfast focus on sustainable practices and expanding service offerings to diverse destinations nationwide, The Fern has distinguished itself within the hospitality industry. This milestone exemplifies The Fern’s vision of creating extraordinary and sustainable hospitality experiences for guests while positively impacting the environment and the communities in which it operates.

Gurugram,13th July 2023 MG Motor India, the British automobile brand with a 99-year-old legacy, today launched the enhanced variant of its ZS EV with Autonomous Level-2, (ADAS) at a price of Rs.27.89 Lakh valid for a limited time. The Autonomous Level-2, (ADAS) set of features enhances the driving experience by providing assistance, control, and comfort in various driving situations. The MG ZS EV embodies the evolution of electric mobility, combining electric power, internet connectivity, and autonomous capabilities. The futuristically designed SUV offers a good on-road appearance, driving convenience, and luxurious plush interiors.

The MG ZS EV’s Autonomous Level 2 (ADAS) technology which works on three levels of sensitivity – low, medium and high, and three levels of warning – haptic, audio and visual, enhances the driving experience and safety of the passengers. Traffic Jam Assist (TJA) ensures a hassle-free driving experience, even in congested traffic. Forward Collision Warning (FCW) enhances safety by notifying the driver of potential collisions and applying autonomous deceleration if there is no action from the driver. The Speed Assist System (SAS) alerts and prevents you from over speeding. Lane Functions improve safety by helping prevent unintentional deviation from the driving lane. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) enhances convenience by reducing driver fatigue and safety by maintaining proper distance from the vehicle in front.

According to Mr. Gaurav Gupta Deputy Managing Director, MG Motor India, “The globally successful MG ZS EV brings with it safety and convenience with the introduction of Autonomous Level 2 (ADAS) and underscores MG’s commitment to electric mobility and a sustainable future. By offering a viable, attractive ownership experience, and an accessible electric SUV to Indian consumers, MG Motor India aims to accelerate the transition towards a zero-emission future and help boost the EV ecosystem in India.”

Evolved Battery

The pure-electric SUV’s battery has been tested to meet the most stringent safety and performance requirements that enhance its overall durability, provide stable battery operation and better lifespan in Indian driving conditions. The battery has been designed to comply with IP69K to provide better dust and water resistance and meets the UL2580 Safety Management System as well as the ASIL-D Enhanced Safety Integrity Level rating.

Evolved Charging

With its range and versatile charging options, the MG ZS EV empowers customers to explore more without compromising on convenience. Charging the vehicle is a hassle-free process, offering flexibility for various lifestyles. The vehicle can be charged easily and conveniently through six charging solutions, such as DC Super-Fast Chargers at dealerships, AC Fast Chargers which can be installed at homes and offices by MG, a plug-and-charge cable onboard, charge-on-the-go with RSA (Roadside Assistance), and community chargers etc.

Evolved Ownership

In addition, the ZS EV with its progressive look and wide SUV stance comes tailor-made for uninterrupted, performance-assured ownership, and enjoyable drives all thanks to its extended driving range of 461* km on a single charge with its 50.3kWh advanced prismatic battery. Engineered with precision, the prismatic battery delivers one of the best real-world ranges in its class and comes with 8 years battery warranty*. MG ZSEV owners can enjoy an extended driving range on a single charge, empowering them to embark on longer journeys with confidence. Also, the ZS EV makes economic sense with its superior TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) and running cost of 60 paise/km*. In effect, this translates to savings of up to Rs 4,00,000* over three years as compared to the costs of comparable SUVs built on ICE powertrains.

Evolved Exteriors

The ZS EV comes with full LED Hawkeye headlamps and LED tail lamps. The wheels are R17 Tomahawk hub design alloy, and the SUV comes in three variants: Excite, Exclusive, and Exclusive Pro. It is available in four colours: Glaze Red**, Aurora Silver, Starry Black, and Candy White.

Evolved Tech

The ZS EV comes bundled with iSMART next-gen technology that combines hardware, software, services, and applications to offer 75+ connected car features to make for smoother, more satisfying driving experiences. The first-in-segment Digital Key enables locking, unlocking, starting, and even driving the ZS EV, without the physical key. The SUV also comes with a full digital cluster with a 17.78 cm, embedded LCD screen and a segment-leading 25.7 cm HD Touchscreen infotainment system. The ZS EV has 100+ VR commands to control various features like Sky Roof, AC, Music, Navigation, etc. It has Live location sharing & tracking and weather forecast information.

Evolved Safety

In terms of safety, MG ZS EV is offered with a 1st in-segment 360-degree around view camera with rear parking sensors and a Hill Descent Control (HDC), another first-in-segment feature. The vehicle has 6 airbags (dual, front, side, and curtain), electronic stability control, a tyre pressure monitoring system, and a hill-start assist.

Evolved Interiors

The interiors of the ZS EV combine aesthetics and comfort. It comes in a Dual-tone Iconic ivory theme and a Dark Grey theme already available for existing models. The ZS EV has a first-in-segment rear AC vent.

Evolved Engine

The ZS EV 8-layer hairpin motor delivers 176PS power and provides a 0-100 km/h acceleration in just 8.5 seconds. The vehicle comes with three driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport, for drive customization as per driver requirements.

Evolved Service

As with other MG vehicles, the ZS EV brings with it the unique car ownership program “MG e-SHIELD” with after-sales service options for the assurance and convenience of owners. Customers can opt for combinations of warranty extension, RSA extension and maintenance plans at competitive prices.

A one-of-its-kind event was held in Mumbai recently that brought together influencers, celebrities, and industry professionals to celebrate the unveiling of a premium drink. The occasion was the exclusive Tequila experience at India’s First Cristalino, held in the vibrant neighborhood of Bandra. The event saw the presence of popular actor, model, and fashion influencer Akash Choudhary, renowned for his appearances on Splitsvilla 10 and Zee TV’s Bhagya Lakshmi, along with Bigg Boss OTT 2 fame Palak Purswani, Ankush Bahuguna, and Missmalini.

Amidst the luxurious and exciting atmosphere, the influencers had an unforgettable time, relishing the finest Tequila offerings. The influencers added a touch of glamour to the evening, captivating the attention of their fans and followers on social media. Notably, Akash caught many eyes with his captivating style, donning black pants, a crisp white under tee, and a well-tailored blazer. His casual yet sophisticated look perfectly complemented the ambiance of the event, earning admiration from guests and onlookers alike.

When asked about the event, Akash Choudhary expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “It was an incredible evening! Events like these not only allow us to indulge in exquisite experiences but also provide a fantastic opportunity to connect with friends from the industry. The camaraderie and networking at such gatherings are priceless.”

As influencers continue to shape trends and influence consumer preferences, events like these provide opportunities for them to forge meaningful connections and further expand their presence in the industry. The Tequila experience served as an occasion to bond, inspire, and create lasting memories, reinforcing the power of influencer culture in the world of luxury brands.

MUMBAI, India —13th July 2023— Prime Video, India’s most loved entertainment destination, has joined forces with the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA), Government of India, to create Mission Start Ab, a first-of-its-kind series, that will showcase India’s grassroots innovators as they turbo-charge their business growth. The seven-episode series will show these promising entrepreneurs, focusing on scaling made-for-India innovations with the potential to impact socio-economic change, undertaking a series of challenges in pursuit of scaling their business and securing funding for their ventures. With India as one of the world’s largest and most vibrant start-up ecosystems, this wholly Made-In-India series also brings together three renowned investors who will search for India’s next Unicorn, by putting these 10 early-stage founders through a series of intense exercises and simulations that will test their entrepreneurial, management, communication and crises management skills.

Mission Start Ab is a new series that will engage audiences with the power of human stories behind every promising Indian start-up. It will celebrate the ingenuous and audacious entrepreneurs who have the potential to build and scale their businesses, and give 3 of the most prolific investors the opportunity to invest in them. The series promises to captivate viewers with stories of these unique Indian start-ups and founders, their humble beginnings, never-say-die spirit, and the sacrifices they have made along the way to turn their dreams into reality. Far from being a show about raising funding alone, where entrepreneurs seek investments, and investors seek profits; in this series, investors will also act as mentors, challenging and empowering some of the brightest minds in the country. The audience will get to witness these amazing early-stage entrepreneurs compete with each other to become India’s next Unicorn. Currently in production, this upcoming reality show is slated to premiere soon on Prime Video.

“Lauding the remarkable spirit of India’s grassroot innovators, I am delighted to announce Prime Video’s reality series Mission Start Ab. This captivating series will serve as a powerful platform, showcasing the inspiring stories of those driving social change through innovation,” said Shri Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser, Government of India. “I am optimistic that it will offer immense learning opportunities to grassroot innovators in India, providing valuable insights into sustainable start-up practices and attracting the right investors. Furthermore, the series promises to entertain viewers while promoting the growth of our nation’s grassroots innovation ecosystem.”

“Our mission at Prime Video has always been to be a force for good, and an enabler of India’s economy – directly and indirectly. We are incredibly proud to partner with the Office of the PSA, Government of India and bring to life Mission Start Ab, a path-breaking series,” said Sushant Sreeram, Country Director, Prime Video, India. “This collaboration between the Office of the PSA, Government of India and Prime Video is another milestone on the journey that started earlier this year with Amazon India signing the Letter of Engagement (LoE) with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) with an objective of contributing to the growth of India’s creative economy. This marquee collaboration exemplifies our commitment to the country and our viewers, as we create new formats that empower entrepreneurs, innovators and creators in expanding their horizons through our service. By tracing the journey of some of the most innovative minds in India, our aim with Mission Start Ab is not only to highlight grassroots innovations taking place across the country but also help fuel the dreams of many young Indians.”

“Supporting and nurturing entrepreneurs has been one of Amazon’s focus areas in India. Over the years we have taken a number of initiatives to propel India’s start-up ecosystem. Today, we are excited to announce this Amazon Original show on Prime Video, in association with the Office of Principal Scientific Adviser, Government of India,” said Chetan Krishnaswamy, Vice President – Public Policy at Amazon India. “We believe this show will inspire many individuals to choose the path of entrepreneurship and contribute in advancing the government’s ‘Start-up India’ initiative.”

Alia Bhatt, who dons multiple hats – that of a popular actor, a successful entrepreneur, and an investor too, was also present at the event to talk about her journey as an entrepreneur. She said, “While there are many great ideas and ambitious young founders around us, it takes a special kind of determination to turn that idea into reality, build the right team, find the right mentors, raise funding, and create something out of nothing. I applaud both, the Office of the PSA, Government of India, and Prime Video India for taking the initiative to enable and empower entrepreneurs through Mission Start Ab, which I believe can have a far-reaching impact on the country’s growing start-up ecosystem.”

New Delhi,13th July 2023: Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan (LKS), India’s leading full-service law firm with specializations in Direct, Indirect, and International Taxation, Intellectual Property, Competition, International Trade / WTO and General Corporate practices, has announced senior-level promotions in the firm. A total of nine lawyers have been elevated to Partners from Associate Partners.

Expressing his views on the announcement, Mr. V Lakshmikumaran, Managing Partner, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan, said, “I would like to congratulate all the newly promoted partners. The promotions were determined through a transparent and unbiased performance evaluation conducted by our committee. This recognition acknowledges the tireless efforts and commitment of these professionals toward the organization.”

“We prioritize our people, which is why we foster a growth mindset that empowers everyone to strive for organizational excellence. It’s exciting to see our team members step up and take on more responsibilities as they advance in their careers at LKS. I wish them all the luck and success in their future endeavors”.

The newly promoted Partners have an immersive experience in their respective fields and exhibit passion, commitment, integrity, and mentorship aligned with the firm’s vision. The said promotions are effective from 1st July 2023.



Brief profiles of the partners 

 Akhilesh Kangsia is a Partner at Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan, specializing in indirect taxes. Akhilesh has been advising several leading corporate houses, institutes, and companies in diverse areas of taxation, including Customs, Foreign Trade Policy, Special Economic Zone, Anti-Dumping duty, and Central Excise. With a focus on Customs, Foreign Trade Policy, Special Economic Zones, Anti-Dumping duties, and Central Excise.

Ankur Sharma is a Partner at Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan, specializing in International Trade and WTO laws. With expertise in customs procedures, trade litigation, and WTO agreements, he represents clients before quasi-judicial authorities and in trade remedy investigations conducted by the investigating authorities of multiple countries.

Anurag Kapur is a Partner at Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan. He has handled several industry-wide tax disputes and represents and advises clients from leading corporate houses and Fortune 500 companies on Customs, Central Excise, Service Tax, and GST-related issues. He is responsible for drafting replies, appeals, petitions, etc., at different stages of litigation and representing clients in the courts, pan India.

 Brijesh Kothary is a Partner at Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan and is part of the indirect taxes practice. He assists clients in optimizing tax exposures and structuring efficient business models and specializes in the areas such as indirect taxes, including Central Excise, Service Tax, VAT, and Customs. Brijesh has drafted representations for industry associations on key issues and is enrolled with the Karnataka State Bar Council.

G R N S Jagannadh is a partner at Lakshmikumaran and Sridharan of Indirect Tax; He has been handling Consulting and litigation matters in indirect taxation and assisting clients in drafting opinions, replies, appeals, writs, etc. He has been actively involved in various Indirect Tax Compliance Reviews and handled GST Impact & Implementation Studies.

Jyoti Pal has been a partner with the Indirect Tax team, with a specialization in Customs Law, Goods & Service Tax, and Foreign Trade Policy. She represents and advises various automotive, consumer electronics, FMCG companies, airlines, and others on diverse aspects of Customs Law, Foreign Trade Policy, Import & Export Control, Legal Metrology, BIS, and Special Economic Zone related issues. She also represents cases before different authorities, including CESTAT, the Commissioner (Appeals), the Director General of Foreign Trade, the Customs Department, etc.

Pulkit Doger handles patent and trademark matters in the firm. He has significant experience in drafting and prosecution of patent applications for India as well as for foreign jurisdictions and regularly represents clients before the Indian Patent Office. In trademarks, Pulkit is involved in the filing and prosecution of trademark applications before the Trademark Registry as well as in advising clients on various issues regarding trademark law.

Sukriti Das is an experienced lawyer with over 12 years of experience in indirect tax litigation.  She primarily practices Goods and Services Tax (GST), Service Tax, Customs, and Central Excise matters. She is actively involved in drafting replies, appeals, petitions, etc., at various stages of litigation and represents clients before Courts and departmental authorities across India. She has handled several industry-wide tax disputes. She also represents and advises clients from leading corporate houses and Fortune 500 companies on various issues with her domain expertise.

 Vindhya S. Mani is a Partner in the Technology Law Division, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan.

She is primarily involved in IP opposition/litigation matters before the Trademark Office, Patent Office, PVP Registry, IPAB, High Courts, and the Supreme Court. She is also involved in litigation about Environmental law matters and engaged in conducting regulatory audits, advisory work, and litigation under the Biological Diversity Act 2002.

Bengaluru, 13th July 2023: Bengaluru’s premier plug-and-play office solutions provider Enzyme Office Spaces today announced the expansion of its managed workspace portfolio with the addition of a new facility in Whitefield, Bengaluru. Spread across a collective area of 1 lakh square feet, the managed workspace will have over 2,000 seats with state-of-the-art infrastructure aimed at fulfilling the burgeoning demand for managed workspaces in the city.

To be operational by November 2023, Enzyme is adding two managed workspaces, one each in SJR I Park and Rathi Legacy, and spread across 60,000 square feet and 40,000 square feet respectively. The addition of these two facilities will take the total number of seats to over 27,000 in Bengaluru, one of the country’s fastest-growing managed workspace markets.

According to an industry report, the flexible workspace market in India is expected to reach 126 million square feet (msf) by 2027, from its current size of 46.7 msf with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22%. This growth is propelled by the cost efficiencies for companies provided by a managed workspace over traditional office spaces and the hybrid mode of work becoming prevalent after COVID among other factors.

Commenting on the development Mr Ashish Agarwal, Co-founder & CEO of Enzyme Office Space said, “As an organisation which is absolutely committed to fulfilling the evolving requirements of occupiers, we have been at the forefront of developing state-of-the-art managed workspaces at key locations across the city. The addition of two new facilities in the IT belt of Whitefield which are collectively spread across 1 lakh square feet is a testament to our commitment and bullishness on the long-term growth of this sector. These spaces will play a pivotal role in supporting emerging startups from the fintech, artificial intelligence, cyber security,data science and SAAS domains in the city who are looking for cost-effective infrastructural solutions to focus on their core business”.

Interestingly, nearly 20% of the managed workspaces across these two locations have already been sold out, indicating strong demand for the company’s offerings.

Enzyme Office Space has managed workspaces at 28 locations across the city including HSR Layout, Koramangala, Domlur and Sarjapur road among others with a total of 25,000 seats. Established in 2014, it has emerged as one of the fastest growing players in the city and has over 10 lakh square feet of office space as of now under its kitty and is looking to add another 3 lakh square feet of office space in the current financial year.