By Michael Green (Executive Director and Senior Vice President – North America, Seamless Global) and  Kshiti Gala (Head of Research and Consulting Practice – Seamless Global).  Why Regulatory Developments in the Global South are crucial to keep a tab on Be it localisation, decolonising foreign assistance, community ownership, locally led …

The university space in India is complex, but it has not stopped globally ambitious institutions from opening non-teaching centers to further collaboration with India. One of those institutions inaugurated its center in Delhi about a decade ago. As their activities gained traction, so did the intricacies of Indian regulations. Recognising …

Employee recognition encompasses the practice of acknowledging and valuing the efforts, accomplishments, and contributions of individuals within an organisation. It entails openly appreciating and commending their work, behaviours, and achievements. Recognising employees serves as a means of expressing gratitude for their dedication and hard work, encouraging them to maintain high …

Labour law is a concurrent subject in the Indian Constitution, indicating that regulations governing labour and employment apply at both the federal and state levels. Key federal statutes overseeing the termination of employment include the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act (IESA), 1946, and the Industrial Disputes Act (IDA), 1947, with …

In their conversation titled “Seamless in Conversation: Global Horizons: North American Universities and India’s Higher Education Paradigm,” Michael Green, the Executive Director for Seamless in North America, and Delia Hennigan, the Vice President for Global Education Practice at Acumen, discuss the evolving landscape of higher education and opportunities for North …

In a significant stride towards globalising higher education in India, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has recently given its nod for the establishment of branch campuses by Foreign Higher Education Institutions (FHEIs). This development marks a crucial milestone in the pursuit of academic excellence, cross-cultural collaboration, and the creation of …

Do all your emails require immediate attention? Is there an overwhelming expectation from everyone to accomplish a greater number of tasks within a restricted time frame? Are all Individuals approaching from various directions with immediate demands for your assistance? Are you in a new position where you’re struggling to stay …

 In a recent insightful conversation, Ed Dixon, the Executive Director of Seamless, UK and Kshiti Gala, the Head of Research at Seamless, discussed the vital role that research and consulting teams play in supporting clients as they explore international expansion opportunities. The discussion highlighted the diverse ways in which …

Providing health insurance as part of an employee benefits package is often seen as one of the simplest yet most effective ways to attract and reward talent alongside remuneration. Employee health insurance offers a range of benefits, including increased productivity, boosted morale, and the fostering of a positive company culture. …

In a recent regulatory update, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has introduced a significant change by making it mandatory for private limited companies to issue shares in dematerialised (demat) form. The primary objective of this amendment is to promote transparency and improve the corporate governance system, preventing malpractices arising …

In a significant development, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has introduced new rules to amend the Companies (Management and Administration) Rules, 2014. The key highlight of these amendments is the disclosure of beneficial interest in shares of a company. Under the revised rules, the following points shall be noted:  …

In the ever-evolving landscape of global business, foreign companies frequently seize the opportunity to establish a presence in India through subsidiaries, branch offices, or other entities. While such expansions present unique challenges, they also offer lucrative business opportunities. This report will share invaluable insight from a business perspective and offer …

Prior to delving into the origins of Indian Labour Laws, let’s explore the reasons behind their necessity. The history of labour regulations in India dates back to the late 1850s, a time marked by conflict between manufacturing firms and artisans, which spurred the growth of cottage industries in the country. …

With Kapil Dua – Seamless Chief Executive Officer and Michael Green – Seamless  Executive Director for Seamless in North America  In a recent conversation, Kapil Dua, CEO of Seamless, and Michael Green, Executive Director for Seamless in North America, delved into various aspects of India’s higher education sector and …

The global business landscape has undergone a seismic shift due to the COVID-19 pandemic, pushing companies to reevaluate their traditional models of operation. The concept of work has been redefined, and with it, the idea of returning to the office in its entirety has come under scrutiny. By examining the …

The rapid advancement of technology has ushered in a profound era of change across various industries, and Human Resources (HR) is no exception. The digital transformation of HR is reshaping the way organisations manage their workforce, optimise processes, and create a more engaging and efficient workplace experience. First, let’s delve …

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, organisations necessitate refined structures to effectively harness technological prowess and deliver value to stakeholders. Two pivotal components in this organisational framework are the Technology Capability Centre and the Delivery Centre. Despite their integral roles, they serve distinct functions and operate within distinct domains. This …

In the race to embrace cleaner energy alternatives, India is emerging as a strong contender in the solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing sector. A recent collaborative report by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) and JMK Research and Analytics reveals a promising trajectory, predicting India to secure the …

Seamless (part of theSannam S4 Group), is thrilled to announce its recent achievement of the ‘Great Place to Work’ certification. This recognition reflects the organisation’s unwavering commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive, and vibrant workplace culture for its employees. The ‘Great Place to Work’ certification is a prestigious accolade that …

Unveiling the Nexus Between Development, Climate Change, and Manufacturing The 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow saw Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India make a bold commitment: to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. However, the path to this target is not without hurdles. Currently falling short …

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has taken significant steps to enhance transparency in the operations of not for profit entities registered under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 2010 (FCRA Act). These changes introduced via Foreign Contribution (Regulation)Amendment Rules, 2023, are effective from 25th September 2023 and focus on detailed …

On the weekend of September 9th, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian Government hosted their inaugural G20 Summit as first-time presidents of the meeting. Arriving in New Delhi, President Joe Biden and other major world leaders were driven through the nation’s capital to arrive at a new, $300 …

Amid the worldwide urgency to combat climate change, India has taken centre stage with its bold and inspiring commitment to a cleaner, greener future. The recent announcement that India aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070 and generate fifty percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030 has set …

With favourable demographics and an investment boom, India is surging toward fast-paced economic prosperity Authored by:  Kshiti Gala, Head of Global Research and Consulting Practice and Nupur Mohta, Research Analyst Overcoming macroeconomic shocks accelerated due to Covid-19 India has been one of the world’s most resilient economies throughout the Covid-19 …

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been funding various development projects in India for several decades. USAID is the primary foreign aid agency of the United States government and is responsible for providing economic, development, and humanitarian assistance around the world. In this article, we will discuss …

London, June 30, 2023 Seamless, Acumen, and Sannam S4 Group announced as winners of the “Consultancy of the Year” category at the UK-India Global Forum Awards 2023. This remarkable achievement recognises the exceptional contributions to fostering collaboration and driving impactful outcomes between the United Kingdom and India.  The UK-India Global …

Why inclusivity is important for your business Being inclusive to overseas staff is not only a matter of meeting legal requirements or meeting quotas, but it is also a way of creating a welcoming work environment that fosters diversity and embraces different cultures and backgrounds. A diverse workforce can bring …

Kapil Dua, Seamless CEO and Michael Green, Executive Director USA sit down for a chat around the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Modi to the US and the significance of India as a dynamic market for global companies. The key takeaways include: India’s population has surpassed China’s, making it the …

President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden have extended an invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the United States from 21st June to 24th June 2023. The visit will be his first since the last one in 2016.  The Prime Minister’s agenda for the trip starts …

Labour laws are designed to protect the rights of workers and ensure their safety and welfare in the workplace. In India, the labour laws have undergone several changes in the past 18 months. This article aims to provide an overview of the labour laws in India and highlight the significant …

The COVID-19 pandemic that started in 2019 has had a profound impact on the way we live and work. The world witnessed unprecedented changes in the workplace as a direct result of the measures and restrictions that were implemented. Companies around the globe have had to adapt to new ways …

In recent years, India has emerged as a popular destination for all things manufacturing. The country offers a favourable business environment, a large and educated workforce, and low labour costs. India has become an attractive option for companies looking to reduce their production costs and expand their manufacturing operations. Favourable …

India has witnessed tremendous economic growth over the past few decades, resulting in the growth of various industries and job opportunities. Along with this, the salary structure in India has also undergone significant changes. With the increase in competition and the rise in the cost of living, salary increments have …

We’re delving into the significance of the recent guidelines issued by the Goods and Services Tax (GST) department in India in May 2023. The guidelines aim to combat the prevalence of fake registrations and highlight the need for rigorous physical verification by GST Officers. Join us as we uncover the …

To set the scene, Gujarat International Finance Tec City, or “GIFT City”, is situated in Gandhinagar, the capital of the State of Gujarat located just outside Gujarat’s largest city, Ahmedabad.  GIFT City is about a thirty-minute drive from the Ahmedabad airport, which is roughly an hour’s flight from Delhi and …

The United Kingdom’s trade deal with the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) has opened the door to a range of new opportunities for British businesses in the Indo-Pacific region. The agreement, which includes 11 countries in the Asia-Pacific region, has created a gateway for the UK to …

Established in 2008, Seamless, part of Sannam S4 Group, celebrates its 15th anniversary committed to helping globally-ambitious organisations to enter, explore and expand their footprint all around the world. We are extremely proud to serve an array of clients, helping them to make a real impact on society through the …

With India’s quickly advancing IT industry, the local government has taken a plethora of measures to ensure that it continues to grow at a stable rate. One such technique that has been incorporated across the country is the marking of various regions as special economic zones (SEZs). These are specially …

The Indonesian government has recently announced a minimum wage hike of 10% for 2023, providing additional financial stability to those workers subject to the changes. This initiative is part of a larger plan to combat growing inequality in Indonesia and promote sustainable economic growth, long-term poverty reduction, and improved living …

With the business environment becoming increasingly competitive, it is essential for teams to focus on core activities for success. Due to this, a common way companies are able to reduce their internal burden while often saving money is via outsourcing. Outsourcing allows companies to keep departments running efficiently without having …

Vietnam is primarily an agricultural nation but it’s come a long way, and it is now looked upon as a symbol of a “success story” in terms of its growth and development. From a nation of extreme poverty, it has reached the much-touted status of a middle-economic country. Although the …

The primary governing agency that is responsible for the promotion of business activity from abroad is the BOI, or the Board of Investment, with regard to Thailand. This is a government entity and provides all the incentives which are necessary to start a business from outside the country. The Board …

Over the past decade, the electric vehicle industry has grown rapidly with EVs becoming increasingly popular and advanced. With a market size of 8,151 thousand units in 2022, estimates assume that the market will reach an astonishing 39,208 units by 2030. With such a rapid rate of expansion, it is …

Are you planning a vacation in Indonesia this year and looking for an easy way to explore its many wonders? Your search is over – the Indonesian government has made it easier than ever for tourists to visit multiple destinations by restarting its popular Multiple Entry Visa Service. With one …

A recent regulation in Indonesia, allowing businesses and people to use their intellectual property assets for collateral against loans, is the GR 24/2022. It’s the hope of the Indonesian government that more players in the business world can access easy financing in this way. So far, in Indonesian industry, the …

India is on a significant growth path in terms of its economy. There is no denying this fact as the Indian population is young, and with technological advances taking over the country by storm, the Indian economy is set to achieve more than ever thought possible. The level of exposure …

When countries establish relations for trade purposes, the world at large sees benefits, apart from the countries involved. With a view to expanding its tentacles for economic growth as diversely as possible, the United Kingdom is actively engaging with regions in the Asia-Pacific area. A key partner involved in this …

With a focus on promoting investment and upgrading the local economy, Thailand has recently introduced a new set of incentives. These incentives were issued as a follow-up to Thailand’s Five-Year Investment Promotion Strategy and align with their aim of boosting high-tech industries. The incentives, which were released on the 4th …

Are you a business owner in Singapore? It’s time to start preparing for the GST rate increase scheduled for January 2023! The government has decided to raise the Goods and Services Tax from 7% to 8% starting next January, which will impact both big and small businesses. This blog post …

Regardless of which sector or industry that you work within, you will have undoubtedly come across the term ‘outsourcing’. Outsourcing is that little ray of light that can offer an alternative solution to businesses facing challenging times in the respective marketplace. As an alternative solution to any business problem, those …

“DP” stands for data protection. Data protection is a significant part of any company’s framework, and any entity’s functioning. Indonesia has such a law, the “Personal Data Protection Law”, resembling the General Data Protection Regulations established by the European Union, or the EU GDPR. The recent law, states in clear …

Fortunately, much to everyone’s surprise, the Indian economy is not as static as people may have imagined it may be. In actual fact, India’s exports have significantly surged in the last couple of years. Indian manufacturing has hit new highs to meet the demands of the global customer as well …

India has been a hub for outsourcing and manufacturing for a while now. A nation open to trade and commerce with international partners, it has signed free trade agreements with several countries in the past. At regional and bilateral levels, India’s FTAs span a wide spectrum of contracts with countries. …

While remote working offers a whole host of benefits in terms of employee comfort, there are also some disadvantages. In particular, the sudden shift from physical offices to remote working has caused many individuals to feel stressed or uneasy which can be seen in both their personal and work life. …

Over the past year, many companies have started to incorporate a new style of working which involves a combination of online and physical methods. Specifically, by calling employees into the office for a few days a week, a sort of hybrid working model has been introduced. This model allows employees …

With the sudden onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, many companies were left with inadequate working structures to function online. Without the ability to come to the office, businesses had to gradually shift to online working methods, which has now caused a paradigm shift. As of 2022, more than …

While the pandemic may have led to the shift, remote working has become the norm for many companies across the globe. Whether this involves multinational corporations or young startups, working from home has managed to stick around for longer than many expected. Although, over the past year, many companies have …

The much-awaited draft rules for establishing and operating campuses overseas in India have been revealed. The University Grants Commission (UGC) issued the Draft Foreign Higher Educational Institutions in India Regulations on 5 January, 2023. As India aims to reach a 50% Gross Enrollment Ratio(GER) from 27.3% currently by 2035 as …

The India-Australia Economic Cooperation Trade Agreement (ECTA) is set to come into effect on December 29, 2022. This starts in a new age of increased bilateral trade and investment between two countries that are major players in the Indo-Pacific region. The timing could not be better for businesses interested in …

The 27th Conference of Parties (COP27), saw meetings between hundreds of highly influential people from various parts of the world in Egypt. The focal point of the deliberations was to instill a renewed solidarity to deliver the goals set out in the Paris Agreement. The COP27 summit was organised at …

Acknowledging the challenges of ‘Moonlighting’ In our previous blog post, we threw light on employee ‘Moonlighting’ and introduced the importance of making policy changes to deal with this HR challenge. It’s becoming increasingly common for disgruntled employees (44 percent of employed Americans) to switch to side hustle or freelance work …

In recent years, the job markets and global economy have witnessed tumultuous fluctuations, with a rising unemployment risk and shorter job tenures. Jobs have been re-modelled and many of those have shifted to remote working platforms, with the gig economy gaining momentum. Whether this is managing housework with a job …

Today when you go home, take a look around. A lot of items being used must be either made out of plastic or contain elements of plastic. Even in the use-and-throw items, the packaging is mostly made out of plastic. Then there’s the menace of the household staple, the carrier …

Climate change is not only killing the Earth but is also causing huge monetary losses to mankind. According to reports, the world’s 55 most climate-vulnerable companies have already lost 20 percent of the GDP due to climate change. By 2030 almost all large economies will be losing billions of dollars …

Sustainable Cities Can Better Handle the Weight and Pressures of Climate Change Poor urban planning in countries worldwide has a major impact on a cities ability to withstand climate change and natural disasters. Globalisation is taking place at an unprecedented rate. A doubled urban population and tripled urbanised land area …

On the 17th of November the delegates at COP 27 will all be discussing possible and potential solutions to some of the climate change challenges that the world currently faces. Innovators will gather alongside representatives from governmental and financial institutions, to share experiences and exchange ideas on how best to …

India a global powerhouse India’s energy needs have been increasing rapidly over the past few decades. According to Government estimates, 1.5 million MW of additional capacity was added to the existing grid between 2000 and 2010 alone, accounting for almost 25 per cent of the country’s total installed capacity. India …

It’s 2022 and the world is in the middle of one of the toughest times in human history. The Covid-19 pandemic wreaked havoc globally during the course of the last two years, killing millions of people and snatching the livelihood of millions of others.  As the world was starting to …

World leaders from 197 nations are meeting at COP27 in Egypt to work together and ensure that nations commit to going more green to save our earth for future generations. They have been meeting regularly since 1995 and this is their twenty seventh meeting. One of the burning issues the …

Today, climate change is arguably one of the biggest concerns around the globe. Its impacts can be seen everywhere we look. But perhaps the problem exists because it’s more difficult to fight in a world that is undergoing rapid urbanisation.  With a majority of countries in South and Southeast Asia …

Perhaps, among the most important days of the COP27summit is Energy Day. Most issues that relate to sustainability are linked with energy. “Green hydrogen” regulations and policies are pondered over and act as a catalyst in the production sources that result in sustainability. Energy Day is important as it marks …

Climate change affects everyone across the world. But it is also true that climate change and food insecurity affects women and girls disproportionately. This is due to a number of reasons. For instance, globally and specifically in marginalised communities women are responsible for acquiring food and fuel for their families. …

Background While presenting the Union Budget for FY (Financial Year) 2022-23, the Hon’ble Finance Minister proposed to allow the entry of world-class foreign universities and institutions in GIFT-IFSC (‘Gujarat International Finance Tec-City – International Financial Services Center), to offer courses in subjects connected to financial management, fintech, science, technology, engineering, …

Water is the elixir of life. It’s one of the most abundantly found things on and around our Earth, yet it is also among the most scarce. Ironically it is its pattern of distribution that is a cause of great concern. Part of the planet may face being underwater due …

Each year, the Conference of Parties or COP as it is commonly known, is held in a different part of the world and has a new theme respectively attached to it. This year, COP27 is set to be held in Egypt, in the city of Sharm El Sheikh. COP27 will …

In 1948, only 6% of the world’s population lived in cities. Nowadays close to 70% of people live in urban areas, including almost half of the global population. Cities are growing at exponential rates due to the need for food production, employment opportunities, and access to goods and services. However, …

In the negotiations at last year’s COP in Glasgow, the previous president of Ireland, Mary Robinson, described male participation in the global climate negotiations aptly. She stated the male dominance as being too “…pale and stale’”. In this year’s COP27, five hundred global leaders have echoed the call for a …

Climate change is perhaps the most imminent threat that is currently facing humanity. Everything we need to survive is in danger with the change in environment. Agriculture and food are among the fields that, if affected, will leave millions hungry. The Economist recently reported that in the next decade or …

Agriculture meets our most basic need of hunger and employs millions across the world. Any threat to this would snowball into a bigger, global crisis. Climate change poses a huge threat to agriculture and its associated processes. The majority of countries in the developing world survive mainly through agriculture. The …

Every year, the world convenes for a COP, a climate change international summit in which sustainable environmental solutions are sought from leaders. The world’s climate problems are real and at COP27 which is taking place in Egypt this year, global leaders will discuss the goals set out and those already …

Companies and large enterprises are responsible for creating the characteristic “carbon footprint” that is a subject of much pessimism in the arena of environmental sustainability. Nonetheless, since the time of the Paris Agreement, to COP27, several companies belonging to energy-centric sectors have adopted policies to start to decrease their carbon …

The green finance market has been growing rapidly, and it’s expected to be worth $2.36 trillion by 2023. Green finance simply means any targeted financial efforts that have sustainability as a major goal. Sustainable Development Goals are a priority that benefits everyone. One way to help bring these goals to …

The healthcare industry is currently facing unprecedented pressures with post COVID-19 financial ramifications, inflation and global labor shortages. At the same time, the need for a robust, equitable and resistant healthcare system has never been higher. Post pandemic, there have been several transformative changes and innovation breakthroughs in the healthcare …

Forging ahead with any and all ways to decarbonise the environment is on everyone’s mind. This is an urgent aim for individuals, companies, industries, forums and global summits like COP27. If the world could decarbonise in a day, all our environmental problems would practically be over. As lovely as this …

We have been repeatedly told that “The future is in your hands’ when it comes to climate change, this note of caution has been passed from generation to generation but with climate change and its impacts ringing loudly in our ears the statement becomes more poignant than ever. Tackling climate …

The climate summit is officially on! With stakeholders from all walks of life, scientists may make contributions that hold the keys to the protection of Mother Earth at this year’s COP 27 summit. Countries have pledged to do their bit, both large and small, but unfortunately, these promises have not …

The path to a sustainable future, especially in developing nations, starts with sustainable technology. Even more important than this crucial fact is that emerging nations are riddled with a number of issues that defeat sustainability in general. These include over population and pollution among others. A lack of education and …

We all face our own share of dangers due to climate change. But perhaps, it is the youth of today that will have to face the harshest realities and dangers in the coming years. The future is theirs and it’s this future that is in danger. The children in our …

Climate change is slowly but surely eating into the future of our world. Much has been said about how the Earth will be hotter, yet there would be more floods. It threatens agriculture, leaving millions across the globe vulnerable and susceptible to hunger. If things carry on as they are …

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) of India, has recently made an amendment to its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) regulations. The amendment means that certain existing provisions have now been relaxed.  CSR has typically been a bone of contention for many businesses due to the strict rules that surround it. …

Boris Johnson resigned on 7th July 2022.  This raised the possibility that discussions on the UK-India Free Trade Agreement, which were in full momentum, might be impacted.   A Free Trade Agreement is typically concluded as a result of a number of formal rounds of discussions between the two governments.  The …

Negotiations are underway in regard to the UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and are expected to reach their conclusion by the end of this year. A potential deadline for the FTA discussions to come is Diwali, which takes place on 24th October 2022. In 2021, the UK and India entered …

The FCRA, also known as the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Rules of 2011 has been amended. This amendment, also known as the ‘New Rules’,  came into effect starting the 1st of July 2022. The government has made use of the powers that have been conferred to it under Section 48 of …

By Susmita Sen When borders were closed and restrictions were well in place to stop a rampant virus in its tracks, the world was forced to sit still and take time to think. With clear minds and an outlook that changed for many of us, we embark on new journeys …

If you want to expand your business internationally, then you’ll need to ensure that you can comply with the local labour laws of the country you’re expanding into. Seamless, a part of Sannam S4 Group can help you do just that. Businesses, as well as non-governmental organisations, could be considering …

Expanding into new markets can be difficult to navigate without appropriate research and planning. This is especially true when entering international markets, which can have different laws, procedures and cultural expectations. However, if you want to grow your business and boost your revenue, it is something you will have to …

The growing Muslim population in South East Asia has accelerated the growth of Islamic finance in this region. A recent study by S&P Global Ratings put the current estimate of the Islamic banking sector in South East Asia at US$290 billion. And over the next couple of years, Islamic finance …

Seamless, part of Sannam S4 Group, has joined The UK’s Department for International Trade (DIT) South Asia Overseas Referral Network providing international expansion and advisory services to British businesses exporting to South Asia. ESS is a UK government initiative designed to provide in-market export support and advice for UK businesses, …

CSR in India is a legal requirement for businesses. Since 2013, all businesses in India have been required to integrate social and environmental concerns into their business operations. This blog post will talk about what CSR – or corporate social responsibility – is, why it is important, and what businesses …