Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Ashurst names two co-heads for India market

The two co-heads, Kalpana Unadkat and Shishir Mehta, will be based in London and work alongside Ashurst’s core India team to increase its presence in the country

Ashurst names two co-heads for India market

LAW firm Ashurst has named two new co-heads for its India market, which is of 'key strategic focus' for the London-headquartered company.

The two co-heads, Kalpana Unadkat and Shishir Mehta, will be based in London and work alongside Ashurst's core India team to increase its presence in the country, Economic Times reports.


The move follows Bar Council of India's decision last March to permit foreign lawyers and law firms to practice in India on a reciprocal basis and in restricted nonlitigious areas.

Matthew Wood, Ashurst's lead India practice partner said in a statement that the company was committed to further investing in the region.

Kalpana and Shishir with their impressive track record and vast experience make a great fit to steer our India practice forward, he added.

For Unadkat, this is her second stint at Ashurst. She had earlier worked with the firm between 1998 and 2008. She has advised clients located across the world on cross-border and commercial contracts.

Mehta is an alumnus of the National Law School of India University (Bengaluru), London School of Economics & Political Science, and Columbia Law School.

A banking and finance expert, he started his career as an associate with the British law firm Slaughter and May in 2000, and later joined White & Case LLP in 2005.

In 2010, Mehta joined the Indian law firm Khaitan & Co as a partner.

Ashurst global CEO Paul Jenkins said India is an increasing source of outbound investment across the globe, while also remaining an attractive destination for foreign investment.

Geoffrey Picton-Turbervill will be taking on the role of Chair of Ashurst's India practice.

He said Kalpana and Shishir with their experience in the Indian market will enable Ashurst to expand in the country.

More For You

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions
Anura Kumara Dissanayake

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions

THE Sri Lanka government on Wednesday (2) formed a committee to recommend measures regarding the UK's decision to impose sanctions on three former military commanders who led the campaign that crushed the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 2009.

Health minister Nalinda Jayatissa told reporters that foreign minister Vijitha Herath, justice minister Harshana Nanayakkara and deputy minister of defence Aruna Jayasekara would comprise the committee that would consult experts for the purpose.

Keep ReadingShow less
Gujarat-blast-ANI

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed. (Photo: ANI)

ANI

Death toll rises to 21 in Gujarat firework factory explosion

AN EXPLOSION at an illegal firecracker factory in Gujarat's Deesa town killed 21 people and injured several others on Tuesday, officials said.

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed.

Keep ReadingShow less
Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

Child benefit, normally paid every four weeks directly into bank accounts, has undergone significant changes in recent months (Photo: Getty Images)

Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

MILLIONS of British families are set to receive a financial boost as child benefit payments increase from April 7, according to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

From next week, parents will receive £26.05 per week for the eldest or only child, amounting to £1,354.60 annually - up from the current rate of £25.60. For each additional child, payments will rise to £17.25 weekly, totalling £897 per year - an increase from the present £16.95 rate. This represents a 1.7 per cent increase across all payment categories.

Keep ReadingShow less
Anant Ambani Walks 140 Km in Spiritual Tribute on 30th Birthday

Anant’s padyatra is a reflection of the larger cultural fabric of India

Getty

Anant Ambani embarks on a 140-kilometer spiritual journey on foot to celebrate 30th birthday

Anant Ambani, a director of Reliance Industries Limited and a prominent figure in Indian industry, has chosen a unique and spiritual way to mark his 30th birthday. As part of his celebrations, he is currently undertaking a padyatra—a traditional pilgrimage on foot—from Jamnagar to Dwarka, covering a distance of approximately 140 kilometres. The journey reflects his devotion to Lord Dwarkadhish, the presiding deity of the Dwarkadhish Temple in the city of Dwarka.

Anant began his journey from his family’s residence in Moti Khavdi, Jamnagar, and has been progressing steadily for the past five days. Walking an estimated 10-12 kilometres each night, he travels under the protection of Z+ security and local police, ensuring his safety during this significant journey. The padyatra is expected to take between seven to nine days in total, with plans to conclude at the Dwarkadhish Temple in time for his birthday on April 10.

Keep ReadingShow less
New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

Government urged experts to come forward to help draw up a new five-year TB action plan. (Photo: Getty Images)

New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

BRITAIN on Wednesday (2) urged health experts and sufferers of tuberculosis (TB) to come forward to help draw up a new five-year action plan as it deals with record rises in the disease.

In 2023, England recorded its largest annual increase (11 per cent) in cases since enhanced surveillance began in 2000.

Keep ReadingShow less