Home Blog Page 11

WhatsApp Introduces Images in Polls for Channels in Beta Update

WhatsApp has rolled out a new feature in its latest beta version for Android (v2.25.1.17) that allows users to add images to poll options. This feature, currently available for WhatsApp Channels, aims to make polls more interactive and visually informative.

Channel admins can now attach a specific image to each poll option, providing a clearer representation of choices and making it easier for users to vote. However, if an image is added to one option, images must be included for all other options to ensure consistency.

This update is expected to benefit industries like fashion, food, travel, and design. For example, a business can showcase clothing styles or dishes as poll options to gather customer preferences. The visual nature of the feature may also help users overcome language barriers by identifying options through images.

At this stage, the feature is limited to WhatsApp Channels, and the company plans to test it further before expanding it to group chats and individual conversations. There is no specific timeline for its public release or availability in chats outside Channels.

WhatsApp continues to improve its features to enhance user interaction and engagement. Users can expect more updates as the platform refines its polling capabilities.

With the rise of digital tools, protecting intellectual property is more important than ever. Vakilsearch offers intellectual property management services. Connect with our senior IP lawyers for copyright protection, trademark registration or patent filing.

POCO X7 Series Launch: Know the Prices and Features

The Xiaomi-backed Chinese smartphone brand POCO is set to launch their latest POCO X7 and X7 Pro series in India today, January 9 at 5.30 P.M IST. POCO has raised great expectations for its X7 series by showing off a dual-tone design, the X7 Pro Iron Man Edition, and impressive features.

Thanks to the company’s detailed teasers and model leaks, we have a good idea of what to expect. There will be two models: the regular X7 and the Pro version, along with special editions. Here’s what we know:

  • The Poco X7 Pro will feature the latest Dimensity 8400 Ultra chipset, a powerful mid-range processor with all big cores. It will also come with a huge 6,550mAh carbon-silicon battery (6,000mAh for the global model). The starting price is expected to be under ₹30,000 
  • This will be the first smartphone in India to run on the Android 15-based Xiaomi HyperOS 2 interface 
  • The Poco X7 will have a curved 1.5K OLED display with 3000 nits peak brightness and We Touch Display 2.0 technology. It will also feature a dual-camera setup, including a 50MP Sony LYT 600 main sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), and an IP69 rating. The vanilla X7 will likely be powered by the Dimensity 7300 Ultra chipset 
  • The Poco X7 Pro will have an IP68 rating but won’t include hot water jet protection 
  • The X7 Pro’s camera will include a 50MP main sensor (LYT-600) with an f/1.5 aperture and a 20MP selfie camera.

POCO X7 Series: Expected Specifications

Specification POCO X7 Pro 5G POCO X7 5G
Display 6.67-inch 1.5K AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, Corning Gorilla Glass 7i
6.67-inch 1.5K AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Processor MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultra
MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultra
RAM Up to 12GB Up to 12GB
Storage Up to 512GB Up to 512GB
Rear Camera 50MP (OIS) + 8MP ultra-wide
50MP (OIS) + 8MP ultra-wide + 2MP macro
Front Camera 20MP 20MP
Battery 6550 mAh 5110 mAh
Charging 90W wired 45W wired

 

We’ll have to wait until the official launch today at 5:30 PM IST to learn more about the detailed features. The event will be live-streamed on Poco Global’s official YouTube channel. Poco has also confirmed that the X7 series will be available for purchase on Flipkart.

With the rise of digital tools, protecting intellectual property is more important than ever. Vakilsearch offers intellectual property management services. Connect with our senior IP lawyers for copyright protection, trademark registration or patent filing.

Tirupati Stampede: President Murmu and PM Modi Express Condolences

On Wednesday night, the tragic Tirupati stampede occurred as hundreds of devotees rushed to secure tickets for the Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam at the Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple on Tirumala Hills, resulting in the loss of at least six lives and many others injured.  

In response to this tragedy, President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday, 9 Jan 2025, said she was saddened by the loss of lives in the Tirupati stampede and offered her condolences to the affected families. She expressed sorrow over the tragic stampede in Tirupati, which claimed the lives of several devotees, and wished for the swift recovery of those injured. 

“Distressed to know that a stampede in Tirupati led to loss of life of many devotees. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for speedy recovery of the injured,” President Murmu shared in a post on X.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives in the Tirupati stampede. In a message shared on X, the Prime Minister’s Office stated, “Pained by the stampede in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. My thoughts are with those who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray that the injured recover soon. The AP Government is providing all possible assistance to those affected.”

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep shock over the tragic deaths of devotees in the stampede and visited the SVIMS hospital in Tirupati to meet the injured. He conveyed his condolences to the families of the victims and assured the public of swift action. In addition, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan visited the hospital in Tirupati to meet with those injured in the stampede. 

An FIR has been registered in connection with the stampede, and authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. Police have registered two cases under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which addresses unnatural deaths, to investigate the circumstances leading to the stampede. 

Survivors have highlighted issues with crowd management, and we, along with the nation, mourn the loss of lives. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families affected, with leaders such as President Murmu and Prime Minister Modi expressing their support. For any e-FIR-related concerns, feel free to connect with our experts.  

TCS Q3 FY25 Results LIVE: Shares of TCS Decline Ahead of Earnings

TCS Q3 FY25 Results LIVE Updates: India’s largest IT services company, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), will announce its Q3 FY25 results on January 9 after market hours. TCS shares have oscillated between red and green, opening in the red before recovering slightly. Analysts expect a slowdown in growth for the quarter, reflecting challenges like seasonal furloughs and currency fluctuations.

TCS reported an 11.95% increase in net profit to ₹12,380 crore for the December quarter, up from ₹11,058 crore a year ago and ₹11,909 crore in the previous quarter. Total income grew 6.13% to ₹65,216 crore, surpassing both the year-ago figure of ₹61,445 crore and the ₹64,988 crore from the September quarter. However, expenses also rose by 6.33% to ₹48,550 crore.

Despite the positive earnings, TCS shares dropped nearly 2% to ₹4,040.95 as of 1:32 pm on January 9, amid weak market sentiment with the Sensex falling over 500 points. A Moneycontrol poll of brokerages anticipates a slight dip in revenue by less than 1%, projecting ₹64,218 crore, but expects a 3% quarter-on-quarter rise in net profit to ₹12,308 crore.

For comparison, TCS’ Q2 FY25 revenues had reached ₹64,259 crores, whereas Q3 FY24 revenues were ₹60,583 crores with a net profit of ₹11,058 crores. Analysts remark on low revenue growth due to lower than expected contributions from large deals such as the BSNL contracts.

Analysts continue to focus on factors such as operational efficiency, positive currency plays, and cost management for margin expansion. The investors will pay close attention to management commentary related to deal pipelines, demand trends, and sector-specific performance related to BFSI. TCS would declare its third interim dividend while it holds a Board meeting at the time of announcing earnings.

TCS is expected to report moderate Q3 FY25 results. Analysts expect marginal sequential growth as seasonal challenges prevail. While the stock faces near-term pressures, robust operational strategies and potential deal pipelines could enhance its long-term prospects. Investors should evaluate TCS’s commentary and earnings report for informed decisions. With our expert guidance, you can rest assured that your company remains aligned with all legal requirements, allowing you to focus on growth and innovation while minimising risks. Let Vakilsearch be your trusted partner in maintaining seamless annual compliance across all your business operations.

Germany Bans Oneplus Smartphones Over 5G Patent Disputes

OnePlus smartphones have been banned from sale in Germany due to Patent Disputes with InterDigital, a company that focuses on wireless technology patents. The conflict revolves essential patents linked to 5G and other mobile technologies. As a result, OnePlus has temporarily taken down its smartphone from its German online store, causing setbacks for the brand, particularly after it returned to the German market this year in January 2024.  

While sales of smartphones are on hold, other OnePlus products, like the OnePlus Pad 2 and OnePlus Watch 2, continue to be purchased on the company’s German website. It has released a statement on intellectual property rights and standard essential patents, which it considers the company also assured customers that support for existing devices will continue legal disputes with InterDigital. 

This is not the first patent-related challenge OnePlus has faced in Germany, it is already a comparable patent between Oppo and OnePlus. resolving that issue, OnePlus successfully re-entered the German market earlier this year, only to confront this new challenge 

OnePlus has stated its intent to continue discussions with InterDigital and is hopeful for a positive resolution. The company reaffirmed its commitment to the European market, assuring customers that will maintain its high standards for products and services challenges in Germany. OnePlus’s recent legal challenges in Germany and the complexities of patents in the tech industry need to have expert legal support. At Vakilsearch, we specialise in intellectual property law and help you trademark and patent disputes effectively. Connect with us today to receive the guidance you need to successfully manage legal challenges.

DC and Marvel Lose Trademark Rights to ‘Superhero’

Marvel and DC Comics used to jointly own the trademark for the term ‘superhero.’ However, that is no longer the case . A recent court ruling has resulted in Marvel and DC losing their trademark rights for ‘superhero’. Making it for public use in the public domain 

A UK artist contested the companies’ claim to the term in court. When both Marvel and DC failed to respond, the artist won the case, and as a result, ‘superhero’ is now part of the public use. 

A comic book artist from London created a series featuring a team of superhero babies known as ‘Super Babies.’  He claimed that DC accused his company of trademark and threatened legal action when Superbabies Ltd applied for  U.S. trademarks for the ‘Super Babies’ name. 

According to a Reuters report, Marvel and DC have used their trademarks to challenge various superhero-related applications. Superbabies filed a case to cancel these trademarks, claiming that Marvel and DC cannot have’ ownership over an entire genre’ and that the two competitors cannot share trademark ownership. 

The two major comic publishers, DC and Marvel, work together to register trademarks and to crossover that unite their iconic heroes. Their latest collaboration was released last month with the DC Versus Marvel and DC/Marvel: The Amalgam Age Omnibuses. The DC Versus Marvel Omnibus compiles a crossover featuring DC and Marvel characters. These tales, originally published as one-shot comics,  and these stories introduce new characters. 

So when Marvel and DC did not respond, the artist won the case, leading the U.S. Trademark Office to cancel the ‘Super Hero’ trademark held by both companies. The cancellation of the ‘Super Hero’ trademark rights creates new opportunities for independent creators. With legal resources like those available through Vakilsearch, our expertise helps an artist be confident in the complexity of trademark law.  Connect with Vakilsearch today.

Ravi Ahuja Appointed as CEO of Sony Pictures

Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) has announced a leadership change today. Tony Vinciquerra, who has served as Chairman and CEO since 2017, will officially step down on 2 January  2025.   Ravi Ahuja will take his place, who is currently the chairman of Global Television Studios and serves as President and COO of SPE.

Vinciquerra will continue to support the company in an advisory role as non-executive Chairman through the end of 2025. 

Kenichiro Yoshida, Chairman and CEO of Sony Group Corporation, commended Vinciquerra’s leadership, he also highlighted how Vinciquerra’s remarkable transformation at SPE over the past years would not have been possible without Tony’s experience in the entertainment sector.

He also stated that Vinciquerra’s strategic decisions were essential in SPE as an integral part of Sony’s entertainment strategy. 

Ravi Ahuja, who became part of SPE in 2021, has faced recent challenges and positioned the company for growth. Kenichiro Yoshida remarked, ‘ His years of experience bring the world’s most successful entertainment companies’.

During his leadership, Vinciquerra guided SPE through a variety of challenges, including the global COVID-19 pandemic and the recent SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes that brought the Hollywood movie industry to a halt. 

Becoming a part of SPE in 2021, Ahuja has been responsible for the company’s television production and its operations in India. He’s also been in the company’s recent acquisitions and sales. 

As he prepares to step into his new role, Ahuja expressed, ‘He’s both honored and privileged to take the lead at SPE’ .As the industry continues to adapt, having expert legal guidance is essential for complexity. At Vakilsearch, our experienced lawyers are here to assist with any legal needs, connect with us today to learn how we can help you with the legal challenges. 

Old GST Dues Can Be Cleared Without Any Additional Fees

New provision targets cases in which GST Dues were raised under Section 73 of the GST Act,2017 which is related to non-fraudulent tax issues. The government has introduced important changes to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) laws, offering businesses by waiving certain interest and penalties on previous tax demands. This new provision, which takes effect 1 November, is included in Section 128A and enables GST authorities to grant waivers, reducing the compliance load for taxpayers. 

It targets situations where tax demands are issued under Section 73 of the GST Act, addressing non-fraudulent tax issues. Decision was made during the 53rd meeting of the GST Council, aiming to clear up disputes caused by misunderstandings or misinterpretations of the law, rather than tax evasion. 

The waiver is available to taxpayers assessed under Section 73 for the financial years 2017-18, 2018-19, and 2019-20. It’s important to those whose tax situation doesn’t involve accusations of fraud, misrepresentation, or hiding information. Taxpayers involved in disputes for non-fraudulent reasons can benefit and take advantage of this scheme if they agree to settle tax demands and stop ongoing legal cases. 

To benefit from the waiver, businesses need to acknowledge the tax demand and pay the amount due by 31 March 2025. After the tax is paid, related interest and penalties will be waived, however, it’s important to remember that this waiver doesn’t cover cases involving fraud, approved refunds, or taxpayers who have already paid their interest and penalties. 

Whether you’re a startup, small business, or established enterprise, our expert team of tax professionals ensures smooth, accurate, and timely GST Dues, return filing so you can focus on what truly matters—growing your business. Connect with Vakilsearch today.

Income Tax Audit Reports to be Submitted by 30 September 2024

The deadline for submitting income tax audit reports via the e-filing portal is fast approaching. Taxpayers required to undergo a tax audit must upload their reports by 30 September 2024. Missing the deadline can result in penalties and delays in filing income tax returns.

What is a tax audit?

A tax audit involves reviewing the accounts of a business or profession from an income tax perspective. It simplifies the process of calculating income for tax return filings.

Who is required to submit a tax audit report?

The Income Tax Act mandates specific individuals and entities to file an audit report. These include:

  • Businesses with a gross turnover exceeding ₹1 crore 
  • Professionals earning over ₹50 lakh annually 
  • Companies, regardless of turnover 
  • Taxpayers opting for the presumptive taxation scheme but failing to meet certain criteria.

These accounts must be audited by a Chartered Accountant, who prepares the audit report (Forms 3CA/3CB and 3CD).

How to submit the audit report

  • Complete the audit: Ensure your Chartered Accountant prepares the report accurately 
  • Log in to the income tax e-filing portal using your credentials 
  • Navigate to the upload section for audit reports 
  • Choose the correct assessment year 
  • Upload the report (Forms 3CA/3CB and 3CD) and follow the instructions 
  • Confirm submission.

Tax experts recommend starting the process early. Yeeshu Sehgal, Head of Tax Markets at AKM Global, noted that no major technical issues have been reported so far, but taxpayers should not wait until the last minute to file their reports.

For businesses and professionals navigating tax audits, Vakilsearch offers comprehensive audit services. From working with qualified Chartered Accountants to ensuring timely submission of Forms 3CA/3CB and 3CD, Vakilsearch handles the entire process. Don’t risk penalties—let Vakilsearch streamline your tax audit report submission!

Shankar’s Copyright Dispute: Devara or Kanguva?

Fans of Game Changer were eagerly awaiting updates from director Shankar, but today he surprised everyone by taking to X (formerly Twitter) to raise a Copyright Dispute regarding an upcoming film’s release. Shankar claimed that the trailer of an upcoming movie features scenes from a novel for which he holds the rights. Although he didn’t mention the film by name, fans are speculating whether it’s Devara or Kanguva.

Shankar wrote, ‘Attention everyone! As the copyright holder of Su. Venkatesan’s iconic Tamil novel Nava Yuga Nayagan Vel Paari, I am disturbed to see key scenes being used without permission in several films. It’s upsetting to see an important scene from the novel in a recent movie trailer. Please respect creators’ rights and refrain from unauthorised adaptations or face legal action!’

Recently, trailers for both Kanguva and Devara were released, and while the films have different settings, Shankar’s comments seem to point to one of these films. Sources suggest he may be referring to scenes involving coastal battles and confrontations from the novel, which could link his concerns to Devara due to its coastal backdrop. This isn’t the first time director Koratala Siva, who helms Devara, has faced copyright infringement accusations, having been previously accused during the releases of Srimanthudu and Acharya.

Director Shankar’s recent copyright claim regarding his rights over scenes from Nava Yuga Nayagan Vel Paari has sparked widespread speculation about the films Devara and Kanguva. While Shankar didn’t specify the film in question, fans are linking his concerns to Devara, given its coastal setting, which aligns with key elements of the novel.

Copyright disputes like this underscore the importance of respecting intellectual property rights. Film production houses need to ensure proper licensing and permissions to avoid legal consequences. Vakilsearch offers tailored legal support for copyright issues, helping creators protect their works from unauthorised adaptations.