DNPA Code of Ethics for Hindi News For Today
Purpose:
The associates of Hindi News For Today will maintain the highest ethical standards in the conduct of the Company’s affairs. The intent of this policy is for each associate to conduct the Company’s business with integrity, comply with all applicable laws, and exclude considerations of personal advantage or gain.
The following is a summary of the Company’s policy with respect to (1) gifts, favors, entertainment, and payments given or received by Company associates, (2) potential conflicts of interest, and (3) certain other matters:
General Policy Application:
Gifts, Favors, and Payments by the Company:
Gifts, favors, and payments may be given to others at Company expense if they meet all of the following criteria:
- They are consistent with accepted business practices.
- They are of sufficiently limited value and in a form that will not be construed as a bribe or payoff.
- They are not in violation of applicable law and generally accepted ethical standards.
- Public disclosure of the facts will not embarrass the Company.
Payments, commissions, or other compensation to or for the benefit of associates of customers (or their family members or associates) not required by written contract are contrary to Company policy.
Gifts, Favors, Entertainment, and Payments Received by Company Associates:
- Associates shall not seek or accept for themselves or others any gifts, favors, entertainment, or payments without a legitimate business purpose nor shall they seek or accept personal loans (other than conventional loans at market rates from lending institutions) from any persons or business organizations that do or seek to do business with or are competitors of the Company.
In the application of this policy:
a. Associates may accept for themselves and members of their families common courtesies usually associated with customary business practices, including but not limited to:
- Lunch and/or dinner with vendors, sometimes including spouses, as long as the invitation is extended by the vendor.
- Gifts of small value from vendors such as calendars, pens, pads, knives, etc.
- Tickets to events (such as sports, arts, etc.) if offered by the vendor, and the vendor accompanies the associate to the event. These must not be solicited by the company associate and must be approved by the appropriate company officer.
- Overnight outings are acceptable under the condition that individuals from either other companies or the vendor are in attendance. The associate must have prior approval from the appropriate company officer.
- The receipt of alcoholic beverages is discouraged.
- Gifts of perishable items such as hams, cookies, nuts, etc., usually given during the holidays, are acceptable.
- b. A strict standard is expected with respect to gifts, services, discounts, entertainment, or considerations of any kind from suppliers.
Day outings such as golf, fishing, and hunting are acceptable with prior approval from the appropriate company official. The vendor must be in attendance, and participation by the associate’s family members is not acceptable.
Use of vendor’s facilities (vacation homes, etc.) by associates or their families for personal use is prohibited, except when the vendor is present for the duration of the visit. Such a visit is acceptable once per year and for a limited duration, i.e., a long weekend. The associate must have prior approval from the appropriate company officer.
It is never permissible to accept a gift in cash or cash equivalents, such as stocks or other forms of marketable securities, of any amount. - Management associates should not accept gifts from those under their supervision of more than limited value.
Conflicts of Interest:
Associates should avoid any situation that involves or may involve a conflict between their personal interest and the interest of the Company. Associates must act in the best interest of the Company when dealing with customers, suppliers, contractors, competitors, or any person doing or seeking to do business with the Company. Each associate shall make prompt and full disclosure in writing to their manager of any potential situation that may involve a conflict of interest. Such conflicts may include:
- Ownership by an associate or a member of their family of a significant interest in any outside enterprise that does or seeks to do business with or is a competitor of the Company.
- Serving as a director, officer, partner, consultant, or in a managerial or technical capacity with an outside enterprise that does or is seeking to do business with or is a competitor of the Company. Exceptions to this may be approved by the Chief Executive Officer of Hindi News For Today.
- Acting as a broker, finder, go-between, or otherwise for the benefit of a third party in transactions involving or potentially involving the Company or its interests.
- Any other arrangements or circumstances, including family or other personal relationships, which might dissuade the associate from acting in the best interest of the Company.
Confidential Information:
The revelation or use of any confidential product information, data on decisions, plans, or any other information that might be contrary to the interest of the Company, without prior authorization, is prohibited. The misuse, unauthorized access to, or mishandling of confidential information, particularly personnel information, is strictly prohibited and will subject an associate to disciplinary action, up to and including immediate discharge.
Compliance:
Any violation of this policy will subject the associate to administrative disciplinary action or immediate discharge. Any Company associate who has knowledge of a violation of the policy shall promptly report such violations to the appropriate level of management. Each vice president and company officer of Hindi News For Today is responsible for compliance in their area of responsibility. When questions arise concerning any aspect of this policy, contact the Corporate Vice President of Human Resources.
Social Media Guidelines
Introduction:
The following outlines our social media policy for employees. The guidelines are simple:
- Use good judgment
- Remember that almost nothing you post is truly private.
- Be professional.
When posting on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, or other social media sites, you are making public statements that may be recorded and broadcast globally.
Understand Social Media:
Social media includes any form of electronic communication where you post content, such as blogs, personal websites, social networking sites (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, etc.), or any other electronic communication platform, whether or not associated with the Company.
Know and Respect Company Policies:
Ensure that your posts comply with the Company’s policies. Inappropriate posts—discriminatory remarks, harassment, threats, etc.—will not be tolerated and may lead to disciplinary action.
Be Careful What You Post:
You are personally responsible for your posts. Everything you post could potentially remain public for an extended period.
Speak for Yourself, Not the Company:
If posting about the Company or its business contacts, clearly identify yourself as a Company employee and ensure that the views expressed are your own, not those of the Company.
Be Respectful and Professional:
Be fair and courteous, especially when posting complaints or criticisms. Avoid statements that could harm someone’s reputation or contribute to a hostile work environment. The goal is to be professional and respectful in your communications.
Be Honest and Accurate:
Make sure your posts are honest and accurate. If you make a mistake, correct it quickly. Always be transparent about any corrections.
Respect Laws and Confidentiality:
Respect intellectual property, privacy, and confidentiality laws. Do not post sensitive or confidential information without proper authorization.
Report Your Concerns:
If you believe an employee has violated this policy, report it to Human Resources. The Company prohibits retaliation against employees who report violations.
Plagiarism
Hindi News For Today maintains a strong policy against plagiarism. All content published must be original or properly attributed to avoid misrepresentation.
Fairness
Reporters must seek both sides of the story and allow individuals accused of wrongdoing an opportunity to respond. Accusations should be detailed, and responses should be fairly represented.