CR Raju is new president of IIA

12 Feb 2021 CW Staff

CR Raju is the new President of the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA), the national body of architects in the country. He has taken charge along with a new team of office bearers for the term 2020-2022.

Raju brings over 40 years of professional expertise in executing projects ranging from residential bungalows, apartments, group housing, commercial, institutional, recreational, hospitality, healthcare, industrial and interiors. He has held various leadership positions with IIA and also was a Senate member of the Madurai Kamaraj University, the Chairman of Tamil Nadu Chapter of IIA from 2013-2015, convener for the prestigious IIA National Awards 2016, and convener of IIA NATCON Transcend 2020.

The Indian Institute of Architects was established in 1917 and has more than 20,000 members. It is known to have played an important role in bringing about The Architects Act 1972, which has facilitated the spread of architectural education and practice in India.

Raju said his mission will be to make IIA a “progressive and inclusive organisation reflecting the aspirations of the fraternity in its resolve to spread awareness amongst the society for its benefit”. He announced that the new team will initiate programmes that will deliberate on key issues that influence government policy and respond to “the needs of a safe and sustainable built environment”.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Apr 2026

InsideFPV Delivers ₹10 Crore Kamikaze Drone Order Under MoD’s EPR Route

InsideFPV, a Surat-based drone technology manufacturer, has successfully executed a ₹10 crore defence contract to supply indigenous kamikaze drones under the Ministry of Defence’s Emergency Procurement Route (EPR). The company completed the delivery of hundreds of FPV kamikaze drone platforms within a rapid two-month timeframe, highlighting its ability to meet urgent military procurement timelines.The supply orders were fulfilled under the emergency procurement mechanism, which is aimed at fast-tracking acquisitions for immediate operational needs. InsideFPV’s quick execution reflects it..

Vedanta Resources Secures Fitch Upgrade to ‘BB-’, Best Rating Since 2015

Vedanta Resources Limited (VRL), a global player in metals, oil & gas, critical minerals, power and technology, has received a credit rating upgrade from Fitch Ratings, marking its strongest bond rating in over a decade.Fitch has raised Vedanta Resources’ Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to ‘BB-’ from ‘B+’, while maintaining a Stable Outlook. The agency also upgraded VRL’s senior unsecured rating, along with the ratings of US dollar-denominated bonds issued by Vedanta Resources Finance II Plc and guaranteed by VRL, to ‘BB-’.The upgrade represents Vedan..

NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter Launched

The NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter was recently launched at Excelerate 2026 in Mumbai, marking a key step towards integrating emerging real estate leaders from the National Capital Region with the national platform. The initiative aims to promote sustainable and responsible urban development through collaboration and knowledge exchange.The event brought together young developers, entrepreneurs, and professionals from across NCR, including Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Bhiwadi, and Meerut. Discussions focused on urban development, finance, sustainability, innovation, and policy, emphasisi..