IICA and DGR Launch Fourth Directors' Certification Programme

13 Mar 2026 CW Team

The programme is designed to develop an understanding of the conceptual and regulatory framework that governs board responsibilities, compliance and oversight. Participants are equipped with knowledge of the duties and responsibilities of an Independent Director, enabling them to contribute to corporate boards by drawing on military experience in leadership, strategy, information technology, cyber security and project management. Sessions include case studies, interactive discussions and practical guidance on governance practice and stakeholder engagement.

Air Marshal B. Manikantan emphasised the significance of the transition from military to corporate service and the distinctive value that senior defence officers bring to boardrooms through experience in high-stakes decision-making, institutional leadership and integrity. The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of IICA outlined the directions of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs to advance corporate disclosure frameworks, align domestic norms with global environmental, social and governance standards and provide recommendations on board-level ESG oversight. He reiterated IICA's commitment to supporting trust-based regulation and measures to reduce undue compliance burden while promoting good governance.

A special address by Monica Agrawal reflected on evolving board expectations, selection criteria and practical pathways for senior defence officers to position themselves for independent directorship roles. Dr Niraj Gupta provided the welcome and thematic exposition on the landscape of corporate governance and its intersections with public and military governance. Dr Anindita Chakrabarti steered the proceedings.

The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), in partnership with the Directorate General Resettlement (DGR), Ministry of Defence, inaugurated the fourth batch of its Directors' Certification in Corporate Governance for defence officers on nine March 2026 at the IICA campus in Manesar, Gurugram. The two-week programme brings together senior officers, both serving and recently superannuated, from the three services of the Indian Armed Forces. It aims to familiarise participants with corporate governance fundamentals and to prepare them for board roles in public and private sector companies. The programme is designed to develop an understanding of the conceptual and regulatory framework that governs board responsibilities, compliance and oversight. Participants are equipped with knowledge of the duties and responsibilities of an Independent Director, enabling them to contribute to corporate boards by drawing on military experience in leadership, strategy, information technology, cyber security and project management. Sessions include case studies, interactive discussions and practical guidance on governance practice and stakeholder engagement. Air Marshal B. Manikantan emphasised the significance of the transition from military to corporate service and the distinctive value that senior defence officers bring to boardrooms through experience in high-stakes decision-making, institutional leadership and integrity. The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of IICA outlined the directions of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs to advance corporate disclosure frameworks, align domestic norms with global environmental, social and governance standards and provide recommendations on board-level ESG oversight. He reiterated IICA's commitment to supporting trust-based regulation and measures to reduce undue compliance burden while promoting good governance. A special address by Monica Agrawal reflected on evolving board expectations, selection criteria and practical pathways for senior defence officers to position themselves for independent directorship roles. Dr Niraj Gupta provided the welcome and thematic exposition on the landscape of corporate governance and its intersections with public and military governance. Dr Anindita Chakrabarti steered the proceedings.

Infrastructure Urban

23 Apr 2026

Centre Examines Duty Relief Under MOOWR For Battery Storage Imports

The finance ministry is examining whether to continue customs warehousing benefits under the Manufacture and Other Operations in Warehouse Regulations, 2019 framework for imported battery energy storage systems. It plans consultations with the ministries of power and new and renewable energy to decide on the future scope of duty and GST deferment for such imports. The review follows concerns from the renewable energy sector that the current approach is creating an uneven playing field. Under the regulations, companies may import goods without paying customs duty or goods and services tax upfro..

Infrastructure Urban

23 Apr 2026

Jamshedpur MP Seeks Rs 4,820 Million Plan For Tatanagar Platforms

Member of Parliament Bidyut Baran Mahato held a meeting with Vikas Jain, Executive Director (Public Grievances) of the Railway Board, following a special session of Parliament to press for accelerated rail infrastructure work around Jamshedpur and Tatanagar. The discussions addressed a range of projects that the ministry is prioritising for the area. Final Location Surveys for the construction of the fourth and fifth railway lines between Pandrasali and Kandra and for the development of a satellite station near Tatanagar have already been approved, clearing the way for detailed planning. Mahat..

Infrastructure Energy

23 Apr 2026

Final Batch Of Two 3,300 HP Locomotives Reach Mozambique

The final batch of two 3,300 horsepower (hp) locomotives manufactured by Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW) has reached Mozambique, marking completion of an export consignment. The locomotives arrived at Maputo harbour and were cleared for onward movement to the national rail operator. The shipment closes a programme that began with earlier consignments delivered over the past months. Banaras Locomotive Works, a production unit of Indian Railways, built the locomotives under a contract with the Mozambican rail authority and managed the final inspections and commissioning preparations prior to disp..