INSTITUTE NEWS 

Programme on Managing Infrastructure Development Risk: Lessons from India

A two-week international training programme on Managing Infrastructure Development Risk: Lessons from India was organised by IIPA in association with Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India from March 10-23, 2026. The objective of the programme was to make participants understand the Indo-Pacific as an opportunity to expand the footprint across the region, importance of partnerships at the core of India’s Indo-Pacific interests. Around thirty-five international participants attended the programme. Dr Roma Debnath and Dr Kusum Lata were the programme coordinators. 

Capacity Building Programme for Judicial Officers of India on Cyber Security and Digital Forensics Investigation

Capacity Building Programme for Judicial Officers of India on Cyber Security and Digital Forensics Investigation was organised by IIPA in association with Indian Cyber Crime Cooperation Centre, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India from March 16-20, 2026. The agenda of the programme was to ensure the attainment and maintenance of the security properties of the organisation and user’s assets against relevant security risks in the cyber environment. The general security objectives comprised the following: Availability Integrity, which may include authenticity and non-repudiation Confidentiality. Around fourteen participants attended the programme. Dr Surabhi Pandey was the programme coordinator. 

Programme for Online Crimes against Women and Children

Master Trainers’ Induction Programme for Online Crimes Against Women and Children organised by IIPA from March 9-13, 2026. It was sponsored by I4C, Ministry of Home Affairs. Dr Surabhi Pandey coordinated the programme. 

Workshop on From Idea to Evidence: Research Methodology – Approaches, Tools & Techniques

The Ambedkar Chair at IIPA conducted a workshop on “From Idea to Evidence: Research Methodology – Approaches, Tools & Techniques” on March 17, 2026. The programme brought together 90 scholars from the University of Delhi (DU) and other leading universities with expert sessions by professors from JNU, V.V. Giri National Labour Institute, DU, and Jamia Millia Islamia. The initiative aimed to build a cadre of young professionals and researchers equipped for real-time data collection and evidence-based inquiry. Prof Nupur Tiwary coordinated the programme. 

Orientation course for officials of Indian Coast Guard on Excellence in Administration

A three-week orientation course for officials of Indian Coast Guard on Excellence in Administration was organised by IIPA from March 30 - April 17, 2026. It was sponsored by Indian Coast Guard, Ministry of Defence, Government of India. The objective of the programme was to enhance the participant’s skills, knowledge and effectiveness to foster dynamic changes in the working of Indian Coast Guard. Around twenty-one officials attended this programme. Dr Saket Bihari and Dr Manan Dwivedi were the programme coordinators. 

Workshop on ESG for Youth: Building Sustainable Mindsets for River and Climate Action

A workshop on “ESG for Youth: Building Sustainable Mindsets for River and Climate Action” under the IIPA-led Blended Capacity Building Programme for Stakeholders of River Ganga-Phase II was organised by IIPA on March 11, 2026 at Jesus and Mary College, University of Delhi. The programme aimed to introduce students and young researchers to the growing relevance of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles in promoting sustainable development and responsible leadership. Prof. (Dr.) Molly K.A. Principal, Jesus and Mary College, University of Delhi gave the opening remarks. The programme featured expert insights from Dr. Himanshu Kumar, Programme Trainer who conducted interactive sessions and exercises to help participants understand the practical application of ESG principles. Prof VK Sharma and Dr Saket Bihari were programme coordinators. 

FACULTY/CAMPUS NEWS 

 A group of faculty members and postgraduate students of Public Administration and Law Programmes of the Manohar Parrikar School of Law, Governance and Public Policy (MPSLGPP), Goa University visited IIPA on March 10, 2026 and interacted with the DG IIPA Dr Surendrakumar Bagde and Prof V N Alok. They also had an interactive session with Prof V N Alok on the latest facets of governance, Dr Alaknanda Shringare, Vice Dean, Research, MPSLGPP led the group.

NEWS FROM BRANCHES 

 J&K Regional Branch

 The branch organised a lecture on Road Map for Traffic Management in Jammu on March 7, 2026. The seminar was presided over by B. R. Sharma, Chairman of the branch and former Chief Secretary, while Ashok Bhan, former DGP and Patron of the branch, attended as the Chief Guest. The keynote address was delivered by Mohd Haseeb Mughal, DIG Traffic Jammu. The seminar was attended by senior Traffic Police officers, former civil servants, academicians, representatives of trade bodies, transport unions, civil society organisations and resident welfare associations. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks presented by Er. M. M. Gupta, Director (Seminars), while the proceedings were conducted by Prof. Anil Gupta, Joint Secretary of the branch.

 Rajasthan Regional Branch 

 The branch in collaboration with the Centre for Administrative Change organised a memorial lecture in honour of late Shri Vishnu Dutt Sharma on March 15, 2026. It was themed on Developed India: From Vision to Reality. Shri Amitabh Ranjan, Registrar, IIPA delivered the lecture. The programme was presided over by Shri S S Bissa, IAS (Retd.). Prof Ramesh K Arora and Dr Satish K Batra, Chairman of the branch also spoke during the occasion. 

 Karnataka Regional Branch

 The branch organised a special general body meeting on March 23, 2026 to condole the demise of Shri S. Ramanathan, IAS (Retd.), former Secretary to the Government of India; former Director of IIPA; and former Chairman of the branch. Shri Ramanathan passed away on March 7, 2026 at the age of 98. Opening remarks were delivered by Shri T.M. Vijay Bhaskar, IAS (Retd.), former Chief Secretary of Karnataka and incumbent Chairman of the branch. Dr. D. Jeevan Kumar, Secretary of the Branch; Prof. Pandey, Prof. Madhwaraj, Shri Anil Gokak, IAS (Retd.), Prof. Priyanca Mathur, Smt. Uma Mahadevan, IAS, Dr. Annapoorna Ravichander, Shri M.R. Sreenivasamurthy, IAS (Retd.) and Shri Abhijit Sengupta, IAS (Retd.) also gave their condolences. His two daughters, Smt. Sandhya and Smt. Sangeeta who were present on the occasion. Shri S.V. Ranganath, IAS (Retd.), former Chief Secretary of Karnataka and former Chairman of the Branch gave the concluding remarks. A booklet on Shri S. Ramanathan, titled, “A Life Dedicated to Service”, edited by Shri T.M. Vijay Bhaskar and Dr. D. Jeevan Kumar was released on the occasion. 

 Tirupati Local Branch 

A few new members have joined Tirupati local branch. They are: Dr. A. Samanthakamani, Chairperson, Prof. D. Krishnamoorthy, Vice Chairperson, Dr. B. Gunasekhar, Honorary Secretary, Dr. S. Siva Prasad, Treasurer along with the Vice Chancellor of Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati Prof. Tata Narasinga Rao.