Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral National Desk
India has secured a significant diplomatic and maritime achievement with its re-election to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for the 2026–27 biennium, earning the highest number of votes in Category B. This resounding victory reflects the global community’s trust in India’s leadership and ongoing commitment to the maritime domain.
The result highlights India’s expanding influence in shaping global maritime policies and its dedication to fostering safe, secure, environmentally responsible, and efficient maritime operations. Under the guidance of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, India’s maritime sector has witnessed rapid growth, global engagement, and a renewed focus on sustainability and innovation.
The highest vote tally stands as a testament to India’s active role in global shipping and its contributions to strengthening international maritime cooperation. India’s vision of enhancing ocean governance, supporting seafarers, advancing maritime safety standards, and promoting green shipping has resonated strongly on the global stage.
As a member of the IMO Council, India reaffirms its commitment to shaping the future of maritime transport, promoting collaboration among nations, and working towards cleaner and safer seas.
This accomplishment reinforces India’s determination to lead responsibly and effectively as the world navigates emerging challenges and opportunities in maritime affairs.
Goa, November 2025: The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) has once again demonstrated its leadership in advancing professional education and promoting sound corporate governance. Through new programs, strategic collaborations, and capacity-building initiatives, the institute continues to empower professionals and students to meet the evolving demands of the corporate world with skill, integrity, and confidence.
ICSI has introduced a comprehensive Capacity Building Series consisting of specialized webinars designed to enhance practical knowledge and industry understanding among members and students. These sessions aim to equip company secretaries with the expertise required to navigate complex regulatory frameworks while strengthening their professional capabilities.
In line with its commitment to innovation, ICSI has launched a two-year full-time MBA in Maritime Regulations and Compliance Management in collaboration with Gujarat Maritime University. This pioneering program combines the principles of maritime law, business, and compliance, preparing professionals to take on leadership roles in the global maritime sector. The institute has also introduced a Certificate Course on Corporate and Securities Markets Compliances (CSMC) in partnership with the National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM), offering specialized insights into governance, securities regulations, and market compliance practices.
Further expanding its global outlook, ICSI has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Services Exports Promotion Council (SEPC) to design customized training programs for members and facilitate international exposure. These collaborations reflect the institute’s focus on creating opportunities that align with global standards of governance and professional growth.
The institute continues to prioritize student welfare through initiatives such as online doubt-clearing sessions for Executive and Professional Programme students and the organization of Olympiads aimed at spreading awareness about the Company Secretary profession among school students. These initiatives encourage young learners to explore future career opportunities in the fields of governance, compliance, and corporate law.
ICSI’s commitment to fostering a global community of governance professionals is evident through its major events held throughout the year. The 53rd National Convention of Company Secretaries served as a platform for knowledge exchange and professional dialogue, while the 4th International Conference in Sydney and the Middle East Conference in Abu Dhabi facilitated international collaboration and discussions on emerging governance trends and best practices.
To strengthen ethical practices and promote sustainable governance, ICSI has launched several frameworks and standards, including the ICSI Guiding Principles on Stewardship (IGPS), which emphasize responsible investing and ethical stewardship, and the Governance and Compliance Standard on PoSH, which standardizes Internal Committee procedures and promotes safe workplaces. The ICSI International ADR Centre, a multi-city initiative, aims to reduce the burden on courts by providing a structured system for alternate dispute resolution, ensuring timely and fair outcomes.
Demonstrating its dedication to national service, ICSI has contributed ₹52 lakhs to the Ministry of Defence to support the education and empowerment of the daughters of martyrs. This act of social responsibility underscores the institute’s broader vision of nation-building and inclusive development.
With a growing global presence, ICSI now operates six overseas centres in Australia, Canada, Singapore, UAE, UK, and the USA, providing its members with access to international markets, networks, and learning opportunities.
The Institute of Company Secretaries of India continues to play a transformative role in shaping the future of the Company Secretary profession. Its continuous efforts to build a knowledgeable, ethical, and globally competent community of professionals reflect its core mission — to uphold transparency, accountability, and good governance. Through its vision and initiatives, ICSI remains a cornerstone of professional excellence and a guiding force for the corporate governance landscape in India and beyond.
Business Desk, Team Allycaral Mumbai, November 12, 2025: In a remarkable step toward global social responsibility, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, the world’s fifth-largest jewellery retailer, has announced the expansion of its acclaimed Hunger Free World initiative to Ethiopia.
Following its transformative success in India and Zambia, the initiative will now support 10,000 children across five schools in Adama City, Oromia region, by 2026. The project aims to provide daily meals, scholarships, digital literacy, and library development programs, thereby promoting both nutrition and educational equity.
The announcement took place at the Malabar International Hub in the Dubai Gold Souq, where Mr. Abdul Salam K.P, Vice Chairman of Malabar Group, officially handed over the Letter of Intent to H.E. Asmelash Bekele, Consul General of Ethiopia in Dubai.
“Our commitment to the communities we serve goes beyond business. Hunger Free World has transformed countless lives, and its expansion to Ethiopia reinforces our mission of sustainable and inclusive growth,” said Mr. M.P. Ahammed, Chairman of Malabar Group.
With an investment of USD 864,000 over the next two years, the program will not only ensure daily nutrition for children but also promote local employment by engaging parents, teachers, and local suppliers.
Mr. Shamlal Ahamed, MD of International Operations, highlighted,
“In addition to school feeding programs, our initiatives in Ethiopia will include scholarships, mentorships, digital literacy, and library development. This marks another milestone in our journey to end hunger and foster education equity globally.”
The Hunger Free World initiative, a cornerstone of Malabar’s ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) commitments, currently provides over 85,000 meals daily across 170 locations worldwide. Its expansion aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — notably Zero Hunger, Quality Education, and Gender Equality.
Founded in 1993, Malabar Gold & Diamonds has become a global symbol of ethical business practices and community service. The group allocates 5% of its net profits to CSR — more than double India’s mandated corporate contribution — supporting causes such as health, housing, women’s empowerment, and the environment.
Through initiatives like Hunger Free World, Malabar demonstrates how Indian entrepreneurship can drive global change — building bridges between business success and social transformation. 🌍💛
The Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), through its Consumer Protection Committee, organized its 2nd Awareness Programme on Consumer Protection for the B.Com students of DMC College, Mapusa. The event was held on 7th November 2025 at the Shree Shantadurga Devasthan Hall, Dhargal, and aimed to spread awareness about consumer rights and responsibilities among students, faculty members, and local villagers.
Mr. Ketan Kashinath Phaldesai, Assistant Director of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, was the Guest Speaker for the programme. He delivered an insightful and interactive session on the importance of consumer awareness and the mechanisms available for grievance redressal. Mr. Phaldesai provided an overview of the consumer movement in India, tracing its historical evolution and emphasizing the enactment of the Consumer Protection Acts of 1986 and 2019. He elaborated on the rights and responsibilities of consumers and encouraged participants to remain vigilant and proactive in protecting their interests.
The programme began with a welcome address by Mrs. Amita Salatry, Chairperson of the Consumer Protection Committee. Mr. Amit Sawant, a member of the Committee and Deputy Director of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, shared insights on the significance and definition of consumer protection. The dais also included Committee Member Prof. Subhash Kavthankar, Prof. Chandru Govekar from DMC College, Prof. Dhanish Kumar, and Panch Member of Dhargal Panchayat, Mr. Satish Dhumal.
The event was compered by Ms. Neha Indear, a student of DMC College, while Ms. Neha Vishwakarma delivered the Vote of Thanks, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries and participants. The initiative successfully created awareness among young students and local residents, reinforcing GCCI’s commitment to promoting consumer education and responsible citizenship across Goa.
Goa, India – Cycle Pure Agarbathi, India’s leading agarbathi manufacturer, celebrates 77 years of fragrance, faith, and purpose as it expands its footprint across Goa. With a legacy that has enriched over six billion prayers worldwide, the brand continues to carry forward the spirit of Indian craftsmanship and devotion, blending tradition with innovation to create timeless experiences.
Founded in Mysuru, Cycle Pure Agarbathi has grown from a humble family enterprise into a global brand exporting to more than 75 countries. Its diverse range includes traditional agarbathies and contemporary wellness offerings under the IRIS Home Fragrances brand, now available across Goa through leading retail and quick commerce platforms. This expansion ensures that every home can experience the essence of purity, peace, and prayer with just a click.
Marking a milestone in its journey, Cycle Pure Agarbathi created history at the International Purple Fest Goa 2025 by unveiling and lighting a 125-feet agarbathi—the longest and most inclusive creation in its legacy. The event, graced by Dr. Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, and other dignitaries, represented a beautiful convergence of tradition, inclusion, and innovation. The ceremonial lighting symbolized unity and celebration of diverse abilities at one of the world’s most inclusive cultural events.
Continuing its deep connection with art and culture, Cycle Pure Agarbathi recently collaborated with Kantara: Chapter 1, a PAN-Indian mythological action drama, as the official prayer partner. To commemorate this partnership, the brand launched the Three in One Parampara Agarbathi, a special edition inspired by Karnataka’s rich cultural heritage. Each stick in this collection is a blend of divine fragrance and devotion, offering an experience that embodies spiritual resonance and artistic tradition.
Speaking on the expansion, Mr. Arjun Ranga, Managing Director of Cycle Pure Agarbathi, said, “At Cycle Pure Agarbathi, we believe fragrance is a bridge between tradition and modern living. Our presence across all leading quick commerce platforms ensures that this sacred experience is just a click away—bringing purity, emotion, and heritage to homes instantly.”
Echoing the sentiment, Mr. Amarnath Datta, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, added, “Goa represents a vibrant confluence of culture, spirituality, and modern living—values that deeply resonate with our brand. Through our Cycle and IRIS product lines and creative collaborations like Kantara, we’re not just offering fragrance; we’re creating immersive experiences that connect with hearts and homes.”
Sustainability remains at the heart of Cycle Pure’s philosophy. With zero carbon emissions across its production facilities, plastic-free packaging, and natural ingredient sourcing, the brand has built an environmentally responsible model that blends spirituality with stewardship. The company also continues to empower communities through its Gadchiroli Agarbatti Project (GAP)—a rural livelihood initiative launched in 2014 that has uplifted over 1,200 tribal women, tripling their average household income.
Cycle Pure Agarbathi invites Goans to explore its complete range—from traditional incense to modern wellness products—crafted to transform ordinary moments into soulful rituals. As the brand enters its 78th year, it continues to uphold its vision of purity, empowerment, and sustainability, carrying forward a legacy of fragrance that touches lives, connects cultures, and inspires generations.
