Fourth Edition of IICA’s National Conference on Responsible Business Conduct (NCRBC) 2026 held in New Delhi

Why in news

The fourth edition of the National Conference on Responsible Business Conduct (NCRBC) 2026 was held in New Delhi, focusing on ESG-led transformation for Viksit Bharat and positioning responsible business conduct as a driver of India's economic competitiveness.

Exam relevance

GS1, GS2, GS3, GS4 · Economy, Governance, Society, Ethics · Prelims · Mains

Key facts

1. The fourth edition of the National Conference on Responsible Business Conduct (NCRBC) 2026 was organized in New Delhi.
2. The conference was themed 'ESG-led Transformation for Viksit Bharat'.
3. It was organized by the School of Business Environment (SBE) of the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA).
4. IICA is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
5. Shri Nitin Gupta, Chairperson of the National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA), emphasized that Responsible Business Conduct is integral to the vision of Viksit Bharat.
6. Responsible Business Conduct is seen as a driver for competitive enterprises, trusted markets, inclusive growth, and environmental sustainability.
7. Progress has been made in strengthening sustainability disclosures, with a focus now on enhancing their quality, reliability, and decision usefulness.
8. Sustainability information should be relevant, comparable, evidence-based, and verifiable.
9. Robust methodologies, reliable source systems, and effective internal controls are crucial for credible sustainability reporting.

Prelims pointers

• NCRBC 2026 was the fourth edition of the conference.
• The conference theme was 'ESG-led Transformation for Viksit Bharat'.
• The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) organized the event.
• IICA operates under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
• NFRA Chairperson Shri Nitin Gupta addressed the conference.
• Emphasis was placed on the quality and reliability of sustainability disclosures.

Mains practice question

Discuss the significance of Responsible Business Conduct and ESG-led transformation in achieving India's economic competitiveness and the vision of 'Viksit Bharat'. What measures are needed to enhance the quality and reliability of sustainability disclosures?

Static linkage

The conference relates to corporate governance, sustainable development, and economic policy, linking to concepts like Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and India's developmental goals such as 'Viksit Bharat'. The National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) plays a role in financial reporting standards.

Significance

The conference highlights the increasing importance of integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into business practices for achieving national economic goals. It underscores the need for high-quality, reliable sustainability disclosures to foster investor confidence, promote responsible market behavior, and drive inclusive and sustainable growth. The focus on enhancing the quality and decision usefulness of sustainability information is critical for India's journey towards becoming a developed economy ('Viksit Bharat').