The Hub January, 2026, wish you a very healthy and prosperous “New Year”. The Hub is a monthly e-newsletter from Independent Directors’ Databank gives you a broad view of developments happening around Regulatory framework, Corporate world among other updates.

The featured stories in various sections cover regulatory updates, governance practices and experience sharing by Independent Directors.

While Indian enterprises continued their AI implementation journey, in 2025, India became one of the largest users of AI in the world. ChatGPT and Perplexity usage in India is among the highest in the world. As AI penetrates all aspects of our digital lives in the coming decade it is likely that India will lead the world in this tsunami of demand for AI. AI agents represent the most radical promise of this era: a workforce without limits, always available, always learning, and infinitely scalable. Now it is time for India to embrace this transformative tech for competitiveness.

Setting in the Hub – January, 2026 issue highlights “Is India ready for Agentic AI?” a survey report from EY.

Vignettes showcase article from Shefali Goradia, Chairperson & Deepti Berera, Partner, Deloitte South Asia titled Beyond the ‘one-woman’ rule: Why Indian boardrooms need to move from diversity tokenism to true influence.

Regulatory Worktop shares the key updates about, a) SEBI Mandated periodic disclosure requirements for Securitised Debt Instruments, b) Democratising access to AI infrastructure – White Paper from the office of Principal Scientific Advisor, c) SEBI Consultation Paper for Foreign Portfolio Investors and Designated Depository Participants, d) Regulatory updations from MCA and e) NFRA Circular on Maintenance, archival and submission of Audit File to NFRA.

Regulators Eye focus on the key updates relating to a) IndiGo board preached governance, but failed to walk the talk, b) Government directed Coal India to list Subsidiaries to boost governance, c) Mid-term exits by independent directors at highest level since 2017, d) Tata Group shows why institutional memory is a strategic asset, and e) Corporate governance | When all aboard are flying blind - R Gopalakrishnan.

Events Expo showcases relevant national and global upcoming events, programs, workshops, conferences, etc. for participation of the members. This issue covers AI for Business Leadership | CII – IIT Bombay | January 27-31, 2026 and Dynamic Leadership Unleashed: A Guide for Young Executives | Bombay Chamber of Commerce & Industry | January 15, 2026.

Global Events, suggested are Board Practices - the Good, the Bad and the Ugly | Governance Publishing | January 13, 2026 and Risk Conversations for Boards in Uncertain Times: AI, Geopolitics and Beyond | CGI | January 14, 2026.