#Indonesia plans to buy additional #BrahMos from India

Ahead of PM Modi's visit to Indonesia, reports suggest Jakarta is looking to expand its planned procurement of BrahMos

This comes weeks after Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said India's BrahMos export deal with Vietnam had already been signed, with Indonesia next in line

If finalised, the deal would further strengthen India's position as a reliable exporter of advanced defence systems.

The sale of additional BrahMos supersonic missile systems is expected to come up during Modi's three-day visit to the country.

India ⁠has already signed ⁠a deal with Vietnam under which it will supply BrahMos missiles which it has jointly ‌developed with Russia and is in “final stages” for a similar deal with Indonesia, India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said on ⁠Saturday. India has a strong commitment ‌to Asean nations, Singh said, without disclosing more details ‌of the deals related to BrahMos.

India, which has been building ‌up ‌domestic defence manufacturing for local use ‌and exports, has already sold ⁠the supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines.

A deal with Vietnam could be worth about 60 ‌billion rupees (US$629 million), ‌including training and logistical support, a source previously said. BrahMos’ growing export appeal rests on a combination of raw performance and its proven combat abilities. The missile’s battlefield debut came during “Operation Sindoor” in May 2025, India’s military campaign against Pakistan following a militant attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, that killed at least 26 civilians.

World is at an inflection point : New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Luxon

New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Luxon has said that the world is at an "inflection point in global geopolitics." He argues that while the emerging multipolar order is still evolving, countries must strengthen multilateral institutions and deepen cooperation with like-minded partners to address shared global challenges.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit New Zealand in July, which would be Modi’s first head of government. This is a historic trip given that India and New Zealand, on 27 April 2026, concluded a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in New Delhi. The deal, which is undergoing ratification, gives a practical shape to the long-standing desire of both nations to deepen their commercial ties.

New Zealand has for a long time considered India as a “strategic partner,” given the weight of the Indian economy, its increasing role in global politics, and its geographical centrality in the Indo-Pacific. A stronger bilateral relationship also helps New Zealand to not rely too heavily on a small group of countries for its exports.

One factor that has brought the two countries closer is the presence of a large Indian community in New Zealand, estimated at around 300,000 people (six percent of the population). Through commerce, academic exchanges, cultural activities and family connections, this diaspora has served as a link, referred to as a “vital living bridge” between the two governments over many years.

The trade between the two countries is still relatively small when compared to the overall size of the Indian economy. New Zealand exported to India goods and services valued at NZ$2.03 billion in the year ending December 2025, which made India only its 11th largest export market. This figure suggests that much of the trade potential between the two economies is yet to be realized.

Arvind SmartSpaces declares dividend of Rs. 2.25/- per share for Q4 FY26

Arvind SmartSpaces Ltd has announced its Q4 & FY26 Financial Results. 

Q4 & FY26 Financial Results highlights 

- Annual Booking Value of Rs. 1,550 Cr, YoY growth 22%

- Annual Collections of Rs. 1,100 Cr, YoY growth of 17%

- Quarterly Booking Value of Rs. 612 Cr; YoY growth of 61%

- Quarterly Collections of Rs. 355 Cr; YoY growth of 65%

- Net Operating Cash Flows of Rs. 417 Cr in FY26

- Crossed Rs. 100 Cr of PAT for consecutive years

- Acquired new projects with an expected topline of ~Rs. 3,140 Cr during FY26

- The Board of Directors recommended a final dividend of Rs. 2.25/- per equity share of face value of Rs. 10/- each

Arvind SmartSpaces (ASL) is one of India’s leading real estate development companies and a part of the Lalbhai Group. In March this year Pirojsha Adi Godrej had bought 8,17,530 shares in the real estate developer for ₹498 per share, while HDFC Capital Affordable Real Estate Fund-1 sold the same amount of shares for the similar price. 

⁠Five year extension for state government jobs in #WB under #BJP

Seven key decisions taken in the first cabinet meeting led by BJP led West Bengal government headed by CM Suvendu Adhikari today.  

1. Appreciate efforts of EC, Observers, Kolkata Police, West Bengal Police. 

2. ⁠As many as 321 BJP party workers killed paid respects by the cabinet, their families responsibility will be taken state govt. 

3. ⁠Process for land transfer to BSF for erecting fence on India-Bangladesh border & complete work of land transfer by 45 days. 

4. ⁠Ayushman Bharat scheme work begins, to be implemented soon. State enrolls itself under all central schemes like - PM Jan Arogya Yojana, Fasal Yojana, PM Viswakarma, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and all the other central schemes. Implementation soon. All petitions pending at centres for Ujjwala Yojana. 

5. IAS & IPS officers will be allowed for central training. BNS was not implemented in the state. 

6.West Bengal to implement BNS immediately. 

7. ⁠Five year extension for state government jobs.

Shyam Metalics to #invest ₹2700 cr over the next 3 to 4 years

Shyam Metalics Accelerates Expansion Vision; With ₹8,700 crores already deployed, the steel giant proposes to add fresh capital of ₹2700 Crore to its existing ₹16,060 crore pipeline, executing the balance over the next 3 to 4 years.

Shyam Metalics and Energy Ltd is planning to invest around Rs 700 crore to set up an aluminium flat rolled products (FRP) and foil manufacturing facility in Sambalpur, Odisha, as it expands into value-added downstream segments, as per media reports.

The project, being developed through its step-down subsidiary Smel Steel Structural Pvt Ltd, is in an advanced stage and is expected to be commissioned by June 2026, the company said.

 

The facility will have an installed capacity of 60,000 tonnes per annum (TPA) of aluminium flat rolled products and 18,000 TPA of aluminium foils, marking the company’s entry into high-margin aluminium downstream products, according to a company statement.

Commenting on the developments, Mr. Brij Bhushan Agarwal, Chairman and Managing Director, Shyam Metalics and Energy Limited, said, “This marks the next phase of Shyam Metalics’ evolution from scale-led growth to value-led growth. Our objective is not simply to add capacity, but to build stronger positions in sophisticated, higher-margin product categories that can drive sustainable returns over the long term.

The investments in specialty steel and advanced stainless downstream products will help us move further up the value chain, support import substitution, and strengthen India’s manufacturing capabilities. Importantly, these expansions are being funded entirely through internal accruals, reflecting both our balance sheet strength and disciplined approach to growth. We are confident that the integration of these stainless steel offerings will catalyze manifold growth in both our topline and profit margins.

 

With these projects, we are building a stronger, more resilient and globally competitive metals platform, one that is aligned with India’s industrial ambitions while delivering long-term value for customers, communities and shareholders.”

 

#SC asks #ECI to follow its own circular "in letter and spirit"

In TMC’s challenge to deploy only Central government employees as vote counting supervisors for the assembly elections in West Bengal, Supreme Court asks ECI to follow its own circular "in letter and spirit" which typically allow for a mix of State and Central personnel to be appointed as vote counting supervisors.
The All India Trinamool Congress filed a Special Leave Petition (Diary No. 26799/2026) before the Supreme Court of India challenging implementation of an Election Commission communication dated 13 April 2026.
The dispute concerns the appointment of Counting Supervisors and Counting Assistants, where it was alleged that only Central Government/PSU employees were being, potentially affecting balance in the counting process.
Senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Meenakshi Arora argued that staff selection must follow a randomisation process as outlined in the communication.
The Supreme Court directed that Clause 1 of the communication must be read together with provisions on the second page, which mandate random selection from both State and Central Government employees.
The Court recorded an undertaking from Election Commission of India (through senior advocate Dama Seshadri Naidu) that the guidelines will be implemented fully.
The issue had earlier been challenged before the Calcutta High Court, which dismissed the petition on 30 April 2026.
The outcome implies that counting staff deployment must follow a mixed, randomised selection process to ensure procedural balance.

Kadimi Group expands its global footprint with strategic #US acquisition

US-based Rol-flo Engineering Inc is acquired by fastener and cold forging industry player Gurugram based Kadimi Group for an unspecified amount 

Kadimi Tool Manufacturing Co. , a player in the fastener and cold forging industry has recently made its first global acquisition with the US-based Rol-flo Engineering Inc.

The Group also plans to expand capacity across its facilities and actively pursue further acquisition opportunities in key global markets like Western Europe, Japan, and China.

Founded in 1977 and initially representing global manufacturers in India, the company gradually expanded into manufacturing, beginning with flat thread rolling dies in 1987. Over the years, Kadimi diversified further, entering the production of cold heading wire in 2013.

In 2024, the company ventured into fastener manufacturing, and the acquisition of Rol-flo Engineering – its first outside India – will complement Kadimi’s existing product portfolio, according to Managing Director Sahil Nath.

#German specialty chemicals manufacturer WACKER expands production facility in Panagarh #WestBengal

Wacker Chemie AG a German multinational and leading global provider of highly developed specialty chemicals has successfully completed the second expansion phase at its production site in Panagarh, West Bengal, India. In addition to silicone rubber, the site now also operates a production complex for silicone emulsions.

WACKER has taken a significant step forward in strengthening its manufacturing presence in India by expanding its silicone emulsion production capabilities. The company recently commissioned a new production complex at its Panagarh facility, marking another milestone in its long-term growth strategy in the country. This advanced facility is dedicated to producing high-quality silicone emulsions that cater primarily to the cosmetics and personal care sectors, which are experiencing steady demand growth both domestically and globally.

GMP-certified production facility in West Bengal will supply high-quality silicone emulsions for the cosmetics and personal care industry. The new plant will increase the Group’s silicone emulsion production capacities in India significantly. The expansion will create 60 new jobs at the site.

WACKER’s fully consolidated joint venture Wacker Metroark Chemicals (WMC) is a leading supplier of silicone raw materials for cosmetic products, shampoos, and personal-care applications. In addition to local manufacturers, the company’s customer base also includes international consumer goods companies. “The demand for our silicone products remains unabated, and we expect to see further significant growth in India,” said Tom Koini, head of WACKER’s Silicones division. “By expanding our production in Panagarh, we are ideally positioned to meet this rising demand and to support the growth of our customers.”

WACKER began its silicones production in India in 1999. At the Amtala site near Kolkata, the company has been manufacturing silicone fluids, emulsions, and silicone rubber compounds among other silicone products. In 2022, WACKER began operations at its 165,000 square meter site in Panagarh. Here, the company has been producing silicone rubber and ready-to-use silicone compounds for the electromobility, medical technology, and electrical power supply industries.

Following the commissioning of the second expansion phase, WACKER’s Panagarh site now represents a second mainstay for producing silicone emulsions in India. Through further expansion measures, WACKER aims at making the site assume a leading role in the regional silicones supply chain. In future, Amtala – hitherto the hub of silicone fluids and emulsion production in India – will increasingly focus on product and process development. “The successful completion of the expansion work in Panagarh is key to our future success in India,” declared Sascha Büchel, Managing Director Wacker Metroark during the opening ceremony. “Our main site in Amtala has played an outstanding role. But Amtala is increasingly being stretched to its limits. Panagarh provides us the space, infrastructure, and flexibility we need to continue our success story in India.”

#Coal India’s e-auction premiums are getting costlier due to #CNG and #LPG shortage

Coal India’s e-auction premiums have risen to around 35% over notified prices in February 2026

India’s overall coal demand has been rising steadily, with annual consumption crossing 1.25 billion tonnes, driven primarily by the power sector, cement, sponge iron, and captive industrial users. Early signals from coal markets indicate tightening demand–supply dynamics. Coal India’s e-auction premiums have risen to around 35% over notified prices in February 2026, reflecting increased urgency among buyers to secure supply. This marks a shift from softer demand trends earlier in the fiscal year. The demand uptick is being driven by multiple factors, including substitution from gas amid LNG disruptions, seasonal ramp-up in power demand, and reduced imports leading to greater reliance on domestic coal. However, coal’s substitution potential remains largely limited to the power sector in the short-to-medium term. Structural and technological constraints continue to restrict its widespread adoption in industrial applications such as fertilisers and chemicals.

Commenting on the evolving scenario, Vinaya Varma, MD & CEO, mjunction services limited stated, “What we are witnessing is an early but clear behavioural shift in fuel consumption patterns. As LNG availability tightens and CNG/LPG supplies face disruption in several industrial clusters, buyers are increasingly turning to coal to secure operational continuity. The rise in e-auction premiums and improved offtake reflects this urgency. Coal will continue to play a critical role in ensuring India’s energy security, especially in times of global uncertainty. While we are witnessing localized tightening in demand and firming of prices, the overall market remains balanced due to strong domestic availability and adequate stock levels.”

Importantly, the situation remains measured rather than overheated. Only about 47% of auction volumes have been sold so far this year, and current premiums remain below historical peaks, indicating controlled but firming demand. Current coal stock levels at power plants remain comfortable at 18–20 days of consumption, preventing panic buying despite tightening spot demand signals in auction markets. Overall, while India is not facing an immediate energy crisis, evolving global disruptions are beginning to test the system.

Netafim launches #AI Enabled Automated Dosing Machines for smart Fertigation for #Indian #Farmers

Netafim, Orbia’s Precision Agriculture business a leader in precision irrigation solutions, announced the launch of its “5th Generation AI-Enabled Automated Dosing 5G product range”. The new range is designed to enable optimal fertigation management through advanced AI-powered automated dosing technology, along with intuitive remote control and monitoring capabilities. The suite of updated dosing products includes FertiKit™ 5G, FertiOne™ 5G, NetaJet™ 5G and NetaFlex™ 5G. 

A fertigation dosing system injects fertilizers, pesticides, or nutrients directly into irrigation water, ensuring precise, uniform delivery to the root zone.

Vikas Sonawane, Chief Operating Officer at Netafim Irrigation India Pvt Ltd, said that “Farmers in India face rising input costs, water scarcity, inconsistent nutrient dosing and limited real-time visibility, often leading to wastage, uneven crop growth and lower profitability. Addressing these challenges, Netafim has introduced Dosing 5G. “This AI-powered solution brings precision, automation and remote monitoring to fertigation management, ensuring optimal nutrient delivery with minimal manual effort. By improving dosing accuracy and water-use efficiency, it helps enhance crop quality, strengthen farm profitability and support sustainable water management, enabling Indian farmers to make every drop and nutrient count.”

The company claims that Dosing 5G solutions have already been deployed, with early results already demonstrating significant improvements in customer experience and efficiency. These findings validate the system as a powerful solution for achieving higher yields, better-quality crops, reduced nutrient runoff, and minimized environmental impact.