8JULY, 2026TOP STORIESIndia's defense sector is opening a new opportunity for the private firm segment. The move comes as DRDO invites companies to join DRDO weapon production for strategic systems. The Defence Research and Development Organisation has issued an Expression of Interest (EoI). It seeks private companies for development-cum-production partnerships in strategic weapon systems.The initiative covers missile and bomb systems developed by DRDO's Department of Missiles and Strategic Systems. The department handles key strategic programs, including the Agni series. The move could give private defense manufacturers a bigger role in India's strategic weapons supply chain. Companies will work with DRDO during development, testing, and production. Defense manufacturing in Kanpur is gaining momentum as Uttar Pradesh develops its six-node Defense Industrial Corridor. The corridor is emerging as a major production base for ammunition, missiles, defense textiles and protective equipment. Kanpur has attracted investment proposals worth around Rs 12,803 crore, the highest among the six nodes. The wider corridor has secured proposals worth Rs 35,526.76 crore.So far, 62 companies have received land, while nine units are already operational. This progress signals a shift from investment commitments to actual production. It also strengthens Uttar Pradesh's role in India's push for indigenous defense manufacturing and stronger domestic supply chains. The steel plant planned by Amit Metaliks in Purulia marks a 4,000 crore investment that combines new production capacity with resource-efficient manufacturing. The integrated project at Raghunathpur will target 1.2 million tons per annum (MTPA) and aims to begin commercial operations by 2029.The facility will include a pellet plant, direct reduced iron (DRI) unit, rolling mill, SEAF, forging and brick units, supported by a 145-MW captive power Renewable power is becoming a central part of Hindustan Zinc's strategy as the company accelerates its shift toward lower-carbon mining and smelting. The Vedanta Group company has raised renewable power's share of overall consumption to 22 per cent, up from about 18 per cent in FY26, and targets nearly 70 per cent by FY28.FY26 green power generation reached 892 million units, compared with 632 million units in FY25. It also expanded its round-the-clock renewable power agreement with Serentica Renewables from 450 MW to 530 MW. The move combines clean power procurement, energy storage, infrastructure upgrades and efficiency projects across Rajasthan and Uttarakhand. Tata Sons board wants N Chandrasekaran to reconsider exit as directors remain divided over his decision not to seek another term as chairman. N Chandrasekaran's current term ends in February 2027. His decision has now triggered a wider debate over the Tata Group's next leadership move.Some directors believe Chandrasekaran should be PRIVATE FIRMS GET NEW OPPORTUNITY IN DRDO WEAPON PRODUCTIONFROM RENEWABLE POWER TO GREEN ZINC, HINDUSTAN ZINC'S NEW PLAYTATA SONS BOARD WANTS CHANDRASEKARAN TO RECONSIDER EXITKANPUR EMERGES AS UP'S DEFENSE MANUFACTURING POWERHOUSEBENGAL'S NEW 4,000 CRORE STEEL PLANT PUTS SUSTAINABILITY IN FOCUSasked to continue. Others want the board to accept his decision and begin the succession process. The disagreement has added uncertainty around one of India's biggest business groups. Chandrasekaran became chairman of Tata Sons in 2017. He has since led the group through major changes across its businesses.
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