News on Indian Economy
Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited, or KSSL, is the wholly owned defence subsidiary of Bharat Forge and now leads the Kalyani Group’s defence business. FN Herstal is part of Belgium’s FN Browning Group and brings more than 135 years of experience in small arms and integrated weapon systems.
Under the agreement, the Textiles Committee will identify, verify, certify and recognise eligible producers of recycled and upcycled textile goods. It will also conduct stakeholder consultations, support capacity building and market research, and assist in developing technical specifications for products that can be offered to government buyers.
The seasonally adjusted HSBC India Services Purchasing Managers’ Index Business Activity Index rose to 54.1 in August from 53.3 in July, remaining comfortably above the 50-point threshold that separates expansion from contraction.
During the visit, Larsen & Toubro and John Cockerill Defense were reported to have concluded an agreement connected with the supply of turrets for the Zorawar programme. L&T is the principal industry partner working with the Defence Research and Development Organisation on the Indian Light Tank.
According to provisional Joint Plant Committee data released by the Ministry of Steel, India produced 70.3 million tonnes of crude steel during April-August 2026, up 1.8% from 69 million tonnes in the corresponding period of the previous year. Finished-steel production increased more rapidly, rising 3.8% to 68.1 million tonnes, while hot-metal output grew 1.9% to 40 million tonnes.
The shipment includes Aromatic Kali Khasa Rice, Aromatic Harinarayan Rice, Biron Rice and Maimi Hanga Rice. Biron is a white sticky rice variety, while Maimi Hanga is a distinctive black rice. The produce was aggregated from Farmer Producer Companies in Tripura supported by the Tripura State Organic Farming Development Agency, creating a direct link between organised farmer groups in the state and international buyers.
Unlike highly polished white rice, traditional Palakkadan Matta retains much of its coloured outer layer and is commonly parboiled before milling. The resulting rice has a firm texture, substantial grain and distinctive taste that has made it a staple of Kerala meals as well as an ingredient in traditional snacks and rice preparations.
Indi Energy, the brand of Indigenous Energy Storage Technologies Private Limited, is developing sodium-ion batteries in India while converting agricultural and biological waste into a high-value battery material called BioBlack™ hard carbon.
BEL Chairman and Managing Director Manoj Jain presented the cheque, covering interim and final dividend attributable to the government’s equity holding, during the annual performance review of Defence Public Sector Undertakings chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on September 1, 2026. BEL subsequently announced the development on September 2.
KSSL, the wholly owned defence subsidiary of Bharat Forge, and Thales signed the Strategic Alliance Agreement in New Delhi on September 3, 2026, during the high-level Belgian visit to India. The arrangement creates a framework for technology transfer, local production and distribution of 2.75-inch, or 70-mm, rocket systems and associated equipment.
