Astra Wins Rs 1.35 Billion Radar Deal From DRDO

07 Aug 2025 CW Team

Astra Microwave Products rose 2.30 per cent to Rs 971 after securing a defence order worth Rs 1.35 billion from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for upgrading a ground-based radar system.

The contract is set to be executed over 18 months. The company confirmed that neither its promoters nor related group entities have any involvement with the awarding organisation, and the transaction does not qualify as a related party deal, thus not requiring an arm’s length assessment.

Astra Microwave specialises in the design, development, and manufacture of high-value RF and microwave super components, subsystems, and systems for defence, space, telecommunications, meteorology, and civil communication sectors.

In its financial results for Q4 FY25, Astra Microwave reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 734.9 million, marking a 35.1 per cent increase over the same quarter last year. Revenue from operations rose 15.2 per cent year-on-year to Rs 4.08 billion.

Infrastructure Urban

13 Oct 2025

Daikin Boosts Haryana’s Innovation Push with Rs 10 billion R&D Plan

Japanese multinational Daikin Industries has committed an investment of Rs 10 billion to set up a new research and development centre in Haryana. The proposed facility will focus on advanced technologies and sustainable industrial solutions, marking a significant boost to the state’s innovation and industrial ecosystem. The announcement follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Osaka, Japan, during a visit by a Haryana government delegation held from October 6 to 8. The MoU was signed by Amit Kumar Agrawal, Commissioner and Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department, ..

Lloyds Metals to Build Rs 250 billion Steel Plant in Gadchiroli

Lloyds Metals & Energy Limited (LMEL) has announced an investment of Rs 250 billion aimed at transforming Gadchiroli in Maharashtra from a region once associated with the red corridor into a key industrial and growth hub. The company’s plans are centred on establishing an integrated steel production ecosystem, which will contribute significantly to regional development and employment. As part of its expansion strategy, LMEL is setting up a 4.5-million-tonne blast furnace in Gadchiroli, scheduled for completion by 2027–28, along with another 1.2-million-tonne facility in Chandrapur by 2029..

UPI Crosses 500 Million Users, Fuels MSME and Digital Growth

The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has achieved a new milestone, surpassing 500 million consumers and 65 million merchants across India. The platform, developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has expanded its reach to nearly 99 percent of the country’s pin codes, underlining its deep penetration into both urban and rural markets. According to a report by NPCI and the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) launched during the Global Fintech Fest 2025, UPI has evolved from being a digital payments mechanism into a key enabler of financial inclusion and small business growth. I..