GRENADE LAUNCHERS: As part of its $1 billion infantry modernization program, the Indian army is seeking to equip its infantry units with new, semi-automatic 40-mm magazine grenade launchers (MGLs). “India’s Ministry of Defense has invited bids from global firms for the acquisition of these weapons. We are looking to purchase around 1,500 units to be supplied within 12-16 months of signing the contract,” an official of the Indian defense ministry says. The official declined to release financial details.

Demand for pilots, especially from overseas, to fly Indian airline aircraft may soar if the country's civil aviation regulator goes ahead with new rules on reducing daily flying hours to give pilots more rest. India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) recently framed new civil aviation requirements on duty time for pilots.

NEW DELHI — Private utility Tata Power has won a contract to modernize the capabilities of India’s airfields, giving a boost to private sector participation in the country’s defense sector.