NEWS CAPSULES

• Concerned at the slow progress in expanding electricity generation capacity, the power ministry has asked NTPC to sign the gas purchase deal with RIL for projects other than expanding the Kawas and Gandhar units, on which a legal dispute is on with the private company.
• The government has granted a year’s extension to Satyam Computer Services for completion of three special economic zones (SEZs) in Andhra Pradesh, giving elbow room to the new management of the IT firm.
• Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL), the public sector defence undertaking, dedicated to the Army its new artillery combat and control system. Christened Shakti, the new system is developed by BEL in association with Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• Suzlon, the world’s fifth-largest wind turbine maker, is exploring the option of selling a large portion of its stake in Belgian company Hansen Transmissions, to raise money for retiring part of its Rs 12,000-crore debt. The company could also consider selling its entire stake in Hansen, according to people close to the development.
• Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) and Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) are planning to revive a proposed joint venture (JV) for services related to vessel operations and are working on hiring a consultant for the purpose.
• Eveready Industries India (EIIL), the BM Khaitan Group flagship company, is buying out France’s rechargeable battery maker Uniross from CG Holding for e10 million (Rs 60 crore approx). This is EIIL’s first overseas acquisition in the offshore battery turf.