Daughter-in-law of Anil Agarwal and widow of the late Agnivesh Agarwal
The Vedanta Group, a prominent Indian business conglomerate, was dealt a devastating blow in early 2026 with the sudden passing of Agnivesh Agarwal, the elder son of Chairman Anil Agarwal. The news sent shockwaves throughout the business world, prompting an outpouring of condolences and tributes from across the country. As the news settled, attention shifted to Agnivesh’s wife, Puja Bangur, a notable figure affiliated with the esteemed business family.
Puja Bangur hails from the prestigious Bangur family, a well-known business clan in India. Her family has significant interests in various sectors, including cement, ceramics, and other industries. The Bangur family is respected for their entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen, which has enabled them to establish a strong presence in the Indian business landscape.
As the wife of Agnivesh Agarwal, Puja Bangur has become an important figure in the Vedanta Group, which has diversified interests in mining, metals, and other sectors. The Vedanta Group, founded by Anil Agarwal, has grown into a global conglomerate with operations in multiple countries. The group’s business interests include zinc, lead, silver, copper, iron ore, and aluminum, among others.
The sudden demise of Agnivesh Agarwal has raised questions about the future of the Vedanta Group and the role that Puja Bangur may play in the company’s affairs. As a member of the Bangur family, Puja brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, which could be invaluable to the Vedanta Group. Her association with the Agarwal family has also strengthened the ties between the two business families, which could lead to new opportunities and collaborations in the future.
While the exact nature of Puja Bangur’s involvement in the Vedanta Group is not clear, her presence is likely to be felt in the days to come. As the business world continues to mourn the loss of Agnivesh Agarwal, attention will be focused on how the Vedanta Group navigates this challenging period and how Puja Bangur contributes to the company’s future growth and success. With her strong business background and family connections, Puja Bangur is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of the Vedanta Group.
Vedanta Resources CEO Deshnee Naidoo stated that the company will play a vital part in decreasing India’s dependence on imported critical minerals.
Vedanta Resources has unveiled an ambitious plan to transform itself into a $100 billion energy, critical minerals, and tech conglomerate. The company, led by CEO Deshnee Naidoo, aims to achieve this goal through aggressive investments in backward integration, asset acquisitions, and expansions in key sectors such as aluminium, copper, oil and gas, and rare earths. Naidoo outlined the company’s growth plans, which include doubling the Lanjigarh alumina refinery in Odisha to 5 MTPA by FY26 and expanding captive coal and bauxite mining.
Vedanta is also focused on growing its presence in critical minerals, with a strategic role in helping India reduce its dependence on imports. The company has secured ten critical mineral blocks, including tungsten, graphite, and rare earth elements, and is leveraging its expertise in advanced metal extraction to build India’s self-reliance. Internationally, Vedanta is exploring opportunities for business expansion, including a recent MoU in Saudi Arabia to develop large-scale copper projects.
In oil and gas, Vedanta’s subsidiary Cairn is focused on accelerating exploration and converting reserves into production, with a near-term goal of about 150,000 barrels per day. The company is also expanding its aluminium production capacity, with plans to take capacity from 2.4 MTPA to 3.1 MTPA by FY28. Through its Restora range, India’s first low-carbon ‘green’ aluminium, Vedanta is helping downstream industries meet global decarbonisation standards.
The demerger process, which is underway, is expected to be completed within the current financial year. The restructuring will result in five focused, independent companies, each with the flexibility to unlock greater value. Naidoo noted that the company is confident of completing the demerger process, having received 99.99% approvals from shareholders and 99.95% from creditors.
Looking ahead, Vedanta is focused on scaling its businesses to meet India’s growing demand, despite challenges posed by increasing US tariffs and global geopolitical tensions. The company sees opportunities for India to strengthen its domestic capabilities and secure strategic resources, particularly in the energy sector. By diversifying its energy mix and investing in renewable capacity, India can position itself as a resilient global player in energy and mining. Overall, Vedanta’s ambitious plans and strategic investments are poised to drive growth and transformation in the energy, critical minerals, and tech sectors.
The Supreme Court has declined to hear a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) regarding accusations made by the Viceroy against Vedanta.
A recent report by Viceroy Research has sparked a legal battle involving Indian conglomerate Vedanta. The report, which was published online after allegedly receiving no response from regulatory bodies, details various findings related to the company’s financial dealings. Viceroy sent complaint letters to the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) on July 14 and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on July 15, outlining its concerns.
In response, Vedanta obtained a legal opinion from former Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, which suggested that the company could initiate a defamation lawsuit against the short-seller. However, Viceroy Research has criticized this opinion, leading to further tensions between the two parties.
A petitioner, Shakti Bhatia, has since filed a plea in court, claiming to have independently corroborated certain aspects of the Viceroy report. Specifically, he alleges that Vedanta has engaged in undisclosed related-party transactions, which he verified through official records, including MCA21 filings, SEBI disclosures, and Registrar of Companies records.
The petitioner’s plea names the Union of India, SEBI, RBI, and the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) as respondents. He claims that certain high-value transactions involved counterparties that were not declared as related parties, nor were they subject to shareholder approval, as required by law. If proven, these acts would constitute serious breaches of the Companies Act, 2013, and SEBI’s Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements (LODR) Regulations, potentially amounting to financial fraud and harming minority shareholders.
The case highlights concerns about corporate governance and regulatory oversight in India. The petitioner is seeking action against Vedanta and the regulatory bodies, alleging that they have failed to prevent or investigate potential wrongdoing. The outcome of this case will be closely watched, as it may have significant implications for corporate accountability and investor protection in India.
Ferro chrome auction by Vedanta-FACOR in India experiences a 3-4% increase in bids over base prices, as reported by BigMint.
Vedanta-FACOR, a prominent player in the Indian ferro chrome industry, recently conducted an auction for ferro chrome, which saw bids rise by 3-4% over the base prices. This development is significant, as it indicates a positive trend in the demand for ferro chrome, a crucial alloy used in the production of stainless steel.
The auction, which was closely watched by industry stakeholders, saw participation from several major steel manufacturers and ferro chrome producers. The bids received were higher than expected, with some lots fetching prices that were 3-4% above the base prices set by Vedanta-FACOR. This upward revision in prices is a testament to the strong demand for ferro chrome in the domestic market.
The rise in bids can be attributed to several factors, including the increasing demand for stainless steel from various industries, such as construction, automotive, and consumer goods. The growth in infrastructure development and the resultant demand for steel products have also contributed to the upward trend in ferro chrome prices.
Vedanta-FACOR’s auction is a significant event in the Indian ferro chrome market, as it sets the tone for future prices and influences the pricing strategy of other producers. The company’s decision to conduct an auction, rather than selling ferro chrome through traditional channels, has been seen as a strategic move to gauge market demand and optimize prices.
The outcome of the auction is likely to have a ripple effect on the entire ferro chrome industry, with other producers and sellers expected to revise their prices upward. This, in turn, may impact the production costs of stainless steel manufacturers, who may need to adjust their pricing strategies to maintain profitability.
The Indian ferro chrome market is expected to continue growing, driven by the increasing demand for stainless steel and the government’s focus on promoting domestic manufacturing. As the demand for ferro chrome continues to rise, producers like Vedanta-FACOR are likely to benefit from the upward trend in prices. However, the industry will need to navigate challenges such as fluctuating raw material prices, environmental concerns, and intense competition to maintain its growth momentum.
In conclusion, the recent ferro chrome auction conducted by Vedanta-FACOR has sent a positive signal to the industry, with bids rising by 3-4% over the base prices. The outcome of the auction is expected to influence the pricing strategy of other producers and have a ripple effect on the entire ferro chrome industry. As the demand for ferro chrome continues to grow, driven by the increasing demand for stainless steel, producers and manufacturers will need to navigate the challenges and opportunities in the market to maintain their competitive edge.
Taural India switches to Vedanta’s eco-friendly aluminium product, Restora, to reduce carbon footprint in its casting operations.
Taural India Pvt Ltd, a leading aluminum casting manufacturer in India, is taking significant steps to advance its sustainability agenda. The company has announced two key initiatives: the adoption of Vedanta’s low-carbon aluminum, known as Restora, and the implementation of a green sand-casting process at its upcoming facility in Supa, Ahilyanagar. These initiatives are expected to not only reduce the environmental impact of industrial production but also enhance the company’s production while promoting self-reliance.
The adoption of Restora is expected to reduce Taural’s carbon emissions from the casting process by up to 80%. Restora is produced using renewable energy and modern smelting technology, making it an ideal choice for heavy industries looking to meet sustainability norms. Additionally, the company is investing in cleaner sand-casting technologies that utilize natural binders and sand reclamation methods, allowing sand to be reused multiple times with less processing.
Taural has a history of adopting green initiatives, including the use of natural-gas powered melting furnaces, battery-operated material handling equipment, and a closed-loop approach to water and waste management. The company’s Managing Director and CEO emphasized that sustainability is an integral part of daily operations, citing the importance of building efficient and responsible supply chains.
Taural’s broader mission is to manufacture complex, high-performance aluminum components in India, reducing the country’s dependence on imports and promoting self-reliance. The company supplies aluminum components to various sectors, including aerospace, defense, healthcare, energy, marine, and transportation. With its new initiatives, Taural is poised to make a significant impact on the environment while promoting sustainable growth and development.
The company’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its recent MoU with the Government of Maharashtra to expand its manufacturing operations in Ahilyanagar. This expansion is expected to enhance Taural’s production capabilities while promoting sustainable practices. As the company continues to prioritize sustainability, it is likely to set a precedent for other manufacturers in the industry, promoting a more environmentally conscious approach to production.
Vedanta announces plans to establish a 3 million tonne aluminium smelter in Odisha, effectively doubling its production capacity.
Vedanta, a leading Indian multinational mining company, has announced plans to set up a 3 million tonne (MT) aluminium smelter in Odisha, effectively doubling its capacity. This move is expected to significantly boost the company’s aluminium production and cement its position as a major player in the industry.
The new smelter will be set up at a cost of around Rs 40,000 crore (approximately $5 billion USD) and is expected to create thousands of jobs, both directly and indirectly. The project is also likely to have a positive impact on the local economy, with the potential to generate significant revenue for the state government.
Vedanta’s decision to expand its aluminium capacity in Odisha is a strategic one, given the state’s abundant reserves of bauxite, a key raw material used in aluminium production. The company already operates a 1.5 MT aluminium smelter at Jharsuguda in Odisha, which is one of the largest such facilities in the country.
The new smelter will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology and will be designed to meet the highest standards of sustainability and environmental responsibility. Vedanta has committed to using renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, to meet a significant portion of the smelter’s energy requirements.
This expansion is part of Vedanta’s broader strategy to increase its aluminium production capacity to 5 MT by 2025. The company is also exploring opportunities to set up new aluminium smelters in other parts of the country, as it seeks to capitalize on the growing demand for aluminium in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and construction.
The Indian government has identified aluminium as a key sector for growth and development, and has announced a range of initiatives aimed at promoting the industry. These include incentives for investments in new aluminium smelters, as well as measures to increase the availability of raw materials and reduce logistics costs.
Overall, Vedanta’s decision to set up a new aluminium smelter in Odisha is a significant development for the Indian aluminium industry, and is expected to have a positive impact on the economy and employment opportunities in the region. With its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, the company is well-positioned to play a leading role in the growth and development of the industry in the years to come.