Engineering and infrastructure major Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has announced plans to invest ₹5,000 crore in a new electronics business aimed at expanding India’s capabilities in advanced hardware manufacturing.

The strategic initiative will focus on developing high-value electronic systems for sectors including defense, energy, industrial automation, automotive technology, and infrastructure. The company aims to build a strong position in a growing electronics market estimated to have a total addressable opportunity of around $4.85 billion.

Moving Beyond Traditional Engineering Operations

The expansion represents a major step in L&T’s transition from its traditional engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) business toward technology-driven manufacturing.

The company plans to use its engineering expertise and industrial experience to develop end-to-end capabilities covering electronic system design, precision manufacturing, testing, and system integration.

The new business is expected to serve both Indian customers and international markets, supporting demand for locally developed and manufactured electronic solutions.

Focus on Defense, Energy and Industrial Electronics

Rather than competing in low-margin consumer electronics, L&T’s new venture will concentrate on specialized, high-reliability systems.

Key focus areas are expected to include:

• Power electronics systems
• Renewable energy control solutions
• Industrial automation equipment
• Defense and aerospace electronics
• Smart grid technologies
• Advanced embedded systems

The initiative aligns with India’s efforts to strengthen domestic electronics production and reduce dependence on imported hardware through government programs, including Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes.

Investment to Support Manufacturing and Research

L&T plans to deploy the ₹5,000 crore investment in phases to establish advanced manufacturing facilities, research and development centers, and testing infrastructure.

The company is also expected to explore technology partnerships and strategic acquisitions to expand its capabilities and accelerate product development.

By building a complete electronics ecosystem, L&T aims to compete in sectors where reliability, security, and specialized engineering expertise are critical.

India Benefits From Global Supply Chain Shift

The expansion comes as global companies continue diversifying their supply chains under the “China Plus One” strategy, creating new opportunities for India’s electronics manufacturing sector.

Growing demand for electric vehicle components, renewable energy systems, industrial automation, and smart infrastructure is expected to drive long-term growth in locally produced electronic components and systems.

Industry observers view L&T’s move as a significant investment in India’s advanced manufacturing ambitions. The company joins other major Indian corporations expanding into areas such as electronics manufacturing, semiconductor-related industries, and technology hardware.

Strengthening Domestic Technology Capabilities

L&T’s electronics business is expected to contribute to India’s broader goal of developing a stronger domestic hardware ecosystem.

By combining engineering capabilities with advanced manufacturing, the company aims to create solutions for critical industrial and national security applications while reducing reliance on imported electronic systems.

A growing network of illegal digital lending applications has emerged as a major cybercrime challenge in Kerala, with investigators estimating that fraudulent loan platforms have allegedly caused losses of nearly ₹800 crore. Authorities say thousands of people, including women, students, small entrepreneurs, and financially vulnerable families, have been targeted by apps promising instant loans with minimal documentation.

Investigators have found that many victims not only suffered financial losses but also faced harassment, threats, and digital blackmail from recovery agents. In some cases, the extreme pressure reportedly resulted in severe emotional distress and tragic consequences.

Fraudulent Loan Apps Target Financially Vulnerable Users

According to cybercrime investigators, these illegal lending platforms are promoted through social media advertisements, messaging services, and fake websites that promise quick approval without traditional banking procedures.

Once users install these applications, they are often asked to provide extensive permissions, including access to phone contacts, images, camera, microphone, and location details. Many people in urgent need of money approve these requests without realizing that their personal data may later be misused.

Cybersecurity officials warn that granting unnecessary permissions can allow criminals to collect sensitive information and use it as a tool for intimidation.

High Interest Rates and Blackmail Tactics Allegedly Used

After issuing small loans, fraudulent apps allegedly impose extremely high interest rates, hidden fees, and short repayment periods. Borrowers who fail to repay within the given deadline are reportedly targeted by aggressive recovery methods.

Victims have alleged that recovery agents contact their relatives, friends, and colleagues to publicly shame them. Some have also reported threats involving the circulation of morphed photographs, abusive messages, or defamatory content using stolen personal information.

Experts say these tactics turn a small borrowing requirement into a cycle of financial pressure, harassment, and psychological trauma.

Investigators Trace Organised Cyber Networks

Police and cybercrime agencies have reportedly identified organised groups operating across different regions of India and from overseas locations. These networks are suspected of using fake companies, fraudulent bank accounts, payment channels, and mule accounts to hide the movement of illegally obtained money.

Authorities are examining digital evidence, financial records, and transaction trails to identify key operators behind these lending scams.

Investigators believe the operations involve multiple layers, including app developers, payment handlers, data collectors, and recovery agents, making it challenging to track the main offenders.

Experts Warn of Data Theft and Digital Exploitation

Cybersecurity specialists say illegal loan app fraud has expanded beyond financial crime and now involves large-scale data misuse and online harassment.

Former IPS officer and cybercrime expert Prof. Triveni Singh warned that such applications exploit people during financial emergencies while collecting unnecessary personal information. He advised citizens to rely only on authorised financial institutions and avoid downloading loan apps that demand excessive access to personal data.

Experts have recommended checking an app’s developer details, regulatory status, user feedback, and permissions before installation. Applications seeking access to unrelated personal information should be considered a warning sign.

Awareness and Regulation Needed to Fight Loan App Fraud

Cybersecurity professionals believe stronger monitoring of digital lending platforms, improved coordination between banks, technology companies, and law enforcement agencies, along with increased public awareness, are necessary to tackle the growing threat.

Authorities have advised victims of loan app harassment, blackmail, or financial fraud to immediately report incidents through official cybercrime reporting channels or approach local police stations.

As digital lending continues to expand, experts stress that responsible online behaviour and verification of financial services remain essential to preventing cyber-enabled financial exploitation.

New Delhi: Indian security agencies have issued an alert over an alleged emerging online recruitment tactic linked to extremist networks, warning that women could be targeted through fake friendships, emotional manipulation and fraudulent marriage proposals on digital platforms.

According to intelligence assessments, operatives associated with Jamaat-ul-Mominat (JUM), described by agencies as the women’s wing of banned terror organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), are allegedly using social media and messaging applications to establish contact with potential targets. Officials said the strategy involves building emotional trust over an extended period before attempting to influence or manipulate individuals.

Security agencies are continuing to verify the intelligence inputs and have stressed that investigations into specific cases remain ongoing.

Social Media Used as a Recruitment Tool

Officials familiar with the matter said suspected operatives may use online conversations to create a sense of friendship or romantic attachment. These interactions are reportedly designed to appear natural and may continue for weeks or months before any discussion about travel, relationships or ideological issues begins.

Investigators believe the alleged objective is to gradually isolate targets from their normal support systems and encourage overseas travel under the pretext of marriage or personal relationships. Agencies are examining whether such methods are being used to facilitate radicalisation or obtain sensitive information.

Authorities have emphasised that initial conversations typically focus on personal topics rather than security-related matters, making the activity difficult to identify in its early stages.

Border States Under Greater Watch

Intelligence agencies are reportedly paying closer attention to areas near the India-Pakistan border, including parts of Rajasthan, due to concerns about possible attempts to exploit geographic proximity.

Officials have also examined the possibility that individuals attempting to move across borders could use indirect travel routes through third countries. However, agencies have stated that such assessments are based on ongoing intelligence analysis and require further verification.

Experts Highlight Risks of Online Manipulation

Cybersecurity experts have warned that extremist organisations worldwide are increasingly using digital platforms, psychological tactics and social engineering techniques to influence individuals.

Former IPS officer and cybercrime expert Prof. Triveni Singh said people should be cautious about online relationships involving unknown individuals, especially when conversations quickly move towards marriage, foreign travel or requests for confidential information.

Experts advise users to verify identities independently, avoid sharing personal details with strangers online and report suspicious interactions to law enforcement authorities.

Authorities Issue Safety Advisory

Security agencies have urged citizens to maintain caution while using social media and messaging platforms. People have been advised to:

• Verify the identity of unknown online contacts before developing personal relationships.
• Avoid sharing private information, documents or location details.
• Be cautious of sudden marriage proposals or pressure to travel abroad.
• Report suspicious online activity through appropriate cybercrime reporting channels.

Officials said intelligence agencies are continuously monitoring digital threats and strengthening efforts to identify and prevent online-based recruitment and manipulation attempts.