MoD Signs Rs 46 Billion Deals for Carbines, Torpedoes

16 Jan 2026 CW Team

The Ministry of Defence has recently signed contracts worth a total of Rs 46 billion for the procurement of Close Quarter Battle (CQB) Carbines and Heavy Weight Torpedoes, reinforcing the modernisation of India’s armed forces. The agreements were inked in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh at South Block, New Delhi.

Under the first contract, over 0.425 million CQB Carbines along with accessories, valued at Rs 27 billion, will be supplied to the Indian Army and the Indian Navy. The contracts were awarded to Bharat Forge Limited and PLR Systems Private Limited. The induction of the indigenous CQB Carbine will replace legacy systems and significantly enhance close-combat lethality through its compact design and high rate of fire, in line with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make-in-India initiatives. The programme is also expected to support MSMEs, generate employment and strengthen the domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem.

In a separate agreement, the MoD signed a Rs 18.96 billion contract with WASS Submarine Systems S.R.L. for the procurement and integration of 48 Heavy Weight Torpedoes for the Indian Navy’s Kalvari Class (Project-75) submarines. The acquisition will enhance the combat capability of the six submarines, with deliveries scheduled to commence from April 2028 and conclude by early 2030.

The torpedoes feature advanced technologies and high operational performance, reflecting the Government’s commitment to equipping the Indian Navy with niche and mission-critical capabilities. During FY 2025–26, the Ministry of Defence has signed capital acquisition contracts worth Rs 1.8 trillion, underscoring the sustained push towards armed forces modernisation.

Infrastructure Urban

13 Mar 2026

Implementation Status of Jal Jeevan Mission

Since August 2019 the Government has implemented Jal Jeevan Mission to provide assured potable water through household tap connections in rural India. At the start of the mission only 32.3 million (mn) rural households, representing 16.7 per cent, were reported to have tap water connections. States and union territories have reported that 125.8 mn additional rural households have since been provided with tap connections. As a result, of about 193.6 mn rural households roughly 158.2 mn, or 81.71 per cent, are reported to have tap water supply at home.\n\nThe State, district and village level st..

Jal Jeevan Mission Reaches Eighty One Per Cent Rural Coverage

The Government reported substantial progress under the Jal Jeevan Mission, launched in August 2019 to provide tap water to every rural household. At launch only 32.3 million (mn) rural households had tap connections and states and Union territories reported provision of 125.8 mn additional households by March 2026. Consequently, out of about 193.6 mn rural households around 158.2 mn, or 81.71 per cent, are reported to have tap water at home. The Finance Minister announced extension of the mission until 2028 in the 2025-26 budget speech. The Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen, launched in October 20..

Empowering Local Governance for Sustainable Rural Water Supply

The Ministry of Jal Shakti has aligned the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) with the 73rd Amendment to strengthen village level planning and community ownership of water supply. Gram Panchayats, village water and sanitation committees and Pani Samitis are to plan, implement, manage and maintain piped water systems, with gram sabha processes formalising handover and oversight. Implementation support agencies including non government organisations, community based organisations and self help groups have been empanelled to train local committees and promote women participation. Under JJM, the department ..