Navy Receives Agray, Fourth Indigenous ASW Shallow Water Craft

03 Apr 2026 CW Team

Agray, the fourth of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), was delivered to the Indian Navy by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, on 30 March 2026. The vessel was indigenously designed and built and its delivery was announced by the Ministry of Defence. The delivery forms part of a series of eight vessels contracted to enhance coastal defence and regional maritime security.

The ASW SWC series was designed and constructed in accordance with the Classification Rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), reflecting the progress of indigenous defence shipbuilding. The ships measure approximately 77 metres in length and are the largest Indian Naval warships propelled by waterjets. They are fitted with lightweight torpedoes, indigenous rocket launchers and shallow water sonar to enable effective detection and engagement of underwater threats. The platform's design emphasises manoeuvrability and endurance for operations in shallow littoral waters.

Induction of Agray will augment the Indian Navy's anti-submarine and mine-warfare capabilities as well as coastal surveillance. The ship is a reincarnation of the erstwhile INS Agray, which was the fourth vessel of the 1241 PE class of patrol vessels and was decommissioned in 2017. The reuse of the name continues naval tradition of perpetuating distinguished legacy names. This continuation of legacy names is intended to preserve naval heritage and esprit de corps.

Agray's delivery is described as a milestone in the Navy's pursuit of indigenous shipbuilding and aligns with the Government's vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, with over 80 per cent indigenous content. The vessel underscores the growing strength of the domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem and sustained efforts to reduce dependency on imports. GRSE's continued work on the programme is expected to support timely delivery of the remaining vessels in the series.

Infrastructure Urban

03 Apr 2026

Centre Disburses Over Rs 24,610 mn in XV Finance Commission Grants

The Union Government has released XV Finance Commission tied grants during the financial year 2025–26 to rural local bodies in Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Sikkim and has released withheld portions of tied and untied grants to Himachal Pradesh, Odisha and Tripura. The total disbursal exceeded Rs 24,610 mn, with figures expressed in million (mn) thereafter. The releases cover allocations pertaining to different financial years and aim to strengthen rural local governance. State-wise disbursements included Rs 3,324.6 mn for Punjab, Rs 9,432.7 mn for Madhya Pradesh, Rs 3,47..

Centre Releases Over Rs 15 bn as XV FC Grants to Rural Bodies

The Union Government has released over Rs 15 bn in grants recommended by the Fifteenth Finance Commission (XV FC) to strengthen Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) in six states. The funds comprise tied and untied grants disbursed in FY 2025–26. Telangana received Rs 2.48 bn as the first instalment of untied grants for FY 2025–26, benefitting 12600 Gram Panchayats (GPs). Uttarakhand received Rs 913.1 mn as the second instalment and an additional Rs 18.4 mn of a withheld first instalment was released to a further 216 GPs. Mizoram is included among beneficiary st..

Government Assures Fuel Supplies And Seafarer Safety Amid West Asia Developments

The Government of India has stepped up coordinated measures to maintain stability in critical sectors as developments in West Asia continue to unfold. It has prioritised uninterrupted energy supplies, safeguarded maritime operations and extended consular assistance to nationals. Central authorities are working with State and Union territory administrations to ensure timely information dissemination and operational continuity. Refineries are reported to be operating at high capacity with adequate inventories of petrol and diesel, and domestic LPG production has been increased to support consump..