Argus News - News Headlines, March 10

Jal Jeevan Mission Extended

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the extension of the Jal Jeevan Mission until December 2028. Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the mission will shift focus from infrastructure creation to service delivery under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.

Gas Supply Regulated

The Centre has invoked the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 to regulate natural gas supply amid the West Asia crisis. Priority sectors include domestic piped supply, CNG transport, LPG production, and pipeline operations, ensuring 100 percent of past six-month average consumption subject to operational availability.

Lok Sabha Resolution

The Lok Sabha began discussion on a resolution seeking removal of Speaker Om Birla. Congress MP Dr. Mohammad Jawed moved the resolution, alleging Birla disallowed Opposition leaders from speaking and made unwarranted remarks against women MPs, failing to maintain impartiality. Ten hours have been allotted.

Supreme Court on SIR Appeals

The Supreme Court directed the Election Commission to set up an appellate body for appeals against judicial officers’ decisions in West Bengal’s Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. It asked the poll panel to notify the body and provide logistical support with the state government.

NCERT Withdraws Textbook

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has withdrawn its Class 8 Social Science Part II textbook containing Chapter IV titled The Role of Judiciary in Our Society. Issuing a public apology, NCERT confirmed the entire book has been withdrawn and is no longer available for use in schools.

Supreme Court on UCC

The Supreme Court observed that the time has come for a Uniform Civil Code. Hearing a plea against Shariat inheritance law provisions, the bench said striking them down would create a vacuum, advising the legislature to address discriminatory aspects affecting Muslim women.

Amrit Bharat Express Approved

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan thanked PM Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for approving a new Amrit Bharat Express connecting Podanur in Coimbatore with Dhanbad. He also praised Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi, highlighting the train’s role in strengthening rail links across Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Jharkhand.

Hoteliers Seek LPG Supply

The Hotel & Restaurant Association of Odisha has sought Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri’s intervention to ensure smooth supply of commercial LPG cylinders. The association said disruptions are creating serious operational challenges for hotels and restaurants, affecting the hospitality industry’s functioning across the state.

Trump on Iran War

US President Donald Trump said the war against Iran could be short-lived but left open the possibility of escalation if oil supplies are disrupted. He said the US aims for “ultimate victory,” describing the conflict as a short-term excursion to eliminate Iran’s missile capabilities.

Swiss Open Badminton

The Swiss Open Badminton tournament begins today in Basel. Indian stars H S Prannoy and Kidambi Srikanth will lead the challenge, while P V Sindhu misses out recovering from Dubai. Srikanth faces Hong Kong’s Jason Gunawan tomorrow, and Prannoy meets Japan’s Koki Watanabe in men’s singles.