Argus News - News Headlines, March 11

Development Boost for Kerala, TN

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated development projects worth Rs11,000 crore in Kerala’s Ernakulam, including a Rs5,500 crore Polypropylene Unit at Kochi Refinery. Later, he launched and dedicated projects worth Rs5,650 crore in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, strengthening industrial growth and infrastructure development in both states.

Stress on Water conservation

President Droupadi Murmu emphasized water conservation as a duty of every citizen during Jal Mahotsav 2026 in New Delhi. She urged the nation to treat water as an invaluable treasure and highlighted training programs under Nal Jal Mitra for rural youth and women.

Passive Euthanasia

In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court permitted passive euthanasia for a 32-year-old man in coma for over 12 years. Harish Rana, injured in 2013, had been on artificial life support since then. This marks the Court’s first-ever order allowing withdrawal of treatment.

Chhattisgarh Religion Bill

The Chhattisgarh Cabinet approved the draft of the Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026, aimed at curbing forced or fraudulent religious conversions. The decision was taken under Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai’s chairmanship during a meeting in Raipur yesterday evening.

Reliance-Funded Refinery in US

US President Donald Trump announced the country’s first oil refinery in 50 years, to be built at Port of Brownsville, Texas. Funded by Reliance Industries, the project will strengthen energy security, fuel markets, and generate thousands of jobs.

Odia Language Day

Classical Odia Language Day was observed today, commemorating its recognition as a classical language in 2014. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and other dignitaries extended greetings, highlighting Odia’s rich literary heritage and independent linguistic tradition.

Maoist Surrender

Ten Maoists, including seven women, surrendered at Phulbani Police Reserve Ground in Kandhamal district, Odisha. The surrender follows intensified anti-Maoist operations after the Central Government’s announcement to eliminate Maoist insurgency nationwide by March 31.

Fuel Shortage

The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation temporarily permitted coal and firewood as cooking fuel due to a shortage of commercial LPG. The decision followed complaints from small hotels, restaurants, and tea stalls struggling to continue operations amid the fuel crisis.

Rabindra Jena Joins BJP

Former Balasore MP Rabindra Kumar Jena, who resigned from BJD citing personal reasons, joined BJP today. His move stirred political discussions in Odisha, especially as his wife Subasini Jena, a sitting MLA, has yet to clarify her stance in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections.


ICC T20I Rankings

India’s Abhishek Sharma retained the No.1 spot in ICC T20I batting rankings after his final half-century. Ishan Kishan climbed to second with 317 runs at the World Cup. Both achieved career-high ratings, marking India’s dominance in batting charts.