The Union Cabinet on March 10, 2026 approved the extension of Jal Jeevan Mission up to December 2028 with an enhanced outlay of Rs 8.7 lakh crore.
The project was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019 to provide safe and adequate drinking water through tap connections to all households in rural India.
A uniform national digital framework called "Sujalam Bharat" shall be instituted, under which every village shall be assigned a unique Sujal Gaon or Service Area ID, digitally mapping the complete drinking water supply system from source to tap.
National Affairs
The Union Cabinet chaired by the PM Narendra Modi approved declaration of Madurai Airport, Tamil Nadu, as an International Airport on March 10, 2026.
Madurai Airport, located in the Temple City of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, is one of the oldest airports in the State. It serves as a crucial gateway to Southern Tamil Nadu and plays a pivotal role in promoting tourism and pilgrimage, thereby contributing to the overall growth of the region.
Elevating Madurai Airport to International Status would enhance regional connectivity, promote trade, and drive economic development in the region. The airport’s potential to attract international pilgrims and businesses aligns with the city’s historical prominence.
National Affairs
The Union Cabinet on March 10, 2026 approved two railway multitracking projects worth Rs 4474 crore in West Bengal and Jharkhand, aimed at easing congestion and strengthening freight and passenger movement across key routes in eastern India.
The projects, Sainthia–Pakur 4th line and Santragachi–Kharagpur 4th line, were cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by PM Narendra Modi.
Together, they will expand the Indian Railways network by about 192 km and are scheduled for completion by 2030-31.
National Affairs
The Union Commerce & Industry Minister Piyush Goyal inaugurated the 40th edition of AAHAR 2026, on March 10, 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
It is one of the world's premier B2B trade platforms for the food and hospitality industry.
Organised by India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), the five-day international exhibition will be held from March 10 to 14, 2026, bringing together food producers, exporters, hospitality businesses, technology providers, industry associations and global buyers on a single platform to explore new partnerships and business opportunities.
Science and Technology
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh on March 10, 2026 released the "Defence Forces Vision 2047: A Roadmap for a Future-Ready Indian Military," a 20-year blueprint prepared by the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff.
It aims to transform the military into a modern, integrated, and indigenous, multi-domain force (land, air, sea, cyber, space) by 2047, aligning with the Viksit Bharat (Developed India) goal.
The roadmap focuses on enhancing synergy and coordination in planning and operations among the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
State Affairs
As of March 10, 2026, Chandigarh has been officially declared a fully literate Union Territory (UT) after achieving a 99.93% literacy rate.
This milestone was achieved under the ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) - Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram initiative.
The city achieved a 99.93% literacy rate, with women's literacy rising from 90.7% to 99.89%.
Chandigarh is the 6th State/UT in India and the 2nd Union Territory to achieve this status.
