Morning Digest: U.S. destroys 16 Iranian mine-laying vessels ‘near Strait of Hormuz’; Gas from new sources will end shortage in India, say Govt. sources, and more

U.S. military destroys at least 16 Iranian mine-laying vessels ‘near Strait of Hormuz’

The U.S. military said it has destroyed 16 Iranian mine-laying vessels “near the Strait of Hormuz” on Tuesday (March 10, 2026), following reports Tehran is mining the key waterway that has been virtually closed due to the war in West Asia. Earlier, President Donald Trump said U.S. forces had destroyed 10 Iranian mine-laying vessels. He also warned Tehran of unprecedented military consequences if it targets the Strait of Hormuz.

Gas from new sources will end shortage, say officials

India’s current natural gas supply crunch is likely to be short-lived as the prevailing higher prices right now make imports from distant sources such as Norway and the U.S. economically viable, according to government sources. However, such shipments typically take longer to arrive, meaning the country could face a shortage in the interim, they said.

Jaishankar holds ‘detailed’ conversation with Iranian counterpart Araghchi

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday (March 10, 2026) spoke to his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi – their third such conversation since the West Asia crisis began – as New Delhi ramped up efforts to protect its energy security amid a virtual blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump announces opening of oil refinery in Texas, thanks India’s Reliance for ‘tremendous’ investment

U.S. ‌President Donald Trump announced on ​Tuesday (March 10, 2026) the opening ⁠of an oil refinery in Brownsville, Texas and thanked Indian energy ‌company Reliance for its investment. He ‌said it was a $300 ​billion deal, but it was not immediately clear ⁠if he meant that was part of a bigger ‌deal with India.

Air tickets to get costlier as Air India to levy fuel surcharge due to hike in ATF prices

Air fares are set to rise after the Air India Group announced it will introduce a ₹400 fuel surcharge on domestic flights, while international passengers will have to pay an additional $10–50 over the existing surcharge amid a surge in aviation fuel prices.

SC urges balance as Centre clarifies IT Rules not meant to curb humour, satire or criticism

The Supreme Court on Tuesday (March 10, 2026) sought balance between protecting the nation against fake online content and safeguarding the right to free speech while the Centre defended that its Information Technology Rules was not meant to curb humour, satire or criticism of the government.

Chhattisgarh Cabinet approves new anti-conversion law draft

Chhattisgarh’s BJP government on Tuesday (March 10, 2026) approved the draft of a new anti-religious conversion law. Titled Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026, the proposed legislation “seeks to effectively curb religious conversions carried out through force, inducement, fraudulent means, undue influence, or misrepresentation”, stated a government press note.

Fair and violence-free Assembly election in West Bengal, assures Chief Election Commissioner

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar on Tuesday (March 10, 2026) assured the electorate of West Bengal that free and peaceful elections would be held in the State, but added that the number of phases in which the Assembly elections were held would depend on the preparedness for law and order by the State administration.

Tamil Nadu State Planning Commission calls for legal protection and social security for gig workers

The Tamil Nadu State Planning Commission (SPC) has proposed policy measures to improve the livelihood, social security, and working conditions of gig workers in the State. In its latest study, ‘Status of Platform Based Gig Workers in Tamil Nadu,’ it highlights the rapid expansion of platform-based work and calls for targeted interventions to ensure welfare, protection, and long-term sustainability for these workers.

Maternity leave is not a break in service, cannot attract bond penalty: Bombay HC

The Nagpur Bench of Bombay High Court has ruled that the period of maternity leave availed by a woman cannot be treated as a break in her service, and that the conditions of a compulsory service bond cannot be used to penalise her for exercising her right to motherhood.

U.S. urges Israel to stop attacks on Iran energy sites: report

The United States has asked ​Israeli forces to ⁠halt strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure, Axios reported on ‌Tuesday (March 10, 2026), citing three sources familiar ‌with the matter The Trump administration cited three reasons, ‌including a goal to ​cooperate with Iran’s oil sector after ⁠the war, according to the report..

T20 World Cup: Arshdeep docks 15% match fee for hitting Daryl Mitchell with ball during final

India pacer Arshdeep Singh has been fined 15% of his match fee for throwing the ball “aggressively and inappropriately” at New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell during the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Ahmedabad. In addition, one demerit point has been added to Arshdeep’s disciplinary record, for whom it was the first offence in a 24-month period.