In March 2026, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the extension of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM 2.0) until 2028 with a total outlay of ₹8.69 lakh crore. The mission shifts focus from creating infrastructure to sustainable water governance and service delivery. Additionally, the Cabinet relaxed Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) rules for countries sharing land borders with India (LBCs), allowing up to 10% non-controlling stakes via the automatic route. Other approvals include major railway multitracking in West Bengal and Jharkhand, and infrastructure projects for Noida International Airport.
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has introduced a series of strategic reforms and infrastructure boosts in March 2026. A primary highlight is the evolution of the Jal Jeevan Mission into JJM 2.0. Originally launched in 2019 to provide tap water to every rural household by 2024, the mission is now extended to 2028.
On the economic front, the Cabinet amended Press Note 3 of 2020. Previously, all investments from countries sharing a land border with India (LBCs) required government approval.
1.The 'Press Note 3' amendment (2026) primarily concerns which area?
A) Agricultural Exports
B) Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
C) Digital Currency
D) Defense Procurement
Answer: B
2.Which organization is constructing the PFBR at Kalpakkam?
A) NPCIL
B) BHAVINI
C) DRDO
D) ISRO
Answer: B
3.JJM 2.0 aims to ensure sustainable water governance until which year?
A) 2025
B) 2026
C) 2028
D) 2030
Answer: C
4.The 10% FDI relaxation for land-bordering countries is applicable for:
A) Controlling stakes
B) Non-controlling stakes
C) Only Public Sector Undertakings
D) Only Startup investments
Answer: B
5.In the context of the nuclear program, what is 'criticality'?
A) A reactor shutdown
B) A fuel leak
C) A self-sustaining chain reaction
D) Maximum power output
Answer: C
Q: With reference to the 'Jal Jeevan Mission', consider the following statements: 1. It aims to provide functional household tap connections to all rural households. 2. It is implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development. Answer: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect (It is implemented by the Ministry of Jal Shakti).
Confusion: Students often mistake JJM as a "Central Sector Scheme."
Fact: It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, meaning states must contribute a portion of the funds. Always check the funding pattern for major schemes.
Focus on "Press Note 3" for Economy sections and the "Three-Stage Nuclear Program" for Science & Tech. These are evergreen topics that examiners link to current affairs.