Key Highlights

• The Mizoram Assembly unanimously passed a resolution demanding inclusion of the Mizo language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India.
• If included:
• • MPs from Mizoram can speak Mizo in Parliament.
  • Students can write IAS, IPS, IES exams in Mizo.
  • Institutions like Sahitya Akademi, National Book Trust and National Translation Mission can promote Mizo literature.
• Chief Minister Lalduhoma clarified that inclusion will not affect Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

Important Facts

• Currently 22 languages are in the 8th Schedule.
• Around 38 languages are waiting for inclusion.

The Government of India has invoked provisions of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 to ensure energy security and uninterrupted natural gas supply.

Key Points

• Prevents hoarding of domestic natural gas.
• Ensures priority supply to power plants and fertilizer industries.
• Government can instruct companies to sell gas to specific sectors like electricity and CNG.

Why This Matters

• Ensures stable energy supply
• Controls price volatility
• Prevents black marketing and hoarding

The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) deadline has been extended from December 2024 to December 2028.

Mission Highlights

• Launched on 15 August 2019 by Narendra Modi.
• Objective: Provide 55 litres of drinking water per person per day.
• Through Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs).

Progress So Far

• Over 75% rural households covered
• Around 15 crore households connected

States with Major Work Remaining

• West Bengal
• Uttar Pradesh
• Rajasthan

The International Malaria Conference 2026 concluded in New Delhi on 10 March 2026.

Major Outcomes

Delhi Declaration

Countries pledged to reduce malaria cases by 90% by 2030.

Vaccine Development

Scientists shared results of the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine.

Key finding:

• 80% effectiveness in children

India’s Target

• Malaria-free India by 2027
• Complete elimination by 2030

Achievement

India has recorded a 30% decline in malaria cases in the last 5 years.

According to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI):

Key Findings

• India is the world’s second-largest arms importer (2021-25).
• Russia remains the largest supplier (40%).
• France is the second-largest supplier (24%).

Global Arms Export Leader

• United States with 42% share.

The Government repurchased ₹6,309 crore worth of government securities via a Switch Auction conducted by the Reserve Bank of India.

What is Switch Auction?

A debt management strategy where:

1. Government buys back short-term bonds
2. Issues long-term bonds instead

Benefits

• Reduces immediate repayment pressure
• Improves government debt profile
• Provides stability to financial markets

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) approved two new insurance entities.

1. Allianz Jio Reinsurance

Joint venture between:

• Allianz SE
• Reliance Industries

Works in reinsurance sector.

2. Kiwi General Insurance

Will provide:

• Health insurance
• Motor insurance
• Travel insurance

Focus: digital-first insurance services

Government Vision

IRDAI aims to achieve Insurance for All by 2047.

Q1. Mizoram Assembly demanded inclusion of which language in the 8th Schedule?

A. Bodo
B. Mizo
C. Khasi
D. Garo

Answer: B

Q2. Jal Jeevan Mission was launched in which year?

A. 2017
B. 2018
C. 2019
D. 2020

Answer: C

Q3. According to SIPRI, which country is India’s largest arms supplier?

A. USA
B. France
C. Russia
D. Israel

Answer: C

What is Jal Jeevan Mission?

Jal Jeevan Mission aims to provide tap water to every rural household in India with 55 litres per person per day.

What is SIPRI?

SIPRI is a Sweden-based research institute that tracks global arms trade and military spending.