UPSC current affairs · Monday

Current Affairs, 2 March 2026

7 issues picked from 57 PIB releases · about 2 minutes each · written by UPSC Grade, each fact checked against its PIB release or by a second model

How to readRead “Why in news” and “What it is” for every issue. Open For Prelims or For Mains for the exam you’re preparing for, then Test yourself at the foot of each card. Half the news questions in Prelims are answered from background, not the news itself.

In 60 seconds

India-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). India and Canada sign CEPA Terms of Reference, start trade talks, target $50 billion by 2030.
UMEED Act, 2025 (Waqf property management) and UMEED Portal. Waqf property uploads on UMEED Portal: deadline passed, 17 States/UTs got extensions, 2.88 lakh approved.
EPFO and Central Board of Trustees (EPF interest rate). CBT recommends 8.25% EPF interest for 2025-26 and approves new 2026 schemes under the Social Security Code.
India AI Impact Summit 2026 and IndiaAI Mission. India's AI Impact Summit ended with a 92-signatory declaration, more GPUs and big investment pledges.
National Mission on Power Electronics Technology (NaMPET) and WBG Drive System. MeitY launched an Indian-made 30 kW WBG-based EV drive system, built under NaMPET.
SARTHI (ITI Transformation Taskforce) under Craftsmen Training Scheme. DGT issues guidelines for mandatory 150-hour OJT or group project in ITI courses.
National Mission for Clean Ganga and river rejuvenation (Central Monitoring Committee). Central panel reviews States' progress on polluted river stretches and sewage treatment plants.

International relations

India-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)

GS2 International relationsGS3 TradePrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 2 March 2026 in New Delhi, India and Canada signed the Terms of Reference for the CEPA and launched negotiations, in the presence of PMs Modi and Carney.
What it is: The India-Canada CEPA is a proposed bilateral trade agreement covering trade in goods, services and investment. A CEPA goes beyond a basic free trade agreement by including wider economic cooperation. Talks sit within efforts to rebuild ties after a period of strain.

CEPA target: Both sides want to conclude the CEPA negotiations within 2026.
GSOIA: The leaders agreed to launch negotiations on a General Security of Information Agreement to deepen defence and security cooperation.
IORA: India backed Canada becoming a Dialogue Partner of the Indian Ocean Rim Association.
Energy and resources: They reviewed commercial arrangements relating to LNG, LPG and metallurgical coal.
Raisina Americas: The leaders announced Raisina Americas as a platform for dialogue and cooperation.
Signing: Piyush Goyal and Canada's trade minister Maninder Sidhu signed the Terms of Reference on 2 March 2026 in New Delhi.
Role of ToR: The ToR sets the format, frequency and approach of the negotiations.
Trade target: The goal for bilateral trade is US$50 billion by 2030.
Current trade: Bilateral trade was USD 8.66 billion in FY 2024-25, with Indian exports of USD 4.22 billion and imports of USD 4.44 billion.
Origin of talks: Work on the ToR followed the leaders' meeting on the margins of the G7 meeting in Kananaskis, Canada, in October 2025.
Scope: Talks cover trade in goods, services and other mutually agreed policy areas.

Don’t confuse with CEPA vs FTA: An FTA mainly cuts tariffs on goods. A CEPA also covers services, investment and wider economic cooperation.

Don’t confuse with GSOIA vs other defence pacts: GSOIA covers sharing of classified information. It is not a logistics or basing agreement.

Don’t confuse with Terms of Reference vs the agreement: The ToR only sets how talks will run. The CEPA is the final treaty text.

International bodies and relations: the largest group of news questions in Prelims (61 since 2013), often about background, members and location. In Mains, 27 news-triggered questions, mostly on India's interests.

Test yourselfMains

Source: PIB, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, 2 Mar, 19:47 IST · Release 285138

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Law and statutory body

UMEED Act, 2025 (Waqf property management) and UMEED Portal

GS2 Polity and GovernanceGS1 SocietyPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 2 March 2026 the Ministry of Minority Affairs gave the position on waqf property documentation under the UMEED Act, 2025. It said 6,29,527 properties had been initiated on the UMEED Portal and 17 States/UTs had got extensions.
What it is: The UMEED Act, 2025 is the renamed and amended law governing waqf property management, built on the Waqf Act, 1995. The UMEED Central Portal is the digital register where waqf properties must be uploaded, verified and approved. The aim is a transparent, traceable record of waqf land.

Nodal ministry: The Ministry of Minority Affairs administers the Act and the portal.

Don’t confuse with Waqf Boards vs Waqf Tribunals: Boards manage and supervise waqf properties in a State. Tribunals are judicial bodies that decide disputes and, here, grant time extensions.

Don’t confuse with Initiated vs approved: Initiated means entered on the portal. Approved means verified and validated. Only 2,87,695 of 6,29,527 are approved.

Laws, judgments and statutory bodies: 30 Prelims questions since 2013 (what the law says, who chairs, legal basis). In Mains, 44 news-triggered questions, most in GS2, asking for provisions and challenges.

Test yourself

Source: PIB, Ministry of Minority Affairs, 2 Mar, 22:07 IST · Release 285154

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2027: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Scheme

EPFO and Central Board of Trustees (EPF interest rate)

GS3 EconomyGS2 Welfare schemesPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 2 March 2026, the 239th Central Board of Trustees (EPF) meeting, chaired by Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, recommended an 8.25% EPF interest rate for FY 2025-26. It also approved new EPF, EPS and EDLI Schemes under the Code on Social Security, 2020.
What it is: The Central Board of Trustees (CBT), EPF is the tripartite apex body that administers the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). EPFO runs the EPF Scheme 1952, the Employees' Pension Scheme 1995 and the EDLI Scheme 1976 under the EPF & MP Act, 1952. The CBT recommends the yearly interest rate, which the Government of India must notify before EPFO credits it.

Inoperative account: An account is inoperative if no contribution comes for three continuous years after the member turns 55 or retires, whichever is later.
Chair of CBT: The Union Labour Minister chairs the CBT; the Central Provident Fund Commissioner is its Member Secretary.

Don’t confuse with EPF vs EPS vs EDLI: EPF is the provident fund savings scheme (1952). EPS is the pension scheme (1995). EDLI is the insurance scheme (1976).

Don’t confuse with CBT recommends vs Government notifies: The CBT only recommends the interest rate. It takes effect after the Government of India notifies it.

Schemes: 52 Prelims questions since 2013, 10 in Prelims 2026 alone. They test features, the period and who funds it. In Mains, 33 news-triggered questions, mostly GS3.

Test yourself

Source: PIB, Ministry of Labour & Employment, 2 Mar, 15:37 IST · Release 285110

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2027: most news questions come within two years of the event.

International relations

India AI Impact Summit 2026 and IndiaAI Mission

GS3 Science and TechnologyGS2 International groupingsPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 2 March 2026, the Ministry of Electronics & IT summarised the outcomes of the India AI Impact Summit, held 16–21 February 2026, including a global declaration and large investment pledges.
What it is: The India AI Impact Summit 2026 was a global AI meeting hosted by India in New Delhi, organised by MeitY. It followed earlier international AI summits and focused on responsible, inclusive and development-oriented AI. The IndiaAI Mission is the government's programme to build national AI compute capacity and the wider AI ecosystem.

Declaration: The India AI Impact Summit Declaration was endorsed by 92 countries and international organisations. It acknowledges the work of seven thematic working groups.
Sovereign compute: The IndiaAI Mission has provisioned over 38,000 GPUs. Another 20,000 will be added in the coming weeks.
Global AI Impact Commons: A voluntary initiative to let nations share, replicate and scale successful AI use cases. It features 80+ impact stories across 30+ countries.
Equitable AI Transition Playbook: Released with the International Labour Organization to prepare workers for AI-driven opportunities.
Investment pledges: Over USD 200 billion in AI-related investment is expected across infrastructure, models, hardware and applications.
Dates and place: The Summit was held in New Delhi on 18–19 February 2026 and ended with the New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact.
Endorsement: 91 countries and international organisations endorsed the Declaration.
Seven pillars (Chakras): The pillars are democratizing AI resources, economic growth and social good, secure and trusted AI, AI for science, access for social empowerment, human capital development, and resilient, efficient and innovative AI systems.
Legal nature: The deliverables are voluntary and the frameworks are non-binding. The Declaration respects national sovereignty.
Guiding principles: The Declaration draws on the principles 'Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaya' and 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'.
Named deliverables: These include the Charter for the Democratic Diffusion of AI, the Global AI Impact Commons, the Trusted AI Commons and the International Network of AI for Science Institutions.
Venue and inauguration: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the summit at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
Who announced the commitments: Union Minister for Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the New Delhi Frontier AI Impact Commitments at the opening ceremony.
Nature of the commitments: The commitments are voluntary and aimed at aligning AI with equity, cultural diversity and real-world needs, particularly in the Global South.
First commitment: Advancing Understanding of Real-World AI Usage, using anonymized and aggregated insights to support policy on jobs, skills and productivity.
Second commitment: Strengthening Multilingual and Contextual Evaluations: datasets, benchmarks and expertise for under-represented languages and cultures.
Five layers of the AI stack: India's strategy covers applications, models, compute, talent and energy.
Mission outlay: The IndiaAI Mission was approved in March 2024 with an outlay of ₹10,371.92 crore over five years.
Indian foundation models: Over 500 proposals were received under the Mission. 12 startups were selected across the first two phases, including Sarvam AI and BharatGen led by IIT Bombay.
Democratizing AI Resources Working Group: The working group is co-chaired by India, Egypt and Kenya. It is one of seven thematic Chakras.

Don’t confuse with Declaration vs. Commitments: The Summit Declaration was endorsed by 92 countries and organisations. The New Delhi Frontier AI Impact Commitments were made by 13 frontier model developers.

Don’t confuse with Declaration vs treaty: The New Delhi Declaration is voluntary and non-binding. A treaty creates legal obligations for its parties.

Don’t confuse with IndiaAI Mission vs the Summit: The Mission is a standing government programme for compute and the AI ecosystem; the Summit is a one-time global meeting hosted by India.

Don’t confuse with Voluntary commitments vs treaty: The New Delhi commitments are voluntary industry pledges, not a binding international treaty.

Don’t confuse with IndiaAI Mission vs India Semiconductor Mission: IndiaAI Mission (₹10,371.92 crore) builds AI compute, data and models. India Semiconductor Mission (₹76,000 crore) supports chip manufacturing, design and talent.

Don’t confuse with AIKosh vs MeghRaj: AIKosh is a platform for AI datasets and models. MeghRaj is the government's GI Cloud for e-governance services under Digital India.

Why it matters

Positions India as a convener of the Global South's voice on inclusive AI governance.
Large compute and investment pledges can build domestic AI capacity and reduce import dependence.
It shows India shaping global AI governance with a development focus, speaking for the Global South.
The emphasis on affordable access, skills and energy-efficient AI reflects the concerns of developing countries.
Positions India as a voice for the Global South in shaping AI governance.
Multilingual evaluation helps AI work for India's many languages and diverse users.
Shared compute, data and models lower entry barriers for startups, researchers and public institutions.
Indian-language models and Global South leadership support self-reliance and India's voice in AI governance.

Problems

Declarations and guiding principles are voluntary, so compliance is hard to enforce.
Investment pledges are announcements, and their conversion into projects is uncertain.
The voluntary, non-binding frameworks have no enforcement mechanism.
Rules on safety, security and access differ across countries, so common standards are hard to reach.
Voluntary commitments have no enforcement mechanism.
Low-resource languages lack quality data and benchmarks.
Data centre capacity is about 3% of the global total although India hosts nearly 20% of the world's data.
AI data centres are energy intensive, and chips still depend on external supply chains.

Way forward

Turn voluntary principles into trackable commitments with periodic reporting.
Pair compute expansion with skilling, data access and local-language models.
Turn the voluntary platforms into working collaborations with clear follow-up and review.
Align the Declaration with domestic efforts such as the IndiaAI Mission on compute, skills and data.
Turn voluntary pledges into measurable, publicly reported targets.
Build open multilingual datasets with governments, academia and local communities.
Expand domestic chip, data centre and clean energy capacity together with AI compute.
Pair access with skilling and data protection safeguards so benefits reach smaller cities and informal workers.

Put in your answer

IndiaAI Mission compute: Over 38,000 GPUs provisioned, with 20,000 more planned, show the push for sovereign AI infrastructure.

Global cooperation example: The Summit Declaration drew 92 endorsements, showing broad support for responsible and inclusive AI.

New Delhi Declaration, 2026: Cite it as an example of India's push for 'AI for All' through voluntary, non-binding cooperation, endorsed by 91 countries and organisations.

Five-layer AI stack: India's approach covers applications, models, compute, talent and energy; use it to show a full-ecosystem strategy.

New Delhi Frontier AI commitments: Voluntary pledges on real-world usage evidence and multilingual evaluation, with a Global South focus.

Compute access: 38,000+ GPUs at ₹65 per hour, about one third of the global average cost.

Data protection law: The Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023 sets compliance requirements for entities handling personal data.

Test yourself

Source: PIB, Ministry of Electronics & IT, 2 Mar, 10:09 IST · Release 285100

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2027: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Science and technology

National Mission on Power Electronics Technology (NaMPET) and WBG Drive System

GS3 Science and TechnologyPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 2 March 2026, MeitY launched an indigenously developed 30 kW Wide Band Gap (WBG)-based Integrated Drive System for electric vehicles at IIT Madras, Chennai, under NaMPET.
What it is: NaMPET is a MeitY programme to build indigenous power electronics technology through partnerships among R&D institutions, academia and industry. The 30 kW Integrated Drive System combines the electric motor and inverter in one compact unit, using wide band gap semiconductors. Such semiconductors handle higher voltage, temperature and switching speed than silicon.

Developers: C-DAC Thiruvananthapuram developed it with IIT Madras and Lucas TVS.
Design: The unit merges the motor and inverter into one high power-density unit, replacing the separate motor-drive set-up.
Target segment: The 30 kW class suits electric passenger vehicles such as compact cars and fleet mobility.
Import dependence: A substantial share of high-performance EV powertrain systems and semiconductor-based drive parts is imported now; local development aims to cut this.
Status: The system has been designed, fabricated and validated, and is ready for commercialisation.
WBG materials: Silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) are the common wide band gap semiconductors.

Don’t confuse with WBG vs silicon semiconductors: WBG materials (SiC, GaN) have a larger band gap than silicon, so they work at higher voltage, temperature and frequency with lower losses.

Don’t confuse with NaMPET vs PLI schemes: NaMPET is a MeitY R&D mission for power electronics technology. PLI schemes give production-linked financial incentives for manufacturing.

Science and technology: 57 Prelims questions since 2013; most test the concept behind the news, not the news itself. In Mains, 12 news-triggered questions.

No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: Indigenous EV technology with a lasting mission behind it, but few testable facts. Science and tech is 17% of news-linked Prelims questions, mostly concept-based.

Source: PIB, Ministry of Electronics & IT, 2 Mar, 17:17 IST · Release 285121

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2027: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Scheme

SARTHI (ITI Transformation Taskforce) under Craftsmen Training Scheme

GS2 Education and skillingPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 2 March 2026, the Directorate General of Training issued detailed guidelines for the mandatory 150 hours of On the Job Training (OJT) or Group Project for ITI trainees under the Craftsmen Training Scheme. The provision applies from the 2022–23 session.
What it is: SARTHI (Strategic Advisory and Reforms Taskforce for Holistic ITI Transformation) is an apex advisory platform set up under the Craftsmen Training Scheme. It brings Centre, States and other stakeholders together to discuss evidence-based reforms in Industrial Training Institutes. The Craftsmen Training Scheme is the long-running route for vocational training in ITIs, run through the Directorate General of Training.

Parent scheme: SARTHI sits under the Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS), which covers training in ITIs.
Nature of body: It is an advisory platform for structured stakeholder engagement and policy deliberation, not an implementing agency.
Chair and ministry: Jayant Chaudhary, MoS (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and MoS for Education, chaired the first meeting; the ministry is MSDE.
Themes discussed: Quality assurance, assessment, technology use, women's participation, industry engagement, practical learning, innovation and governance of ITIs.
Who attended: State ministers from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh took part, along with officials from DGT, NCVET, NSDC and UGC.
Eligibility: Trainees become eligible for OJT or project work only after at least three months of ITI training.
Assessment: Final assessment is in the practical exam, based on mentor or trainer evaluation, logbook review and a viva.
Dual System of Training: DST trainees do mandatory project work instead of OJT, as they already train in industry.
CTS launch: The Craftsmen Training Scheme was launched in 1950.

Don’t confuse with DGT vs NCVET: DGT runs ITIs and the Craftsmen Training Scheme; NCVET is the regulator that recognises awarding bodies and assessment agencies in vocational education.

Don’t confuse with CTS vs Skill India schemes like PMKVY: CTS is long-duration institutional training in ITIs; PMKVY is short-term skill training.

Don’t confuse with OJT vs Dual System of Training: OJT is a short 150-hour industry stint within CTS. DST is a separate mode with ongoing industry training, so it gets project work instead of OJT.

Schemes: 52 Prelims questions since 2013, 10 in Prelims 2026 alone. They test features, the period and who funds it. In Mains, 33 news-triggered questions, mostly GS3.

No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: Reform to CTS with 150 hours of mandatory OJT and training hours cut from 1600 to 1200 is a lasting skilling change; testable facts are few.

Source: PIB, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, 2 Mar, 19:09 IST · Release 285130

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Environment

National Mission for Clean Ganga and river rejuvenation (Central Monitoring Committee)

GS3 EnvironmentPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 2 March 2026, the 21st Central Monitoring Committee on river rejuvenation met under the Jal Shakti Secretary. It reviewed State-wise progress on polluted river stretches and sewage treatment.
What it is: The Central Monitoring Committee on river rejuvenation reviews how States implement Action Plans to clean polluted river stretches. The stretches are identified by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) from water quality data. The work sits within the wider mission for Ganga and river rejuvenation run by the Jal Shakti Ministry and the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG).

Chair: The meeting was chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti.
Basis of review: The review of polluted stretches used the CPCB's 2025 report, and progress on State Action Plans was examined.
Priority areas: Priorities include closing sewage treatment gaps, better STP performance, industrial pollution control, reuse of treated wastewater and floodplain demarcation.
Monitoring: States were directed to enable real-time monitoring for transparency and accountability.
LiDAR plus drone data: The initiative is described as the first of its kind to couple LiDAR scientific data with drone-survey visual data.
OCEMS and Ganga Pulse: STPs are monitored through Online Continuous Effluent Monitoring Systems tracking BOD, COD, DO, pH and TSS. These feed the public Ganga Pulse dashboard.
Treated water reuse: States were directed to finish policies for safe reuse of treated water, aligned to the national framework.

Don’t confuse with CMC vs NMCG: The Central Monitoring Committee is a review forum on river rejuvenation. NMCG is the implementing body for Namami Gange, headed by a Director General.

Don’t confuse with CPCB vs State Pollution Control Boards: CPCB is the national body that reports on polluted stretches. State Pollution Control Boards work at State level and attend such reviews.

Don’t confuse with BOD vs COD: BOD is the oxygen microbes need to break down organic matter. COD is the oxygen needed to chemically oxidise all pollutants. DO is the oxygen dissolved in water.

Environment: Prelims tests bodies, programmes and the law behind them; Mains asks why plans fall short.

No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: Polluted river stretches (CPCB 2025 report) and sewage gaps are a lasting topic. Review meeting gives few facts a statement can turn on.

Source: PIB, Ministry of Jal Shakti, 2 Mar, 19:45 IST · Release 285137

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2027: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Quick facts

Bose Institute (DST) and Rutgers study in PNAS shows the sigma factor σA stays bound to RNA polymerase through transcription in Bacillus subtilis, challenging the 50-year-old sigma cycle model.
NITI Aayog and JICA signed the Record of Discussions for Phase II of the Japan-India Cooperative Actions towards SDGs in Aspirational Districts and Blocks.
INSV Kaundinya, a traditionally built stitched sailing vessel of the Indian Navy, completed its maiden overseas voyage to Muscat, Oman, and was flagged in at Mumbai on 2 March 2026.

Source: PIB, 2 Mar

What we left out: 47 of 57 releases

Speeches without a decision (12)
Routine drive tests (4)
Same issue as another release (5)
Workshops and webinars (2)
Ceremonies and campaigns (10)
Routine data releases (2)
Visit schedules and meetings (1)
Routine appointments (2)
Exam notices (1)
Visit schedules and ship visits (1)
Routine operational updates (2)
Routine recognitions (5)

Practise the day’s news

In UPSC’s formats, inside each issue. The answer and why come after you choose.

1India-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)MCQ · 7 true or false
2UMEED Act, 2025 (Waqf property management) and UMEED PortalMCQ · 4 true or false · Mains
3EPFO and Central Board of Trustees (EPF interest rate)MCQ · 6 true or false
4India AI Impact Summit 2026 and IndiaAI MissionMCQ · 7 true or false

Mains question of the day

10 marks · 150 words

India and Canada signed the Terms of Reference on 2 March 2026 and launched negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Examine the potential benefits of the proposed CEPA for India, the challenges in concluding it, and suggest a way forward.

From: India-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)

Write and get it marked

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