Daily filter — 2 March 2026
9 exam-worthy stories from the day's PIB releases · interactive view
📝 Reports & Indices · UPSC track
Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Examination 2026 Results Out
UPSC released the results for the Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Examination, 2026, held on February 08, 2026.
- The preliminary examination was conducted by UPSC on 08th February, 2026.
- Qualified candidates proceed to the Main Examination on 20th & 21st June, 2026.
- E-admit cards for Stage-II will be available about 01 week before the main exam.
- Exam rules were issued by the Ministry of Mines on 03th September, 2025.
💡 Remember dates: Prelims on Feb 8, Mains on June 20-21, 2026, rules from Sep 3, 2025.
Source: UPSC · PIB PRID 2234652
🤝 International Relations · UPSC track
India and Canada Commence Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Negotiations
India and Canada have formally launched negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to boost bilateral trade.
- The Terms of Reference (ToR) for India-Canada CEPA were signed on March 2, 2026.
- The goal for bilateral trade is to reach US$50 billion by 2030.
- Bilateral trade stood at USD 8.66 billion in FY 2024-25.
- Negotiations will cover trade in goods, services, and other policy areas.
💡 Remember, India-Canada CEPA talks started March 2, 2026, aiming for US$50 billion trade by 2030.
Source: Ministry of Commerce & Industry · PIB PRID 2234674
🤝 International Relations · UPSC track
India and Japan deepen SDG cooperation in Aspirational Districts
NITI Aayog and JICA signed a Record of Discussions for Phase II of Japan–India Cooperative Actions towards SDGs.
- NITI Aayog and JICA signed RoD on 02 MAR 2026 for SDG Phase II.
- Project targets Aspirational Districts (ADs) and Aspirational Blocks (ABs).
- Focuses on six themes including Health, Education, and Agriculture.
- Aims to strengthen policy frameworks and implementation systems.
💡 Phase II of India-Japan SDGs project targets Aspirational Districts/Blocks across six themes.
Source: NITI Aayog · PIB PRID 2234547
🤝 International Relations · UPSC track
India and Canada Renew Strategic Partnership, Emphasize Energy Ties
India and Canada's leaders met, adopting the 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' framework for a renewed strategic partnership.
- Canadian PM Mark Carney visited India from February 27 – March 2, 2026.
- The leaders adopted 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' as the guiding framework for the partnership.
- A CAD $2.6 billion commercial agreement was signed between Cameco and Department of Atomic Energy for uranium supply.
- Canada aims to produce 50 million tonnes of LNG per year by 2030.
💡 For the exam: Remember 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' guiding the renewed India-Canada partnership, with a focus on a CAD $2.6 billion uranium deal and Canada's LNG export goals.
Source: Prime Minister's Office · PIB PRID 2234572
🤝 International Relations · UPSC track
India-Canada: Deepening Ties Across Trade, Tech, and Energy
India and Canada have signed multiple agreements to boost bilateral cooperation in economic, technological, energy, and cultural sectors.
- Finalized Terms of Reference for India-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
- Signed India-Canada-Australia Trilateral MoU for emerging technologies under ACITI Partnership.
- Department of Atomic Energy contracted Cameco, Canada for uranium ore concentrates supply.
- Canada will join the Global Biofuels Alliance and International Solar Alliance.
- MoUs signed for Critical Minerals, Renewable Energy, and Cultural cooperation.
- AICTE and Mitacs, Canada signed MoU for 300 Globalink Research Internships annually for three years (beginning 2027).
💡 For the exam: Remember CEPA, Critical Minerals, and Canada joining ISA/GBA as key outcomes.
Source: Prime Minister's Office · PIB PRID 2234564
⚖️ Law & Judiciary · LAW track
Kerala High Court: Seven Additional Judges Become Permanent
The President of India has appointed seven Additional Judges as Permanent Judges in the Kerala High Court.
- President appointed 7 Additional Judges as Permanent Judges.
- Appointments were made in the Kerala High Court.
- Consultation with the Chief Justice of India preceded appointments.
- Appointments made under power conferred by the Constitution of India.
- The list includes Smt. Justice Marakkaparambil Bhargavan Snehalatha.
💡 Remember: 7 Additional Judges elevated to Permanent Judges in Kerala High Court by President (after CJI consultation).
Source: Ministry of Law and Justice · PIB PRID 2234638
📈 Economy · UPSC track
Index of Industrial Production Sees 4.8% Growth in January 2026
India's industrial output, as measured by the IIP, grew by 4.8% year-on-year in January 2026, driven by manufacturing and electricity.
- IIP recorded 4.8% year-on-year growth in January 2026.
- Manufacturing grew by 4.8% and Electricity by 5.1% in January 2026.
- Mining sector showed 4.3% growth during January 2026.
- Top contributors in manufacturing were basic metals (13.2%) and motor vehicles (10.9%).
- Quick Estimates for January 2026 released on March 2, 2026.
- The base year for the IIP is 2011-12=100.
💡 Remember: IIP for January 2026 is 4.8% overall, with Manufacturing and Electricity leading the charge.
Source: Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation · PIB PRID 2234512
🌱 Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
NITI Aayog's National Workshop on Natural Farming
NITI Aayog conducted a two-day national workshop under its State Support Mission to promote natural farming across India.
- The workshop launched Training Manuals on Natural Farming in Hindi and English.
- Shri Acharya Devvrat Ji, Governor of Gujarat and Maharashtra, gave a virtual address.
- A total of 770 participants attended the workshop on Day 1.
- The second day focused on field visits and live demonstrations of natural farming practices.
💡 Remember: NITI Aayog organized a two-day workshop under SSM, launching training manuals on natural farming.
Source: NITI Aayog · PIB PRID 2234472
📈 Economy · UPSC track
India's Electronics Manufacturing Soars: Aatmanirbhar Bharat Success
India's electronics manufacturing has seen significant growth and policy support, driving self-reliance and global leadership aspirations.
- Electronics production rose from ₹1.9 lakh crore in 2014-15 to ₹11.3 lakh crore in 2024-25.
- India is now the world’s second-largest mobile phone manufacturer, up from two units in 2014 to over 300 today.
- The Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) outlay increased to ₹40,000 crore in Union Budget 2026-27.
- The India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 1.0 had an outlay of ₹76,000 crore approved in 2021.
- Union Budget 2026-27 provides ₹1,000 crore for ISM 2.0, focusing on industry-led research.
💡 For the exam: Remember the exponential growth in electronics production and mobile manufacturing (2014-15 vs 2024-25), and the increased outlays for ECMS and ISM 2.0 in the 2026-27 Budget.
Source: PIB Backgrounder · PIB PRID 2234442