Daily filter — 6 March 2026
7 exam-worthy stories from the day's PIB releases · interactive view
🗳️ Polity & Governance · UPSC track
ECI reviews Kerala Assembly polls, addresses party concerns
The Election Commission of India recently reviewed poll preparedness for the upcoming Kerala Legislative Assembly Elections.
- CEC Shri Gyanesh Kumar led the review of poll preparedness for Kerala Assembly elections.
- Political parties requested considering local festivals for election dates.
- Parties urged ECI to curb money power, liquor, and freebie distribution.
- Concerns were raised about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and synthetic content.
- CEC encouraged using cVIGIL platform for model code of conduct complaints.
- DEOs were directed to ensure Assured Minimum Facilities (AMFs) at all polling stations.
💡 The ECI's Kerala review addressed party concerns over AI, money power, and local festivals while encouraging cVIGIL and mandating AMFs.
Source: Election Commission · PIB PRID 2236211
💳 Economy · UPSC track
UPI Dominates Global Real-Time Payments, Bolstered by Indian Banks
India's **Unified Payments Interface (UPI)** is the world's largest retail fast payment system by volume, with widespread adoption.
- In January 2026, UPI processed 21.70 billion transactions worth over ₹28.33 lakh crore.
- A total of 691 banks are live on the UPI platform.
- UPI accounts for around 49 percent of global real-time payment transaction volume.
- Within India, 81 percent of total retail payment transactions by volume are processed on UPI.
💡 For the exam: Remember UPI handles ~50% global real-time payments, 81% Indian retail payments, processed 21.7B transactions in Jan 2026 across 691 banks.
Source: PIB Backgrounder · PIB PRID 2235812
🤝 International Relations · UPSC track
India Expands Global Trade with Nine FTAs by 2025-26
India has expanded its network of Free Trade Agreements, reaching nine FTAs with 38 countries by the year 2025-26.
- India signed the EFTA TEPA on 10th March 2024, entering force on 1st October 2025.
- The India–UK CETA was signed in July 2025.
- The India–Oman CEPA was signed in December 2025.
- The India–New Zealand FTA was announced on 22nd December 2025.
- The India–EU FTA was announced on 27th January 2026.
- An interim agreement framework with the United States was delivered on 7th February 2026.
💡 Remember: From 2025-26, India's FTAs include UK, Oman, New Zealand, EU, and EFTA, with an interim US agreement.
Source: Ministry of Commerce & Industry · PIB PRID 2236134
🌾 Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
Centre Sets Foodgrain Procurement Targets for Upcoming Seasons
The **Department of Food & Public Distribution** reviewed procurement, distribution, and storage with states/UTs.
- Wheat procurement target for RMS 2026-27 is 303 LMT.
- Paddy procurement for KMS 2025-26 (Rabi) is set at 76 LMT (in rice).
- 7.79 LMT of coarse grains, including millets, estimated for KMS 2025-26 (Rabi).
- Pilot for improved rice with up to 10% broken grains initiated in five states.
- QR code tags on foodgrain packaging pilot completed in Andhra Pradesh.
💡 Remember 303 LMT wheat (RMS 2026-27) and 76 LMT paddy (KMS 2025-26 Rabi) targets, plus new initiatives like QR codes and improved rice.
Source: Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution · PIB PRID 2236215
💰 Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
Mizoram Village Councils Receive XV Finance Commission Untied Grants
The Union Government released ₹14.80 crores as the 1st installment of Untied Grants for FY 2025–26 to Rural Local Bodies in Mizoram.
- Union Government released ₹14.80 crores in FY 2025–26.
- Grants are from the Fifteenth Finance Commission (XV FC).
- It is the 1st installment of Untied Grants for FY 2025–26.
- All 816 Village Councils in Mizoram will benefit.
- Untied Grants are for local needs under the Eleventh Schedule.
💡 Remember: XV FC Untied Grants in FY 2025–26 for Mizoram's 816 Village Councils fall under the Eleventh Schedule.
Source: Ministry of Panchayati Raj · PIB PRID 2235865
💰 Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana: Securing Girl Child's Future
Launched in 2015, the **Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)** is a government savings scheme for a girl child's education and marriage.
- Interest rate is 8.2% per year, compounded annually.
- Minimum deposit is ₹250, maximum ₹1.5 lakh per year.
- Deposits allowed for 15 years; account matures after 21 years.
- Interest and maturity amount are tax-free under Section 80C.
- Total deposits exceeded ₹3.33 lakh crore as of December 2025.
💡 For the exam: Remember SSY for girl child savings, its high interest (8.2%), 15-year deposit, 21-year maturity, and tax benefits under Section 80C.
Source: PIB Backgrounder · PIB PRID 2235818
🤰 Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
Maternity Benefits and Child Nutrition Initiatives by Government
The Government of India implements several schemes focusing on nutrition, health, and education for women and children.
- Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 combats malnutrition for children (0-6 years), adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating mothers.
- Poshan Abhiyaan, launched March 8, 2018, improves nutritional outcomes using real-time monitoring via the Poshan Tracker app.
- PMMVY 2.0 provides ₹5,000 for the first living child, and ₹6,000 for the second if it is a girl, effective April 1, 2022.
- Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi transforms Anganwadi Centres into early learning hubs, training 8.55 lakh Anganwadi workers by December 2025.
💡 For the exam: Remember Poshan 2.0 for malnutrition, PMMVY for maternity benefits (first child ₹5000, second girl ₹6000), and Poshan Abhiyaan with Poshan Tracker for monitoring.
Source: PIB Backgrounder · PIB PRID 2235796