UPSC Current Affairs 1 March 2026

Today’s Daily Current Affairs is compiled from trusted sources including The Hindu current affairs, Indian Express current affairs, and PIB current affairs in a structured, exam-oriented format to help UPSC aspirants prepare effectively for Prelims and Mains.

India–Brazil MoU on Critical Minerals

Why in News

• India and Brazil signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on rare earths and critical minerals during Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s State visit to India on February 21, 2026.
• The MoU covers cooperation across the full mineral value chain — exploration, mining, processing, recycling and refining.
• The agreement comes amid growing global competition to secure resilient supply chains for critical minerals used in clean energy, electronics and defence sectors.

What Are Critical Minerals and Why Are They Important?

• Critical minerals are essential for modern technologies such as electric vehicles, semiconductors, renewable energy systems, defence equipment and advanced electronics.
• Rare earth elements are especially vital for manufacturing permanent magnets used in EV motors, wind turbines and missile systems.
• Supply chains for these minerals are highly concentrated globally, creating strategic vulnerabilities.

India’s Strategy on Critical Minerals

• India is building domestic capacity across the critical minerals value chain.
• The Union Cabinet approved the National Critical Mineral Mission in January 2025, covering exploration, mining, beneficiation, processing and recycling from 2024–25 to 2030–31.
• India published a list of 30 critical minerals in July 2023.
• Amendments to mining laws have empowered the Centre to auction blocks for critical and strategic minerals.
• The state-backed Khanij Bidesh India Ltd is pursuing overseas mineral assets, including in Argentina and Chile.
• The government aims to start domestic production of rare-earth permanent magnets by the end of 2026 to reduce import dependence in EV and defence sectors.

What the MoU Means for India

• The MoU strengthens India’s mineral diversification strategy by adding Brazil as a potential partner.
• Brazil reportedly has substantial reserves, with only around 30% explored.
• Diversified sourcing increases India’s bargaining power in global mineral markets.
• It reduces overdependence on any single supplier, thereby lowering geopolitical risk.
• The agreement signals supply-chain stability to Indian manufacturers, encouraging investment in downstream industries.
• Harmonisation of standards could help Indian finished products meet international sustainability requirements.
• The MoU is reportedly non-binding but strategically significant.

Brazil’s Resource Strength

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, Brazil possesses:

• 21 million tonnes of rare-earth oxide equivalent
• 2.7 billion tonnes of bauxite
• 270 million tonnes of manganese
• 0.4 million tonnes of lithium

These reserves position Brazil as a major potential supplier of critical inputs for global industries.

What the MoU Means for Brazil

• The agreement can attract Indian capital and long-term buyers into Brazilian mining and processing projects.
• Long-term offtake agreements reduce financial risk for new mines and refineries.
• It supports Brazil’s goal of moving up the value chain instead of exporting raw ores.
• It enhances Brazil’s negotiating leverage in global mineral markets.
• Collaboration across recycling and refining aligns with Brazil’s industrial development ambitions.

Link with Pax Silica

• India joined Pax Silica, a U.S.-led initiative to secure supply chains for advanced computing and semiconductor ecosystems, on February 20, 2026.
• Pax Silica focuses on securing the “silicon stack,” from raw materials to AI hardware and data infrastructure.
• While Pax Silica sets a broad goal of supply-chain security, the India–Brazil MoU supports that objective indirectly by ensuring access to mineral inputs.
• Brazil is not a member of Pax Silica, and the MoU operates independently of it.

Strategic Significance

• The MoU reflects India’s broader push for resource diplomacy and supply-chain resilience.
• It strengthens South–South cooperation between two major emerging economies.
• It aligns economic goals with strategic and technological priorities in a geopolitically competitive environment.
• For both countries, the agreement represents a move toward deeper industrial collaboration rather than simple commodity trade.

Critical Minerals

Why Critical Minerals Matter

• Critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, copper, nickel, graphite and rare earth elements are essential for clean energy, electronics, defence and healthcare industries.
• They are key inputs for wind turbines, solar panels, electric vehicle (EV) batteries, power grids and semiconductors.
• As countries push for energy transition and digitalisation, demand for these minerals is rising sharply.

What Are Critical Minerals?

• Critical minerals are materials essential to economic development and national security but vulnerable to supply disruptions.
• Different countries maintain different critical mineral lists based on resource access, industrial needs and supply risks.
• Commonly listed minerals include copper, lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite and rare earth elements.
• Additional energy-transition minerals include aluminium, manganese, silicon and silver.

Rare Earth Elements vs Critical Minerals

• Rare earth elements are a subset of critical minerals.
• They include 17 elements such as neodymium, cerium and promethium.
• Despite their name, they are not geologically rare but are difficult and costly to extract due to low concentrations and complex processing requirements.

Rising Global Demand

• The International Energy Agency estimates that critical mineral demand could more than double by 2030 and quadruple by 2050 if climate goals are met.
• Rapid deployment of zero-carbon technologies is driving this surge.
• Some minerals like aluminium have relatively stable reserves, while copper, nickel and cobalt may face supply shortfalls without expanded exploration and innovation.

Structural Challenges

• New mining projects take an average of 15.5 years from discovery to production.
• Mining and processing are geographically concentrated.
• Indonesia dominates nickel production, while the Democratic Republic of Congo leads in cobalt reserves and output.
• China processes the majority of global lithium, cobalt and rare earth elements.
• High concentration increases geopolitical vulnerability.

Geopolitical Tensions and Policy Responses

• Countries are introducing policies to secure supply chains and reduce dependency.
• The EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act aims to strengthen mineral security within Europe.
• The United States has elevated critical minerals under the Defense Production Act and launched initiatives like Mine of the Future.
• International partnerships such as the IEA Critical Minerals Security Programme and the Minerals Security Partnership aim to coordinate investments and resilience.
• China’s global mining investments under its Belt and Road Initiative have strengthened its processing dominance.

Environmental and Social Risks

• Mining contributes roughly 8% of global carbon emissions.
• Many mineral deposits are located in water-stressed regions, increasing competition for freshwater resources.
• Poor waste management can contaminate groundwater through tailings and acid drainage.
• Between 2001 and 2020, mining contributed to significant forest loss globally.
• Communities may face displacement, pollution-related health risks and labour exploitation, including child labour in small-scale mining.
• Deep-sea mining poses additional ecological risks, with limited scientific understanding of long-term impacts.

Deep-Sea Mining Debate

• The ocean floor may contain substantial reserves of cobalt, nickel, copper and rare earth elements.
• Technological advancements have made extraction possible.
• However, environmental groups warn of irreversible damage to fragile marine ecosystems.
• Global governance frameworks for deep-sea mining remain contested.

Responsible Mining Solutions

• Adoption of international standards such as the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance and Toward Sustainable Mining.
• Stronger national regulations on environmental protection and conflict-free sourcing.
• Use of technology to reduce water use and emissions.
• Greater transparency through mechanisms like the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative.
• Market-based incentives including green procurement and sustainability-linked finance.

Circular Economy as a Key Strategy

• Transitioning from a “make-use-discard” model to reuse and recycling reduces pressure on new mining.
• Smaller EV batteries and alternative battery chemistries (e.g., cobalt-free batteries) reduce mineral intensity.
• Second-life use of EV batteries and solar panels extends material utility.
• Recycling could reduce new mining needs by 40% for copper and cobalt and 25% for lithium and nickel by 2050.
• However, recycling rates currently lag behind demand growth.

Policy Momentum on Recycling

• Since 2022, more than 30 global policies have focused on critical mineral recycling.
• India introduced Battery Waste Management Rules in 2022.
• Vietnam mandated recycling rates for batteries and solar cells under Decree No.8/2022/ND-CP.

The Core Dilemma

• Critical minerals are indispensable for achieving climate goals and technological progress.
• Yet mining and processing can generate emissions, ecological damage and social conflict.
• Supply concentration intensifies geopolitical risks.
• The challenge lies in balancing secure supply with environmental sustainability and social justice.

The Way Forward

• Diversify mineral supply chains geographically.
• Strengthen environmental and social governance frameworks.
• Invest in recycling and material substitution technologies.
• Promote international cooperation to reduce geopolitical friction.
• Ensure that the clean energy transition does not replicate past extractive injustices.

Critical minerals sit at the heart of the global energy transition. Meeting rising demand responsibly will determine whether the move toward a cleaner future is also equitable and sustainable.

Canada-India Negotiating Economic Partnership Agreement

Why in News

• Mark Carney announced that Canada is negotiating a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with India to double bilateral trade by 2030.
• The announcement was made during his four-day visit to India in February 2026.
• The agreement is expected to be signed by the end of 2026.

Key Highlights of the Announcement

• The statement was delivered at the Canada-India Growth and Investment Forum in Mumbai on February 28, 2026.
• Canada aims to elevate ties with India to a more strategic and ambitious level.
• The Canadian government initiated efforts to renew relations with India immediately after Mr. Carney’s election last year.
• Both countries agreed to re-engage across security, energy, and technology sectors.

Diplomatic Developments and High-Level Engagements

• Narendra Modi was invited by Canada to attend the G7 Summit.
• At the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, both leaders launched a landmark partnership with Australia focused on critical minerals and technology.
• India and Canada agreed on a shared work plan to guide bilateral cooperation on national security.

Focus Areas of the Proposed Economic Partnership

• Doubling two-way trade between India and Canada by 2030.
• Strengthening cooperation in food and energy sectors, leveraging Canada’s position as a major food and energy producer.
• Expanding nuclear cooperation, including:
  • Reliable long-term supply of uranium.
  • Collaboration in building large-scale nuclear reactors.
  • Development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
• Enhancing partnership in critical minerals and metals for manufacturing, clean technology, and nuclear industries.
• Supporting clean energy goals, including India’s role in helping Canada double its clean power grid capacity by 2040.
• Deepening collaboration in artificial intelligence, digital economy, quantum technologies, and defence innovation.

Strategic Significance

• The proposed CEPA reflects a shift toward a more resilient and diversified economic partnership.
• Both countries aim to enhance sovereignty, economic choice, and long-term prosperity.
• The agreement is positioned as a step toward a stronger, more comprehensive India-Canada strategic relationship by 2030.

Nine Cheetahs from Botswana Arrive at Kuno National Park

Why in News

• Nine cheetahs from Botswana have arrived at Kuno National Park under India’s cheetah reintroduction programme.
• With this batch, India’s total cheetah population has increased to 48.
• This marks the third batch of cheetahs brought from African nations under Project Cheetah.
• Since the programme began, 21 cheetahs have died at Kuno due to various causes.

Details of the Latest Translocation

• The nine cheetahs include six females and three males.
• They were released into special enclosures at Kuno by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav.
• The cheetahs were officially donated to India during President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to Botswana in November 2025.
• Before translocation, they were kept in quarantine at Mokolodi Nature Reserve in Botswana.
• They were airlifted to India by the Indian Air Force:
  • Transported via C-17 Globemaster aircraft to Gwalior Air Base.
  • Shifted to Kuno using IAF helicopters.

Project Cheetah: Background and Batches

• Project Cheetah aims to reintroduce cheetahs to India after their extinction in 1952.
• First batch:
  • Eight cheetahs from Namibia arrived in September 2022.
  • Released by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• Second batch:
  • Twelve cheetahs from South Africa arrived in February 2023.
• Third batch:
  • Nine cheetahs from Botswana arrived in February 2026.
• The initiative is considered the world’s first intercontinental translocation of wild cheetahs.

Current Cheetah Status in India

• Total cheetah population: 48.
  • 28 India-born cubs.
  • 20 translocated adults from African nations.
• 45 cheetahs are currently at Kuno National Park.
• Three translocated adults are at Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Mandsaur and Neemuch districts.
• Since 2022, Kuno has recorded nine cheetah litters.
• In November 2025, Indian-born cheetah Mukhi gave birth to five cubs.
• In February 2026, two African cheetahs gave birth to nine cubs.

Quarantine and Monitoring Measures

• The newly arrived cheetahs will undergo a mandatory minimum one-month quarantine in special enclosures (bomas).
• Tracking collars have been fitted on all nine cheetahs.
• Dedicated monitoring teams have been formed:
  • Two veterinarians in each team.
  • Daily health checks conducted twice a day.
• Officials state that lessons learned over the past three-and-a-half years have improved management practices.

Challenges and Mortality

• 21 cheetahs have died since the programme began:
  • Nine translocated adults.
  • Twelve India-born cubs.
• Major challenges faced:
  • Immunity issues.
  • Adaptation to local habitat.
  • Survival management in new ecological conditions.
• Authorities claim that the programme has gained momentum after initial setbacks.

Institutional Support

• The programme involves coordination between:
  • The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
  • The Wildlife Institute of India (WII).
  • Forest officials and veterinarians at Kuno.
  • Local communities participating as “Cheetah Mitra”.
• The Indian Air Force played a key logistical role in ensuring safe transcontinental transport of the animals.

Centre Suspends Rice Fortification Scheme Citing IIT Study

Why in News

• The Union Government has temporarily discontinued the rice fortification process under welfare schemes.
• The decision was taken after reviewing implementation findings and citing a study by Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur.
• Activists who had challenged the scheme in the Supreme Court have welcomed the move.

Government’s Decision

• The Union Food Ministry announced the temporary suspension of rice fortification.
• The scheme was being implemented under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana and allied welfare programmes.
• The suspension will continue until a more effective mechanism for delivering nutrients to beneficiaries is identified.
• The government clarified that:
  • There will be no reduction in foodgrain entitlements.
  • Public Distribution System (PDS) operations will not be affected.
  • Services under Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and the Mid-Day Meal Scheme will continue as usual.

Findings of the IIT Study

• The study assessed the shelf life of fortified rice kernels (FRK) and fortified rice (FR) under actual storage conditions across diverse agro-climatic zones.
• It concluded that:
  • Moisture content significantly affects nutrient stability.
  • Storage conditions and temperature influence shelf life.
  • Relative humidity impacts micronutrient retention.
  • Packaging material plays a critical role in maintaining quality.
• The report found that:
  • Fortified rice is susceptible to micronutrient reduction during prolonged storage.
  • Routine handling shortens effective shelf life.
  • Reduced nutrient stability limits the intended nutritional outcomes.

Activists’ Response

• Activists who had filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Supreme Court welcomed the decision.
• Social activist Kavitha Kuruganti stated that:
  • Rice fortification is an expensive intervention.
  • It is not scientifically proven to curb anaemia in all cases.
  • Not all anaemia is linked to iron deficiency.
  • Large-scale fortification may be ineffective and potentially unsafe.
• Activists argued that the government had not adequately justified the policy in light of statutory regulations on fortified food.

Broader Context

• Rice fortification was introduced to address micronutrient deficiencies, particularly anaemia.
• The suspension marks a significant policy pause in one of the world’s largest food fortification initiatives.
• The government may explore alternative mechanisms for nutrient delivery to beneficiaries in the future.

Slew of Festivals to Celebrate Tribal Arts, Music, Culture and Commerce in March

Why in News

• The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has announced a series of festivals in New Delhi during March 2026 to promote tribal culture, art, music, and entrepreneurship.
• The announcement was made by Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram.
• The events aim to integrate tribal communities into India’s broader cultural and economic transformation.

Key Objective of the Initiative

• Promote tribal identity and heritage at the national level.
• Strengthen livelihoods and expand market access for tribal communities.
• Encourage enterprise development and strategic collaboration.
• Position tribal heritage within India’s inclusive growth framework.

Tribes Art Fest

• Venue: Travancore Palace.
• Dates: March 2 to March 13, 2026.
• Participation:
  • Over 70 tribal artists.
  • More than 1,000 artworks.
  • Representation from 30 distinct tribal art forms.
• Activities include:
  • Curated walkthroughs.
  • Live painting demonstrations.
  • Illustrated talks.
  • Mentorship workshops.
  • Participatory sessions.
  • Panel discussions.

Living Roots Music Festival

• Dates: March 13 to March 15, 2026.
• Daytime sessions at Bikaner House.
• Evening performances at Kartavya Path.
• Daytime focus:
  • Keynote addresses.
  • Immersive showcases.
  • Panel discussions on preservation and innovation.
  • Sessions on intellectual property rights, ownership, and ethical collaboration.
• Evening programme:
  • 15 curated performances.
  • Showcasing diverse tribal regions and traditions.
  • Bringing tribal music to a prominent national public space.

Bharat Tribes Fest 2026

• Rebranded version of the earlier Adi Mahotsav tribal product showcase.
• Venue: Sunder Nursery.
• Dates: March 18 to March 30, 2026.
• Participation:
  • More than 1,000 tribal artisans.
  • Van Dhan Vikas Kendras.
  • Tribal chefs and cultural troupes.
  • Over 200 curated stalls featuring art, craft, and cuisine.
• International pavilion featuring indigenous artists from:
  • Australia.
  • Fiji.
  • Vietnam.

Business and CSR Components

• Tribal Business Conclave:
  • Focused on promoting tribal entrepreneurship.
  • Aims to integrate tribal enterprises into domestic and global value chains.
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Summit on March 24:
  • Brings together corporate institutions and State Tribal Welfare Departments.
  • Identifies priority sectors for potential CSR funding.
  • Encourages collaboration to strengthen tribal development initiatives.

India–U.S. Trade Deal

Why in News

• The Supreme Court of the United States struck down tariffs imposed by Donald Trump under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
• India and the U.S. had announced an impending interim trade agreement in February 2026.
• India postponed its negotiating team’s visit to Washington following the court ruling.
• Questions have arisen about the future of reciprocal tariffs and the proposed India–U.S. trade deal.

What Did the U.S. Supreme Court Rule?

• The Court struck down tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977.
• It held that the U.S. President requires congressional approval to levy tariffs under IEEPA.
• As a result, “reciprocal tariffs” imposed since mid-2025 on several countries were overturned.
• Earlier, the U.S. had removed a 25% penal tariff imposed on India over its Russian oil imports.
• India’s total tariff burden had come down from 50% to 25%.
• Under the proposed interim agreement, the remaining 25% reciprocal tariff was to be reduced to 18%.
• Before this reduction could be implemented, the Supreme Court struck down the tariffs.

How Did the Trump Administration React?

• President Trump publicly criticised the Supreme Court’s decision through speeches and social media posts.
• He invoked other legal provisions to continue imposing tariffs.
• A flat 10% tariff on all imports was introduced for 150 days starting January 24, with a warning that it may be increased to 15%.
• Several other tariffs remain in place:
  • 50% tariff on aluminium and steel imports.
  • Country-specific tariffs on items valued below $800.
• These measures continue to affect India:
  • Steel and aluminium are significant Indian exports to the U.S.
  • MSMEs previously benefited from tariff exemptions on small-value e-commerce exports.
• On February 24, the U.S. imposed a 126% tariff on Indian solar module imports following preliminary findings of subsidised exports.

Impact on Other Trade Partners

• The European Commission sought clarity from the U.S. after the ruling.
• The European Union stated that uncertainty affects fair and balanced transatlantic trade.
• Japan clarified that its trade deal, focused on automobile tariffs, remains unaffected.
• Australia urged the U.S. to honour its existing free trade agreement and allow duty-free imports as committed.

How Has India Responded?

• Piyush Goyal had earlier stated that:
  • The interim agreement could be signed by mid-March.
  • Implementation was expected by early April.
• After the Supreme Court ruling, India adopted a cautious approach.
• The Ministry of Commerce and Industry stated that it is studying the implications of the U.S. court decision.
• India’s negotiating team postponed its February 23–25 visit to Washington indefinitely.
• The postponement was attributed to the need for both sides to evaluate recent developments.
• Despite this, Mr. Goyal hosted U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Ambassador Sergio Gor in New Delhi for discussions described as “fruitful”.
• A new date for negotiations has not yet been announced.

Current Status of Tariffs Affecting India

• Reciprocal tariffs imposed under IEEPA have been struck down.
• A flat 10% tariff on all imports remains in force for 150 days.
• 50% tariffs on aluminium and steel imports continue.
• 126% tariff on Indian solar modules remains in place.
• Tariff exemptions on low-value goods under $800 are no longer available in certain cases.
• Tariff-related pressure linked to Russian oil imports has temporarily eased.

Has the U.S. Changed Its Trade Policy Stance?

• President Trump stated that trade deals already signed must be honoured.
• He warned that countries attempting to renegotiate or “play games” could face higher tariffs.
• The U.S. administration maintains that tariff policy will continue irrespective of litigation.
• Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick reiterated that:
  • The U.S. expects its trade partners to honour signed agreements.
  • The administration’s tariff policy remains unchanged in principle.

What Lies Ahead for the India–U.S. Trade Deal?

• The interim agreement remains under discussion but is delayed.
• Legal uncertainty in the U.S. has complicated tariff reductions promised under the proposed deal.
• For now:
  • India retains leverage as tariff reductions on U.S. goods would occur only after signing.
  • The U.S. faces pressure to stabilise its tariff regime amid legal scrutiny.
• The trajectory of the deal will depend on:
  • U.S. legislative or executive steps following the Supreme Court ruling.
  • Resumption of formal negotiations between the two sides.