Current Affairs 25 March 2026

India reaches record fertilizer production milestone under Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

• India’s urea production capacity increased to 283.74 LMTPA, with major expansion under NIP–2012.
• Record urea production reached 314.07 LMT in 2023–24 (up significantly from 2014–15).
• New Urea Policy (2015) added 20–25 LMT annually to output.
• Government initiatives focus on reducing import dependence through domestic production and long-term raw material agreements.
• NBS scheme and SSP subsidy promote self-reliance in phosphatic and potassic fertilizers.

Government notifies landmark natural gas order to boost ease of doing business.

• Government notified Natural Gas Distribution Order, 2026 under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
• Introduces time-bound approvals with deemed clearances to avoid delays.
• Standardizes charges and creates a single, uniform regulatory framework.
• Facilitates expansion of City Gas Distribution (CGD) and PNG networks.
• Promotes shift from LPG to cleaner PNG.
• Ensures smoother land access and dispute resolution.
• Aims to boost energy security, ease of doing business, and environmental sustainability.

NITI Aayog allocates ₹1.55 crore to RISE Centre to support women entrepreneurship.

• NITI Aayog sanctioned ₹1.55 crore to RISE Centre in Andhra Pradesh.
• Aims to empower rural women, especially SHG members.
• Aligns with One Family–One Entrepreneur vision.
• Over 1,000 women trained; 300+ families started businesses.
• Funds to support AI-based skill mapping, training, and infrastructure.
• Focus on diverse skills like AI, solar work, food processing, and digital commerce.

Madhya Pradesh to launch phased AI mission to enhance governance.

• Madhya Pradesh to implement AI Mission in phases to improve governance and service delivery.
• Phase 1 (2026-27): Build AI infrastructure.
• Phase 2 (2027-28): Deploy AI use cases across departments.
• Phase 3 (2028 onward): Institutionalize AI in governance.
• Key Objectives:
• Personalized citizen services via E-Seva and Sampada 2.0.
• Early risk detection in agriculture, health, nutrition, and disasters.
• Enhance administrative efficiency with AI tools.
• Promote AI ecosystem through startups, institutions, and workforce skilling.

Bhupathiraju Anmish Varma breaks Guinness record for seven volcanic summits.

• Visakhapatnam mountaineer Bhupathiraju Anmish Varma sets Guinness World Record for fastest ascent of seven volcanic summits.
• Completed all seven in 92 days, 4 hours, 45 minutes (Oct 23, 2024 – Jan 23, 2025).
• Seven summits climbed: Ojos del Salado, Kilimanjaro, Elbrus, Damavand, Pico de Orizaba, Giluwe, Sidley.
• Overcame extreme weather, logistical challenges, and tough Antarctic terrain.