Current Affairs 25 March 2026

‘Max’ Messenger App

Russia Promotes ‘Max’ Messenger App Amid Surveillance Concerns

• Russia is promoting a new messaging platform called Max, developed by VK.
• The app is not end-to-end encrypted, raising concerns about government surveillance.
• Russia is simultaneously restricting popular apps like WhatsApp and Telegram.
• Max integrates multiple services including:
  • Messaging and social media
  • Digital ID
  • Banking and payments
  • Access to government services

Government Intensifies Surveillance on GLP-1 (Ozempic) Weight Loss Drugs

• India’s Drugs Controller has strengthened regulatory oversight on GLP-1 based weight loss drugs to prevent misuse.
• Concerns arose due to unauthorized sale and promotion via pharmacies, online platforms, and wellness clinics.
• These drugs are approved only under strict medical prescription, primarily by:
  • Endocrinologists – specialized doctors who diagnose and treat disorders of the endocrine system (hormones, metabolism and reproduction)
  • Internal Medicine specialists
  • Cardiologists (for specific cases)

AMNS India Steel Plant Launched in Andhra Pradesh

• The foundation stone for a mega steel plant by ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India was laid at Rajayyapeta.
• The project involves an investment of ₹1.36 lakh crore, making it one of the largest industrial projects in Andhra Pradesh.
• The plant will be developed in two phases with a total capacity of 17.8 million tonnes per annum (MTPA).
• First phase production is expected by 2028. The project includes:
  • A captive port (₹11,198 crore)
  • Road infrastructure and connectivity
  • Over 5,000 acres of land has been allocated for the project.

Andhra Pradesh Launches City Gas Distribution (CGD) Policy

Andhra Pradesh Launches City Gas Distribution (CGD) Policy to Boost Clean Energy Access

• The Andhra Pradesh government has introduced a new City Gas Distribution (CGD) Policy to expand piped natural gas infrastructure.
• The policy aims to promote clean energy access for households, industries, and commercial users.
• Key features:
  • Single-window clearance system for faster approvals
  • State Level Utilities Coordination Committee (SLUCC) for policy oversight
  • District-level committees headed by Collectors
• Deemed approval provision:
  • Right of Way (RoW) permission must be granted within 21 days
  • If delayed, approval is automatically granted after 30 days

RBI Framework on Unauthorised Digital Transactions & Fraud Detection

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has revised its guidelines on unauthorised electronic banking transactions (2026).
• A new compensation mechanism has been introduced for small-value fraud cases.
• RBI is promoting the use of AI, ML, and Big Data analytics to detect fraud in real time.
• The Indian Digital Payment Intelligence Corporation (IDPIC) has been set up (2025) to monitor digital payment fraud.
• RBI launched “MuleHunter.AI” to detect mule accounts used in cyber fraud; currently active in 26 banks. Banks are advised to:
  • Use real-time transaction monitoring systems
  • Apply AI/ML tools for fraud detection

Financial literacy initiatives by RBI:

• Centre for Financial Literacy (CFL) – 2,421 centres
• Financial Literacy Week (FLW)
• Campaigns like “RBI Kehta Hai” and “SEBI vs SCAM”

National AI Skilling Initiative

Centre Launches National AI Skilling Initiative to Boost Creative Economy

• The Government of India launched the National AI Skilling Initiative in partnership with Google and YouTube to strengthen India’s creative (orange) economy.
• Around 15,000 youth will be trained free of cost in AI-related skills.
• The program will be implemented through the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT).
• Training will happen in two phases (March–December 2026), covering:
  • Basics of AI and Generative AI
  • Prompting and AI tools
  • Advanced storytelling and YouTube content creation
• Other initiatives launched:
  • MyWAVES platform for citizen content creators
  • In-built satellite tuners in TVs for easier access to DD Free Dish

NICRA Climate Risk Report in 651 Districts; 310 Identified as Vulnerable

• The Government, through Indian Council of Agricultural Research, is implementing the National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture.
• Climate risk assessment has been conducted in 651 agricultural districts using IPCC protocols.
• Out of these, 310 districts are vulnerable:
  • 109 districts – Very high vulnerability
  • 201 districts – High vulnerability
• District Agriculture Contingency Plans (DACPs) have been prepared for all districts.