CURRENT AFFAIRS 12 December, 2025

CURRENT AFFAIRS 12 December, 2025

1. INDIA’S FIRST INDIGENOUS HYDROGEN FUEL CELL PASSENGER VESSEL BEGINS COMMERCIAL SERVICE IN VARANASI –

• India has taken a historic step in green maritime mobility with the launch of its first fully indigenous hydrogen fuel cell passenger vessel, which began commercial operations at Namo Ghat, Varanasi. The vessel was flagged off by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, marking a breakthrough in India’s transition toward clean, sustainable and self-reliant waterways.
• This pioneering vessel is the first in the country to demonstrate hydrogen fuel cell propulsion, showcasing India’s capability to develop and deploy advanced green technologies in the maritime sector.

About the Vessel: Indigenous, Eco-Friendly and Technologically Advanced

• Built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd. (CSL) and owned by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), the vessel is powered by a Low Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell system, converting hydrogen into electricity with only water as the byproduct.

Key Features

• 24-meter catamaran design for maximum stability
• Passenger capacity: 50 (air-conditioned cabin)
• Service speed: 6.5 knots
• Operational duration: Up to 8 hours on a single hydrogen fill
• Hybrid system: Hydrogen fuel cell + batteries + solar power
• Zero pollution: No smoke, no noise, only water emissions
• Certified by: Indian Register of Shipping
• This makes Varanasi one of the first cities in the world to deploy hydrogen-powered passenger transport.

2. 70-FOOT IRON STATUE OF LIONEL MESSI UNVEILED IN KOLKATA: INDIA HONORS THE FOOTBALL LEGEND –

• Kolkata — often called the football capital of India — has added another historic tribute to the sport by unveiling a 70-foot iron statue of Lionel Messi, believed to be the largest statue of the Argentine superstar in the world. Created by the Sree Bhumi Sporting Club at Lake Town in South Dum Dum, the massive installation has already become a central attraction for fans eagerly awaiting Messi’s virtual inauguration.

A Record-Breaking Tribute to Messi

• The imposing statue depicts Messi lifting the FIFA World Cup trophy, symbolising his legendary 2022 triumph with Argentina.

Key Highlights

• Height: 70 feet
• Material: Iron
• Location: Sree Bhumi Sporting Club, Lake Town, South Dum Dum, Kolkata
• Claim: Largest Messi statue in the world
• Completion Time: Just 40 days
• The final surface work is being carried out by Monty Paul and his team, who are also preparing the surrounding area for the official unveiling.

3. YUVRAJ SINGH AND HARMANPREET KAUR HONOURED WITH STADIUM STANDS AT MULLANPUR STADIUM –

• Cricket legends Yuvraj Singh and Harmanpreet Kaur received a prestigious honour on December 11, 2025, when stadium stands were named after them at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, New Chandigarh.
• The stands were inaugurated by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, ahead of the second T20I between India and South Africa, marking a proud moment for Indian cricket and Punjab’s sporting fraternity.

A Tribute to Two Icons of Indian Cricket

• The naming of stadium stands after Yuvraj Singh and Harmanpreet Kaur celebrates their exceptional contributions to Indian cricket:
• Yuvraj Singh, one of India’s greatest match-winners, is remembered for his iconic six sixes in an over, 2007 T20 World Cup heroics, and the unforgettable Player of the Tournament campaign in the 2011 ODI World Cup.
• Harmanpreet Kaur, the current face of Indian women’s cricket, recently led India to its maiden Women’s ODI World Cup title, delivering match-winning performances under immense pressure.
• This dual honour highlights how both champions have inspired generations of cricketers across India.

4. GERMANY DEFEATS SPAIN TO WIN FIH MEN’S JUNIOR HOCKEY WORLD CUP 2025 IN CHENNAI –

• The 14th edition of the FIH Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup 2025 concluded in spectacular fashion in Chennai and Madurai, Tamil Nadu, with Germany emerging as the champion. The tournament was held from 28 November to 10 December 2025 across the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium, Chennai, and the Madurai International Hockey Stadium.
• Germany claimed its eighth Junior Hockey World Cup title by defeating Spain 3–2 in a shoot-out, after a tense 1–1 draw in regular time. Meanwhile, India secured the bronze medal, staging a remarkable comeback to beat Argentina 4–2.

Germany Wins Eighth Junior Hockey World Cup Title

• Germany continued its dominance in junior hockey, securing yet another world title. The final match showcased impressive defensive play, high-speed transitions, and intense shoot-out drama.

Final Match Summary

• Germany vs Spain
• Full-time: 1–1
• Shoot-out: Germany won 3–2

5. INTERNATIONAL DAY OF NEUTRALITY (12 DECEMBER): IMPORTANCE, HISTORY & KEY FACTS –

• Every year on 12 December, the world observes the International Day of Neutrality, a significant day declared by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). This day highlights the importance of neutrality, a principle that helps countries stay impartial in conflicts and encourages peaceful solutions.
• For students preparing for government exams and general readers, this day is important because it connects directly to international peace efforts, UN initiatives, and global diplomacy.

What Does Neutrality Mean?

• Neutrality refers to a country’s decision to:
• Stay away from any participation in war,
• Remain impartial toward all parties involved, and
• Be recognized by other states as neutral.
• This impartial attitude helps build trust and ensures that a country can support peace efforts, negotiations, and humanitarian assistance without taking sides.

MCQ QUIZ

Q1.   NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) functions under the administrative control of which department ?

1. a) Department of Science and Technology (DST)
2. b) Department of Telecommunications (DoT)
3. c) Department of Space (DOS)
4. d) Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)

Q2.   What is the theme of United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Foundation Day 2025 observed on 11th December ?

1. a) Every Child Matters
2. b) My Day, My Rights
3. c) Health and Nutrition First
4. d) Rights and Education for All

Q3.   Who became the youngest officially rated chess player in the world in December 2025 ?

1. a) Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa
2. b) Nihal Sarin
3. c) Magnus Carlsen
4. d) Sarwagya Singh Kushwaha

Q4.   Which of the following constitutional figures temporarily chaired the first session of the Constituent Assembly of India on December 9, 1946, following the French practice ?

1. a) B.R. Ambedkar
2. b) Jawaharlal Nehru
3. c) Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha
4. d) Rajendra Prasad

Explanation-

• The first session of the Constituent Assembly of India was held on December 9, 1946. Following the French practice of appointing the oldest member as the temporary president, Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha temporarily chaired this first session. Dr. Rajendra Prasad was later elected as the permanent President. This session marked the beginning of the monumental task of drafting the Constitution.

Historical Evolution:

• Initially 389 members (292 Provincial, 93 Princely States, 4 Chief Commissioners’ Provinces).
• After Partition (Mountbatten Plan, June 1947), Pakistan formed its own Assembly; Indian membership reduced to 299.
• Drafting completed in 2 years, 11 months, 17 days; Constitution adopted on November 26, 1949 and enforced on January 26, 1950.

Q5.   Consider the following statements about C. Rajagopalachari (Rajaji):

1. He was the first and only Indian Governor-General of India.
2. He successfully led the Vedaranyam Salt March, the Tamil equivalent of Gandhi’s Dandi March.
3. He was the founder of the Swatantra Party, which was a conservative and pro-market political party.

          Which of the statements given above are correct ?

1. a) 1 and 2 only
2. b) 2 and 3 only
3. c) 1 and 3 only
4. d) 1, 2 and 3

Explanation-

• Statement 1 is correct. Rajaji was the first and only Indian Governor-General of India , holding the office from 1948 until India became a republic in 1950.
• Statement 2 is correct. During the Civil Disobedience Movement in 1930, Rajaji led the Vedaranyam Salt Satyagraha in Madras Presidency (present-day Tamil Nadu). This march covered a distance of about 240 km from Tiruchirappalli to Vedaranyam on the coast, culminating in the illegal collection of salt, making it the most significant parallel event to the Dandi March in the South.
• Statement 3 is correct. He founded the Swatantra Party (1959) , which was India’s first major liberal-conservative, pro-market party, advocating for reduced government control and free enterprise.

Answer Key