In Current Affairs for 30 December 2025, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial for your upcoming NDA, CDS, CDS OTA, AFCAT, TA, Agniveer Army, Agniveer Navy, Agniveer Air Force, Women Military Police, INET, MNS, ACC exams, SCO, PCSL, CAPF, and SSB interviews, and direct entries for Army, Navy, and Air Force like SSC Tech, TGC, JAG, NCC, TES, 10+2 Cadet. Download a PDF file about current events at the end of this article. Let us now see the Current Affairs.
Current Affairs 30 December 2025
Right to Passport Recognised as Part of Personal Liberty
The Supreme Court of India has once again underlined the centrality of personal liberty in a constitutional democracy, stating that liberty is not a favour granted by the State but a primary duty it must safeguard. In a significant ruling, the Court clarified that the mere existence of criminal proceedings against an individual cannot automatically result in the denial or non-renewal of a passport.
The judgment arose from the case Mahesh Agarwal vs Union of India. The petitioner, though convicted in a coal block allocation case and facing proceedings under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in another matter, had been granted permission by both the trial court and the High Court to renew his passport, subject to conditions. Despite these clear judicial permissions, the passport authority refused renewal citing the pendency of criminal cases.
The Supreme Court held such denial to be unjustified, emphasizing that any restriction on personal liberty must strictly follow the “procedure established by law.” This ruling strengthens the scope of Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees protection of life and personal liberty to all persons, including citizens and foreigners.
Article 21 encompasses two core rights—the right to life and the right to personal liberty—and has been consistently described by the Supreme Court as the very foundation or “heart” of fundamental rights in India. The Court’s interpretation reinforces that administrative authorities cannot override constitutional protections without clear legal backing.
Supreme Court Stays Earlier Order on Aravalli Hills
In an important development related to environmental governance, the Supreme Court has put its earlier directions concerning the Aravalli Hills on hold. The decision came amid growing concerns that ambiguity in defining the Aravalli range could lead to unintended ecological damage, particularly through expanded mining activity.
On December 29, 2025, a Bench headed by Justice Surya Kant, along with Justices J.K. Maheshwari and A.G. Masih, stayed the earlier ruling which relied heavily on an expert committee dominated by bureaucratic representation. The Court acknowledged that the previously approved definition of the Aravalli hills had created confusion and public concern.
To address this, the Court ordered the formation of a fresh independent expert committee to reassess the issue using scientific and ecological parameters. The Bench observed that unclear identification of hill ranges, coupled with fears of irreversible environmental degradation in a sensitive ecological zone, necessitated a pause in implementation. The move reflects a cautious judicial approach aimed at balancing development needs with long-term environmental protection.
India Holds Third-Largest Rare Earth Reserves Globally
India possesses a substantial share of the world’s rare earth mineral reserves, yet its actual production remains disproportionately low. According to recent data, India ranks third globally in rare earth reserves, highlighting a significant gap between resource availability and extraction.
Rare earth elements, a group of 17 critical minerals, play a vital role in modern technology and strategic sectors. They are indispensable for electric vehicles, wind energy systems, consumer electronics, defence platforms, missile technologies, permanent magnets, and advanced batteries.
India’s estimated reserves stand at approximately 6.9 million tonnes of rare earth oxide (REO), accounting for nearly 6–7% of global reserves. In comparison, China leads with around 44 million tonnes, followed by Brazil with 21 million tonnes. Other countries with notable reserves include Australia, Russia, Vietnam, and the United States.
The mismatch between India’s reserve potential and low production levels has serious implications for clean energy transitions, industrial growth, and national security, underscoring the need for policy reforms and investment in domestic extraction and processing capabilities.
President Droupadi Murmu Undertakes Historic Submarine Sortie
In a landmark moment for India’s defence history, President Droupadi Murmu became only the second President of India to undertake an operational submarine sortie. She embarked on INS Vaghsheer, a frontline submarine of the Indian Navy, during a voyage off the western coast from the Karwar Naval Base in Karnataka.
The experience highlights India’s growing indigenous naval strength and reflects the President’s constitutional role as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. INS Vaghsheer is the sixth and final submarine inducted under the Project-75 Scorpene Programme and was commissioned into the Indian Navy in January 2025. It belongs to the Kalvari class of diesel-electric submarines.
The only other Indian President to undertake a similar voyage was Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam in February 2006. Nearly two decades later, President Murmu’s participation symbolizes continuity in civilian leadership’s engagement with the armed forces and reinforces confidence in India’s self-reliant defence capabilities.
Smriti Mandhana Enters Elite 10,000-Run Club
Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana reached a historic milestone by becoming the second Indian woman and the fourth player globally to score 10,000 runs in international cricket. The achievement came during the fourth T20 International against Sri Lanka at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.
This feat further cements Mandhana’s reputation as one of the finest batters of the modern era. By crossing the landmark, she joined an elite group of women cricketers that includes India’s Mithali Raj and international legends Suzie Bates and Charlotte Edwards. Her consistency across formats continues to inspire a new generation of women cricketers in India.
Bhutan’s Sonam Yeshey Sets World Record in T20I Cricket
In a historic moment for associate nation cricket, Bhutan’s Sonam Yeshey created a world record by becoming the first bowler to take eight wickets in a men’s T20 International match. The extraordinary performance occurred during the third T20I against Myanmar at Gelephu on December 29, 2025.
Yeshey’s achievement stands as one of the most dominant bowling displays ever witnessed in the shortest format of the game. Earlier notable records included Syazrul Idrus’s 7 for 8 against China in 2023 and Ali Dawood’s 7 for 19 against Bhutan in 2025. This landmark performance places Bhutan firmly on the global cricketing map.
Review Questions
1. The Supreme Court stated that personal liberty is:
A. A privilege granted by Parliament
B. A discretionary power of the executive
C. A gift of the State
D. The first obligation of the State
✅ Answer: D
2. Which Article of the Indian Constitution was reinforced by the Supreme Court’s judgment on personal liberty?
A. Article 14
B. Article 19
C. Article 21
D. Article 32
✅ Answer: C
3. According to the Supreme Court, facing criminal proceedings automatically disqualifies a person from holding a passport.
A. True
B. False
C. Partially true
D. Depends on the offence
✅ Answer: B
4. India ranks ___ globally in terms of rare earth mineral reserves.
A. First
B. Second
C. Third
D. Fourth
✅ Answer: C
5. What is India’s estimated reserve of rare earth oxide (REO)?
A. 44 million tonnes
B. 21 million tonnes
C. 6.9 million tonnes
D. 10 million tonnes
✅ Answer: C
6. Which country holds the largest rare earth mineral reserves according to the data?
A. India
B. Brazil
C. Australia
D. China
✅ Answer: D
7. INS Vaghsheer was inducted under which defence programme?
A. Project-15
B. Project-17
C. Project-75 Scorpene Programme
D. Project-28
✅ Answer: C
8. INS Vaghsheer belongs to which class of submarines?
A. Arihant class
B. Sindhughosh class
C. Shishumar class
D. Kalvari class
✅ Answer: D
9. Who became the second President of India to undertake an operational submarine sortie?
A. Ram Nath Kovind
B. Pranab Mukherjee
C. Droupadi Murmu
D. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
✅ Answer: C
10. Smriti Mandhana achieved which milestone in international cricket?
A. First Indian woman to score 10,000 runs
B. Third player globally to score 10,000 runs
C. Second Indian woman and fourth globally to score 10,000 runs
D. Youngest cricketer to score 10,000 runs
✅ Answer: C
