In Current Affairs for 12 April 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 12 April 2025
Digital Portal For National Waterways
- Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has launched a dedicated digital portal developed by Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) to streamline private investment in infrastructure development on National Waterways, promoting Ease of Doing Business (EODB).
- National Waterways (Construction of Jetties/Terminals) Regulations, 2025 allows private entities to develop or operate terminals with a No Objection Certificate (NoC) from IWAI, covering both new and existing, permanent and temporary terminals.
- First digital NoC was issued to Marina India Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. for a jetty at Malim, Goa (National Waterway-68), marking a milestone in digital governance and private sector engagement.
- The initiative aims to unlock sustainable infrastructure growth, with cargo movement rising from 18 to 133 million tonnes in FY 2023–24, reinforcing the sector as a key driver of economic growth under the “Viksit Bharat” vision.
National Critical Mineral Mission
- India’s green energy ambitions hinge significantly on the availability of critical minerals, indispensable to technologies like solar panels, wind turbines, electric vehicles (EVs), and battery storage.
- To secure these vital resources, the Government of India launched the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) in 2025. Spearheaded by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and coordinated by the Ministry of Mines, the mission aims to reduce import dependency, strengthen domestic capabilities, and enhance global competitiveness through focused exploration, processing, and recycling of critical minerals.
- In 2022, a committee identified 30 critical minerals. 24 minerals were included under Part D of Schedule I of the MMDR Act, 1957, giving exclusive auction rights to the central government. These include lithium, cobalt, rare earth elements (REEs), nickel, tungsten, tellurium, silicon, and more.
Nilgiri Tahr Census 2025
- Nilgiri Tahr, an endangered mountain ungulate, is native to the Western Ghats in southern India. This species, also known as the Nilgiri Ibex, holds cultural significance as the state animal of Tamil Nadu. Its presence is documented in ancient Tamil literature.
- The animal is distinguished by a light grey patch on its back, earning adult males the nickname “Saddlebacks.” A collaborative census of the Nilgiri Tahr is scheduled from April 24 to 27, involving both Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The upcoming census will cover 89 blocks in Kerala and 176 blocks in Tamil Nadu. The initiative commemorates the 50th anniversary of Eravikulam National Park.
- Forest officials and trained volunteers will conduct the survey, employing camera traps and pellet sampling for genetic studies. The data will be analysed using the ‘bounded count’ method to estimate population density.
- The Nilgiri Tahr is endemic to the southern Western Ghats, primarily found in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. It inhabits tropical montane grasslands, Shola forests, and rocky high-altitude areas. The largest population resides in Eravikulam National Park, Kerala.
- This region provides the ideal cold and wet environment for the species. The Nilgiri Tahr is diurnal, displaying high stress tolerance and adaptability to its mountainous habitat. The Nilgiri Tahr is classified as Endangered by the IUCN. It is listed under Schedule-I of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, ensuring it receives the highest level of protection. The population has declined due to habitat loss and hunting.
- A 2015 WWF report estimated the wild population at approximately 3,122 individuals, a stark contrast to its historical range across the Western Ghats. Initiated by the Tamil Nadu Government in December 2022, Project Nilgiri Tahr aims to conserve this species over five years, with a budget of ₹25.14 crore. The project’s objectives include conducting population surveys, radio telemetry studies, and reintroducing the Tahr to its historical habitats. Immediate threats to the species will also be addressed.
World’s First 3D- Printed Train Station In Japan
- Japan’s West Japan Railway Company revealed the world’s first 3D-printed train station in Arida town. This innovative project replaced a weathered wooden complex that had been in operation since 1948.
- The new station, Hatsushima, was constructed swiftly in under six hours, showcasing the potential of 3D printing technology in addressing the challenges faced by Japan’s ageing infrastructure and workforce.
- The construction of Hatsushima station involved a unique process. A construction firm named Serendix was hired to create the station’s components. The printing of parts took only seven days at a factory in Kumamoto Prefecture.
- These parts were made from a special mortar designed for durability. Once printed, the components were transported 500 miles to the station site. On the night of construction, workers assembled the pre-printed parts after the last train departed. The assembly process utilised cranes to place each component accurately. Remarkably, this was completed before the first train of the next day.
- The station, measuring just over 100 square feet, still requires interior work and installation of ticketing machines. This initiative is crucial for Japan, where the population is ageing and the workforce is shrinking.
- Traditional construction methods for railway stations are time-consuming and costly, often taking over two months. The 3D-printed station presents a solution to maintain infrastructure with fewer workers. This technology could set a precedent for future projects in remote areas.
- 3D printing in construction is gaining traction globally. For instance, India has also begun using this technology for building structures. Godrej Properties revealed the first 3D-printed villa in Pune, utilising recycled materials to reduce environmental impact. This trend indicates a shift towards sustainable building practices.
STREE Summit 2025
- Hyderabad City Security Council (HCSC) is preparing to host the second edition of the STREE Summit, a key event dedicated to enhancing women’s safety, security, and empowerment.
- The summit, scheduled for April 15, 2025, will bring together a wide range of stakeholders including professionals, advocates, and experts to address the challenges women face in society. The summit is designed to provide a platform for shared learning, fostering collaboration and actionable solutions to improve women’s safety while promoting gender equality.
- The event, supported by HCSC Chairperson and Hyderabad Police Commissioner C.V. Anand, aims to offer a space where practical strategies and experiences can be exchanged.
- The summit will address crucial issues like gender equality, safety challenges faced by women, and the need for a culture of respect and empowerment. The summit emphasizes the importance of collaboration between diverse stakeholders, including lawyers, journalists, health professionals, and other experts, to drive tangible change in women’s safety.
Kohli Becomes First Batter
- India’s star batter, Virat Kohli, etched his name deeper into the annals of the Indian Premier League (IPL), becoming the first player to smash 1000 boundaries in the tournament’s rich history.
- He continued to lead the list for most fours in IPL history and sits behind only Chris Gayle (357) and Rohit Sharma (282) in terms of sixes hit. With one more big knock, Kohli is poised to become only the second batter in T20 history to notch 100 half-centuries, trailing only David Warner, with 99 fifties to his name.
ISSF World Cup
- In the first leg of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup 2025 at Buenos Aires, Argentina, India finished second in the standings behind China. India won a total of 8 medals, including 4 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze.
- On the last day of the competition, the Indian pair of Saurabh Chaudhary and Suruchi Singh won the Bronze, beating compatriots Manu Bhaker and Ravinder Singh by 16-8. Other medal winners for India include Sift Kaur Samra, Rudrankksh Patil, Suruchi Singh, Vijayveer Sidhu, Esha Singh, Chain Singh and the duo of Arya Borse and Rudrankksh Patil. The second stage of the ISSF World Cup 2025 will begin in Lima, Peru.
Current Affairs 12 April 2025 Question
- Launch Of IWAI Digital Portal & 2025 Regulations Is Most Aligned With Which
Broader National Objective
A. Digital India Mission
B. Gati Shakti Master Plan
C. Viksit Bharat Vision
D. Sagarmala Project
ANSWER: C - Which Of The Following Is Not One Of The Core Themes Of The 7th Edition Of
Poshan Pakhwada
A. Maternal and infant nutrition during the first 1,000 days
B. Promotion of Poshan Tracker app
C. Promotion of organic Poshan in rural areas
D. Community-based management of malnutrition (CMAM)
ANSWER: C - Bastar Pandum Festival Is Celebrated In Which State
A. Madhya Pradesh
B. Chhattisgarh
C. Odisha
D. Jharkhand
ANSWER: B - What Is India’s Global Rank In Electricity Production From Wind And Solar
Energy As Of 2024
A. First
B. Second
C. Third
D. Fourth
ANSWER: C - Where Was The 4th Joint Working Group Meeting On Tourism Cooperation
Between India And Japan Held
A. Tokyo
B. Kyoto
C. Mumbai
D. New Delhi
ANSWER: D - Who Is The Leading Run- Scorer In T20 Cricket
A. Virat Kohli
B. Chris Gayle
C. Alex Hales
D. Shoaib Malik
ANSWER: B - What Is Estimated Cost Of Tirupati-pakala-katpadi Railway Line Doubling
Project
A. ₹1,200 crore
B. ₹1,332 crore
C. ₹1,500 crore
D. ₹1,000 crore
ANSWER: B - National Safe Motherhood Day Observed Honor Of Whose Birth Anniversary
A. Mumbai
B. Delhi
C. Chennai
D. Kolkata
ANSWER: B - Indian Institute Of Management – Ahmedabad Will Open Their First Overseas
Campus In Which Country
A. Abu Dhabi, UAE
B. Dubai, UAE
C. Sharjah, UAE
D. Qatar
ANSWER: B - Where Was The Global Technology Summit (GTS) 2025 Held
A. New Delhi
B. Bengaluru
C. Chennai
D. Hyderabad
ANSWER: A - Name Of Mission Launched By Government In 2025 To Enhance Self-reliance
In The Critical Minerals Sector
A. National Mineral Conservation Mission
B. National Critical Mineral Mission
C. Clean Energy Minerals Initiative
D. None of the Above
ANSWER: C - Which State Is The Host Of National Tribal Youth Festival 2025
A. Assam
B. Manipur
C. Mizoram
D. Nagaland
ANSWER: C - Which City Has Become Home To India’s First Textile Machine Park
A. Indore, Madhya Pradesh
B. Surat, Gujarat
C. Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
D. Jaipur, Rajasthan
ANSWER: C - Where Was The WHO Second Global Conference On Air Pollution And Health
2025 Organized
A. Cartagena, Colombia
B. Geneva, Switzerland
C. Paris, France
D. New Delhi, India
ANSWER: A - Name Of The Nuclear Fusion-powered Rocket Developed By Pulsar Fusion, A
British Startup, To Revolutionize Interplanetary Travel
A. Dragonfly
B. Starship
C. Sunbird
D. Juno
ANSWER: C - Purpose Of New ‘Blue Category’ Introduced By Central Pollution Control
Board
A. To categorize the most polluting industries
B. To classify activities under Essential Environmental Services (EES)
C. To label chemical manufacturing industries
D. To remove categorization of industries
ANSWER: B - What Is The Rank Of India In The Medal Tally At The International Shooting
Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup 2025
A. First
B. Second
C. Third
D. Fourth
ANSWER: B - Karaganda Region, in the news due to discovery of Rare Earth Elements
A. Ukraine
B. Kazakhstan
C. Uzbekistan
D. Iran
ANSWER: B - Cabinet Declared Which Day As ‘National Space Day’ In India
A. August 20
B. August 23
C. August 25
D. August 27
ANSWER: B - Who Was The First Saka King In India
A. Moga
B. Rudradaman
C. Azes
D. Ghatotkacha
ANSWER: A