In Current Affairs for 13 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.
Defence Current Affairs 13 December 2025
India’s First Hydrogen-Powered Passenger Vessel: A Green Leap in Inland Water Transport
India has taken a landmark step towards clean and sustainable transportation with the launch of its first hydrogen-powered passenger vessel in Varanasi. Developed by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) for the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), this vessel represents the country’s first successful use of indigenously developed hydrogen fuel cell technology in a maritime setting. The initiative aligns with India’s broader goals of reducing carbon emissions and promoting green mobility solutions.
The vessel began its maiden commercial journey on a five-kilometre stretch of the River Ganga, travelling from Namo Ghat to Lalita Ghat. This route forms part of National Waterway-1, one of India’s most important inland waterways. The inaugural voyage carried ministers and senior officials, symbolising the beginning of a new era in eco-friendly water-based transport.
Technologically, the vessel is powered by a low-temperature Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell system. This system generates electricity by converting hydrogen fuel, with water vapour as the only emission, making the vessel entirely pollution-free. Measuring around 28 metres in length and 5.8 metres in width, it operates with a 10-member crew and cruises at speeds ranging from 12 to 20 kmph. Advanced safety features have been integrated to ensure secure operations along the river.
ISRO’s Heaviest Commercial Launch: BlueBird-6 Mission
India’s space programme is set to achieve another milestone as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) prepares to launch the heaviest American commercial satellite it has ever carried. The 6.5-tonne BlueBird-6 satellite is scheduled for launch on 15 December from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. This mission highlights the growing trust in India’s launch capabilities and the strengthening of Indo-US space cooperation.
The satellite will be placed into low Earth orbit using ISRO’s powerful LVM3 launch vehicle, popularly known as “Bahubali.” The mission is being conducted through New Space India Limited (NSIL), ISRO’s commercial arm, which recently launched India’s own 4.4-tonne CMS-3 satellite. The LVM3’s performance further reinforces its role as a reliable heavy-lift rocket for global commercial missions.
BlueBird-6 has been developed by AST SpaceMobile, a US-based company focused on delivering space-enabled mobile broadband services. As the first satellite of the Block-2 series, it carries the largest commercial phased-array antenna ever deployed in low Earth orbit, covering nearly 2,400 square feet. This design enables data capacity nearly ten times greater than earlier versions. Each satellite is capable of handling up to 10,000 MHz of bandwidth, allowing direct-to-device connectivity in partnership with telecom operators.
The Block-2 satellites are a crucial part of AST SpaceMobile’s plans to expand its constellation through 2026, targeting connectivity gaps in remote and underserved regions. Notably, the LVM3 rocket, with its three-stage configuration, can place up to 8,000 kg in low Earth orbit and will also serve as the human-rated launch vehicle for India’s Gaganyaan mission planned for 2027.
Finland’s Decision to Procure AMRAAM Missiles from the United States
Finland has announced its decision to procure Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) from the United States to enhance its aerial combat capabilities. This move comes as Finland prepares for the induction of 64 F-35 fighter jets ordered from Lockheed Martin in 2022, with deliveries expected to begin next year. The missile acquisition will directly support the operational deployment of the F-35 fleet.
According to Finnish authorities, the procurement will include the latest and most advanced variants of the AMRAAM missile, significantly strengthening the country’s ability to counter evolving security threats. The AMRAAM, also known as AIM-120, is a beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile widely used by the US and allied air forces.
Developed by Raytheon, the missile features active radar homing, inertial navigation, and mid-course updates, allowing pilots to engage multiple targets in all-weather, day-and-night conditions. Its “fire-and-forget” capability enables aircraft to disengage immediately after launch. Advanced variants like the AIM-120D offer extended range, exceeding 100 miles, making it a formidable successor to the older AIM-7 Sparrow missile.
Indian Army’s Proposal for 120 km Range Pinaka Rockets
To further enhance its long-range strike capabilities, the Indian Army has proposed the induction of advanced Pinaka rockets with a strike range of up to 120 kilometres. The proposal, estimated at around ₹2,500 crore, comes in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor and reflects the Army’s focus on strengthening modern artillery systems.
The new long-range guided rockets will be developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Initial trials are expected to take place in the near future, following which production will be carried out in collaboration with selected Development-cum-Production Partners through a competitive bidding process. The proposal is likely to be reviewed soon by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC).
Earlier, the Ministry of Defence signed major contracts worth over ₹10,000 crore with Economic Explosive Limited and Munitions India Limited for the supply of advanced munitions for the Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS). Additionally, Bharat Electronics Limited has been awarded a contract to upgrade the SHAKTI artillery command and control software.
Developed by DRDO, the Pinaka MLRS is known for its high precision, rapid response, and battlefield effectiveness. The induction of extended-range Pinaka rockets will significantly boost the Indian Army’s long-range firepower and operational readiness in future conflicts.
Review Questions
- India’s first hydrogen-powered passenger vessel has been launched on which
National Waterway?
A. National Waterway-2 (Brahmaputra)
B. National Waterway-3 (West Coast Canal)
C. National Waterway-1 (Ganga)
D. National Waterway-4 (Krishna–Godavari)
ANSWER: C - Which propulsion technology is used in India’s first hydrogen-powered
passenger vessel?
A. Solid Oxide Fuel Cell
B. Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell
C. Lithium-ion Battery System
D. Hybrid Diesel-Electric Engine
ANSWER: B - ISRO is set to launch the 6.5-tonne BlueBird-6 satellite using which launch
vehicle?
A. PSLV
B. GSLV Mk-II
C. LVM3 (Bahubali)
D. SSLV
ANSWER: C - The Indian Army’s proposal to induct 120 km range Pinaka rockets is expected
to be cleared by which body?
A. Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS)
B. DRDO
C. Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)
D. Integrated Defence Staff (IDS)
ANSWER: C - The BlueBird-6 satellite is developed by which company?
A. SpaceX
B. Boeing
C. Lockheed Martin
D. AST Space Mobile
ANSWER: D - Who Is The Responsible Minister Of The Defence Acquisition Council?
A. Home Minister
B. Defence Minister
C. External Affairs Minister
D. PM
ANSWER: B - ‘Air Independent Propulsion System’ Is Inducted
A. Helicopter
B. UAV
C. Submarine
D. Destroyer
ANSWER: C - Regimental Centre of GARHWAL RIFLES Is In
A. Happy Valley, Shillong, Meghalaya
B. Ranikhet, Uttarakhand
C. Lansdowne, Uttarakhand
D. None of the above
ANSWER: C - Exercises B/w The India And UK Is Called:
A. Desert Eagle
B. SLINEX
C. Indra
D. Indradhanush
ANSWER: D - ‘Nirdeshak’ Ship Is built by
A. MDL
B. GRSE
C. CSL
D. DRDO
ANSWER: B - Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island Is Located At
A. A&N
B. Ladakh
C. J&K
D. Puducherry
ANSWER: A - V. O. Chidambaranar Port Trust Is Located In
A. T.N
B. M.H
C. Goa
D. A.P
ANSWER: A - Full-Form of ATAGS Is
A. Adventure Towed Artillery Gun System
B. Advanced To Artillery Gun System
C. Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System
D. Advanced Towed Artillery Gum System
ANSWER: C - At Which Of The Following Places Is The Heavy Vehicles Factory Located?
A. Kanpur
B. Khadki
C. Avadi
D. 24 Paraganas
ANSWER: C - Sofia Is The Capital Of
A. Brunei
B. Qatar
C. UAE
D. Bulgaria
ANSWER: D - “Prashata Ranvirta” Is A Motto Of
A. Jammu And Kashmir Rifles
B. Gorkha Regiment
C. Punjab Regiment
D. None
ANSWER: A - Exercises B/w India And Bangladesh Is Called:
A. GARUDA SHAKTI
B. SLINEX
C. SAMPRITI
D. Yudha Abhyas
ANSWER: C - Barrett M95 Is A
A. Sniper Rifles
B. Helicopter
C. ATAGS
D. ATGM
ANSWER: A - Astra Is A
A. Air-to-air Missile
B. Air-to-surface Missile
C. Air-to-sea Missile
D. None
ANSWER: A - What is the purpose of the ‘SBI NAVeCash Card’?
A. To facilitate online transactions for naval personnel
B. To facilitate offline transactions for naval personnel at sea
C. To encourage more naval personnel to use debit cards
D. To replace traditional debit cards for all Indians
ANSWER: B
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