Current Affairs 12/10/2025
1. Who became the first Indian to win the title of Mrs. Universe?
Answer : Sherry Singh
Sherry Singh Creates History as the First Indian to Win the Mrs. Universe Title
In a landmark achievement, Sherry Singh has become the first Indian woman to be crowned Mrs. Universe 2025, marking a proud moment for India on the global stage. The prestigious event was held in Manila, Philippines, where contestants from over 120 countries competed for the coveted crown.
Sherry Singh, who previously earned the title of Mrs. India 2025 under UMB Pageants, impressed the judges with her confidence, intelligence, and dedication to social causes. Her advocacy focused on women empowerment and mental health awareness, aligning perfectly with the values promoted by the Mrs. Universe organization.
Her victory symbolizes the growing global recognition of Indian women’s achievements across diverse fields. Singh’s success not only celebrates individual excellence but also highlights India’s rising presence in international beauty and leadership platforms.
With this win, Sherry Singh has become an inspiration for countless women, encouraging them to pursue their dreams while contributing positively to society.
2. Which country has launched the world’s first solar-thermal power plant in the Gobi Desert?
Answer : China
China Launches the World’s First Solar-Thermal Power Plant in the Gobi Desert
In a major milestone for global renewable energy innovation, China has inaugurated the world’s first dual-tower solar-thermal power plant in the Gobi Desert. Developed by the China Three Gorges Corporation, this pioneering facility is located in Guazhou County, Gansu Province, and marks a breakthrough in sustainable power generation technology.
The solar-thermal plant features over 27,000 heliostats (mirrors) that focus sunlight onto two 200-meter-high towers, generating extreme heat that melts salt stored in a thermal system. This molten salt technology enables the plant to store energy efficiently and generate electricity even during nighttime or cloudy conditions, ensuring round-the-clock clean energy production.
With its innovative dual-tower, single-turbine design, the plant can significantly enhance efficiency and energy output compared to traditional single-tower systems. It stands as a symbol of China’s commitment to green technology, supporting its broader goals of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060 and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
This project not only demonstrates China’s leadership in solar innovation but also serves as a model for sustainable desert-based energy development, offering valuable insights for global renewable energy strategies.
3. Maria Corina Machado, who won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, belongs to which country?
Answer : Venezuela
Maria Corina Machado from Venezuela Wins the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize
In a historic recognition of democratic courage and human rights advocacy, María Corina Machado, a prominent opposition leader from Venezuela, has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. The Nobel Committee honored her for her unwavering commitment to democracy, freedom of expression, and non-violent political reform in Venezuela, a country long challenged by political unrest and economic instability.
Machado has been a leading voice against authoritarian governance, consistently advocating for free and fair elections, transparency, and the protection of civil liberties. Despite facing political persecution, bans, and personal threats, she has continued to inspire millions of Venezuelans through peaceful activism and her vision for a democratic nation.
The Nobel Committee emphasized that her courage symbolizes the global fight for democratic integrity and human dignity. Her recognition also shines a spotlight on the broader struggle for freedom in Latin America, reinforcing the importance of dialogue, justice, and human rights as foundations of lasting peace.
With this award, María Corina Machado joins the ranks of world leaders and activists who have made extraordinary contributions to peace and democracy, marking a proud moment for Venezuela on the international stage.
4. The New START Treaty has been extended by one year between the U.S. and which country?
Answer : Russia
U.S. and Russia Agree to One-Year Extension of the New START Treaty
In a significant development for global nuclear security, the United States and Russia have agreed to extend the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) by one year. Originally signed in 2010, New START is the last remaining bilateral nuclear arms control agreement between the two largest nuclear powers, limiting deployed strategic nuclear warheads and delivery systems.
The one-year extension underscores the importance of continued dialogue and verification mechanisms to reduce the risk of nuclear escalation. Under the treaty, both countries are required to maintain limits on deployed strategic nuclear warheads, intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), and heavy bombers, while allowing mutual inspections and data exchanges to ensure transparency.
This extension comes amid heightened global tensions and evolving security challenges, emphasizing the critical role of arms control in maintaining strategic stability. Experts note that the agreement provides valuable time for both nations to negotiate a more long-term framework, reinforcing the global non-proliferation regime and contributing to international peace and security.
By continuing New START, the U.S. and Russia reaffirm their responsibility as nuclear-armed states to mitigate risks and maintain mechanisms for dialogue, verification, and cooperation in the pursuit of global stability.
5. Which state has signed an MoU with IISc Bengaluru to produce green hydrogen from paddy?
Answer : Punjab
Punjab Partners with IISc Bengaluru to Produce Green Hydrogen from Paddy Straw
In a landmark step toward sustainable energy and environmental conservation, the Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, to establish a pilot project aimed at producing green hydrogen from paddy straw. This initiative is part of Punjab’s broader strategy to tackle air pollution caused by stubble burning and promote renewable energy solutions.
The MoU was formalized during the 5th International Conference on Recent Advances in Bio-Energy Research at the Sardar Swaran Singh National Institute of Bio-Energy (SSS-NIBE) in Kapurthala, Punjab. The agreement was signed by Neelima, CEO of PEDA, and the registrar of IISc, in the presence of Prof. S. Dasappa, head of IISc’s Interdisciplinary Centre for Energy Research (ICER), and Shripad Naik, Union Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy & Power.
Under this collaboration, paddy straw—a major agricultural residue—will be converted into green hydrogen, a clean and sustainable fuel that can power industries, vehicles, and energy systems while significantly reducing carbon emissions. This project not only addresses the environmental hazards of stubble burning but also provides farmers with new economic opportunities by converting agricultural waste into a valuable energy resource.
The initiative aligns with India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission and Punjab’s renewable energy targets. By integrating cutting-edge research with practical agricultural applications, this partnership represents a significant step in fostering a circular economy, promoting clean energy innovation, and supporting the nation’s transition toward a sustainable energy future.
6. Between India and which country was the INDRA 2025 military exercise conducted?
Answer : Russia
India and Russia Conduct INDRA 2025 Joint Military Exercise
In a demonstration of strategic defense cooperation, India and Russia conducted the INDRA 2025 military exercise, reinforcing decades-long bilateral military ties. The exercise aims to enhance joint operational readiness, tactical coordination, and counter-terrorism capabilities between the two armed forces.
The INDRA series, initiated in 2003, includes combined drills across land, air, and naval domains, allowing both nations to share expertise, refine operational strategies, and improve interoperability. The 2025 edition focused on joint planning, disaster response, and counter-terrorism operations, reflecting the evolving security challenges in the region.
Beyond operational training, INDRA 2025 serves as a platform to strengthen mutual trust, defense diplomacy, and strategic partnership. It underscores India and Russia’s commitment to regional stability, military collaboration, and knowledge exchange.
By fostering close coordination and joint preparedness, INDRA exercises continue to play a pivotal role in enhancing bilateral defense relations while contributing to broader peace and security objectives in Asia.
7. Where was India’s first Cheetah Safari launched?
Answer : Kuno National Park
India Launches Its First Cheetah Safari at Kuno National Park
In a landmark initiative for wildlife conservation, India has inaugurated its first-ever Cheetah Safari at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh. This pioneering project is part of the government’s larger Cheetah Reintroduction Program, aimed at restoring the population of this iconic big cat, which had become extinct in India in 1952.
Kuno National Park, with its expansive grasslands and abundant prey species, provides an ideal habitat for cheetahs. The safari enables visitors to observe these majestic animals in their natural environment, promoting both wildlife education and eco-tourism. By creating controlled viewing zones, the initiative ensures minimal human disturbance while maximizing opportunities for research and public engagement.
The Cheetah Safari aligns with India’s commitment to the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and the National Wildlife Action Plan, focusing on species recovery, habitat restoration, and biodiversity conservation. Beyond ecological benefits, the project is expected to boost local employment and community involvement, integrating conservation with sustainable tourism practices.
This historic launch represents a significant milestone in India’s conservation efforts, demonstrating the country’s dedication to protecting endangered species, restoring ecosystems, and fostering public awareness about wildlife preservation.