Current Affairs 02/11/2025
1. India’s first Hydrogen-Powered Smart Ferry was launched in which city?
Answer : Kochi
India Launches Its First Hydrogen-Powered Smart Ferry in Kochi
In a remarkable step toward green maritime innovation, India launched its first hydrogen-powered smart ferry in Kochi, Kerala. Developed by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), this state-of-the-art vessel marks a major milestone in India’s efforts to adopt clean and sustainable transportation technologies.
The ferry is powered by hydrogen fuel cells, producing electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen—emitting only water as a byproduct. This makes it an entirely zero-emission vessel, contributing significantly to India’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality and promoting green mobility in coastal and inland waterways.
The hydrogen-powered ferry is equipped with advanced digital navigation systems, energy-efficient propulsion technology, and smart control systems, ensuring optimal performance and passenger safety. Designed primarily for urban water transport, it aims to enhance connectivity and reduce congestion in cities like Kochi that rely heavily on ferry transport.
The project is part of India’s broader National Green Hydrogen Mission, which encourages the use of hydrogen as a clean energy source across multiple sectors. The successful launch of this ferry positions India among a select group of countries advancing in hydrogen-based marine transport and showcases the nation’s growing technological capabilities in sustainable shipbuilding.
Overall, the Hydrogen-Powered Smart Ferry represents a fusion of innovation, sustainability, and indigenous expertise—setting a strong precedent for the future of eco-friendly maritime transportation in India.
2. Which country will host the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup?
Answer : Morocco
Morocco to Host the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup
Morocco has been officially selected as the host nation for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, marking a historic milestone for women’s football in Africa. This will be the first time that the North African country hosts a major FIFA women’s tournament, underscoring FIFA’s commitment to expanding the global reach and inclusivity of women’s football.
The decision reflects Morocco’s growing prominence as a football destination, following its successful hosting of the 2022 FIFA Club World Cup and its selection as a co-host for the 2030 FIFA Men’s World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal. Morocco’s modern sports infrastructure, strong governmental support, and increasing investment in women’s sports played a key role in securing this opportunity.
The U-17 Women’s World Cup 2025 will bring together the world’s best young female footballers, promoting gender equality and youth development through sport. The event is expected to boost local tourism, strengthen Morocco’s sports ecosystem, and inspire a new generation of female athletes across Africa.
With Morocco hosting the 2025 edition, FIFA aims to further globalize women’s football, offering a platform for emerging talents to shine and paving the way for future growth of the sport in developing regions.
3. The World Bank has provided India with $650 million for which sector?
Answer : Railway Modernisation
World Bank Grants $650 Million to India for Railway Modernisation
In a significant boost to India’s infrastructure development, the World Bank has approved a $650 million loan to support the country’s railway modernisation and freight corridor projects. The funding is primarily directed toward the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC), a flagship initiative aimed at enhancing the efficiency, capacity, and sustainability of India’s railway network.
The EDFC is a vital component of India’s broader vision to modernize its logistics and transportation system. It is designed to decongest existing railway routes, increase freight speed and capacity, and reduce carbon emissions by shifting heavy freight movement from road to rail. The corridor will connect key industrial and agricultural hubs in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, providing a faster and more energy-efficient mode of transportation for goods.
The project is being implemented by the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) under the Ministry of Railways. It aims to enhance the axle load capacity, introduce advanced signaling and communication systems, and adopt international best practices in railway safety and management.
According to the World Bank, this investment aligns with India’s goals of sustainable economic growth and green transport transformation. Once completed, the upgraded freight corridor will not only reduce logistics costs but also strengthen India’s position as a key trade hub in the global supply chain.
The $650 million World Bank support thus represents a crucial partnership in India’s journey toward building a modern, efficient, and environmentally responsible railway system.
4. Which country has set the target of “Net-Zero Military Emissions” by 2030?
Answer : UK
United Kingdom’s Commitment Toward Reducing Military Emissions
The United Kingdom has emerged as a global leader in climate action, and its defense sector is now taking steps toward aligning with the country’s net-zero ambitions. While the UK’s national goal is to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, the government has also outlined strategies to significantly reduce military emissions by 2030 as part of its broader sustainability framework.
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) is implementing its Sustainable Support Strategy, which focuses on minimizing carbon emissions from defense operations, infrastructure, and logistics. The initiative includes introducing energy-efficient military vehicles, sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) for the Royal Air Force (RAF), and renewable energy solutions across military bases. The RAF, in particular, aims to become the world’s first net-zero air force by 2040, with measurable progress expected by 2030.
Efforts are also being directed toward improving supply chain sustainability, developing low-emission naval vessels, and adopting green technologies for future combat and transport systems. These measures reflect the UK’s determination to balance national security needs with environmental responsibility.
Through such initiatives, the UK seeks to demonstrate that defense modernization and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand. The pursuit of net-zero military emissions—though a challenging goal—underscores Britain’s leadership in integrating climate resilience and sustainability into national defense planning.
5. ISRO has signed a scientific collaboration agreement with which country for its Venus mission launching in 2025?
Answer : France
ISRO Partners with France for Venus Mission Launching in 2025
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has entered into a landmark scientific collaboration with the French Space Agency (CNES) for its upcoming Venus mission, which is scheduled for launch in 2025. This collaboration marks another milestone in the long-standing Indo-French partnership in space exploration, following successful joint missions such as Megha-Tropiques and SARAL.
Under this agreement, CNES will provide scientific and technical support for ISRO’s Venus mission, including the contribution of a key payload known as VIRAL (Venus Infrared Atmospheric Gases Linker). The instrument will help study the composition and dynamics of Venus’s atmosphere, offering valuable insights into the planet’s climatic and geological evolution.
The Venus mission, also referred to as Shukrayaan-1, aims to explore the atmosphere, surface, and interaction of solar radiation with the planet’s environment. It will focus on understanding phenomena such as greenhouse effects, cloud chemistry, and surface mapping using high-resolution instruments.
The collaboration underscores ISRO’s commitment to advancing planetary science through international cooperation and shared expertise. France’s involvement strengthens the mission’s scientific depth and enhances the technological capabilities of both space agencies.
Once launched, the mission will place India among a select group of nations exploring Earth’s “twin planet,” marking a significant leap in India’s interplanetary research and reinforcing its growing reputation as a global leader in space exploration.
6. This day was proclaimed by which organization?
Answer : UNGA
United Nations General Assembly: Proclaiming Global Observance Days
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) plays a pivotal role in promoting global awareness and international cooperation by proclaiming international observance days. These days are dedicated to highlighting key global challenges, fostering solidarity, and encouraging collective action among nations.
When the UNGA proclaims a specific International Day, Week, or Year, it does so through a formal resolution adopted by member states. The purpose is to draw worldwide attention to critical issues such as peace, climate change, gender equality, health, education, and sustainable development.
Each observance day proclaimed by the UNGA serves as a platform for governments, organizations, and individuals to engage in awareness campaigns, policy discussions, and educational initiatives. These efforts often align with the United Nations’ broader objectives outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Some well-known examples include:
• International Day of Peace (21 September) – promoting global harmony and conflict resolution.
• World Environment Day (5 June) – advocating environmental protection and sustainability.
• International Women’s Day (8 March) – emphasizing gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Through such proclamations, the UNGA reaffirms its commitment to global cooperation, reminding nations that international challenges require shared responsibility and coordinated solutions for a more equitable and peaceful world.