December 12, 2025 - Current Affairs

Denmark Moves Toward Social Media Ban for Children Under 15

December 12, 2025

Denmark is already progressing on the idea of prohibiting children under 15 years old from accessing social media as a significant initiative to enhance online privacy and guard youth against the dangers of right-threatening digital information. A cross-party agreement in the parliament allows the Danish government to enact as early as mid-2026 a law that would ban minors below 15 using whereabouts such as Instagram, TikTok Tok and YouTube, and probably permit such use after the age of 13. Authorities have cited that the existing age regulations are useless, and a significant majority of children below the age of 13 already have access to online content.

Denmark Follows Global Trend with Proposed Social Media Ban for Children

Denmark already intends to block social media use amongst children aged below 15 to enhance the safety of the Internet and safeguard the youth.
The new law may be implemented in mid-2026 once it has been passed by parliament.
According to the plan, some parents can be permitted to access it at the age of 13.
Approximately 98 per cent of children within the Danish population below 13 already access social media despite its age restriction systems.
The decision is after a similar ban on under-16s was made in Australia and indicates increasing apprehension regarding the digital health of kids all over the world.

All Important Questions Asked about Social Media (PYQs)

Name of Exam	Year	Question	Answer
SSC CGL	2022	Which social media platform is widely used for professional networking?	LinkedIn
UPSC Prelims	2021	Which country proposed a ban on social media access for children under 13?	Denmark
RRB NTPC	2020	Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook fall under which category of platforms?	Social Media Platforms
SSC CHSL	2019	What is the primary purpose of social media platforms?	Communication and content sharing
CDS	2021	Which app allows users to post short videos of 15-60 seconds?	TikTok
Railway Group D	2020	Which government body in India monitors social media for misinformation?	Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
UPSC Mains	2018	Social media can influence public opinion and elections. True or False?	True
SSC GD	2019	Which social media platform is owned by Meta (formerly Facebook)?	Instagram and WhatsApp

Conclusion

The suggestion of Denmark to ban social media among children under 15 years old is an indication of an increasing worldwide trend towards the protection of the Internet and the mental health of children. The program will help safeguard minors against the risks of using the Internet, establishing the norms of responsible use and fostering a healthier relationship with the web, since access is limited and parents promote children watching online content under adult supervision.

Hanoi Trails Only Delhi on the List of the World’s Most Polluted Cities

December 12, 2025

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, has become one of the most polluted cities in the world. It was ranked as the second-best place in a recent global air quality survey, alongside New Delhi. The city is shrouded in persistent smog and dangerously high levels of carbon dioxide and fine particulate matter (PM2.5), far exceeding safety thresholds recommended by the World Health Organisation, raising serious health concerns. Authorities have advised citizens to limit outdoor activities and consider closing schools on days of particularly high pollution. This poor air quality reflects broader environmental issues caused by vehicle traffic, industrialisation, and stagnant weather conditions.

Hanoi Faces Severe Smog, Second Most Polluted City After Delhi

Hanoi is now the second-most polluted city in the world, right after Delhi.
The levels of PM2.5 particles are beginning to reach dangerous levels in the city, and are majorly surpassing the limit set by the WHO.
The constant haze and smog have raised some health issues, particularly for children and elderly people.
The government has encouraged citizens to engage in minimal outdoor activities when the pollution is at its peak.
Vehicle emissions, industrial operations, and stationary weather conditions have been the major causes of pollution.
The condition in Hanoi is a case of increasing air pollution in the urban centres in Southeast Asia.

Recently Asked Question Based on PYQS

Name of Exam	Year	Question	Answer
SSC CGL	2022	Which organisation ranks cities by air quality globally?	IQAir
UPSC Prelims	2021	Which pollutant is used as a key indicator of air quality?	PM2.5 particles
RRB NTPC	2020	Delhi often ranks among the most polluted cities for which pollutant?	PM2.5
SSC CHSL	2019	What is the primary cause of urban air pollution in large cities?	Vehicular and industrial emissions
CDS	2023	Which Indian city frequently tops global pollution rankings?	Delhi
UPSC Mains	2018	True or False: Air pollution can affect human respiratory health.	True
SSC GD	2019	Which air quality index is commonly used to show pollution levels?	AQI (Air Quality Index)
Railway Group D	2021	What factor worsens Delhi’s pollution in winter?	Crop burning in neighbouring states

Conclusion

The second position of Hanoi in a list of the most polluted cities after Delhi is an indication of the dire need to have more stringent control over air quality. Increased PM2.5 due to traffic, industries, and weather patterns are very dangerous to human health and therefore, sustainable urban planning, control of pollution, and public education are necessary in order to ensure that people and the environment are safe.

Bihar to Establish India’s First Power Museum in Patna

December 12, 2025

Bihar will also see the opening of the first Power Museum in India at Patna, and that would be a significant accomplishment in terms of the ability to save the energy heritage of the state and educate the generations to come. The museum will be built on approximately three acres of land at the former Karbigahiya Thermal Power Station. It will demonstrate the history of the development of electrical power production and other historical relics of the energy industry in Bihar. The project was debated during the high-level meeting that was chaired by the advisor of the Chief Minister, and is planned to develop the former plant into a current tourist and research centre and an area of education and knowledge on power history and technologies.

India’s First Power Museum to Rise in Patna: A Landmark Energy Initiative

The state of Bihar will have the first Power Museum in Patna that draws a legacy of the legacy of India.
The museum shall be situated on a three-acre piece of land at the decommissioned Karbigahiya Thermal Power Station.
It will display how the electricity generation has advanced and the historical sites of the power generation in Bihar.
The objective of the project is to encourage research, education and tourism in the energy sector.
This project will emphasise sustainable development in Bihar and the commemoration of technological advancement of India in the power generation industry.
The museum will be an educational hub for the students, researchers and the general population.

Previous Year Question Based on Thermal Power

Thermal Power – Previous Year Questions

Name of Exam	Year	Question	Answer
SSC CGL	2022	Which fuel is primarily used in thermal power plants in India?	Coal
UPSC Prelims	2021	What is the main function of a boiler in a thermal power plant?	To convert water into steam using heat energy
RRB NTPC	2020	Which is the largest thermal power plant in India?	Vindhyachal Thermal Power Station, Madhya Pradesh
SSC CHSL	2019	In a thermal power plant, steam turbines are used to convert what into electricity?	Heat energy → Mechanical energy → Electrical energy
CDS	2021	Which type of condenser is commonly used in thermal power plants?	Surface condenser
Railway Group D	2020	What is the efficiency of an average coal-based thermal power plant in India?	Around 33–38%
UPSC Mains	2018	Which gases are major pollutants released from thermal power plants?	CO₂, SO₂, NOx, particulate matter
SSC GD	2019	What is the main cooling medium used in thermal power plants?	Water

Conclusion

The first Power Museum in Patna is a big stride in maintaining the energy heritage of India. By converting the Karbigahiya Thermal Power Station into an educational, research and tourism hub, the future generations will be motivated, the technological advancement of Bihar will be noticed, and the popularisation of sustainable energy production in the country should become common.

Supriya Sahu Wins UNEP Champions of the Earth 2025

December 12, 2025

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the highest environmental award offered by the UN, has named Supriya Sahu as one of its 2025 Champions of the Earth. This award recognises individuals and organisations whose efforts bring about transformative change for people and the planet. Sahu, an Additional Chief Secretary of the Environment, Climate Change and Forests Department working in the State of Tamil Nadu in the category of Inspiration and Action, was recognised for her leadership and innovation in climate resilience, sustainable cooling systems, and ecosystem restoration. Her efforts have led to increased forest cover, the creation of millions of green jobs, and the integration of heat-adaptive solutions into architecture and infrastructure—benefiting millions and serving as a global example of climate action.

What is the Key Role of Supriya Sahu?

Supriya Sahu is one of the important heads of the Tamil Nadu Environment, Climate Change and Forests Department in the position of Additional Chief Secretary.
She spearheads the big climate projects such as sustainable cooling, heat-action planning and environmental restoration.
She is promoting innovative green initiatives that can enhance forest cover, biodiversity, and community building.
She is working on a scalable solution to climate problems, which is benefiting millions of individuals in Tamil Nadu.
She ensures that there is effective policy implementation, which leads to sustainability and long-term environmental protection.

Important MCQs Based on UNEP Champions of the Earth

Name of Exam	Year	Question	Answer
SSC CGL	2022	Which organisation presents the Champions of the Earth Award?	UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme)
UPSC Prelims	2021	UNEP Headquarters is located in which city?	Nairobi, Kenya
RRB NTPC	2020	In which year was the Champions of the Earth Award instituted?	2005
SSC CHSL	2019	The Champions of the Earth Award is given for excellence in which field?	Environmental protection and sustainability
CDS	2023	Which UN body was formed after the 1972 Stockholm Conference?	UNEP
UPSC Prelims	2018	“Global 500 Roll of Honour” was replaced by which award?	UNEP Champions of the Earth Award
SSC GD	2020	UNEP was established in which year?	1972
Railway Group D	2021	Who has previously received the UNEP Champions of the Earth Award?	Various global leaders/organisations

Expected Question about UNEP Champions of the Earth 2025

Q. Statement 1: Champions of the Earth is the highest environmental honour given by the United Nations.

Statement 2: The award only recognises government leaders.

A. Only Statement 1 is correct

B. Only Statement 2 is correct

C. Both are correct

D. Both are incorrect

Answer: A. Only Statement 1 is correct

Explanation: The award recognises individuals, organisations, activists, and leaders—not only governments.

Q. Consider the following statements:

Statement 1: Climate adaptation and nature restoration may dominate 2025 nominations.

Statement 2: The award is given every two years.

A. Both statements are correct

B. Only Statement 1 is correct

C. Only Statement 2 is correct

D. Both statements are incorrect

Answer: B. Only Statement 1 is correct

Explanation: The award is given annually, not biennially.

Q. How many categories are commonly used in the Champions of the Earth Award?

A. 2

B. 4

C. 6

D. 10

Answer: B. 4

Explanation: UNEP typically uses four key categories each year.

Q. The Champions of the Earth Award is linked to which SDG?

A. SDG 3

B. SDG 7

C. SDG 13

D. SDG 4

Answer: C. SDG 13 – Climate Action

Explanation: The award supports global climate and sustainability initiatives.

Q. Which UN body presents the Champions of the Earth Award?

A. UNESCO

B. UNEP

C. UNDP

D. WHO

Answer: B. UNEP

Explanation: This is the UN’s highest environmental award, given by UNEP.

Conclusion

Supriya Sahu was a UNEP Champion of the Earth 2025 winner, indicating her influence on the climate issue and environmental management. Her creative sustainability projects, forest retaining, and heat-resistance demonstrate the increasing role of India in ecological development of the world and inspire more powerful and community-focused approaches to the realisation of a greener future.