TGPSC Daily Current Affairs - 25th November 2025
Source: Telangana Today
Relevance: Paper-II: History, Culture & Geography
Key Concepts for Prelims and Mains:
For Prelims:
Ramnathgudpalle Grassland, Indian Fox (Vulpes bengalensis),Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra), Indian Wolf (Canis lupus pallipes), Grassland Biodiversity.
For Mains:
- Threats to Grasslands in Telangana, Habitat Loss & Anthropogenic Pressure ,Conservation Gaps in Non-Forest Ecosystems
Why in News?
A new Telugu wildlife documentary titled “Indian Fox – Fighting Habitat Loss”—the first of its kind focusing on Telangana’s grasslands—is set to premiere soon. It highlights the ecological significance and growing threats faced by the Ramnathgudpalle Grassland near Mominpet in Vikarabad district.
About the Ramnathgudpalle Grassland
- One of the largest grassland ecosystems remaining in Telangana.
- Habitat for key species such as:
- Blackbuck
- Indian wolf
- Indian fox
- Migratory and resident birds
- Under increasing pressure from habitat fragmentation, grazing pressures, and non-resident human activities.
About the Documentary
The film follows the journey of a male Indian fox, showcasing its behaviour, pup-rearing, hunting strategies, and interactions with pastoral communities.
Narration & Film Team
- Narrator: Actor Navdeep
- Director: Chinnaboina Pradeep Kumar
- Editing: Pradeep Kumar and Rupak Ronaldson
- Cinematography:
- Ch. Avinash
- PVR Harikrishna
- Sanjay K
- Pradeep Kumar
- Aerial Footage:
- Sanjay
- Sujeeth Thalwar
- Script:
- Pranay Juvvadi
- Prashanth Gopi Veer
- Sanjeev Siva
The documentary will be released as a series, with support from VWOLFS Foundation and Wild Telangana.
Conclusion
The upcoming Telugu documentary “Indian Fox – Fighting Habitat Loss” serves as an important milestone in highlighting Telangana’s often-overlooked grassland ecosystems. By documenting the life of the Indian fox and the ecological richness of the Ramnathgudpalle Grassland, the film brings public attention to an endangered landscape facing rapid fragmentation, human encroachment, and biodiversity decline. Its grassroots conservation message, backed by scientific visuals and community voices, reinforces the urgent need to legally recognise and protect grasslands as vital ecological assets rather than viewing them as wastelands. The documentary thus not only showcases Telangana’s natural heritage but also strengthens the case for sustainable, community-inclusive conservation practices in the state.
CARE MCQ
Q. The Ramnathgudpalle Grassland, recently in news for the Telugu wildlife documentary “Indian Fox – Fighting Habitat Loss”, is located in which district of Telangana?
(a) Sangareddy
(b) Vikarabad
(c) Medak
(d) Rangareddy
Correct Answer: (b) Vikarabad
Source: The Hindu
Relevance: GS-I (Geography); GS-III (Environment & Disaster Management)
Key Concepts for Prelims and Mains:
For Prelims:
• Stratovolcano • Volcanic Ash Plume • SO₂ Gas Hazard • Flight Diversion Protocols • High-Altitude Atmospheric Circulation
• Afar Rift Valley • Explosive Eruption
For Mains:
• Disaster Preparedness & Early Warning • Aviation Safety & Volcanic Hazards
• Geological Timescales • Transboundary Environmental Impacts
• Role of IMD & Volcanic Ash Advisory Centres (VAACs)
Why in News?
Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi volcano erupted on 23 November 2025 after nearly 12,000 years, sending a high-altitude ash plume that reached Indian airspace and disrupted international flights. The IMD says the plume will shift towards China by Tuesday evening.
What happened in Ethiopia?
The Hayli Gubbi volcano, located in northeastern Ethiopia near the Red Sea coastline, erupted on Sunday in what scientists describe as a highly unusual event. Geological records suggest the last eruption occurred nearly 12 millennia ago.
This eruption did not produce lava or magma flows. Instead, it resulted in a sudden explosive ejection of gases and fine ash, including tiny fragments of rock, volcanic glass, and other particulates.
How did the ash plume reach India?
Atmospheric circulation at high altitudes carried the plume across:
- The Arabian Peninsula
- The Arabian Sea
- Western India, entering through Gujarat and Rajasthan
- Northern India, including Delhi and Uttar Pradesh
The plume’s movement aligned with strong
southwesterly to northeasterly winds typically present at 10–14 km altitude—the same zone where most long-haul aircraft operate. IMD reported that the plume would continue along the same trajectory toward China, clearing Indian airspace by Tuesday evening.
What is a Volcano?
A volcano is an opening or vent in the Earth’s crust from which lava, ash, steam, and gases are expelled during an eruption. These vents generally form in structurally weak zones of the crust.
Volcanic activity is an important endogenic process, capable of creating landforms such as:
• Extrusive forms – plateaus, cones, domes
• Intrusive forms – batholiths, laccoliths, sills, dykes
Magma vs Lava
• Magma refers to molten rock material stored beneath the Earth’s surface, mainly originating from the partially molten asthenosphere.
• When magma emerges through a volcanic vent and reaches the surface, it is called lava.
Predicting Volcanic Eruptions
Several scientific tools help forecast potential volcanic activity:
1. Seismic Monitoring
Earthquakes, tremors, and harmonic vibrations often precede magma movement.
2. Ground Deformation
Bulging, uplift, or subsidence of the Earth’s surface indicates magma accumulating below.
3. Gas and Gravity Analysis
Changes in volcanic gas emissions (e.g., SO₂), gravity anomalies, and magnetic variations help assess magma ascent.
Types of Volcanoes
Volcanoes can be classified based on eruption frequency and eruption style.
A. Based on Frequency of Eruption
1. Active Volcanoes
These erupt frequently or show ongoing signs of activity. Most active volcanoes lie in the Pacific Ring of Fire, a tectonically active belt from New Zealand to Japan and along the western Americas.
Examples: Kilauea (Hawaii), Santa Maria (Guatemala).
2. Dormant Volcanoes
These have not erupted in recent times but retain the potential to erupt again.
Example: Mount Kilimanjaro (Tanzania).
3. Extinct Volcanoes
These volcanoes show no signs of eruption in the distant geological past.
Example: Dhinodhar Hill (Gujarat).
B. Based on the Nature of Eruption
1. Shield Volcanoes
• Largest and broadest volcanoes with gentle slopes.
• Formed mainly by low-viscosity basaltic lava.
• Eruptions are mostly effusive, unless water interaction increases explosivity.
• Lava may initially build a cinder cone but later spreads widely.
Example: Hawaiian volcanoes, Mauna Loa.
2. Composite Volcanoes (Stratovolcanoes)
• Tall, steep-sided volcanic cones made of alternating layers of lava, ash, and pyroclasts.
• Eruptions are usually explosive due to thick, viscous magma.
• Common in subduction zones, especially along the Pacific Ring of Fire.
Examples: Mayon (Philippines), Mount Fuji (Japan), Mount Rainier (USA).
3. Calderas
• Formed by extremely explosive eruptions where the magma chamber collapses, creating a large depression instead of building a cone.
• Among the most violent volcanic features.
4. Flood Basalt Provinces
• Characterized by eruption of highly fluid lava that spreads over vast areas.
• Creates thick sequences of basalt layers.
• Associated with large igneous provinces and mantle plumes.
5. Mid-Ocean Ridge Volcanoes
• Found along the mid-ocean ridge system, stretching over 65,000 km.
• These underwater volcanoes erupt frequently where tectonic plates diverge, producing new oceanic crust.
Was the plume dangerous?
For people on the ground: No immediate threat
Since the ash travelled at very high altitudes, human health was not at risk. The concentration at ground level remained negligible.
For aviation: Significant risk
Volcanic ash is a major hazard for aircraft because:
- Visibility can be severely reduced at cruising altitudes.
- Fine volcanic particles can clog sensors and filters.
- Ash entering aircraft engines can melt, solidify, and cause engine stall or failure.
- Gases like SO₂ can corrode aircraft components and reduce air quality inside cabins if filtration is compromised.
Because of these risks, airlines rerouted or delayed numerous international flights. Global aviation safety relies on real-time alerts from the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centres (VAACs), which tracked the Hayli Gubbi plume and coordinated warnings with civil aviation authorities.
How long will the impact last?
Experts say the effects are short-lived:
- Ash particles: These disperse rapidly over 24–48 hours due to wind spread.
- Rainfall and cloud moisture: Help wash out significantly large concentrations.
- Gases (SO₂, CO₂): Can linger longer but are too dilute to affect atmospheric composition or air quality meaningfully.
IMD has confirmed that by Tuesday evening, flight routes will gradually return to normal as the plume moves out of Indian airspace.
Why was this eruption significant?
- It occurred after 12,000 years of inactivity, making it a rare geological event.
- The plume reached transcontinental distances, demonstrating how volcanic activity anywhere can impact global aviation.
- It highlights the vulnerability of modern transport systems to natural events, even those occurring thousands of kilometres away.
Impacts of Volcanic Eruptions
Volcanic eruptions produce a range of destructive as well as constructive effects, influencing human settlements, ecosystems, climate systems, and landform development.
Destructive Effects of Volcanism
1. Earthquakes
Movement of magma beneath a volcano often induces seismic tremors. These shocks can generate surface cracks, landslides, and structural collapse—posing severe risks to densely populated regions near active volcanoes.
2. Climate Impacts
Volcanoes emit large quantities of ash, sulphur dioxide (SO₂), and other gases that can alter atmospheric circulation. Sulphate aerosols may cool the Earth temporarily, while ash clouds disrupt weather patterns and reduce solar radiation.
3. Pyroclastic Flows
Explosive eruptions can generate fast-moving, superheated clouds of ash, gas, and rock fragments. These pyroclastic flows travel at high speeds and extreme temperatures, destroying everything in their path within minutes.
4. Volcanic Ash Hazards
Fine ash particles can cause severe respiratory issues, contaminate water supplies, reduce visibility, and disrupt aviation. Heavy ashfall can collapse roofs and damage crops and machinery.
Constructive Effects of Volcanism
1. Fertile Soils
Volcanic ash weathers into mineral-rich soils containing silica, iron, potassium, and magnesium. Such soils—found in regions like Java and the Deccan—are among the most productive agricultural lands.
2. Land Formation
Successive lava flows can build new landmasses. The Hawaiian Islands are classic examples of volcanic island formation.
3. Contact Metamorphism
Heat from intruding magma alters surrounding rocks, producing valuable metamorphic rocks such as marble, quartzite, and hornfels. This process also contributes to mineralization and ore formation.
4. Volcanic and Crater Lakes
Large volcanic depressions (calderas and craters) can fill with water to form crater lakes, which often support unique ecosystems and serve as important freshwater sources.
5. Geothermal Features (Geysers and Hot Springs)
Interaction of groundwater with hot igneous rock or deeper magma heats water to produce geysers, fumaroles, and hot springs. These features support geothermal energy production and tourism.
CARE MCQ
Q. Consider the following statements:
- Active volcanoes are mainly concentrated in the Pacific Ring of Fire.
- Shield volcanoes erupt highly explosive, viscous magma.
- Composite volcanoes form from repeated explosive eruptions of ash and lava.
- Flood basalt provinces are created by very fluid lava spreading over large areas.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Correct Answer: (c) Only three
Source: The Indian Express, The Hindu
Relevance: Quick prelims facts about Constitutional provisions – Article 240 and 131st Amendment Bill 2025, GS Paper – II Polity & Governance (Union–State legislative & administrative relations)
Key Concepts for Prelims and Mains:
For Prelims:
- Constitutional status of Chandigarh (UT + joint capital), Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, Capital of Punjab (Development & Regulation) Act, 1952, Article 240, 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill, 2025.
For Mains:
- Federalism & Asymmetric Federalism – UTs, shared capitals, Centre–State relations and political sensitivity over Chandigarh, Historical background of Chandigarh – post-Partition capital issue
Why in News?
- Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha bulletins indicated that the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025 would be introduced to bring Chandigarh under Article 240.
- This triggered strong political backlash in Punjab (AAP, Congress, SAD, even Punjab BJP uneasy), seeing it as:
- An attempt to “snatch” Punjab’s capital; and
- A move to weaken Punjab’s constitutional and emotional claim over Chandigarh.
- After the uproar, the Union Home Ministry clarified:
- The proposal is only to simplify the Centre’s law-making process for Chandigarh;
- No final decision has been taken;
- No Bill will be introduced in the Winter Session 2025;
- Any decision will follow consultation with stakeholders.
Chandigarh’s Present Status
Union Territory + Shared Capital
- Chandigarh is a Union Territory (UT) administered by the Centre.
- It is also the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana since the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966.
Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966
- Purpose: Reorganised the state of Punjab based on linguistic lines.
- Creation of Haryana: Formed a new state Haryana for Hindi-speaking regions; came into existence as India’s 17th state.
- Punjab after division: Punjabi-speaking areas continued as the new state of Punjab.
- Chandigarh as Union Territory: Created Chandigarh as a UT and shared capital of both Punjab and Haryana.
- Territory transfer: Some areas were transferred from Punjab to Himachal Pradesh.
- Common High Court: Provided a common High Court for Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh.
- Enactment: Passed by Parliament on 18 September 1966.
Administrator
- At present, the Governor of Punjab holds additional charge as Administrator of Chandigarh (since 1984).
- Earlier, Chandigarh was headed by a Chief Commissioner (senior bureaucrat) directly under the Union government.
Legal Position
- The Capital of Punjab (Development and Regulation) Act, 1952 expressly recognises Chandigarh as the capital of Punjab.
- After 1966, properties in Chandigarh were divided between Punjab and Haryana in a 60:40 ratio, but the UT status brought the city under direct Central control.
The Capital of Punjab (Development & Regulation) Act, 1952
- Purpose: To regulate planned development of Chandigarh, built as the new capital of Punjab after Partition.
- Scope: Covers land management, building control, and urban planning in Chandigarh.
- Authority: Empowers Government to sell/lease/transfer land & buildings with specified conditions.
- Building Rules: Controls construction, architectural design, zoning & land use regulations.
- Periphery Control: Supported by Punjab New Capital (Periphery) Control Act, 1952, regulating development in a 16 km radius of Chandigarh.
- Enforcement: Estate Officer can impose penalties, resume property, or order demolition of illegal structures.
- Fees: Allows levy of fees & taxes for civic amenities.
- Appeal Mechanism: Appeals allowed to Chief Administrator / Central Government.
- Status Change: Continued even after Chandigarh became a Union Territory in 1966 under Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966.
Extension of State Laws
- Being a shared capital, many key Acts and rules of Punjab and Haryana are extended to Chandigarh, giving both states a continuing stake in its governance.
What is Article 240
Article 240 – Power of President to make regulations for certain Union Territories
- Allows the President of India to make regulations for the “peace, progress and good government” of specified UTs.
- At present, it applies to – Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, and Puducherry (under certain conditions).
- A regulation made under Article 240:
- Has the same force and effect as an Act of Parliament; and
- May repeal or amend any existing Act of Parliament or other law as it applies to that UT.
In simple terms, the President (i.e., the executive) can legislate for those UTs via regulations, bypassing Parliament for UT-specific matters.
What did the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025 propose?
- Key change:
- To add “Chandigarh” to the list of UTs under Article 240.
- Likely consequences (if passed):
- Chandigarh could get an independent Administrator / Lieutenant Governor (L-G), instead of the Punjab Governor holding dual charge.
- The President could frame regulations for Chandigarh that:
- Amend or repeal Parliamentary laws or other laws applicable to Chandigarh;
- Take effect without placing a separate Bill before Parliament.
Chandigarh would move closer to the model of centrally-administered UTs without legislatures (e.g., A&N Islands, Lakshadweep).
What Will It Mean for Chandigarh if Brought Under Article 240?
(A) Governance & Law-Making
- At present:
- Only Parliament can legislate for Chandigarh (Article 246 + 239).
- After inclusion under Article 240:
- President can legislate by regulation for Chandigarh, having the same force as a Parliamentary Act.
- According to former MP Pawan Bansal, this gives the Centre “sweeping powers” because:
- Any existing Act relating to Chandigarh (e.g., tenure of Mayor, municipal laws) could be changed just via a Presidential regulation, based on a note at Joint Secretary level, bypassing full parliamentary scrutiny.
(B) Administrator
- Independent Administrator / L-G
- Chandigarh would likely get a separate Administrator / L-G, like other UTs.
- This would break the symbolic link whereby the Punjab Governor’s additional charge signifies Punjab’s special stake.
(C) Impact on Punjab & Haryana’s Claims
- Dilution of “joint capital” character:
- With stronger direct Central control, the city’s character may shift from a shared capital with state-linked legal framework to a fully central UT.
- Potentially weakens Punjab’s long-standing demand that Chandigarh be eventually transferred wholly to Punjab (as per the 1970 announcement that “the capital project area of Chandigarh should, as a whole, go to Punjab”).
Why is Punjab Opposing the Move?
(A) Historical & Emotional Significance
- Replacement for Lahore:
- After Partition, Lahore (capital of undivided Punjab) went to Pakistan.
- Chandigarh was planned by Nehru as the “City of Beauty” and modern capital of Punjab, built on land acquired from 22 villages of Kharar (Punjab).
- Chandigarh formally became Punjab’s capital in 1953, inaugurated by President Rajendra Prasad.
- For Punjab, Chandigarh symbolises:
- Post-Partition identity and resilience;
- A city “built over Punjab’s villages”.
(B) Reorganisation & ‘Temporary’ Joint Capital
- Under Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966:
- Haryana was carved out;
- Chandigarh became joint capital;
- Haryana was promised assistance to build its own capital (grant + loan); use of Chandigarh was intended as temporary.
- January 29, 1970 statement:
- Centre announced that Chandigarh should ultimately go to Punjab as a whole, with arrangements for Haryana to develop its own capital.
(C) Fear of Losing “Sole Claim”
- Punjab argues that its claim over Chandigarh is “undisputed” because:
- City was conceived and built as Punjab’s capital,
- Haryana’s use was meant to be transitory.
- Inclusion under Article 240 is seen as:
- A “technical” constitutional change with deep political meaning;
- A step toward making Chandigarh “just another UT”, weakening Punjab’s stake.
(D) Federalism & Power Balance
- Punjab sees this as:
- Centralisation of power;
- An “assault on Punjab’s rights” and erosion of cooperative federalism, given existing flashpoints:
- Centre’s earlier attempt to restructure Pnjab University Senate;
- Deployment of central forces at Bhakra dam in a water-sharing dispute.
Political Positions
- Punjab Government (AAP – CM Bhagwant Mann):
- Calls it a “draconian move” and a conspiracy to take away Punjab’s capital.
- Emphasises that Chandigarh “belongs solely to Punjab”.
- Opposition in Punjab (Congress & SAD):
- Sukhbir Singh Badal (SAD) – calls it an “assault on Punjab’s rights and federalism”.
- Amrinder Singh Raja Warring (Congress) – warns of serious repercussions if Chandigarh is “snatched” from Punjab.
- Punjab BJP:
- Caught in a bind; state chief Sunil Jakhar publicly states that “Chandigarh is integral to Punjab” and that Punjab BJP stands with state interests.
- Union Government / MHA:
- Claims the proposal is only to simplify law-making for Chandigarh,
- No change in governance structure or traditional arrangements is intended at present,
- No Bill in Winter Session; future decision only after consultation.
Previous Attempts to Change Chandigarh’s Governance
- 1984 arrangement
- Punjab was under President’s Rule; due to security concerns during militancy, Punjab Governor was given charge as Chandigarh Administrator to ensure coordinated control.
- 2016 attempt
- Centre reportedly tried to appoint K. J. Alphons as an independent Administrator.
- Strong opposition from Shiromani Akali Dal (then ally in Punjab govt) led to move being shelved.
- Recent flashpoints (2024–25)
- Proposal to dissolve Panjab University Senate and replace it with a body dominated by ex-officio/nominated members (including Chandigarh MP, UT CS), seen as reducing Punjab’s say.
- BBMB security dispute: deployment of central forces at Bhakra dam viewed by Punjab as attempt to shift control from state police to Centre.
Way Forward
- Cooperative Federalism First: Centre should hold structured consultations with Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh stakeholders before any change in status.
- Status Clarity, Not Ambiguity: Any move on Article 240 / UT status must clearly protect Chandigarh’s existing arrangements and recorded assurances to Punjab.
- All-party & Inter-State Dialogue: Set up an all-party/state committee to examine long-pending issues – Chandigarh, river waters, Panjab University – as a package.
- Judicially Consistent Federal Practice: Ensure proposed changes stay consistent with Supreme Court’s spirit on federalism & Governor’s role.
- People-centric Governance: Prioritise better urban governance, empowered local bodies and service delivery in Chandigarh, instead of purely power-centric changes.
CARE MCQ
Q. Chandigarh has been in news recently. Consider the following statements:
- Chandigarh was granted UT status under the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966.
- The Governor of Haryana presently acts as the Administrator of Chandigarh.
- Property in Chandigarh was divided between Punjab and Haryana in the ratio of 50:50.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (a)
- 1 – Correct; 2 – Incorrect (it is the Punjab Governor); 3 – Incorrect (ratio is 60:40).