UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 24 November 2025

by Vajiram & Ravi - 24 November 2025

Vajiram & Ravi provides Daily UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 24 November 2025, tailored for aspirants. We cover all relevant news and events crucial for the exam, ensuring you stay updated & well-prepared.

African Grey Parrot

November 24, 2025
African Grey Parrot

African Grey Parrot Latest News

There are no registered breeders or authorised pet shops to sell African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus) – one of the most easily procurable animals in the country.

About African Grey Parrot

  • It is a medium-sized, dusty-looking gray bird.
  • Scientific Name: Psittacus erithacus
  • It is one of the most talented talking/mimicking birds on the planet.

African Grey Parrot Habitat and Distribution

  • African grey parrots are native to West and Central Africa.
  • They inhabit different types of lowland forest, including rainforest, woodlands, and wooded savannah. 
  • They can be seen along forest edges and in clearings as well, and sometimes feeding in gardens and cultivated fields.
  • They are kept as pets in many parts of the world, and their popularity dates back centuries.

African Grey Parrot Features

  • It is a mottled grey-colored, medium-sized parrot. 
  • It has a large black bill and white mask enclosing a yellow eye and has a striking red vent and tail. 
  • Females have a pale gray crown with dark gray edges, a gray body, and scarlet tail feathers. 
  • The male looks similar to the female but becomes darker with age.
  • Lifespan: 50+ years

African Grey Parrot Conservation Status

It is classified as 'Endangered' under the IUCN Red List. 

Source: TH

African Grey Parrot FAQs

Q1: What is the scientific name of the African grey parrot?

Ans: Psittacus erithacus

Q2: Where are African grey parrots naturally found in the wild

Ans: African grey parrots are native to West and Central Africa.

Q3: What is the conservation status of the African grey parrot according to the IUCN Red List?

Ans: Endangered

Hussain Sagar Lake

November 24, 2025
Hussain Sagar Lake

Hussain Sagar Lake Latest News

In a fresh move to tackle algal blooms, persistent foul odour and declining water quality in Hussainsagar lake, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) proposes to introduce an advanced bioremediation process using enzyme solutions and biochar-based Bokashi balls.

About Hussain Sagar Lake

  • It is an artificial lake located in Hyderabad, Telangana.
  • It is also called Tank Bund and lies on a tributary of River Musi. 
  • It spreads across an area of 5.7 sq.km. It is one of the largest man-made lakes in Asia.
  • It is the largest heart-shaped mark among the marks formed by 78 heart-shaped lakes and 9 heart-shaped islands on the face of the earth.
  • It was built during the reign of Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah by Hussain Shah Wali in 1562 AD. 
  • It is renowned for its monolith of Lord Buddha that stands right in its centre. 
  • It had been of significance in the early days since it connected the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad.
  • Till 1930, the lake was used for irrigation and drinking water requirements.
  • Over the years, Hussain Sagar Lake has become polluted through the entry of untreated sewage and industrial effluents through the nalas that flow into the lake.

Source: NIE

Hussain Sagar Lake FAQs

Q1: Hussain Sagar Lake is located in which Indian state?

Ans: Telangana

Q2: Hussain Sagar Lake was constructed during the reign of which Sultan?

Ans: It was built during the reign of Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah by Hussain Shah Wali in 1562 AD.

Q3: Hussain Sagar Lake lies on a tributary of which river?

Ans: Musi

Moss

November 24, 2025
Moss

Moss Latest News

Recently, a team of scientists has found that moss can survive a prolonged trip to space.

About Moss

  • It is a small nonvascular spore-bearing land plant belongs to the taxonomic division Bryophyta.
  • It is among the earliest land plants and has colonised some of the harshest environments on the planet, including Antarctica, volcanic fields, and deserts.
  • Mosses existed as early as the Permian Period and more than 100 species have been identified from fossils of the Paleogene and Neogene periods.
  • Types of Moss: Of the 10,000 and more types of mosses on the planet, there are three main types: peat moss, granite moss and true moss.
  • Distribution:  Mosses are distributed throughout the world except in salt water.
  • Habitat: It is the small plant commonly found in damp, shady spots is already known for its resilience on Earth.
  • Moss reproduces through spores, which are the equivalent to a flowering plant’s seed

Ecological Significance of Moss

  • Ecologically, mosses break down exposed substrata, releasing nutrients for the use of more-complex plants that succeed them.
  • They also aid in soil erosion control by providing surface cover and absorbing water.
  • They are important in the nutrient and water economy of some vegetation types.
  • Mosses can be effective indicators of c02 emissions that pollute the air. They can also signal if an ecosystem has been damaged or harmed by acid rain.

Source: IE

Moss FAQs

Q1: What is the primary method of reproduction in Moss plants?

Ans: Spores

Q2: What is the role of Moss plants in the ecosystem?

Ans: They are primary producers

Limestone

November 24, 2025
Limestone

Limestone Latest News

The first-ever auction of limestone mineral blocks in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir will be formally launched in Jammu.

About Limestone

  • Limestone is a sedimentary rock made of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), usually in the form of calcite or aragonite.
  • It occurs across almost all geological sequences from Pre-Cambrian to Recent, except in Gondwana formations.

Composition of Limestone

  • It contains considerable amounts of magnesium carbonate (dolomite).
  • It also contains minor constituents of clay, iron carbonate, feldspar, pyrite, and quartz.
  • In many cases, the grains are microscopic fragments of fossil animal shells that are also present.

Distribution of Limestone in India

  • Karnataka has the largest share (28%) of total resources, followed by Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Meghalaya, and Chhattisgarh.
  • Production Centers: Over three-fourths of India’s limestone is produced in just six states: Andhra Pradesh & Telangana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.

Uses of Limestone

  • The principal use of limestone is in the Cement Industry.
  • Metallurgical Processes: It is used as a flux in iron and steel production.
  • Other Industries: Glass, Ceramic, Paper, Textile, and Tanning
  • Chemical Production: Calcium carbide, alkali, bleaching powder
  • Agriculture: It is used as soil conditioning agent, fertilizer (calcium ammonium nitrate)
  • Consumer Products: Whiting (chalk and precipitated limestone) in rubber, paint, cosmetics, toothpaste, and shoe polish

Source: PIB

Limestone FAQs

Q1: What is the primary component of limestone?

Ans: Calcium carbonate

Q2: What is the process by which limestone is formed?

Ans: Sedimentation

Exercise AUSINDEX

November 24, 2025
Exercise AUSINDEX

Exercise AUSINDEX Latest News

Recently, the Indian Naval Ship INS Sahyadri participated in the exercise AUSINDEX 2025 which was held in the Northern Pacific.

About Exercise AUSINDEX

  • It is a bilateral exercise held between India and Australia.
  • It is a major biennial maritime exercise which has been conducted since 2015.
  • Aim: The exercise is aimed at significantly boosting interoperability and deepening the strategic partnership between the two maritime nations.

Key Facts about Exercise AUSIDEX 2025

  • The warships and aircraft of both navies conducted intense joint operations, focusing on anti-submarine warfare, gunnery exercises, and advanced flying operations.
  • The Indian Naval Ship INS Sahyadri, alongside HMAS Ballarat participated in the Exercise.

Other Exercises Conducted between Australia and India

  • Ex AUSTRA HIND (Bilateral Exercise with Army)
  • EX PITCH BLACK (Australia’s multilateral air combat training exercise)
  • Malabar Naval Exercise
  • Quad (Multilateral Naval Exercise)

Source: ET

Exercise AUSINDEX FAQs

Q1: What is AUSINDEX?

Ans: A bilateral naval exercise between India and Australia

Q2: What is the objective of AUSINDEX?

Ans: To promote maritime cooperation and interoperability between India and Australia.

Key Facts about Georgia

November 24, 2025
Key Facts about Georgia

Georgia Latest News

Recently, India has strengthened its textile and sericulture partnership with Georgia following a high-level multi-sectoral engagement.

About Georgia

  • Location: It is located in the far south eastern region of the European continent.
  • Georgia is a Transcaucasian country, situated at the dividing line of the continents of Asia and Europe.
  • Bordering Countries: It is bordered by 4 countries: by Russia in the north and northeast; by Azerbaijan in the east and southeast; and by Armenia and Turkey in the south.
  • Maritime Border: Georgia is bounded by the Black Sea in the west.
  • Capital City: Tbilisi

Geographical Features of Georgia

  • Terrain: It is largely mountainous with Great Caucasus Mountains in the north and Lesser Caucasus Mountains in the south.
  • Climate: It is temperate and ranges from subtropical mediterranean in the west to arid and warm in the east.
  • Highest Peak: Mount Shkhara (5,068 metres) is the highest point of Georgia.
  • Major Rivers: Inguri, Kodori, Mtkvari and Rioni
  • Natural Resources: It mainly consists of manganese deposits, iron ore, copper, minor coal and oil deposits.

Source: DD News

Georgia FAQs

Q1: Which mountain range runs through Georgia?

Ans: Caucasus

Q2: What is the official language of Georgia?

Ans: Georgian

Methamphetamine

November 24, 2025
Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine Latest News

Recently, the joint team of Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Delhi Police busted Mega Trans-National Methamphetamine Cartel under Operation “Crystal Fortress”.

About Methamphetamine

  • Methamphetamine is a powerful, highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system.
  • It is also known as meth, chalk, ice, and crystal.
  • It was developed early in the 20th century from its parent drug, amphetamine, and was used originally in nasal decongestants and bronchial inhalers.

Properties of Methamphetamine

  • It is a member of the class of amphetamines.
  • It takes the form of a white, odorless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that easily dissolves in water or alcohol.
  • Methamphetamine is potent and easy to produce.
  • It has a role as a neurotoxin, a psychotropic drug, a central nervous system stimulant, a xenobiotic and an environmental contaminant.

How does Methamphetamine Affect Humans?

  • It causes increased activity and talkativeness, decreased appetite, and a pleasurable sense of well-being or euphoria. 
  • The use of methamphetamine in higher doses can induce psychosis, bleeding in the brain, skeletal muscle breakdown, and seizures. 
  • It can cause violent behavior, mood swings, and psychosis such as paranoia, delirium, auditory and visual hallucination, and delusions when used chronically.
  • Chronic long-term methamphetamine use can be highly addictive, and if it is discontinued abruptly, it might lead to withdrawal symptoms.

Source: PIB

Methamphetamine FAQs

Q1: What is the chemical name of Methamphetamine?

Ans: N-methylamphetamine

Q2: What is the primary effect of Methamphetamine on the human brain?

Ans: It increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine.

Dorjilung Hydroelectric Power Project

November 24, 2025
Dorjilung Hydropower Project

Dorjilung Hydroelectric Power Project Latest News

Tata Power Company Ltd recently said it has signed commercial agreements with Druk Green Power Corporation Ltd (DGPC) for the development of the 1,125 MW Dorjilung hydroelectric power project in Bhutan.

About Dorjilung Hydroelectric Power Project

  • It is a planned 1125 MW run-of-river project situated in the eastern Lhuentse and Mongar Districts of Bhutan on the Kurichhu River, a tributary of the Drangmechhu that flows into India.
  • At a height of approximately 139.5 m, the concrete-gravity dam channels nearly 287 m3/s through a 15 km headrace tunnel to an underground powerhouse housing six Francis turbines, designed to generate around 4.5 terawatt-hours (TWh) annually.
  • At a total project cost of ₹13,100 crore, Dorjilung will be Bhutan’s second-largest hydropower project, and the largest Public–Private Partnership (PPP) hydro project ever undertaken in the country. 
  • The project is financed by the World Bank.
  • In November 2024, Bhutan’s Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) signed an MoU with Tata Power Company Limited for the joint development of the project.
  • The Project will be implemented through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), with DGPC and Tata Power holding equity shares of 60% and 40%, respectively.
  • The project is expected to be commissioned by early 2032.

Source: CNBC

Dorjilung Hydroelectric Power Project FAQs

Q1: Dorjilung Hydroelectric Power Project is being developed on which river in Bhutan?

Ans: It is being on Kurichhu River, a tributary of the Drangmechhu that flows into India.

Q2: What is the planned power generation capacity of the Dorjilung Hydroelectric Project?

Ans: 1125 MW

Q3: What type of hydropower project is Dorjilung?

Ans: Run-of-river project.

Q4: Which Indian company signed an MoU with Bhutan’s Druk Green Power Corporation for the development of the project?

Ans: Tata Power Company Limited

Brihadeeswarar Temple

November 24, 2025
Brihadeeswarar Temple

Brihadeeswarar Temple Latest News

Marking World Heritage Week, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) organised a heritage walk and clean-up drive at the Brihadeeswarar Temple (Big Temple) in Thanjavur recently.

About Brihadeeswarar Temple

  • It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu.
  • It is also known as Periya Kovil, RajaRajeswara Temple and Rajarajesvaram. 
  • It is one of the largest temples in India and is an example of Dravidian architecture during the Chola period.
  • It was built by emperor Raja Raja Chola I and completed in 1010 AD.
  • It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “Great Living Chola Temples”, with the other two being the Brihadeeswarar Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Airavatesvara temple.

Brihadeeswarar Temple Architecture

  • The temple stands amidst fortified walls that were probably added in the 16th century. 
  • ‘The vimanam (temple tower) is 216 ft (66 m) high and is the tallest in the world. 
  • The Kumbam (the apex or the bulbous structure on the top) of the temple is carved out of a single rock and weighs around 80 tons.
  • The temple complex spans over 40 acres and is decorated with masses of sculptures and inscriptions that spotlight the era's devotion and craftsmanship.
  • There is a big statue of Nandi (sacred bull), carved out of a single rock measuring about 16 ft (4.9 m) long and 13 ft (4.0 m) high at the entrance. 
  • The entire temple structure is made out of granite.

Source: TH

Brihadeeswarar Temple FAQs

Q1: Where is the Brihadeeswarar Temple located?

Ans: Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu.

Q2: Who built the Brihadeeswarar Temple?

Ans: It was built by emperor Raja Raja Chola I.

Q3: Brihadeeswarar Temple is part of which UNESCO World Heritage Site group?

Ans: Great Living Chola Temples

Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

November 24, 2025
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary Latest News

Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam’s Morigaon district is witnessing an early influx of migratory birds with the onset of winter, attracting species from Europe, America, and the Tibetan region.

About Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

  • It is located in the eastern region of Guwahati, Assam.
  • It is in close proximity to the Mayong village that is renowned as the Black magic capital of India.
  • This wildlife sanctuary was established in 1998 with a total area of 48.81 sq.km.
  • The sanctuary consists of the Rajamayong Reserve Forest and Pobitora Reserve Forest.
  • The region was once part of the vast floodplains of the Brahmaputra River and was known for its rich flora and fauna. 
  • History: 
    • Pobitora became a reserved wooded area in the year of 1971 with the approval of the Government of Assam Tourism. 
    • The Government of India included Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary with the association of a rhino breeding program named “Indian Rhino Vision 2020”.
    • The landscape is dominated by alluvial grasslands and dense patches of tall elephant grass.
  • Flora: 
    • 72% of Pabitora consists of the wet savannah of Arundo donax, Erianthus ravennae, Phragmites karka, Imperata cylindrica, and Saccharum spp.
    • Water hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes) is a major problem, especially to waterfowl, as it forms thick mats on the water surface.
  • Fauna: 
    • It is known for holding the highest density of Greater One Horned Rhinoceros in the country.
    • Besides rhinoceros, the other animals are leopard, wild boar, Barking deer, wild buffalo, etc. 
    • It is also home to more than 2000 migratory birds and various reptiles.

Source: NET

Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary FAQs

Q1: Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is located in which Indian state?

Ans: Assam

Q2: What is the total area covered by Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary?

Ans: 48.81 sq.km.

Q3: What type of vegetation dominates the landscape of Pobitora?

Ans: 72% of Pabitora consists of the wet savannah of Arundo donax, Erianthus ravennae, Phragmites karka, Imperata cylindrica, and Saccharum spp.

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