November 25, 2025 - Current Affairs

Ethiopia’s Long Dormant Volcano Hayli Gubbi Erupted After 12,000 Years

In News

A long-dormant volcano in Ethiopia erupted after 12,000 years, causing ash plumes across the red sea towards Yemen, Oman, and even parts of India.

Ethiopia's Afar Depression and the East African Rift

The Hayli Gubbi volcano is located approximately 800 kilometers northeast of Addis Ababa in Ethiopia's Afar region.

The Afar Depression, also known as the Danakil Depression, is a geological marvel where three tectonic plates meet: the African (Nubian) Plate, the Somalian Plate, and the Arabian Plate.

This region is part of the broader East African Rift System (EARS), one of the most geologically active zones on Earth.

Under the East African Rift System (EARS), the African Plate is divided into the Nubian Plate (western) and Somalian Plate (eastern).

Justice Surya Kant Becomes 53rd CJI

Context

Recently, Justice Surya Kant was sworn in as the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI), succeeding Justice BR Gavai. The oath of office was administered by the President of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Justice Surya Kant: Career Highlights

Born: In Hisar, Haryana (1962)

Youngest Advocate General of Haryana (2000)

Elevated as a judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court (2004)

Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court (2018)

International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women

In News

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women was recently observed with the theme “UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls”.

Background

In 1993, the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women, laying the foundation for global action.

In 2000, the UN officially designated November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, encouraging governments, international bodies, and NGOs to hold annual awareness activities worldwide.

Supreme Court Panel Flags Massive Custodial Death Probe Delays

Context

A Supreme Court panel has released a comprehensive report on prison reforms, revealing deep systemic gaps in the investigation of custodial deaths.

Major Highlights

Delays in custodial death probe: It highlighted severe delays in forensic examinations due to a 52% staff vacancy in state forensic labs.

As a result, 1,237 enquiries into custodial deaths remained pending in district courts for over a year as of 2023.

Prisoners who died in custody are often subject to lengthy investigations.

Issues in Prison Administration: Prison manuals refer to prison work related to conservancy and sanitation as ‘menial’ or ‘work of degrading character’, which perpetuates a hierarchical view of labour.

India – France to jointly manufacture HAMMER

Context

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and France’s Safran Electronics & Defence (SED) have signed a joint venture agreement to manufacture the HAMMER precision-guided air-to-ground weapon system in India.

About

The accord follows a memorandum of understanding signed during Aero India in 2025.

Under the plan, a joint venture company with 50:50 shareholding will be incorporated in India.

The joint venture will take up localisation of manufacturing, supply and maintenance of the HAMMER weapon system for the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy.

Indigenisation is expected to gradually rise to nearly 60%, including sub-assemblies, electronics and mechanical parts.

News in Short – 25 November, 2025

In News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered Lachit Borphukan, describing him as a symbol of courage, patriotism, and true leadership.

Lachit Borphukan

He was Born on 24 November 1622 to Momai Tamuli Barbarua and grew up during a turbulent era of Mughal–Ahom conflicts.

He was a legendary Ahom commander renowned for his leadership in the 1671 Battle of Saraighat, where he decisively defeated Mughal forces under Raja Ram Singh I and safeguarded Assam.

He is recognized for his skill and integrity. He was appointed as one of the five Borphukans by King Chakradhwaj Singha, entrusted with administrative, judicial, and military duties, and came to symbolize Assamese courage, valor, and identity.