State PCS - Haryana (HCS)

• 24 Nov 2025

Chandigarh & Article 240

Why in News?

• The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has clarified that the government will not introduce the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025 in the upcoming Winter Session. The bill reportedly proposed to bring Chandigarh under Article 240 of the Constitution.

Key Points

• About Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill:
  • The proposal aimed to include Chandigarh under Article 240, which currently applies to select Union Territories such as Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, and Puducherry.
  • Chandigarh is presently administered as a Union Territory (UT), with the Governor of Punjab serving as its Administrator, since it acts as the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana.
• Article 240 & Potential Impact on Chandigarh:
  • Article 240 empowers the President to make regulations for the peace, progress, and good governance of certain UTs that do not have their own legislatures.
  • These regulations have the same effect as an Act of Parliament, giving the Centre direct administrative influence.
  • As Chandigarh currently lacks a legislative assembly, bringing it under Article 240 would mainly be a change in the method of governance, allowing the President to rule by regulation instead of Parliament legislating by Act.
  • This change would enable the Centre to:
    • Issue regulations for governance through the President or a delegated authority.
    • Possibly introduce a separate Lieutenant Governor (instead of the Punjab Governor), changing the administrative head.
  • Chandigarh's governance structure stems from the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, making it a shared capital with a unique administrative model.
  • Any alteration in its governance has implications for federal relations, state rights, and UT administration frameworks.

Guru Tegh Bahadur Martyrdom Day

Why in News?

The President of India paid tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji on the occasion of his 350th Martyrdom Day on 24th November 2025.

• He was executed by Aurangzeb on 24th November 1675, for defending Kashmiri Pandits against forced religious conversion, and the Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Delhi's Chandni Chowk marks the site of his execution.

Key Points

• Early Life: Born in the year 1621 in Amritsar, Guru Tegh Bahadur was initially known as Tyagmal due to his ascetic nature. Trained in religious philosophy and martial skills, he was awarded the title “Tegh Bahadur” for his bravery in battle.
• Contribution: He became the 9th Sikh Guru in 1664 after Guru Harkishan. In 1665, he founded Anandpur Sahib and contributed more than 700 hymns to the Guru Granth Sahib, focusing on equality, justice, and devotion.
• Legacy: He opposed forced religious conversions during Aurangzeb’s reign and encouraged fearlessness (Nirbhau) and compassion (Nirvair) among his followers.
  • He is revered for defending freedom of religion and conscience earning him the title “Hind-di Chadar” (Shield of India).

Ten Gurus of Sikhism
Guru Nanak Dev (1469–1539)	• First Sikh Guru and founder of Sikhism. • Initiated ‘Guru ka Langar’ • Contemporary of Babur • Kartarpur Corridor was inaugurated on his 550th birth anniversary
Guru Angad (1504–1552)	• Invented the Gurmukhi script • Popularized the practice of ‘Guru ka Langar’
Guru Amar Das (1479–1574)	• Introduced the Anand Karaj marriage ceremony• Abolished sati and purdah practices among Sikhs• Contemporary of Akbar
Guru Ram Das (1534–1581)	• Founded Amritsar in 1577 • Began the extraction and construction of the Holy Tank (Sarovar) at the site of the Golden Temple.
Guru Arjan Dev (1563–1606)	• Compiled the Adi Granth in 1604• Completed the Golden Temple’s construction• Known as ‘Shaheeden-de-Sartaj’• Executed by Jahangir for helping Prince Khusrau
Guru Hargobind (1594–1644)	• Transformed Sikhs into a martial community• Known as the “Soldier Saint”• Established the Akal Takht in Amritsar
Guru Har Rai (1630–1661)	• Peace-loving Guru• Dedicated his life to missionary work and maintaining the Sikh army. Met with Dara Shikoh (Aurangzeb’s brother).
Guru Harkishan (1656–1664)	• Youngest Sikh Guru, became Guru at age 5• Summoned by Aurangzeb
Guru Tegh Bahadur (1621–1675)	• Founded Anandpur Sahib• Opposed forced conversions under Aurangzeb• Martyred in 1675 for defending Kashmiri Pandits
Guru Gobind Singh (1666–1708)	• Founded the Khalsa in 1699• Introduced the initiation ceremony “Pahul”• Last human Sikh Guru  and the Five Ks• Declared Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru