GK Express of 10/02/2026

🚆 GK Express 2.0

Discipline • Clarity • Competitive Preparation

TODAY’S FOCUS → WORLD AND INDIAN PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY

🧠 Thought of the Day

“Nature never breaks her own laws.”

— Leonardo da Vinci

📰 Current Affairs

1. Menstrual Hygiene is a fundamental right:
   
   In Dr. Jaya Thakur vs. Union of India, the Supreme Court has ruled that the right to menstrual hygiene is an integral part of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.
2. Concern over Acting DGP's: Recently, the Supreme Court observed that many States are continuing with “acting” Directors General of Police (DGPs), bypassing the appointment of regular DGPs in violation of the Prakash Singh judgment (2006).

📘 Concept of the Day

Subject: Physical Geography

Topic: Interior of the Earth

1. Crust: The outermost solid layer. Continental crust is lighter (Sial - Silica and Aluminium), while Oceanic crust is heavier (Sima - Silica and Magnesium).

2. Mantle: Lies below the crust. The upper portion is called the 'Asthenosphere' (semi-molten), which is the source of magma.

3. Core: The innermost layer. The Outer Core is liquid, while the Inner Core is solid. It is made of Nife (Nickel and Iron), responsible for Earth's magnetic field.

🤔 Think About This (Mains Focus)

Tap a question to reveal the answer

1. Distinguish between 'Continental Drift Theory' and 'Plate Tectonics'.

Answer:

1. Continental Drift: Proposed by Alfred Wegener. It suggested that continents moved through the ocean floor, but couldn't explain the mechanism.
2. Plate Tectonics: A more modern theory. It explains that the Earth's lithosphere is divided into plates that float on the asthenosphere.
3. Mechanism: Plate tectonics explains movement via mantle convection currents and seafloor spreading.

2. Why are the Himalayas still rising?

Answer: The Himalayas are Young Fold Mountains formed by the collision of the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate.
1. Ongoing Collision: The Indian plate continues to move northward and push under the Eurasian plate.
2. Evidence: Frequent earthquakes in the region and geodetic measurements confirm that the height of Mount Everest is increasing slightly over time.

📝 Let’s Write an Exam (PYQs)

Q.1 (UPSC 2013) The Narmada river flows to the west, while most other large peninsular rivers flow to the east. Why?

A. It flows in a linear rift valley.

B. It occupies the channel of an ancient river.

C. The land slopes to the west from Central India.

D. None of the above.

Correct Answer: A

The Narmada and Tapi are the major west-flowing rivers in Peninsular India because they flow through a Rift Valley (fault trough) created between the Vindhya and Satpura ranges, unlike other rivers which follow the general slope of the plateau.

Q.2 (UPSC 2020) UNO was established on

A. 22nd October, 1945

B. 24th October, 1948

C. 28th October, 1945

D. 24th October, 1945

Correct Answer: D The United Nations Organisation (UNO) came into existence on October 24, 1945. It was established immediately following World War II to replace the ineffective League of Nations, aiming to maintain international peace and security.

✍️ Answer These Questions

1. What is the full form of DVC?

2. Which layer of the atmosphere protects us from harmful UV rays?

GK Express @ Juniors Hostel
Curated with discipline by Nikhil Dasari