GK Express of 13/02/2026

🚆 GK Express 2.0

Discipline • Clarity • Competitive Preparation

TODAY’S FOCUS → INDIAN ENVIRONMENT AND BIODIVERSITY

🧠 Thought of the Day

“The earth does not belong to man, man belongs to the earth. All things are connected like the blood that unites us all.”

— Chief Seattle

📰 Current Affairs

1. First National Song, then National Anthem: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued a fresh set of instructions to States and government bodies mandating that the National Song, Vande Mataram, must be played or sung before the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana, when both are part of an event. What
2. India Arab Foreign Ministers Meeting 2026: India hosted 22 members of the League of Arab States for the second India-Arab Foreign Ministers Meeting, 10 years after the first iteration in Bahrai

📘 Concept of the Day

Subject: Ecology

Concept: Ecotones and Edge Effect

1. Ecotone:

An ecotone is a zone of transition between two diverse ecosystems. For example, a Mangrove forest is an ecotone between marine and terrestrial ecosystems; an estuary is an ecotone between fresh water and saltwater.

2. Characteristics:

• It is a zone of tension where conditions are intermediate.
• It often contains species from both bordering ecosystems, making it highly diverse.

3. Edge Effect:

This refers to the tendency for increased population density and species diversity at the ecotone. Organisms that occur primarily in this zone are called 'Edge Species' (e.g., specific birds found in forest-grassland ecotones).

🤔 Think About This (Mains Focus)

Tap a question to reveal the answer

1. What are 'Wetlands'? Discuss their ecological significance and the threats they face in India.

Answer:
Wetlands are ecosystems where water covers the soil permanently or seasonally (e.g., marshes, peatlands, lakes).

Significance:
1. Kidneys of the Earth: They naturally filter pollutants and purify water.
2. Sponges: They absorb excess rainfall, preventing floods.
3. Carbon Sinks: Coastal wetlands store huge amounts of "Blue Carbon".

Threats: Encroachment for real estate, agricultural runoff, industrial pollution, and climate change are heavily degrading Indian wetlands.

2. Explain 'Environmental Impact Assessment' (EIA). Why is it crucial for sustainable development?

Answer:
EIA is a formal process used to predict the environmental consequences of a proposed industrial or infrastructure project before granting clearance.

Significance:
1. Balancing Act: It ensures economic growth does not happen at the cost of irreversible ecological damage.
2. Public Participation: Mandatory public hearings allow affected local and tribal communities to voice their concerns.
3. Mitigation: It forces project proponents to create a comprehensive Environmental Management Plan (EMP) to mitigate potential harm.

📝 Let’s Write an Exam (PYQs)

Q.1 (UPSC 2014) If a wetland of international importance is brought under the ‘Montreux Record’, what does it imply?

A. Changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur as a result of human interference.

B. The country in which the wetland is located should enact a law to prohibit any human activity within 5 km.

C. The survival of the wetland depends on the cultural practices and traditions of certain communities.

D. It is given the status of 'World Heritage Site'.

Correct Answer: A
Explanation:

The Montreux Record is a register of wetland sites on the Ramsar List where changes in ecological character have occurred, or are likely to occur, due to technological developments, pollution, or human interference. Currently, Loktak Lake (Manipur) and Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan) are in this record.

Q.2 (UPSC 2013) Which one of the following terms describes not only the physical space occupied by an organism, but also its functional role in the community of organisms?

A. Ecotone

B. Ecological niche

C. Habitat

D. Home range

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: An Ecological Niche refers to the unique functional role and position of a species in its ecosystem. It includes the organism's habitat, how it responds to the distribution of resources, and how it alters those same factors. No two species can have the exact same niche in the same habitat.

✍️ Answer These Questions

1. Which day is celebrated as World Environment Day every year?

2. Name the first National Park established in India.

GK Express @ Juniors Hostel
Curated with discipline by Nikhil Dasari