GK Express of 14/02/2026

🚆 GK Express 2.0

Discipline • Clarity • Competitive Preparation

TODAY’S FOCUS → INTERNAL SECURITY AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT

🧠 Thought of the Day

“The supreme art of war is to subdue (bring under our control) the enemy without fighting.”

— Sun Tzu

📰 Current Affairs

1. Free Movement Regime (FMR) Suspension:
   The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has announced the scrapping of the FMR between India and Myanmar to check illegal immigration, smuggling, and insurgent activities in the North Eastern states.
2. Heatwaves and Disaster Status:
   
   Several states are pushing the Centre to classify 'Heatwaves' as a notified disaster under the DM Act, 2005, which would allow them to utilize the National/State Disaster Response Fund (NDRF/SDRF) for mitigation.
3. Combined Task Force of CMF: For the first time, the Indian Navy has assumed command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 154, a major multinational maritime training force operating under the Combined Maritime Forces(CMF) highlighting India’s growing role in cooperative maritime security and capacity building.

📘 Concept of the Day

Subject: Disaster Management

Concept: The Sendai Framework (2015-2030)

The Sendai Framework is a major international agreement adopted by UN member states to drastically reduce disaster risk and losses.

Shift in Approach: It shifted the global focus from post-disaster response to proactive disaster risk reduction (DRR).

Four Priorities for Action:

• Priority 1: Understanding disaster risk (hazard exposure, vulnerability, and capacity).
• Priority 2: Strengthening disaster risk governance to manage risks effectively.
• Priority 3: Investing in disaster risk reduction for economic, social, and cultural resilience.
• Priority 4: Enhancing disaster preparedness for an effective response and to "Build Back Better" during recovery.

🤔 Think About This (Mains Focus)

Tap a question to reveal the answer

1. "Social media has emerged as a new threat to India's internal security." Discuss.

Answer:
Social media offers anonymity, wide reach, and rapid communication, making it a double-edged sword.

Role in Security Threats:
1. Radicalization: Terrorist modules use encrypted apps (like Telegram) to recruit and brainwash vulnerable youth.
2. Fake News and Rumors: Rapid spread of misinformation often leads to communal riots and mob lynchings.
3. Cyber Warfare: Honey-trapping of defense personnel and deepfakes to manipulate political narratives.
4. Terror Financing: Crowdfunding via crypto-currencies coordinated through dark web/social media networks.

2. What is the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA)? Why is it heavily debated?

Answer:
AFSPA (1958) grants extraordinary powers to the armed forces in officially designated "disturbed areas" to maintain public order.

The Powers: It allows forces to arrest without a warrant, search premises, and use force (even lethal) on reasonable suspicion.

The Debate:
1. Security Perspective: The military argues it is essential for operational efficiency in hostile, insurgent-hit regions where local police are ineffective.
2. Human Rights Perspective: Critics point to alleged fake encounters, immunity from prosecution for soldiers, and violations of Fundamental Rights. (Note: The Jeevan Reddy Committee recommended its repeal).

📝 Let’s Write an Exam (PYQs)

Q.1 (UPSC Relevance) Which of the following is the nodal ministry for coordinating disaster management operations at the national level under the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)?

A. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

B. Ministry of Earth Sciences

C. Ministry of Home Affairs

D. Ministry of Defence

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: While the NDMA is the apex body headed by the Prime Minister of India, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is the nodal ministry responsible for coordinating all disaster management and relief operations at the national level.

Q.2 (UPSC Relevance) The 'Global Cybersecurity Index' (GCI), often seen in the news, is released by which of the following organizations?

A. World Economic Forum (WEF)

B. International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

C. INTERPOL

D. World Bank

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) is published by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which is a specialized agency of the United Nations. The index measures the commitment of UN member states to cybersecurity to raise awareness globally.

✍️ Answer These Questions

1. Which paramilitary force is primarily responsible for guarding the India-Pakistan and India-Bangladesh borders?

2. What is the emergency toll-free number for the Disaster Management Helpline in India?

GK Express @ Juniors Hostel
Curated with discipline by Nikhil Dasari