GK Express of 25/02/2026

🚆 GK Express 2.0

Discipline • Clarity • Competitive Preparation

TODAY’S FOCUS → INDIAN POLITY, GOVERNANCE AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

🧠 Thought of the Day

“By common endeavor we can raise the country to a new greatness, while a lack of unity will expose us to fresh calamities.”

— Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

📰 Current Affairs

1. Pax Silica Coalition: India formally joined the US-led Pax Silica coalition, aiming to secure semiconductor supply chains and access to critical minerals.
2. International Mother Language Day 2026: As the world observes International Mother Language Day on 21st February, UNESCO’s 7th 'State of the Education Report for India 2025', titled Bhasha Matters: Mother Tongue and Multilingual Education, reframes linguistic diversity as a cornerstone of quality learning.
3. Freedom of Speech to MP's: The Budget Session of Parliament 2026 has raised concerns about Members of Parliament (MPs) freedom of speech, as the expunction of speeches has prompted questions about the safeguards provided under Article 105.

📘 Concept of the Day

Subject: Indian Polity

Concept: Anti-Defection Law (10th Schedule)

The Anti-Defection Law was inserted into the Constitution via the 52nd Amendment Act, 1985 to prevent political defections driven by the lure of office or money.

• Grounds for Disqualification:
  1. Voluntarily giving up membership of the political party.
  2. Voting contrary to the directions issued by the party whip.
  3. An independent member joining a political party after election.
• Exceptions: Disqualification does not apply if a party merges with another party, provided at least two-thirds (2/3) of its legislative members agree to the merger.
• Deciding Authority: The Presiding Officer (Speaker or Chairman) of the House decides on disqualification. Their decision is subject to Judicial Review (as established in the Kihoto Hollohan case, 1992).

🤔 Think About This (Mains Focus)

Tap a question to reveal the answer

1. What is the role and significance of the Schedules in the Indian Constitution. How do they support constitutional governance? (

Answer:

Introduction:
The Indian Constitution contains 12 Schedules which provide detailed administrative, political, and functional provisions. While Articles lay down principles, the Schedules supply practical details, ensuring clarity and smooth governance.

Role and Significance of Schedules:

1. Administrative Organization: The First Schedule defines states and union territories, while the Fourth Schedule allocates seats in the Rajya Sabha, ensuring federal representation.

2. Distribution of Powers: The Seventh Schedule divides subjects into Union, State, and Concurrent Lists, forming the backbone of Indian federalism.

3. Protection of Tribal and Cultural Interests: The Fifth and Sixth Schedules provide special governance mechanisms for Scheduled Areas and Tribal Areas, safeguarding indigenous communities.

4. Anti-Defection and Political Stability: The Tenth Schedule contains anti-defection provisions, promoting stability in legislatures.

5. Decentralization of Governance: The Eleventh and Twelfth Schedules empower Panchayats and Municipalities by listing subjects for local self-government.

6. Legal and Administrative Clarity: Other schedules include forms of oaths (Third Schedule), allocation of languages (Eighth Schedule), and land reform protections (Ninth Schedule), helping implement constitutional objectives effectively.

Conclusion:
Thus, the Schedules act as operational tools of the Constitution by converting constitutional principles into workable frameworks. They enhance federal balance, administrative efficiency, and democratic decentralization, making governance more structured and effective.

2. Although India and China began their relations with friendship after independence, they later emerged as strategic rivals or enemies. Examine the reasons for the failure of India–China relations.

Answer:

Introduction:
India and China initially shared cordial relations based on anti-colonial solidarity and Asian cooperation. The slogan “Hindi-Chini Bhai-Bhai” and the 1954 Panchsheel Agreement symbolized mutual trust. However, geopolitical, territorial, and strategic differences gradually transformed friendship into rivalry.

Reasons for Deterioration:

1. Tibet Issue (1950–59): China’s annexation of Tibet removed the traditional buffer between India and China. India granting asylum to the Dalai Lama in 1959 created deep mistrust.

2. Border Disputes: Undefined colonial-era boundaries led to disputes in Aksai Chin (Western sector) and Arunachal Pradesh (Eastern sector). China’s construction of a road through Aksai Chin intensified tensions.

3. Conflicting Strategic Perceptions: India followed Non-Alignment and peaceful coexistence, while China pursued assertive territorial consolidation and regional dominance.

4. 1962 India–China War: Escalating border clashes culminated in the 1962 war, resulting in India’s defeat and long-term mistrust.

5. Cold War Alignments: China’s proximity to Pakistan and India’s growing ties with the Soviet Union deepened strategic rivalry.

6. Contemporary Factors: Border stand-offs (Doklam 2017, Galwan 2020), China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and Indo-Pacific competition continue to strain relations.

Conclusion:
Thus, India–China relations shifted from idealistic friendship to competitive coexistence due to territorial disputes, security concerns, and geopolitical ambitions. Managing competition while maintaining dialogue remains essential for regional stability.

📝 Let’s Write an Exam (PYQs)

Q.1 (UPSC 2017) Which of the following are not necessarily the consequences of the proclamation of the President's rule in a State?
1. Dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly
2. Removal of the Council of Ministers in the State
3. Dissolution of the local bodies

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 1 and 3 only

C. 2 and 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: B (1 and 3 only)
Explanation: When President's Rule (Article 356) is imposed, the State Council of Ministers is dismissed immediately (Statement 2 is a consequence). However, the State Legislative Assembly is either suspended or dissolved; it is not necessarily dissolved immediately. Also, President's Rule has absolutely no effect on local bodies (Panchayats/Municipalities).

Q.2 (UPSC 2015) The ideal of "Welfare State" in the Indian Constitution is enshrined in its:

A. Preamble

B. Directive Principles of State Policy

C. Fundamental Rights

D. Seventh Schedule

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), contained in Part IV of the Constitution, lay down the guidelines for the State to create social and economic conditions under which citizens can lead a good life. They explicitly seek to establish economic and social democracy, which is the hallmark of a 'Welfare State'.

✍️ Answer These Questions

1. What is the hostorical origin of International Mother Language Day?

2. Which Article of the Indian Constitution granted special autonomous status to Jammu and Kashmir before it was abrogated in 2019?

GK Express @ Juniors Hostel
Curated with discipline by Nikhil Dasari