GK Express of 28/02/2026

🧠 Thought of the Day

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

📰 Current Affairs

Chandra Sekhar Azad: India paid tributes to freedom fighter Chandra Shekhar Azad on his 95th martyrdom day on 27th February 2026.
When arrested and presented before a magistrate, he famously declared his name as 'Azad' (Free), his father as 'Swatantra' (Independence), and his address as a jail cell.
Tribunals in India: The Supreme Court (SC) has expressed serious concern over the functioning, accountability, and structural deficiencies of tribunals, terming them a “liability” and a “mess” due to systemic flaws in appointments and operations.

📘 Concept of the Day

Balancing Climate Action with Ecological Sustainability

Why is this Topic Important?

Climate change has forced countries to take strong climate action such as renewable energy projects, afforestation and infrastructure expansion. However, sometimes these actions themselves damage ecosystems. Therefore, balancing climate action with ecological sustainability has become an important governance and environmental challenge for India and the world.

Meaning of Climate Action

Climate action refers to steps taken to reduce climate change and global warming by reducing greenhouse gas emissions (gases like carbon dioxide that trap heat in the atmosphere).

Meaning of Ecological Sustainability

Ecological sustainability means protecting ecosystems (natural systems of plants, animals and environment) so that nature continues to function properly for future generations.

Climate Mitigation – reducing causes of climate change (like cutting emissions).
Climate Adaptation – adjusting to climate impacts such as floods or droughts.

Why Conflict Happens?

Large solar parks built on grasslands affecting biodiversity
Hydropower dams disturbing river ecosystems
Wind farms affecting bird migration routes
Mass plantation replacing natural forests
Mining for lithium and rare earth minerals for green energy

Simple Example

A large dam produces clean electricity (good for climate action), but it may destroy forests and displace wildlife and local communities (harmful for ecology). Hence balance is necessary.

Indian Examples

Solar parks in Rajasthan affecting desert ecosystems
Hydropower projects in the Himalayas increasing landslide risks
Coastal infrastructure impacting mangroves
Linear projects (roads, railways) fragmenting forests

Importance of Balance

Healthy ecosystems naturally absorb carbon (called carbon sinks – areas that store carbon dioxide)
Biodiversity improves climate resilience (ability to recover from climate shocks)
Protects livelihoods of local communities
Prevents long-term environmental damage

Government Measures

National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
LiFE Mission (Lifestyle for Environment)
Green India Mission
Compensatory afforestation programmes

Challenges

Development vs conservation conflict
Weak environmental monitoring
Pressure for rapid economic growth
Lack of scientific planning

Way Forward

Nature-based solutions (using natural ecosystems to fight climate change)
Decentralised renewable energy projects
Scientific land-use planning
Community participation in conservation
Strong environmental governance

Climate Action + Ecological Protection = Sustainable Development. Green solutions must protect both climate and biodiversity.

🤔 Think About This

Tap a question to reveal the answer

1. Q. Internal security challenges in border states are shaped by a complex interaction of geography, economy, and geopolitics. How?

Introduction:
India shares long land and maritime borders with several countries. Border states such as Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and the North-Eastern states face unique internal security challenges due to their location and external influences.

Role of Geography:

1. Difficult Terrain: Mountains, deserts, forests, and riverine borders make surveillance difficult. Example: Himalayan borders and dense forests in the Northeast allow illegal crossings.

2. Porous Borders: Open or lightly guarded borders increase smuggling, infiltration, and illegal migration.

Role of Economic Factors:

3. Underdevelopment and Unemployment: Lack of industries and opportunities makes youth vulnerable to recruitment by insurgent or criminal groups.

4. Smuggling Economy: Illegal trade in drugs, arms, cattle, and fake currency becomes a source of income in border areas.

Role of Geopolitics:

5. Cross-Border Terrorism: Hostile neighbors may support militant groups to destabilize border regions.

6. Ethnic and Cultural Linkages: Communities living across borders share language and culture, sometimes leading to separatist sentiments.

7. Strategic Rivalries: International tensions increase military pressure and local instability along borders.

Way Forward:

• Smart border management and technology-based surveillance.
• Economic development and infrastructure in border areas.
• Community participation and better governance.
• Strong diplomatic engagement with neighboring countries.

Conclusion:
Thus, internal security problems in border states arise from the combined effects of geography, economic vulnerabilities, and geopolitical tensions. A balanced approach combining security measures with development is essential for lasting stability.

2. What is the significance of the 'Community-Based Disaster Risk Management' (CBDRM) approach.

Introduction:
India frequently faces disasters such as floods, cyclones, earthquakes, and droughts. Community-Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM) is an approach where local people actively participate in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery instead of depending only on government agencies.

Significance of CBDRM:

1. First Responders are Local People: During disasters, nearby communities reach affected persons faster than external agencies. Example: Fishermen rescuing people during coastal cyclones.

2. Use of Local Knowledge: Villagers understand local risks such as flood routes or safe shelters better. Example: Traditional knowledge helps identify safe high-ground areas during floods.

3. Better Preparedness: Training communities in evacuation, first aid, and early warning systems reduces loss of life.

4. Cost-Effective Disaster Management: Community participation reduces dependence on expensive external relief operations.

5. Strengthens Resilience: People become capable of preventing risks, rebuilding livelihoods, and adapting to future disasters.

6. Inclusive Development: Women, elderly, and vulnerable groups participate in planning, ensuring equitable disaster response.

Government Support:

• National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) promotes community training.
• Disaster preparedness programs under State Disaster Management Authorities.
• Integration with local bodies like Panchayats.

Conclusion:
CBDRM shifts disaster management from a relief-based approach to a preparedness-based approach by empowering communities, thereby reducing vulnerability and ensuring sustainable disaster resilience.

📝 Let’s Write an Exam

Q.1 Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM) is located in

Diang, Arunachal Pradesh

Ranchi, Uttarkahnd

UttarKhasi, Uttarkhand

Dispur, Assam

Nehru Institute of Mountaineering is one of the prestigious Mountaineering training institute in India which offers special strategic training to the aspirants.

Q.2 Which of the following is an example of a 'Slow-onset' disaster?

Earthquake

Cloudburst

Drought

Tsunami

Unlike rapid-onset disasters (earthquakes, floods), a drought is a slow-onset disaster that develops over months or years, primarily due to a deficiency in precipitation, affecting agriculture and water supply gradually.

✍️ Answer These Questions

1. Mention any two Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).

2. What is the full form of NDRF and when was it formed?

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