GK Express of 20/02/2026
🚆 GK Express 2.0
Discipline • Clarity • Competitive Preparation
- Global Teacher Prize 2026: Indian teacher Rouble Nagi has won the
Global Teacher Prize 2026, receiving the one-
million-dollar award at the World Government
Summit in Dubai.
It was Launched in 2014 and is often referred to as the “Nobel Prize of Teaching”. - Network Readiness Index: India is placed at 45th rank (with score 54.43 out of 100) as per the Network Readiness Index 2025 report released in 2026.
- FCI and WFP: Food Corporation of India (FCI) and the World Food Programme (WFP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the supply of rice to support global hunger relief operations.
Subject: Environment and Ecology
Concept: Keystone Species vs. Indicator Species
Understanding the ecological roles of specific species is crucial for biodiversity conservation:
- Keystone Species: A species on which other species in an ecosystem largely depend. If it were removed, the ecosystem would change drastically. Example: Tigers in Indian forests act as top predators, controlling herbivore populations and maintaining vegetation health.
- Indicator Species: A species whose presence, absence, or abundance reflects a specific environmental condition. They act as an early warning system for ecosystem degradation. Example: Lichens are highly sensitive to sulfur dioxide and indicate air quality; Frogs indicate water quality.
The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site and global biodiversity hotspot, face multiple threats:
1. Habitat Fragmentation: Driven by mining, unsustainable agriculture, and infrastructure projects.
2. Climate Change: Altering monsoon rainfall patterns, which directly affects endemic flora and fauna.
3. Invasive Species: Exotic plants disrupting local ecosystems.
4. Overexploitation: Threatening endangered species like the Lion-tailed Macaque and Nilgiri Tahr.
Mangroves (e.g., the Sundarbans, Bhitarkanika) act as a vital ecological bridge between land and sea.
1. Coastal Protection: They act as natural shock-absorbers against cyclones, tsunamis, and coastal erosion.
2. Carbon Sinks: Highly effective at sequestering "Blue Carbon", mitigating climate change.
3. Biodiversity Hubs: Serve as crucial breeding grounds and nurseries for marine life and unique habitats for terrestrial species.
Q.1 (UPSC PYQ Concept) Consider the following statements regarding the 'National Board for Wildlife' (NBWL):
1. It is a statutory organization constituted under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
2. It is chaired by the Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation: The NBWL is a statutory body established under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (Statement 1 is correct). However, it is chaired by the Prime Minister of India, not the Environment Minister. The Environment Minister is the Vice-Chairperson (Statement 2 is incorrect).
Q.2 (UPSC 2018) In which one of the following States is Pakhui (Pakke) Wildlife Sanctuary located?
Explanation: Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary (widely known as Pakke Tiger Reserve) is located in the East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. It is highly recognized for its Hornbill conservation efforts.
1. Which Indian state has the highest percentage of its geographical area under forest cover?
2. Name the international treaty dedicated to the conservation of wetlands.
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