GS–3 | ENVIRONMENT

1. Protosticta sooryaprakashi (Kodagu Shadowdamsel)

Subtopic: New Species Discovery & Western Ghats Ecology

Value Addition:

• Newly discovered damselfly species from Kodagu district, Karnataka (Western Ghats).

• Common name: Kodagu Shadowdamsel.

• Named after botanist Dr. Sooryaprakash Shenoy.

• Distinctive Traits:

  • Vibrant sky-blue markings

  • Slimmest species among its genus

  • Blue spot on neck + blue tail-tip marking

• Habitat:

  • Prefers low-light, shaded, cool forest interiors

  • Requires pristine, unpolluted streams for breeding

  • Rarely seen due to dense canopy preference

• Acts as a bioindicator – presence signals a healthy ecosystem.

Subject Analysis:

• Strengthens evidence that the Western Ghats remain under-explored for micro-fauna.

• Highlights importance of stream conservation for endemic insect diversity.

• Relevant for GS-3 Environment → Biodiversity hotspots, endemic species, bioindicators.

2. Ramban Sulai Honey (GI Tag)

Subtopic: Traditional Products & GI Protection

Value Addition:

• Produced in Ramban district, Jammu & Kashmir.

• Declared district’s ODOP product.

• Derived from the nectar of Sulai (wild basil) flowers (Aug–Oct bloom).

• Characteristics:

  • Crystal clear white-to-amber honey

  • Rich aroma, high nutritional enzymes, minerals & vitamins

  • High yield due to Ramban’s climate + strong bee strains

• Medicinal/traditional uses: boosts immunity, aids digestion.

• Received a GI Tag in 2021.

GI Framework (Quick Notes):

• Recognised under TRIPS & GI Act 1999.

• Identifies region-linked product qualities.

• Valid for 10 years & renewable indefinitely.

• Prevents unauthorized use of the regional name.

Subject Analysis:

• Demonstrates GI’s role in rural branding + farmer income growth.

• Supports sustainable harvesting of Himalayan flora.

• Useful for GS-3 → Intellectual property, agricultural value chains.

GS–1 | ART & CULTURE / TRIBES

3. Khiamniungan Tribe (Naga Community)

Subtopic: Tribal Heritage & Cultural Anthropology

Value Addition:

• Major Naga tribe living across Eastern Nagaland + NW Myanmar.

• Name means “source of great water / river.”

• Social Features:

  • Clan-based organisation

  • Language: Khiamniungan (Sino-Tibetan family)

• Festivals:

  • Tsokum Sumai → harvest festival (Sept–Oct)

  • Khaotzao Sey Hok-ah Sumai → marks end of agricultural cycle

• Economy:

  • Traditional jhum cultivation

  • Skilled in cliff honey harvesting — high-risk, heritage practice

Subject Analysis:

• Illustrates diversity of Naga cultural identities and trans-border tribal links.

• Reflects challenges of traditional agriculture, climate shifts, and livelihood transitions.

• Relevant for GS-1 Society → Tribal culture, customs, festivals.

GS–3 | ECONOMY

4. Darjeeling Mandarin Orange (GI Tag)

Subtopic: Horticulture & Regional Geography

Value Addition:

• Recently received GI status.

• Locally called “Suntala”.

• Scientific name: Citrus reticulata Blanco.

• Origin: Grown across Darjeeling hills (3rd major GI after Tea & Dalley Khursani).

• Major cash crop supporting hill farmers.

• Growing Conditions:

  • Altitude: 600–1,500 m

  • Temperature: 10–35°C

  • Rainfall: 100–120 cm

  • Soil: Medium to light loam, well-drained

Subject Analysis:

• GI enhances branding, farmer income, & export opportunities.

• Important example of agro-climatic specialty crops of the Himalayas.

• Relevant for GS-3 → Agriculture, GI protection, horticulture economy.

GS–2 | POLITY

5. Booth Level Officer (BLO)

Subtopic: Election Administration & Grassroots Governance

Value Addition:

• Appointed under Section 13B(2), RPA 1950 (introduced 2006).

• Grassroot representative of the Election Commission of India (ECI).

• Typically local government staff:

  • Teachers, Anganwadi workers, Panchayat secretaries, VLWs, bill readers.

• Key Functions:

  1. Electoral Roll Management

     • Field verification & correction

     • Identifying deceased/migrated voters

  2. Voter Facilitation

     • Distribution of voter slips

     • Informing 85+ citizens & PwDs about Home Voting (Form 12D)

  3. Digital Promotion

     • Encourages use of apps like Voter Helpline, eVigil, Know Your Candidate

Issue Highlight:

• Several deaths during intensive revision drive → spotlight on workload, safety, and welfare gaps.

Subject Analysis:

• BLOs are crucial for electoral roll integrity, the foundation of free elections.

• Shows need for labour protections & digitisation at the polling-booth level.

• Relevant for GS-2 → Election management, institutional capacity building.

GS–3 | ENVIRONMENT

6. Bamboo Shrimp (Asian Fan Shrimp)

Subtopic: Freshwater Ecology & Species Adaptation

Value Addition:

• Medium-sized freshwater shrimp native to Southeast Asia.

• Common names: Wood Shrimp, Singapore Wood Shrimp, Flower Shrimp.

• Key Features:

  • Colour-changing body depending on mood/stress

  • Amphidromous life cycle → larvae in brackish water, adults in freshwater

  • Nocturnal behaviour

  • Strong grip for fast-flowing streams

  • Specialized filter-feeding appendages

• Habitat:

  • Clear, fast rivers with rocks & driftwood

  • Lives socially with other invertebrates

• Diet: algae & micro-organisms.

Subject Analysis:

• Good example of riverine biodiversity and species adaptation to currents.

• Useful for GS-3 Environment → Freshwater ecology, life-cycle adaptations