UPSC GS–1 | PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY

1. Mount Kanlaon

Subtopic: Stratovolcanoes, Pacific Ring of Fire

Value Addition:

• Location: Negros Island, Philippines.

• Type: Stratovolcano (composite volcano).

• Elevation: ~2,465 m (highest in Visayas region).

• Tectonic Setting: Part of the Pacific Ring of Fire (subduction zone volcanism).

• Structure:

  • Multiple pyroclastic cones & craters.

  • Broad summit caldera with crater lake.

• Base Spread: ~30 km × 14 km.

• Geological Material: Lava flows, lahar deposits, tephra, pyroclastic aprons.

• Hydrological Role: Headwater catchment for major rivers.

• Ecological Value: Biodiversity-rich volcanic slopes.

Subject Analysis:

• High-yield prelims topic on stratovolcano features vs shield volcanoes.

• Useful in mains for subduction-related volcanism & volcanic hazards (lahars, ashfall).

UPSC GS–2 | CONSTITUTIONAL BODIES

2. National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)

Subtopic: Article 338A, Tribal Safeguards

Value Addition:

• Established: Constitution (89th Amendment) Act, 2003.

• Operational Since: 19 February 2004.

• Constitutional Basis: Article 338A.

• Earlier Body: Combined National Commission for SCs & STs.

• Headquarters: New Delhi.

Composition:

• Chairperson – Rank of Cabinet Minister.

• Vice-Chairperson – Rank of Minister of State.

• Members – Rank equivalent to Secretary, GoI.

• Tenure – 3 years.

Functions:

• Monitor constitutional safeguards for STs.

• Investigate complaints.

• Advise on socio-economic planning.

• Submit reports to the President.

• Perform functions assigned by President.

Subject Analysis:

• Frequently asked in prelims under Articles & constitutional bodies.

• Useful in mains for tribal welfare, FRA implementation, PESA oversight.

3. Vibrant Villages Programme–II

Subtopic: Border Area Development, Internal Security

Value Addition:

• Nature: Central Sector Scheme (100% Central funding).

• Financial Outlay: ₹6,839 crore (till 2028–29).

• Coverage: Border villages across multiple states (excluding northern border already under VVP–I).

• Objective:

  • Improve livelihood & infrastructure in border villages.

  • Prevent trans-border crime.

  • Enhance national integration.

Key Components:

• Infrastructure (SMART classrooms, tourism circuits).

• Value chain development via SHGs & cooperatives.

• Cultural vibrancy (fairs, national celebrations).

Subject Analysis:

• GS-2 + GS-3 overlap on border security through development approach.

• Important for mains under comprehensive border management strategy.

UPSC GS–3 | PUBLIC HEALTH

4. Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) Vaccine

Subtopic: Immunisation, Toxoid Vaccines

Value Addition:

• Protection: Against tetanus & diphtheria.

• Composition: Purified diphtheria & tetanus toxoids.

• Adjuvant: Aluminium phosphate.

• Preservative: Thiomersal.

• Developed By: Central Research Institute (DGHS).

• Cold Chain Sensitivity: Sensitive to freezing & excessive heat.

• Target Group: Adolescents & adults.

Tetanus Facts:

• Caused by Clostridium tetani.

• Symptoms: Muscle stiffness, lockjaw, respiratory difficulty.

• High case fatality without care.

Subject Analysis:

• Important GS-3 topic on vaccine technology & immunisation strategy.

• Can be linked to mains on Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP).

UPSC GS–3 | PALEONTOLOGY

5. Spinosaurus mirabilis

Subtopic: Cretaceous Dinosaurs, Semiaquatic Predators

Value Addition:

• Location: Niger (Sahara Desert).

• Age: ~95 million years (Cretaceous).

• Genus: Spinosaurus (2nd recognised species).

• Earlier Species: Spinosaurus aegyptiacus (1915).

• Habitat: Riverine forested ecosystem.

• Distinct Feature: Large scimitar-shaped cranial crest.

• Feeding Adaptation:

  • Conical interlocking teeth.

  • Semi-aquatic predator traits.

Subject Analysis:

• Relevant under evolutionary biology & fossil discoveries.

• Prelims focus: Period classification & species-genus distinction.

UPSC GS–3 | DEFENCE & INDIGENISATION

6. INS Krishna

Subtopic: Naval Training Infrastructure

Value Addition:

• Type: Indigenously built Cadet Training Ship.

• Built At: L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli (Chennai).

• Displacement: ~4,700 tonnes.

• Speed: 20 knots.

• Endurance: 60 days.

• Capacity: 20 officers, 150 sailors, 200 cadets.

• Facilities:

  • 3 classrooms (70 cadets each).

  • Training bridge & chart room.

• Additional Roles: HADR, NEO, SAR missions.

Subject Analysis:

• GS-3 topic on naval training capacity & maritime preparedness.

• Important for mains under Atmanirbhar Bharat in shipbuilding.

UPSC GS–3 | BOTANY & BIODIVERSITY

7. Arisaema siahaense (Cobra Lily)

Subtopic: Northeast Flora, Endemic Species

Value Addition:

• Location: Siaha District, Mizoram.

• Type: Evergreen herb (up to 1.08 m).

• Characteristic: Spathe resembles cobra hood.

• Unique Feature: Spadix appendix up to 21 cm with bristles.

• Growth Form: Develops from rounded tuber (not creeping rootstock).

• Leaf Pattern: Exactly three leaf segments.

• Status: Data Deficient.

Subject Analysis:

• High-probability prelims topic on new endemic plant species.

• Useful in mains on Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot.