1. Satpura Tiger Reserve (STR)

Subtopic: Protected Areas & Landscape Ecology

Value Addition:

• Located in Madhya Pradesh, forming one of India’s oldest forest landscapes.

• Includes Satpura National Park + Bori WLS + Pachmarhi Sanctuary.

• Lies south of the Narmada River; part of the Central Indian Highlands.

• Geology: Deccan Trap basalt, Gondwana sedimentary rocks, metamorphic outcrops.

• Biodiversity:

  • Mixed deciduous forests with species overlap from Himalayan and Nilgiri regions.

  • Key fauna: Tiger, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Sambar, Gaur, several reptiles & birds.

• Denwa River:

  • Lifeline of the park; flows east-west; joins Tawa River.

  • Creates wetlands and riparian corridors essential for tiger movement.

• Recent Observation: Tigress swimming across Denwa — proof of healthy riverine connectivity.

Subject Analysis:

• STR is a model corridor landscape integrating mountains, rivers, and forest mosaics.

• Shows importance of riparian habitats for dispersal of large carnivores.

• Useful for GS3 – Biodiversity, Protected Areas, Corridor Conservation.

GS – 3 | ECONOMY

2. Capital Gains Accounts (Second Amendment) Scheme, 2025

Subtopic: Tax Policy & Compliance

Value Addition:

• CGAS originally limited to PSU banks; 2025 amendment allows 19 major private banks (non-rural branches) to operate CGAS.

• Recognises electronic deposits via UPI, RTGS, NEFT, IMPS, BHIM, cards, net banking.

• Purpose:

  • Lets taxpayers park unutilised capital gains to claim exemption later under sections like 54, 54F, 54B etc.

• Types of Accounts:

  • Type A: Savings-like (flexible withdrawals).

  • Type B: Term deposit-like (higher interest).

• Who Can Use: Resident individuals, HUFs, firms, companies; NRIs only in specific cases.

• Restrictions:

  • Withdrawal via Form C; reporting via Form D.

  • Closure only with AO permission.

  • Unused amount after time limit becomes taxable capital gain.

Subject Analysis:

• Enhances taxpayer convenience and digital compliance.

• Broadens banking participation → improves access and lowers procedural delays.

• Relevant for GS3 – Economy, Taxation, Ease of Doing Business.

GS – 3 | SCIENCE & TECH

3. Auramine O (Food Adulteration)

Subtopic: Chemical Contamination & Public Health

Value Addition:

• Non-permitted synthetic industrial dye (yellow).

• Used in textile, leather, paper, printing ink, microbiology staining—not food.

• Health Hazards:

  • Liver/kidney toxicity

  • Mutagenic effects

  • Possible carcinogen (IARC Group 2B)

• Regulatory Status:

  • Banned as food additive in India, US, EU.

  • India applies zero tolerance for synthetic non-permitted dyes.

• India’s Concern: Frequently detected in turmeric & chilli powders due to adulteration.

Subject Analysis:

• Shows gaps in food supply chain surveillance.

• Illustrates need for FSSAI enforcement, rapid testing kits, and vendor regulation.

• Relevant for GS3 – Science & Tech / Health / Food Safety.

4. Hoya dawodiensis (New Species)

Subtopic: Botanical Discoveries & Eastern Himalaya Biodiversity

Value Addition:

• New Hoya species found in Vijaynagar Valley, Changlang district (Arunachal Pradesh).

• Remote, largely unexplored region; access requires air services or multi-day treks.

• Hoya Genus:

  • Waxy leaves, star-shaped flowers; often epiphytic.

  • Valued for ornamental use and pollinator support.

Subject Analysis:

• Reinforces Arunachal as India’s richest floristic frontier.

• Highlights need for continued taxonomy + protection of remote ecosystems.

• Relevant for GS3 – Environment / Biodiversity Hotspots.

GS – 1 | GEOGRAPHY

5. Ningaloo Reef (Australia)

Subtopic: Marine Ecosystems & Coral Bleaching

Value Addition:

• Australia’s largest fringing reef, stretching 300 km along WA’s coastline.

• UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Species Richness:

  • ~250 corals, 500+ fish species

  • Whale sharks, manta rays, humpbacks, turtles, dugongs

• Critical Finding: New survey shows ~70% coral mortality, signalling severe heat stress and bleaching.

Subject Analysis:

• Highlights climate vulnerability of fringing reefs, not just barrier reefs.

• Coral mortality threatens tourism, fisheries, and coastal economies.

• Useful for GS1/GS3 – Climate Change, Marine Ecology, Biodiversity Loss.

GS – 3 | INTERNAL SECURITY

6. Operation Pawan (IPKF – Sri Lanka, 1987–90)

Subtopic: Overseas Military Operations & Strategic History

Value Addition:

• India’s first major overseas deployment after independence.

• Undertaken under Indo–Sri Lanka Accord (1987).

• Aimed to disarm LTTE, stabilise Tamil–Sinhala conflict.

• Escalated into an intense counter-insurgency campaign.

• Impact:

  • ~1 lakh troops deployed

  • 1,171 Indian soldiers martyred

  • Mission ended 24 March 1990

• 2025: Indian Army formally honoured IPKF soldiers for first time.

Subject Analysis:

• Critical case of peacekeeping turning into counter-insurgency.

• Important lesson for India’s foreign policy, military planning, and diplomacy.

• Relevant for GS3 – Internal Security / India–Sri Lanka Relations