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Kanger Valley National Park Syllabus: Environment Kanger Valley National Park (KVNP), situated in the formerly Maoist-affected region of Bastar district in Chhattisgarh, has recently been added to UNESCO’s tentative list of World Heritage Sites under the ‘Natural’ category. This recognition highlights the park’s ecological significance and rich biodiversity.   Overview of Kanger Valley National Park                                                     Location & Geography KVNP is located in Jagdalpur, Bastar district, Chhattisgarh. The park is named after the Kanger River, which flows from Northwest to Southeast through the valley. The Kanger River is a tributary of the Kolab River, which eventually merges with the Godavari River. The terrain consists of flatlands, gentle slopes, steep inclines, plateaus, deep gorges, valleys, and winding streams. The Tirathgarh Waterfall, formed by the Kanger River, cascades from a height of 150 feet, offering a spectacular sight. The park houses over 15 limestone caves, including the Kotumsar, Kailash, and Dandak caves, known for their geological formations and underground ecosystems. Flora KVNP exhibits a mixed moist deciduous forest, with dominant species such as Sal, Teak, and Bamboo. Fauna Mammals: The park is home to tigers, leopards, mouse deer, wildcats, sambar, chital, barking deer, langurs, jackals, rhesus macaques, and flying squirrels. Avian Species: The aerial biodiversity includes common hill mynas, red jungle fowls, spotted owlets, racket-tailed drongos, and various species of parrots. The inclusion of Kanger Valley National Park in UNESCO’s tentative list underscores its ecological importance, unique geological formations, and diverse wildlife, making it a crucial conservation site in central India. Consider the following statements regarding Kanger Valley National Park (KVNP): It is located in the Durg district of Chhattisgarh. The Kanger River, after flowing through the park, directly merges with the Godavari River. KVNP is characterized by the presence of limestone caves, plateaus, deep gorges, and waterfalls. It has been included in the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites under the ‘Cultural’ category. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?(a) 1 and 4 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 3 only(d) 1, 2, and 4 only  Answer: (c) 3 only  Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect: KVNP is located in Bastar district, not Durg district. Statement 2 is incorrect: The Kanger River is a tributary of the Kolab River, which eventually joins the Godavari River, but it does not merge directly with the Godavari. Statement 3 is correct: The park is known for limestone caves, deep gorges, plateaus, waterfalls (Tirathgarh Falls), and diverse topography. Statement 4 is incorrect: KVNP has been added to UNESCO’s tentative list under the ‘Natural’ category, not the ‘Cultural’ category. Mount Fuji Syllabus: Geography                                   Japan has announced the introduction of a climbing fee of US$27 for Mount Fuji’s four main trails starting this summer. This initiative aims to control overcrowding and enhance safety measures for tourists visiting the iconic peak.   About Mount Fuji Tallest Mountain in Japan: Mount Fuji, also known as Fuji-san, stands at 3,776 meters (12,389 feet), making it Japan’s highest peak. Location: It is situated on Honshu Island, spanning Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures, approximately 100 km southwest of the Tokyo-Yokohama metropolitan area. Volcanic Chain: Mount Fuji is part of the Fuji Volcanic Zone, an extensive volcanic chain that stretches from the Mariana Islands and Izu Islands through the Izu Peninsula to northern Honshu. Volcanic Status: It is a stratovolcano that has remained dormant since its last eruption in 1707, but it is still classified as active by geologists. Cultural Significance: Recognized as one of Japan’s “Three Holy Mountains” alongside Mount Tate and Mount Haku, Fuji holds spiritual and cultural importance. UNESCO World Heritage Status: It is a central feature of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, established in 1936, and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013.   Formation and Geological History of Mount Fuji Traditional Belief: According to legend, Mount Fuji was formed in 286 BCE following a massive earthquake.     Scientific Formation: The actual formation is more complex and is estimated to have occurred over the last 6 million years on a base that dates back 65 million years. First eruptions and initial peaks likely appeared after 700,000 years ago.   Evolution of Mount Fuji: Komitake (North slope) and Ashitaka-yama (Southeast) were the earliest formations. Stratovolcanic activity led to the rise of Fuji’s main structure after 400,000 years ago. Three successive volcanic formations shaped present-day Mount Fuji: Komitake (Oldest, forms the base) Ko Fuji (“Old Fuji”) – Formed around 100,000 years ago Shin Fuji (“New Fuji”) – The most recent formation, completing Fuji’s modern structure. The implementation of climbing fees reflects Japan’s ongoing efforts to preserve Mount Fuji’s ecosystem and ensure sustainable tourism, balancing its natural, cultural, and geological significance. Which of the following rivers and water bodies are geographically closest to Mount Fuji? Sagami River Fuji River Lake Biwa Suruga Bay Which one is the Correct Answer? A) 1 and 3 onlyB) 2 and 4 onlyC) 1, 2, and 4 onlyD) 1, 2, 3, and 4 Answer: C) 1, 2, and 4 only   Explanation: Mount Fuji is surrounded by key water bodies and rivers: Fuji River (flows near the mountain) Sagami River (located close to the eastern side of Mount Fuji) Suruga Bay (near the southern coastline of Honshu, close to Mount Fuji) Lake Biwa, however, is Japan’s largest freshwater lake but is located in Shiga Prefecture, far from Mount Fuji.   Shishtachar Squad Syllabus: Social Issues The Shishtachar Squad is a dedicated anti-eve-teasing initiative launched by the Delhi Police to enhance women’s safety in public spaces. Modeled after Uttar Pradesh’s Anti-Romeo Squads, it employs a comprehensive approach involving prevention, intervention, and victim support. Each police district will deploy at least two such squads, with direct supervision by the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) – Crime Against Women (CAW) Cell of the respective district.   Key Features of the Shishtachar Squad: Squad Composition: Each squad comprises one inspector, one sub-inspector, five male officers, four female officers, and receives technical assistance from the Anti-Auto Theft Squad. Identification of Vulnerable Areas: The Deputy