Subject Preference: GS III (Biodiversity & Wildlife Conservation)
- The News: Launch of the documentary "Enchanting Mukundra" to promote eco-tourism and highlight conservation success.
- Basics: Rajasthan's third tiger reserve (notified in 2013). It is an amalgam of three sanctuaries: Darrah, Jawahar Sagar, and Chambal.
- Terrain & Riverine Context:
- Geology: Situated in a valley formed by the parallel Mukundra and Gargola mountains (Vindhyan range).
- Hydrology: The Chambal River and its tributaries (like Kali Sindh) drain this area, supporting the Gharial and the Gangetic River Dolphin.
- Vegetation: Predominantly Dry Deciduous Forest with Anogeissus pendula (Dhok) as the dominant species.
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
