Subject Preference: GS III (Biodiversity & Scientific Discovery)
- The News: Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) scientists discovered this new species in the high-altitude regions of Sikkim.
- Basics: It is a species of Collembola (commonly called Springtails). These are primitive, wingless micro-arthropods.
- Scientific Context: * Taxonomic Milestone: This is the first record of the genus Neelus in India, increasing the global species count of this genus to eight.
- Ecological Niche: Springtails are vital for soil nutrient cycling. They are "decomposers" that break down organic matter, making them key indicators of soil health and climate change in fragile Himalayan ecosystems.
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
