1. What is Operation Pawan?

For the first time, the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) has honoured soldiers who lost their lives during Operation Pawan, the 1987 Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) mission in Sri Lanka.

About Operation Pawan:

It was launched by the Rajiv Gandhi government in 1987 under the Indo–Sri Lanka Accord to help bring peace during the civil conflict between Tamil and Sinhala communities. It marked India’s first major overseas military operation after Independence and aimed to disarm Tamil militant groups, including the LTTE. Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran, a Param Vir Chakra awardee, is one of the most recognised martyrs of the mission. The operation ended in 1990 with the withdrawal of the IPKF. While Sri Lanka built a memorial acknowledging the IPKF, India did not formally commemorate the mission for years. In 2025, the Army finally recognised the sacrifices of veterans and families long seeking acknowledgement.

2. What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

New research indicates that untreated obstructive sleep apnea significantly increases the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.

About Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA):

It is the most common sleep-related breathing disorder where a person repeatedly stops and starts breathing during sleep due to airway blockage. These pauses, called apneas, occur when throat muscles relax. Loud snoring is a common sign. It can affect people of any age but is most common in middle-aged and older adults. OSA has serious implications for cardiovascular health, mental well-being, daily functioning, and driving safety.

Treatment options include:

• Lifestyle changes such as sleep position correction and healthy weight management

• Use of CPAP machines

• Oral appliances

• Surgery in severe cases

Key Facts About Parkinson’s Disease:

Parkinson’s is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting movement due to the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra. Symptoms include tremors, stiffness, slow movement, poor balance, festination, reduced arm swing, start hesitation, and freezing while walking. It mainly affects older adults, with men at higher risk. Causes remain unclear, but family history, pesticides, air pollution, and solvents raise the risk. There is no definitive diagnostic test or cure, but treatments can significantly ease symptoms.

3. Key Facts about Ningaloo Reef

A recent survey revealed that nearly 70% of corals in Australia’s UNESCO-listed Ningaloo Reef have died.

About Ningaloo Reef:

Located along Western Australia’s remote East Indian Ocean coastline, Ningaloo is the country’s largest fringing coral reef, stretching 300 km. It is one of the world’s most pristine and longest reefs, supporting diverse temperate and tropical marine life. Mega-species include manta rays, whale sharks, humpback whales, dugongs, potato cod, and sea turtles. It is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

4. What is Hoya dawodiensis?

Arunachal Pradesh has announced a major botanical discovery: a new plant species named Hoya dawodiensis.

About Hoya dawodiensis:

The species was found in the remote Vijoynagar region of Changlang district, one of the state’s least explored but biologically richest landscapes, accessible only by air or long treks.

Key Facts About Hoya Plants:

Hoyas are tropical flowering plants known for their wax-like, porcelain-like blooms. They are native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Australia, and the Pacific but are widely grown indoors. Hoyas thrive in bright, indirect light, prefer airy, well-draining soil, and naturally grow in humid environments, though their thick leaves help them tolerate dry spells.

5. What is the Fujiwhara Effect?

Two cyclonic storms forming in the Bay of Bengal may undergo a Fujiwhara interaction.

About the Fujiwhara Effect:

The Fujiwhara Effect occurs when two nearby cyclones or hurricanes begin interacting. First described in 1921 by Japanese meteorologist Dr. Sakuhei Fujiwhara, this phenomenon causes the centres of both storms to orbit around a shared point. The orbiting speed depends on their relative size and intensity. The smaller cyclone moves faster, and the interaction can lead to merging, strengthening into a larger cyclone, or altering their original paths.

6. Cuban Gar

Cuban scientists are working to restore populations of the critically endangered Cuban gar in the Zapata Swamp.

About Cuban Gar:

The Cuban gar (Atractosteus tristoechus), or manjuarí, belongs to an ancient fish family that has existed for nearly 100 million years. It lives in freshwater and brackish ecosystems such as rivers, lakes, sluggish tributaries, and backwaters. Found mainly in western Cuba and Isla de la Juventud, it is an ambush predator feeding on small fish and crustaceans. The species can tolerate high ammonia and nitrate levels and can breathe atmospheric air when water oxygen is low.

Major threats include habitat loss and the introduction of invasive African walking catfish.

Conservation Status: Critically Endangered (IUCN).

7. Manchurian Walnut Tree

Researchers have found that leaves of the Manchurian walnut tree show powerful natural weed-killing properties.

About the Manchurian Walnut Tree:

It is a hardy deciduous species known for its vigorous growth and ability to adapt to various soils. Native to Manchuria (China), Korea, and the Russian Far East, the tree thrives in cold climates and grows best in well-drained, fertile soils.

Uses:

• Medicinal: Extracts are used in pharmaceuticals for their analgesic, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties.

• Culinary: Green fruits are used to make jams.

• Woodwork: Timber is valued for furniture.

8. Satpura Tiger Reserve

A forest patrol team in the buffer zone of the Satpura Tiger Reserve (STR) recently observed a tigress smoothly swimming across the Denwa River.

Location

Situated in Madhya Pradesh

Part of the Satpura ranges

Lies south of the Narmada River

Constituent Protected Areas

The reserve includes three major protected areas:

Satpura National Park

Bori Wildlife Sanctuary

Pachmarhi Sanctuary

Vegetation

The region is dominated by mixed deciduous forests representative of the Central Indian Highlands.

Flora

Common species include:

Teak

Bamboo

Indian ebony

Acacia varieties

Wild mango

Indian gooseberry

Satinwood, and more

Fauna

Satpura is home to rich wildlife such as:

Tigers

Leopards

Sloth bears

Indian gaurs (bison)

Sambar deer

Key Facts About the Denwa River

Considered the lifeline of Satpura National Park

Originates in southeastern Hoshangabad district, Madhya Pradesh

Flows east to west before joining the Tawa River