Environment & Biodiversity Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
The Telangana government aims to develop Musi riverbanks for commercial use, inspired by South Korea’s Great Hangang (Han River) project. The Han River is South Korea’s fourth-longest river, flowing through Seoul. It originates from the Namhan and Bukhan rivers in eastern South Korea. The river flows through Seoul and empties into the Yellow Sea. Telangana’s plan was to attract private firms to develop riverfronts similar to the Han River model.

Notes:
Hokersar wetland, also called the ‘Queen Wetland of Kashmir,’ is a Ramsar site in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. It is a perennial wetland connected to the Jhelum basin, receiving water from the Doodhganga River. The wetland is crucial for waterfowl, with 68 species like the Large Egret, Tufted Duck, and endangered White-eyed Pochard. Recent years of excessive rainfall deficit have reduced water levels, impacting migratory bird populations. It provides a vital food source, spawning grounds, and breeding habitats for various water birds and fish.

Notes:
Kerala’s first seaplane service trial run at Mattupetty Dam in Idukki has raised ecological concerns due to its proximity to wildlife habitats. Mattupetty Dam is located near Munnar in Idukki district, built for water conservation and hydroelectric power. The dam is near the confluence of the Muthirappuzha, Chanduvarai, and Kundale rivers. It is ecologically significant, providing habitat for wildlife, including elephants and birds, raising concerns about the potential impact of the seaplane service on these ecosystems.

Notes:
The UAE launched the “Global Energy Efficiency Alliance” at COP29 in Azerbaijan to double global energy efficiency by 2030. This initiative, following the ‘UAE Consensus’ from COP28, unites countries, organizations, and corporations to cut emissions and manage resources sustainably. The UAE will lead by sharing energy efficiency expertise, promoting partnerships with the private sector, and standardizing best practices. The alliance aims to foster public-private collaborations and attract investments in energy efficiency. It will help African countries by providing financing options and technology solutions crucial for sustainable energy development.

Notes:
A new genus of freshwater fish, Koima, has been described from the Western Ghats. Two species, Mesonoemacheilus remadevii and Nemacheilus monilis, are reclassified as Koima remadevii and Koima monilis. This is a rare event, as adding a new genus is uncommon. The fish are small, elongated, and used for dietary and ornamental purposes. Both species are endemic to the Western Ghats, particularly in tributaries of the Cauvery River. Koima remadevii is found in fast-flowing streams in Silent Valley National Park. Koima monilis lives in various tributaries of the Cauvery River at elevations of 350-800 meters.

Notes:
A recent fish kill in Ashtamudi Lake highlights issues like sewage contamination, plastic pollution, encroachments, and uncontrolled weed growth. Ashtamudi Lake, a Ramsar wetland in Kerala’s Kollam district, is the state’s second-largest lake. Its name means “Eight Braids” in Malayalam, reflecting its palm-shaped topography with eight channels. The lake connects to the sea via the Neendakara estuary and is primarily fed by the Kallada River. Historically significant, it was a major port in the 14th century, as noted by explorer Ibn Battuta. The region hosts diverse mangroves, including endangered species Syzygium travancoricum and Calamus rotang.

Notes:
Tripura Forest Department detained an autorickshaw driver near Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary for alleged deer poaching involvement. Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary, in South Tripura, spans 197.7 sq. km and was established in 1988. The sanctuary features Tropical Semi Evergreen, Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest, and Savanna woodland. It has perennial water rivulets, water bodies, and grasslands.

Notes:
India presented the Aravalli Green Wall Project (AGWP) at the UNCCD COP16 in Riyadh. The project is inspired by Africa’s Great Green Wall. It aims to combat desertification from the Thar Desert to northern India. The project covers Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Delhi, aiming to restore 1.15 million hectares by 2027. It focuses on mitigating soil degradation, erosion, and drought, and rejuvenating 75 water bodies. A 1,400 km long green belt will be created along the Aravalli Range using indigenous afforestation and advanced water management. The project promotes community involvement and green employment.

Notes:
The Hindon River, once crucial for Western Uttar Pradesh, is now heavily polluted due to industrial and domestic waste. It has been declared a “dead river” by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) due to severe health and environmental issues. Hindon is a tributary of Yamuna River. The river originates in the Lower Shivalik ranges, Saharanpur District, Uttar Pradesh, and flows for 400 km, merging with the Yamuna in Noida. It passes through cities like Saharanpur, Muzaffarnagar, Shamli, Baghpat, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddh Nagar.

Notes:
The white-winged wood duck, Assam’s state bird, was recently spotted in Neelmoni Beel, an artificial pond at Nameri Tiger Reserve. It is one of the world’s most endangered ducks, with only about 800 surviving globally and 450 found in India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. In India, it inhabits Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, preferring dense tropical forests and swampy areas. Known as ‘Deo Hans’ or Spirit Duck for its ghostly call, it has a black body, white-spotted head, red-orange eyes, and averages 81 cm in length. The duck is crepuscular, omnivorous, and listed as Critically Endangered by IUCN.