Environment & Biodiversity Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
The Supreme Court has directed the Maharashtra government and its metro rail corporation to halt construction activities at Futala Lake in Nagpur. Futala Lake, also called Telankhedi Lake, in western Nagpur, Maharashtra, is over 200 years old, spanning 60 acres. Constructed by the Bhonsle kings, the lake is renowned for its vibrant fountains and is flanked by forest on three sides, with a landscaped beach on the fourth.

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The rare Dusted Apollo butterfly (Parnassius stenosemus) was recently spotted and photographed for the first time in Himachal Pradesh, extending its known distribution from Ladakh to West Nepal. Resembling Ladakh Banded Apollo, it distinguishes with a complete discal band on the upper forewing. The sighting of the protected Regal Apollo (Parnassius charltonius) also occurred, highlighting the rich diversity of Apollo butterflies in the region. Urgent conservation is needed as Apollos face commercial poaching threats, emphasizing the importance of community awareness and establishing conservation measures like butterfly parks.

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The Geological Institute of Israel discovered an unknown underwater canyon near Cyprus dating back to the Messinian Event, also known as the Messinian Salinity Crisis (MSC). Lasting from approximately 6 to 5.3 million years ago, MSC occurred when the connection between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea was cut off, leading to a severe drying up of the Mediterranean. The resulting large canyon, deeper than the Grand Canyon, formed as water evaporated, leaving behind salt deposits and causing a deadly increase in salinity. The MSC concluded with the Zanclean flood, restoring the connection with the Atlantic.

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A six-year project aims to reintroduce the second-largest land tortoise species, native to Madagascar, to the wild after 600 years. Evolving from ancestors on the island, it migrated to the Seychelles four million years ago. The Aldabra giant tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea) is endemic to the Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles, an archipelago nation in the western Indian Ocean. Their habitats range from scrub forests to coastal areas, and conservation efforts classify them as vulnerable (IUCN) and listed under CITES Appendix II.

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Protests have erupted over a proposal by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to construct a six-lane elevated highway through Bengaluru’s Bannerghatta National Park (BNP). The project, part of the satellite township ring road, aims to ease traffic but has sparked concerns among environmentalists for its potential impact on the ecologically sensitive park, home to endangered species. The plan includes cutting 1,288 trees within the park. Conservationists advocate for alternative routes, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to infrastructure development and environmental conservation.

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The Andhra Pradesh government has enforced a month-long fishing ban within a 5-km radius of Hope Island to safeguard Olive Ridley turtles along the Kakinada coast. Olive Ridleys, named for their green carapace, are the smallest sea turtles globally. Known for unique mass nesting called Arribada, they primarily inhabit warm waters in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. The Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary in Odisha houses the world’s largest rookery of sea turtles. With a Vulnerable status on the IUCN Red List, Olive Ridleys face threats requiring protective measures.

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Researchers at Odisha’s Berhampur University discovered a new marine amphipod species, a shrimp-like crustacean, in Chilika lagoon. Belonging to the genus Parhyale, which has 15 global species in marine and brackish water environments, this brown crustacean is around eight mm long with 13 pairs of legs. Notably, it distinguishes itself from the 15 species by featuring a stout robust seta on the male gnathopod’s propodus, the first pair of legs, used for capturing prey and feeding.

Notes:
Cycas circinalis, locally known as Eenthu Pana, a palm like tree, faces imminent extinction in northern Kerala due to an unidentified, rapidly spreading plant disease. Belonging to the endangered cycad family, these ancient plants originated 300 million years ago. Growing up to 25 ft., Eenthu Pana thrives in hilly woodlands and holds cultural significance. Similar to the areca nut, it requires thorough drying before preparation, a challenge during the rainy season. Endemic to the Western Ghats, it serves as a nutraceutical plant for indigenous communities.

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Sea6 Energy launched the world’s first large-scale mechanized tropical seaweed farm in Lombok, Indonesia. The farm is located off Ekas, on the island of Lombok. Sea6 Energy is a Bangalore-based company that specializes in cultivating and processing tropical seaweed species. The company has developed a cultivation mechanism called the Sea Combine, which can harvest and replant seaweed in deep ocean waters. They also have technologies to convert seaweed into environmentally friendly products.

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The forest department is eradicating Senna spectabilis, a highly invasive tree, from Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR). Originally introduced as ornamental trees by private estates, the Madras High Court ordered their removal due to ecological impact on local reserves. Belonging to the legume family, native to South and Central America, it’s also known as golden wonder tree for its bright yellow flowers. Despite medicinal uses, including treating ringworm and food-borne pathogens, its removal is necessary for preserving local ecology.