Environment & Biodiversity Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
Cuttack’s renowned Rupa Tarakasi (Silver Filigree) has secured the Geographical Indication (GI) tag from the Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai. The Odisha State Co-operative Handicrafts Corporation Limited submitted the application, supported by the Department of Textile and Handicrafts, Government of Odisha. Filigree, linked to exquisite craftsmanship in classical jewelry, dates back to 3500 BCE in Mesopotamia. Historical evidence suggests its introduction to Cuttack from Persia through Indonesia around 500 years ago via sea trade.

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In March 2024, the Supreme Court of India criticized the illegal felling of 6,000 trees in the Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand. The court said the trees were felled for eco-tourism buildings, and that the illegal activity is a “classic case” of a nexus between politicians and officials who harm the environment for short-term commercial gain. The court also said that the felling is a blatant violation of the protection act and Forest conservation act.

Notes:
The Coral Reef Watch Programme alerts of an imminent fourth global coral bleaching event, using its online tool for Sea Surface Temperature (SST) analysis. Developed by NOAA, it’s the sole global early-warning system for coral reefs, monitoring conditions causing bleaching, disease, and death. The program delivers real-time warnings, incorporating SST, light, and ocean color data. Operating with remote sensing and climate forecasts, it aids stakeholders globally in preparing for and responding to coral reef stressors driven by climate change and ocean warming.

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With fishing halted, migratory birds flock to Maravakandy Dam in the Nilgiris. Situated 35 km from Ooty in Tamil Nadu, it was constructed in 1951 over Aravarihalla stream, a Sigur River tributary. This dam serves as the main water source for the Moyar hydroelectric powerhouse, attracting diverse avian species during migratory seasons.

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In March 2024, UNESCO’s Executive Board added 18 new sites to the Global Geoparks network, bringing the total number of sites to 213 across 48 countries. The new sites are located in Belgium, the Netherlands, Brazil, China, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, and Spain. Global Geoparks are single geographical areas that are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education, and sustainable development.

Notes:
The caracal, a medium-sized wild cat native to Africa, Middle East, and parts of Asia, including India, faces extinction due to habitat loss, hunting, and illegal trade. In India, it’s called Siya gosh, meaning ‘black ear’. Known for its distinctive long ears and hunting prowess, the caracal primarily preys on small mammals and birds. Despite being listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, conservation efforts are crucial to safeguard its population.

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Delhi’s ancient Satpula dam, built in the 14th century during Sultan Muhammad Shah Tughlaq’s reign, remains intact. Constructed with Delhi quartz, it formed a crucial part of Jahanpanah’s defense wall, serving dual roles of irrigation and protection. Believed to possess healing properties due to its proximity to Sufi saint Chirag Dehlavi’s residence, it was a site for Diwali celebrations and pilgrimages. Satpula, meaning ‘seven bridges,’ symbolizes resilience and heritage in Delhi’s history.

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Severe drought and intense heat have caused the complete drying up of the Lakshmana Tirtha River, a tributary of the Kaveri in Karnataka. Originating in the Brahmagiri hills, it flows eastward before merging with the Kaveri River at Krishna Raja Sagara Lake. The famous Lakshmanatirtha Falls, or Irupu Falls, adorns its path, near Kerala’s border. The Kaveri River, originating at Talakaveri, is sacred to Hindus and empties into the Bay of Bengal at Poompuhar, Tamil Nadu.

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Researchers from India’s National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, in collaboration with the British Antarctic Survey, reported unprecedented hindrance in Antarctic ice expansion and retreat before the 2023 annual ice maximum. Established in 1998 under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, it spearheads India’s polar and Southern Ocean research. The center plans and executes expeditions in Antarctica, Arctic, Himalayas, and Southern Ocean, while also focusing on vital projects like EEZ mapping and the Deep Ocean Mission. Located in Goa, it was formerly known as the National Center for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCAOR).

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New aerial footage of Batagay Crater reveals its yearly growth as permafrost thaws. Also called the “Gateway to Underworld” or “Doorway to Hell,” it’s the largest permafrost crater globally, located in Siberia, Russia. The crater, formed due to thawing permafrost, has expanded significantly since the 1960s, accelerated by deforestation and climate change. From 1991 to 2018, its area tripled, indicating the alarming pace of environmental change in the region.