Environment & Biodiversity Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
Venezuela loses all glaciers, with the Humboldt Glacier being the last to vanish. The International Cryosphere Climate Initiative declares it too small to be classified as a glacier. It’s now termed an ice field. While no global standard exists, the US Geological Survey suggests around 10 hectares as a guideline for glacier size.

Notes:
The disappearance of silk cotton trees from south Rajasthan poses severe consequences for forests and locals. Also known as semal tree, it’s a tall deciduous species with a buttressed base and prickly trunk. Found in moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests, it holds cultural significance for the Garasia tribe. Widely distributed in India, it serves various purposes, offering shelter, food, and even land reclamation, making its decline alarming for ecosystems and communities.

Notes:
A new hemi-parasitic terrestrial plant, Phtheirospermum lushaiorum, was discovered in Mizoram’s Phawngpui National Park. Lacking a fully developed root system, it connects to host plants for water and minerals but can photosynthesize and grow independently to some extent. Flowering occurs from July to September, with fruits produced from August to October. The species is named after the Lushai tribe of Mizoram.

Notes:
A study reveals Antarctica’s Thwaites Glacier, known as the “Doomsday Glacier,” is highly vulnerable to warming oceans. Roughly the size of Britain, it holds enough water to raise sea levels by over half a meter. Melting at a rate contributing 4% to global sea level rise annually, its significance lies in slowing ice flow into the ocean. Thwaites underscores Antarctica’s critical role in climate dynamics and the urgent need for environmental action.

Notes:
Researchers discovered a new dinosaur species, Musankwa Sanyatiensis, on Lake Kariba’s shoreline in Zimbabwe. This is the fourth dinosaur species found in Zimbabwe and the first named from the Mid-Zambezi Basin in 50 years. Dating back to the Late Triassic period, 210 million years ago, this 390 kg sauropodomorph was a long-necked, bipedal dinosaur related to those in South Africa and Argentina.

Notes:
Pench Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra recently documented the first photograph of a spot-bellied eagle-owl, Ketupa nipalensis. This large bird of prey inhabits diverse environments like forests and savannas across India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. Recognizable by its rich brown coloration and striking white-spotted pattern, it’s a nocturnal apex predator feeding on various prey. Classified as Least Concern by IUCN, it comes protection under India’s Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Notes:
World Environment Day has been celebrated annually on June 5 since 1973. Millions worldwide participate in its observance. The 2024 theme is ‘land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience’.

Notes:
World Environment Day, celebrated on June 5th annually, promotes environmental awareness and protection. The 2024 celebration, hosted by Saudi Arabia, coincides with the 30th anniversary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Each year features a specific theme addressing current environmental issues. Notably, India hosted the 45th World Environment Day in 2018 with the theme ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’.

Notes:
The Kenyan government aims to eliminate one million invasive Indian House Crows (Corvus splendens) by the end of 2024 due to their harmful impact on local ecosystems and public nuisance, especially in coastal regions. These crows prey on endangered birds and disrupt ecosystems. The plan includes mechanical and targeted culling methods, and licensed poison for control, reviving efforts from over 20 years ago. The species originates from India and Asia.

Notes:
Efforts are underway to relocate two tigresses and one tiger to retain four tigers in Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR), located in Jharkhand’s Chhota Nagpur plateau. Part of Betla National Park, PTR is among India’s first nine tiger reserves under ‘Project Tiger’ and conducted the first-ever tiger census in 1932. The reserve features diverse terrain, rich in minerals like bauxite and coal, and includes rivers North Koyal, Auranga, and Burha.