Environment & Biodiversity Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
Researchers in Meghalaya’s subtropical forests discovered two new feather mite species: Trouessartia thalassina and Proterothrix sibillae. Trouessartia thalassina was found on the Verditer Flycatcher, named for its sea-green plumage; it has unique semi-ovate structures in males and non-sclerotized lacunae in females. Proterothrix sibillae, found on the Small Niltava, is larger and named after naturalist Maria Sibylla Merian. Feather mites are microscopic arachnids that feed on oils and debris in bird feathers, usually benefiting their hosts but sometimes turning parasitic. They spread through close bird contact, especially during nesting.

Notes:
The Assam Forest Department captured the first photographic evidence of a Royal Bengal Tiger in Sonai-Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary. Sonai-Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Assam, spans 175 sq. km and was established in 1998. Situated at the foothills of the Great Himalayan Range, it features diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity. The sanctuary is bordered by Gabhoru and Panchnoi rivers, Rowta reserve forest, and Kameng reserve forest in Arunachal Pradesh. It includes four perennial rivers—Dolsiri, Gabharu, Gelgeli, and Belsiri—and wetlands called “bheels.” The region has a subtropical climate with hot summers, heavy rains, and seasonal flooding.

Notes:
The Polavaram Multipurpose Project has sparked disputes among Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana over its potential impacts. The Polavaram Multipurpose Project is located on the Godavari River in Andhra Pradesh. It aims to support irrigation, drinking water supply, hydroelectric power generation, and flood control. The project was conceived in 1980 on the Godavari River to address irrigation and power needs. Odisha raises concerns about the submergence of 162 villages and impacts on tribal populations. Chhattisgarh worries about environmental damage and submergence downstream. Telangana questions the project’s feasibility and its ecological and water resource impact. Odisha seeks a new backwater study, but the Central Water Commission has denied it.

Notes:
A new glacier was discovered in Uttarakhand’s Niti Valley, near the India-Tibet border. The glacier, about 10 km long and 48 sq km in size, is located next to the Randolph and Rekana glaciers. The discovery was made by scientists from the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology using satellite data. The glacier is ‘surging,’ meaning it is rapidly expanding in size. The phenomenon could be caused by hydrological imbalance, weakening the ice layers.

Notes:
Wisdom, a 74-year-old Laysan albatross, is the world’s oldest known wild bird and has laid her 60th egg. Laysan albatrosses (Phoebastria immutabilis) are large seabirds inhabiting the North Pacific. 99.7% of the population is found in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, mainly on Laysan Island and Midway Atoll. They nest on sandy or grassy islands, including Oahu, Kauai, and some sites in Japan and Mexico. Known for their exceptional soaring ability, they travel hundreds of miles with minimal wing movement. They are monogamous, mate for life, and are listed as “Near Threatened” by the IUCN.

Notes:
The Markhor, a wild goat with spiral-shaped horns, was recently spotted in Noorkha village, Baramulla, North Kashmir. Markhors are large wild goats known for their thick fur, flowing beard, and corkscrew horns. They are diurnal animals, active in early mornings and late afternoons. Found in mountain areas of Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan. In Jammu and Kashmir, they inhabit Shopian, Banihal, Shamsbari, Kazinag Uri, and Pir Panjal ranges. The Markhor is Pakistan’s national animal and is listed as “Near Threatened” by the IUCN.

Notes:
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu unveiled the new logo for the 4th Eaglenest Bird Festival, set for January 17-19, 2025, in West Kameng District. The festival celebrates Arunachal Pradesh’s rich biodiversity and promotes community-led conservation and sustainable eco-tourism. It highlights the state’s commitment to preserving nature and fostering environmental awareness through engaging events and initiatives.

Notes:
A joint committee informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) about stone-crushing units altering the Chakki River’s course. The Chakki River is a tributary of the Beas River, flowing through Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, and merging with the Beas near Pathankot. It is fed by snow and rain from the Dhauladhar mountains. Unregulated sand mining is damaging the riverbed and banks. The Beas River is crucial for Punjab, one of the Five Rivers of the region, and was known as Arjiki or Hyphasis in ancient times.

Notes:
The Gympie-Gympie, or Dendrocnide moroides, is the world’s most toxic plant, native to Australia. It can grow up to 10 meters tall and has needle-like hairs that cause excruciating stings. The sting feels like electrocution and burning, and the pain can last weeks or months, sometimes up to a year. The plant’s toxins worsen with water or temperature changes. Expert care is provided, and visitors are warned not to touch it.

Notes:
A fire recently broke out outside Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) in Mumbai, raising concerns. Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), formerly Borivali National Park, is located in Mumbai’s northern region, Maharashtra. It lies partly in Thane District and Mumbai Suburban District, making it one of the largest urban parks in India. The park is home to dense forests, diverse birdlife, butterflies, and a small tiger population. The Kanheri Caves, carved from basalt rock, served as a significant Buddhist learning center between the 9th and 1st centuries BCE. The park also features Tulsi and Vihar Lakes, a deer park, lion safari, and Mahatma Gandhi’s Samadhi.