Environment & Biodiversity Current Affairs MCQs

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A nest of the Rock Eagle Owl led the Telangana Forest Department to stop quarrying for over one month to protect the species. It is also called the Indian eagle-owl or Bengal eagle-owl. It is a large horned owl found in hilly scrub forests and rocky areas. The bird is brown-grey with a white throat patch and black stripes. It is mainly found in South Asian countries like India, Nepal, and Pakistan. Its status is Least Concern under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

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Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) was found non-compliant in stopping untreated sewage from entering Powai Lake. National Green Tribunal (NGT) committee recommended a fine of Rs 5 lakh per month per inlet if the action plan is violated. Powai Lake is an artificial lake in northern Mumbai, Maharashtra. It lies near Western Ghats and has a catchment area of 6.6 square kilometres.

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Telangana’s Mulugu forest officials are launching safari services for the first time inside Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary to promote eco-tourism and sustainable livelihoods. Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the state of Telangana. The sanctuary was established in 1952 and covers an area of approximately 812 square kilometres. It is divided into two parts by a stream known as Dayyam Vagu. The Godavari River flows through the sanctuary, supporting rich biodiversity.

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A new study revealed that over 60,000 African penguins died from starvation between 2004 and 2011 due to a collapse in sardine stocks. The African penguin (Spheniscus demersus) is a flightless species adapted to marine life in southern African waters. They live mostly within 40 km of the shore, using coastal habitats for breeding, resting and moulting. Their distribution mainly covers Namibia and South Africa’s Atlantic coast. The species has an average wild lifespan of 20 years. Global warming is severely damaging their marine and coastal habitats. The IUCN lists the African penguin as Critically Endangered.

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Community-led conservation initiatives at Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary have recently succeeded in restoring wild honey bee colonies, leading to improved pollination, healthier forests, and revival of associated wildlife. These efforts highlight the role of local community participation in strengthening ecosystem services and biodiversity conservation within protected areas. Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Kokrajhar and Dhubri districts of Assam. The sanctuary is renowned as the second protected habitat of the endangered golden langur, supporting a population of over 600 individuals, making it ecologically significant at the national level.

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Researchers have recently discovered three previously unknown moth species in the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas. The newly identified species are Gelechia bilobuncusa, Gelechia adi, and Istrianis ladakhensis. Gelechia bilobuncusa was found in Himachal Pradesh and is named after the bilobed shape of its uncus, a part of the male genitalia. Gelechia adi was discovered in the Ramsing area of Arunachal Pradesh and is named in honour of the local Adi tribe of the Upper Siang district. Istrianis ladakhensis is named after its type locality in Ladakh and is adapted to the high-altitude environment.

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A team of government officials recently visited encroached land areas inside Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary identified for compensatory afforestation, highlighting concerns over illegal occupation. Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River in Sonitpur district, Assam. It lies to the north of Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary, forming a connected Laokhowa–Burachapori transboundary ecosystem.

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Archaeologists discovered India’s largest circular stone labyrinth in the Boramani grasslands of Solapur, Maharashtra. It is made of small stone blocks arranged in multiple circular rings. The rings guide movement inward to a tightly coiled central spiral, showing high precision and symbolic meaning. The structure is linked to Indo-Roman trade during the Satavahana dynasty period. Soil accumulated between the stone rings indicates it remained untouched for several centuries. Its design resembles Mediterranean labyrinths seen on Roman-era coins. The central spiral reflects the Indian concept of Chakravyūha, a complex military formation described in the Mahabharata.

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Tiger numbers in Valmiki Tiger Reserve increased from 8 in 2010 to 54 in the 2022 census, showing strong conservation success. It is located on the India–Nepal border in West Champaran district of Bihar. It is Bihar’s only tiger reserve and marks the easternmost limit of Himalayan Terai forests in India. It lies in the Gangetic Plains bio-geographic zone with Bhabar and Terai landscapes. It borders Nepal’s Royal Chitwan National Park and the Gandak River. Several rivers drain the area, supporting rich forests, grasslands, and diverse wildlife.

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The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change approved the 260-megawatt Dulhasti Stage-II Hydropower Project. The approval was given by the Expert Appraisal Committee on hydel projects during its 45th meeting, enabling floating construction tenders for the project, estimated to cost over Rs 3,200 crore. The project is proposed on the Chenab River in Kishtwar District, Jammu and Kashmir. It is an extension of the existing 390-megawatt Dulhasti Stage-I Hydroelectric Project (Dulhasti Power Station).