Environment & Biodiversity Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
The ‘Lion’ Species Spotlight Event was inaugurated at Sasan Gir, Gujarat, as part of the pre-summit events for the International Big Cat Alliance Summit 2026. India will host the first IBCA Summit 2026 in New Delhi on June 1–2, 2026. International Big Cat Alliance focuses on conservation of seven big cat species — Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma. The event highlighted India’s successful Asiatic lion conservation efforts and promoted international cooperation among lion range countries. The estimated Asiatic lion population in the Greater Gir Landscape increased to 891 individuals in 2025, showing a 32% rise since 2020.

Notes:
India released its first satellite-tagged Ganges soft-shell turtle in Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve on 15 May 2026. The species, scientifically known as Nilssonia gangetica, is a freshwater turtle belonging to the Trionychidae family. It is classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The turtle was released into the Brahmaputra River after fitting a satellite transmitter under veterinary supervision. Satellite tagging helps scientists study movement patterns, habitat use, and seasonal behaviour of the species.

Notes:
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) recovered live Red Sand Boa snakes from an illegal wildlife trade operation in Warangal. Scientifically known as Eryx johnii, the Red Sand Boa is a non-venomous snake found in dry regions of the Indian subcontinent. The species is endemic to India, Pakistan, and Iran. It prefers sandy and loose soil habitats and spends most of its time underground. The snake is known for its thick reddish-brown body and “double-headed” appearance due to its tail shape. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, it is classified as Near Threatened.

Notes:
The invasive Conocarpus erectus tree continues to be planted in highway projects in Tamil Nadu despite bans in states like Gujarat and Telangana. Conocarpus is native to tropical America and Mexico and was widely planted due to its rapid growth and ability to remain green in hot conditions. Environmentalists warn that the species causes ecological and public health problems. The tree releases large amounts of pollen linked to allergies, asthma, and respiratory illnesses. Its invasive root system damages roads, pipelines, sewage systems, and telecommunication cables.

Notes:
Researchers at Catholicate College discovered a new species of green algae named Interfilum shuklaii in the Western Ghats of Kerala. The species is named after Shubhanshu Shukla. It is the first reported discovery of the genus Interfilum from India. The genus has importance in biotechnology, carbon sequestration, biofertilizer development, and future space life-support systems due to its stress tolerance and efficient biomass production.

Notes:
Karnataka government issued rules to regulate development activities around Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary. Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Western Ghats region of Belagavi district in Karnataka. The sanctuary is named after Bhimgad Fort, built by Shivaji in the 17th century.
Bhimgad Fort served as a strategic outpost against Portuguese expansion from Goa. The sanctuary shares boundaries with Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, and Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary.

Notes:
Researchers discovered a new evergreen tree species named Humboldtia nairiana from the southern Western Ghats of Kerala. The species belongs to the genus Humboldtia and was identified in the riparian forests of Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary. It is a medium-sized evergreen tree growing 5–8 metres tall. The species is strictly endemic to Kerala and is currently known only from the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve.

Notes:
The Eastern Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has sought responses regarding alleged unauthorized tree felling in Deepar Beel Wildlife Sanctuary and its Eco-Sensitive Zone. The issue is linked to the New Bongaigaon–Goalpara Town–Kamakhya railway track doubling project. Deepar Beel is a Ramsar Wetland and a notified wildlife sanctuary located near Guwahati in Assam. It serves as a critical elephant corridor and an important biodiversity hotspot. The wetland acts as a natural flood buffer for Guwahati during the monsoon and supports local livelihoods and hydrological stability.

Notes:
World Environment Day is observed on 5 June every year. It is led by the United Nations Environment Programme. The 2026 theme is “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.” The theme highlights the role of nature-based solutions in addressing climate change and building a sustainable future. The global host country for World Environment Day 2026 is Azerbaijan, with events centred in Baku.

Notes:
Researchers recently discovered a new species of soil-dwelling termite, Pseudocapritermes novus, in the Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary of West Bengal. Unlike destructive termites, it is a soil-feeding termite that plays an important role in soil formation, nutrient recycling, and maintaining ecosystem health. These termites feed on soil and humus, making them valuable indicators of soil fertility and ecosystem quality. The discovery increases the number of Pseudocapritermes species recorded in India to five. The species belongs to a group of termites known for their asymmetrical snapping jaws, which produce clicking sounds for defence and alarm communication.