Environment & Biodiversity Current Affairs MCQs

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The Supreme Court of India recently ordered the removal of encroachments and demolition of illegal structures in the Agasthyamalai landscape. The Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve is located in the southern part of the Western Ghats across Tamil Nadu and Kerala. It was included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves under UNESCO Man and Biosphere Programme in 2016. The biosphere reserve is known for its rich biodiversity and ecological significance in the Western Ghats region.

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A giant Potato Patch Coral Colony (Pavona clavus) has been discovered on the southeastern side of Kadmat Island, Lakshadweep. The colony covers approximately 4,250 sq. m. (1.05 acres) and may be the world’s largest living Pavona clavus coral colony. The coral colony is considered a natural “time capsule” for studying coral longevity, climate adaptation, and historical ocean conditions. The discovery is significant for understanding coral resilience, marine biodiversity, and the impacts of climate change on reef ecosystems.

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Scientists recently used the James Webb Space Telescope to map weather patterns on WASP-94A b. WASP-94A b is a gaseous exoplanet located about 700 light-years from Earth. The study revealed distinct morning and evening weather systems in its atmosphere. The discovery was made possible by JWST’s advanced infrared observation capabilities. The findings provide valuable insights into atmospheric circulation and climate processes on distant planets.

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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.

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Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve has released the first scientific assessment report on the Greater Hog Badger. The Greater Hog Badger (Arctonyx collaris) is a nocturnal, small burrowing omnivorous mammal. It is locally known as “mati gahori” in Assam. The greater hog badger and northern hog badger are found in India. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, its conservation status is Vulnerable.

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A recent study highlighted that microplastic pollution carrying heavy metals is entering the Brahmani River system, impacting the pristine ecosystem of Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary. The Brahmani River is one of the major rivers of eastern India, mainly flowing through the state of Odisha. It is formed by the confluence of the Sankh and South Koel rivers near Rourkela, and its sources originate in the Chota Nagpur Plateau. It is bounded by the Chota Nagpur Plateau in the north, the Mahanadi basin in the west and south, and the Bay of Bengal in the east.

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The ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, Chennai, has successfully demonstrated Blue Swimmer Crab farming technology for the first time in India. Blue Swimmer Crab belongs to the Portunidae family of brachyuran crabs. It is also known as the blue crab, flower crab, or blue manna crab. The species is identified by paddle-like hind legs used for swimming and nine spines along its carapace. In India, it is found along both east and west coasts, especially in Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar. It feeds on bivalves, fish, and macroalgae and usually remains buried in sand or mud.

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Bangladesh has recently joined the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), increasing its membership to 27 countries. The IBCA is a treaty-based global initiative launched by India in 2024 for conserving big cats. It focuses on the conservation of seven big cat species: tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar, and puma. India is home to five of these seven species, excluding jaguar and puma. The alliance headquarters is located in New Delhi, India. Its main objective is to promote global cooperation, knowledge sharing, and conservation of big cats.

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The Southern Birdwing has been recorded for the first time in Telangana, in the Kollapur Range of the Amrabad Tiger Reserve. The Southern Birdwing (Troides minos), also known as the Sahyadri Birdwing, is a large butterfly endemic to South India, mainly the Western Ghats. It is India’s second-largest butterfly. It is the State Butterfly of Karnataka. It inhabits evergreen forests, mixed deciduous forests, dry scrublands, and agricultural fields.

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The scientific desiltation of the Sukhna Lake nationally protected wetland in Chandigarh is expected to increase its water-holding capacity by about 5.4 hectare-metres. Sukhna Lake, an artificial lake in Chandigarh, was created in 1958 by damming the Sukhna Choe stream from the Shivalik Hills. The lake covers around 3 sq. km, is 1.52 km long and 1.49 km wide, and is recognized as a National Wetland.