Environment & Biodiversity Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
Scientists at CSIR Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine demonstrated that Apis mellifera can survive sub-zero temperatures, reducing the need for seasonal hive migration. Apis mellifera is the most widely distributed and domesticated honey bee species globally. It is commercially important for honey, wax, propolis production, and crop pollination. It is native to Europe, West Asia, and Africa, it has been introduced worldwide since the 17th century. It thrives in habitats with abundant flowering plants such as meadows, forests, and gardens. It can adapt to diverse environments including grasslands, deserts, and wetlands with adequate resources.

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A new plant species Stauranthera aureoglossa has been discovered in Arunachal Pradesh. It grows in mid-elevation evergreen forests of Kamle and Upper Subansiri districts. The plant is a perennial herb found on damp rocks near streams and rivulets. It has a bell-shaped, bluish-purple flower with no basal spur (tubular projection). A unique yellow, tongue-like patch is present inside the flower. The term “aureoglossa” means golden tongue, describing this feature. Leaves are diamond or spear-shaped.

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Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary has been designated a Ramsar Site, taking India’s total to 99. A Ramsar Site is a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. It is located in Aligarh district of Uttar Pradesh in the Gangetic plains. It is a typical monsoonal wetland with a freshwater, perennial water body.

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India has emerged as the evolutionary cradle of Jamun (genus Syzygium), with origins tracing back about 80 million years. Earlier, Jamun was believed to have originated in Australia or Southeast Asia, but new research suggests an East Gondwanan origin with early presence in India. Jamun belongs to the family Myrtaceae and is also known as black plum or Indian black cherry. It is native to the Indian subcontinent and widely distributed across Asia and Australia. India is a leading producer, with Maharashtra topping production. Bahadoli Jamun received GI tag in 2024, and cultivation is expanding across several states.

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Recently, the National Green Tribunal directed the Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board to inspect the Lower Lake and submit a detailed report. The Lower Lake (Chhota Talaab) is a man-made lake located in Bhopal. It was built in 1794 by Chote Khan, a minister of Nawab Hayat Muhammad Khan. Along with the Upper Lake (Bada Talaab), it forms the Bhoj Wetland, which is a Ramsar site. The Lower Lake lies east of the Upper Lake and is separated by the Pul Pukhta (Lower Lake Bridge). Both lakes are arranged in a terraced system, with interconnected water levels.

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Rusty-spotted cat was recently photographed for the first time in the Delhi-National Capital Region and Haryana, highlighting the presence of this rare small wild cat in northern India. The rusty-spotted cat is considered the world’s smallest and lightest wild cat species and is known for its nocturnal behaviour and large eyes adapted for night vision. It inhabits moist and dry deciduous forests, scrublands, grasslands, and rocky regions across India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. In India, its distribution ranges from Tamil Nadu to Jammu and Kashmir, including states such as Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Odisha.

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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.

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National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management recently completed documentation and ground-truthing of most wetlands in Maharashtra. It was established in 2011 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change as an autonomous institution for coastal conservation and management. Its headquarters is located in Chennai. The organisation promotes integrated and sustainable management of coastal and marine ecosystems for the welfare of coastal communities.

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Saudi Arabia became the 26th member of the International Big Cat Alliance. International Big Cat Alliance is a global coalition focused on conserving seven major big cat species — Tiger, Lion, Jaguar, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, and Puma. The alliance was launched by India in 2023 during the 50th anniversary celebrations of Project Tiger.

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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.