Environment & Biodiversity Current Affairs MCQs

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Archaeologists from the Trichy Circle of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have identified the probable remains of an ancient water-management structure in the Kollidam River, near Lalgudi, Tamil Nadu. Kollidam River, historically known as Coleroon, is the northern and major distributary of the Cauvery River in Tamil Nadu. It branches from the Cauvery near Srirangam and flows for about 150 km before entering the Bay of Bengal. The river acts as an important flood-control channel, carrying surplus monsoon and floodwater away from the Cauvery delta.

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India hosted the 12th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi, preceded by the BRICS Senior Officers’ Meeting. The meeting was held under India’s BRICS Chairship 2026 theme: “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” India has identified four priority areas: Sustainable Lifestyles; Afforestation, Forest Fire Management and Disaster Resilience; Circular Economy; and Adaptation. The meeting aims to strengthen environmental cooperation, consensus-building and collective action among BRICS countries.

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A recent study estimated the Total Economic Value (TEV) of the Pichavaram Mangrove ecosystem in Tamil Nadu at ₹2,485.38 crore, with a value of ₹1.83 crore per hectare. Pichavaram Mangrove Forest is one of India’s ecologically significant coastal wetland ecosystems and supports biodiversity, fisheries, coastal protection and climate regulation. The mangroves provide important ecosystem services such as blue carbon sequestration, livelihood support, coastal protection and climate regulation. Pichavaram Mangroves are located in Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu, between the Vellar and Coleroon river systems.

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Botanists Birina Bhuyan and Selim Mehmud have discovered a new perennial herb species named Ophiorrhiza assamensis in Kamrup Metropolitan district, Assam. The plant belongs to the Rubiaceae family, commonly known as the coffee family, and the Ophiorrhiza genus. It is a small shade-loving herb with large ribbed leaves and clusters of small white flowers. Species of the Ophiorrhiza genus are known for producing camptothecin, a compound used in anti-cancer medicines. Ophiorrhiza assamensis has been provisionally assessed as Data Deficient (DD) under IUCN guidelines because of its highly localised population and threats from local development.

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Botanists have identified a new flowering plant species Osbeckia ulotricha in the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve of the Western Ghats. It is endemic to the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve and occurs at elevations of 1,200–1,500 metres, mainly in shola grasslands and montane ecosystems. The plant flowers and fruits between February and May and is distinguished by its woolly-haired features, clustered leaves and distinctive flower structure. Around 50 flowering individuals have been found at three locations covering less than 1 sq km, highlighting its potentially restricted distribution. Due to limited information about its population, Osbeckia ulotricha has been assessed as Data Deficient (DD) under IUCN categories and criteria. Make quiz questions

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Melghat and Pench Tiger Reserves in Maharashtra have emerged as successful sites for reintroducing captive-bred vultures. 29 vultures released between December 2025 and January 2026 recorded survival rates of up to 78%. The findings highlight the potential of releasing captive-bred vultures in prey-rich and inviolate tiger habitats. The success provides a boost to efforts to conserve and restore India’s declining vulture populations.

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Researchers discovered a new mycoheterotrophic plant species, Thismia daemona, in Thong Pha Phum National Park. The national park is located in Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand, near the Myanmar border. It is characterised by rugged mountains and dense tropical rainforests. Thismia daemona has a very limited distribution and fragile habitat. The species has been provisionally assessed as Critically Endangered under IUCN criteria. The discovery highlights the rich and unexplored botanical biodiversity of the region.

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The Rajasthan government has intensified efforts to control pollution in the Jojari River. Jojari River is a seasonal river in western Rajasthan and an important right-bank tributary of the Luni River. It originates from the hills near Poondloo (Pandalu) village in Nagaur district. The river flows generally southwest through the Jodhpur region before joining the Luni River. It is locally known as “Maru Ganga”. Unlike most right-bank tributaries of the Luni, the Jojari does not originate in the Aravalli Range.

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Maharashtra has shifted a young tigress from Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) to Painganga Wildlife Sanctuary in Yavatmal district. The tigress, identified as T163-SAF2, is the third tiger added to the population being established in Painganga. The sanctuary is located in the Painganga River landscape, Maharashtra, which forms an important ecological zone in the region. It contains dry deciduous forests, providing suitable habitat for wildlife including tigers and other carnivores. The sanctuary is part of

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Hazaribagh in Jharkhand is emerging as a safe habitat and natural breeding zone for vultures. A 100-km radius around Hazaribagh has recorded regular vulture activity, including adult and juvenile birds. Around 400–450 vultures are estimated to be present in this area. Mahavar Hill and the surrounding forests provide suitable feeding, nesting and roosting conditions. The Jharkhand Forest Department has proposed a conservation-cum-breeding centre in Hazaribagh. India’s vulture population has declined by more than 95% over the past three decades, largely linked to toxic residues of certain Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) used in livestock treatment. Five of India’s nine vulture species are reported in Hazaribagh.