Environment & Biodiversity Current Affairs MCQs

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The black robin, also known as karure or Chatham Island black robin, has been named New Zealand’s Bird of the Year 2026. It received more than 25,000 votes, finishing ahead of the kākāpō and kārearea (New Zealand falcon). More than 105,000 people participated in the 2026 competition. The black robin is naturally found only in the Chatham Islands, around 800 km east of mainland New Zealand. The species faced an extreme population decline and was reduced to just five birds by 1980, including only one fertile female named Old Blue. Conservationists used intensive breeding programmes and even employed Chatham Island tits as foster parents to help raise black robin chicks.

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In September 2026, Hurricane Polo rapidly intensified into a Category 5 storm in the eastern Pacific Ocean off the coast of Mexico. The event highlighted the phenomena of rapid intensification and tropical cyclone dynamics in the region. The eastern Pacific basin frequently witnesses such intense cyclonic activities during the late summer and autumn months. Tropical storms in this part of the Pacific and Atlantic are termed hurricanes, while those in the northwestern Pacific are called typhoons, and those in the Indian Ocean are called cyclones.

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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.

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Botanists from Manipur University and Mizoram University have formally identified a new plant species named Tetrataenium manipurense. The species has been named after Manipur. It is locally known as Singjang-kumol or Manshang-nakuppi and has been used traditionally in Manipuri cuisine for generations. Researchers confirmed its distinct identity using DNA barcoding techniques. The plant has slender, grass-like leaflets and a long cylindrical rootstock that can reach about 40 cm. Its shoots, flowers and leaves are used in traditional dishes such as Eromba, Singju, Kangshu and Uti. The herb is also sold in local markets of Manipur, making

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The Afro-Asian Sand Snake, also known as the Schokari Sand Racer, was recently spotted in Kachchh (Kutch), Gujarat, after more than 150 years. The sighting is significant because the species had not been conclusively recorded in Kutch since the 19th century. The Afro-Asian Sand Snake is adapted to dry and arid habitats and is mainly found in parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat in India. It is a slender and fast-moving snake and is mildly venomous, generally posing little danger to humans. The discovery highlights the rich biodiversity of Kutch’s desert and scrubland ecosystems.

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Recently, a new lizard species named Liolaemus archipensis was discovered in the Peruvian Andes. It was found at an altitude of more than 4,800 metres (15,750 feet) in Arequipa, southern Peru. The lizard is only about 6–8 cm long and belongs to the Liolaemus genus. Females have square-shaped markings on their backs, while males have oblique patterns and distinctive white scales. Its coloration and markings help it camouflage among the rocky high-altitude landscape. It feeds on vegetation and small arthropods, including spiders, beetles, true bugs and insect larvae.

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Recently, the Ichamati River in Taki, West Bengal, has been in the news for its historic Bijoya Dashami Durga idol immersion tradition involving people from India and Bangladesh. The Ichamati River serves as a natural international boundary separating India (Taki, North 24 Parganas district, West Bengal) and Bangladesh (Debhata, Satkhira district). It is one of the bifurcations of the Mathabhanga River, which is a distributary of the Padma River. The river originates at Mahjdia village in Nadia district of West Bengal.

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Recently, Ladakh launched India’s first high-altitude wildlife safari focused on Snow Leopard conservation during Wildlife Week 2026. The initiative is implemented by the Snow Leopard and High-Altitude Nature Conservation (SHAN) Society in collaboration with the Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment, UT Ladakh. Initially, the safari will operate in Rumbak, Shang and Uley, which are known for frequent snow leopard sightings. The programme will use open-back vehicles, trained local drivers and wildlife guides along designated routes.

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India’s first Red List Assessment of Ecosystems (RLE) project was officially launched at Kollam, Kerala. Initiated by the Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB), this pioneering one-year study aims to assess ecological collapse risks across all 14 districts of the state. The project covers diverse ecosystems ranging from high-altitude mountain summits to midland and coastal habitats. By establishing baseline spatial data and ecological risk categories, the initiative will assist local self-government bodies in targeted ecorestoration and sustainable land-use planning.

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Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) is located in the Chandrapur district of eastern Maharashtra. It is one of Maharashtra’s oldest and largest protected wildlife areas. The reserve was formed by combining Tadoba National Park, established in 1955, and Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary, established in 1986. Recently, the reserve piloted an automated smart waterhole sensor system to manage artificial water sources for wildlife during dry seasons. The system uses water-level sensors and relays to regulate groundwater extraction and maintain water availability. It helps prevent unnecessary water wastage while ensuring a continuous supply of water for wildlife.