Environment & Biodiversity Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
The Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has sought records from the Forest and Revenue Departments and the Angul Collector regarding alleged irregularities in village relocation at Satkosia Tiger Reserve. Satkosia Tiger Reserve is located in central Odisha across Angul, Cuttack, Boudh, and Nayagarh districts. The reserve includes Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary and Baisipalli Wildlife Sanctuary, divided by the Mahanadi River. It is also part of the Mahanadi Elephant Reserve. It lies at the junction of the Deccan Peninsula and Eastern Ghats, creating rich biodiversity.

Notes:
Gogabeel Lake in Katihar district, Bihar has recently been designated as a Ramsar site of international importance. It lies in the trans-Gangetic plains and is an ox-bow type wetland. The lake is flanked by River Mahananda in the northeast and River Ganga in the south. It was declared Bihar’s first Community Reserve.

Notes:
The pristine waters of River Umngot in Meghalaya are turning murky due to soil dumping and construction debris. River Umngot, also called Dawki River, flows through the West Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya. It originates from the Eastern Shillong Peak at about 1,800 meters above sea level. The river forms a natural divide between the Jaintia Hills and Khasi Hills. It is known for its crystal-clear water and is considered the cleanest river in India. An annual boat race is held on the river during March–April. It also serves as a natural boundary between India and Bangladesh.

Notes:
Recently, a farmer was killed in a tiger attack near Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary in Mysuru, Karnataka. Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Mysuru district, Karnataka. It covers about 30 sq.km and includes the Nugu Reservoir in its northern part. Nugu Dam is built across the Nugu River, a tributary of the Cauvery River.

Notes:
Researchers recently discovered a new aquatic insect species called Jaechanax kuranganiensis, a type of water-penny beetle. It was found in the fast-flowing Kurangani stream of the Bodi Hills, Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu. This is the first record of the Jaechanax genus in Tamil Nadu. The genus was earlier known only from three species found in other Asian countries.

Notes:
Wildlife experts in Uttarakhand recently warned that Himalayan Black Bears (Ursus thibetanus laniger) are becoming aggressive due to erratic weather disrupting their hibernation. It is a subspecies of the Asian Black Bear, also known as the Asiatic Black Bear or Moon Bear. It is mainly found in the Himalayas across India, Nepal, Tibet, Pakistan, and China. It is listed as Vulnerable under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Notes:
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Morigaon district of Assam is recording an early arrival of migratory birds with winter beginning. Birds are coming from Europe America and the Tibetan region attracting wildlife lovers. Pobitora is located in the eastern region of Guwahati, Assam, and lies near Mayong village known as the Black Magic capital of India. The sanctuary was established in 1998 and covers 48.81 sq km area. It includes Rajamayong Reserve Forest and Pobitora Reserve Forest. The region was once part of the Brahmaputra River floodplains and is known for rich flora and fauna

Notes:
Sewage and untreated water are being released into the Pazhayar River in Nagercoil, raising serious concern among local residents about pollution. Pazhayar River is a major river in Kanniyakumari district, Tamil Nadu. It originates from Mahendragiri hills at 800 m above Mean Sea Level (MSL) and flows southwest.

Notes:
Government will set up National Coral Reef Research Institute (NCRRI) in Andaman and Nicobar Islands at a cost of ₹120 crore. It will be the nodal and monitoring agency for coral reef research across India. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) is responsible for establishing the National Coral Reef Research Institute (NCRRI). NCRRI will focus on coral reef research, conservation, and management. Coral reefs protect coasts from storms and strong waves, saving lives and property. Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) museum will introduce QR code-based digital access to species information.

Notes:
Bioremediation means “restoring life through biology” using microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, algae, and plants to clean polluted land and water. These organisms break oil, pesticides, plastics, and heavy metals into safer products like water and carbon dioxide. In situ bioremediation treats pollution at the site, while Ex situ bioremediation treats removed soil or water in a facility. India needs it due to severe river, soil, and industrial pollution and the high cost of traditional cleanup methods. It is cheap, eco-friendly, job-creating, but needs strict safety rules for genetically modified (GM) microbes.