Environment & Biodiversity Current Affairs MCQs
This category comprises 50 random questions from the total 76 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) in Environment & Biodiversity Current Affairs category published in gktoday from 1 January, 2019 till July 7, 2020.
1. Fausta, a female black rhino, believed to be the world’s oldest rhino, had recently died in Tanzanian conservation area. What is the IUCN status of the black rhinos?
[A] Least concern
[B] Endangered
[C] Critically Endangered
[D] Near threatened
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Critically Endangered]
Notes:
Also known as “hook-lipped rhinoceros”, these species, though called “black” are in varying colours of brown and grey. They are found in South and East Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Its IUCN status is critically endangered, though the South-Western status of the black rhinoceros is classified under vulnerable.
2. Which state is going to observe “No Vehicle Day” on the first day of every month in 2020?
[A] Kerala
[B] Gujarat
[C] Punjab
[D] Rajasthan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Rajasthan]
Notes:
In order to promote road safety and reduce vehicular pollution, Rajasthan Transport department is going to observe a “No Vehicle Day” once a month in 2020. The employees of the transport department are to come to their offices as pedestrians, via bicycles or a public transport.
3. Which state is going to conduct its maiden snow leopard survey?
[A] Uttrakhand
[B] Himachal Pradesh
[C] Haryana
[D] Punjab
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Uttrakhand]
Notes:
Uttarakhand is preparing for its maiden snow leopards survey after the winter is over. Experts estimate that there are over 80 snow leopards in Uttarakhand. However, a census of this cat has not yet been conducted.
4. Wildlife Institute of India (WII) is going to initiate the Asiatic Lion Census in May 2020. What is the IUCN status of the Asiatic Lions?
[A] Endangered
[B] Critically Endangered
[C] Vulnerable
[D] Near threatened
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Endangered]
Notes:
Asiatic Lions are listed as an endangered species by the IUCN. They are currently confined to the Gir National Park. These lions are one among the 5 Pantherine cats living in India. Other Pantherine cats include Bengal Tiger, Snow Leopard, Indian Leopard and Clouded Leopard.
5. Which is the first country to ban sun screens, that are toxic to coral reefs and sea life?
[A] Palau
[B] Philippines
[C] Taiwan
[D] Papua New Guinea
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Palau]
Notes:
Palau, a small island nation in the West Pacific Ocean imposed a ban on sun screens that contain chemicals affecting the coral reefs and other aquatic species. The step is also taken to conserve its Rock Islands Southern Lagoon, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The sun cream with the toxic chemicals including oxybenzone, will not be permitted to be used or sold in the country. Palau is a famous destination among international tourists and is mainly acclaimed for its coral reefs.
6. Which state will have the country’s first rehabilitation centre for freshwater turtles?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Bihar
[C] Chhattisgarh
[D] Odisha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bihar]
Notes:
India’s first rehabilitation centre for freshwater turtles will be inaugurated in the Bhagalpur forest division of Bihar. The centre, which is to be open soon can accommodate 500 turtles at a time. The forest division is near to the river Ganga, which makes it a perfect breeding area for freshwater turtles. The turtles are abducted and hurt by smugglers will be rescued by the team of the rehabilitation centre and will be provided proper treatment.
7. Bhitarkanika National Park, sometimes seen in news is situated in which Indian state?
[A] Odisha
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Himachal Pradesh
[D] Maharashtra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Odisha]
Notes:
The Ramsar site – designated Bhitarkanika National Park is located in Odisha’s Kendrapara District. It is seen in news recently as the annual census of estuarine crocodiles was conducted in the national park. As per the census, there are 1,757 estuarine or salt water crocodiles in the park, 15 more than the previous year count. The national park is also a mangrove ecosystem and is home to several flora and fauna in addition to crocodiles.
8. According to the recent IMD report, which state had the highest number of deaths due to unusual weather conditions?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Bihar
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Himachal Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bihar]
Notes:
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) recently released a report titled ‘Statement on Climate of India During 2019’. According to the report, almost 1560 people died in 2019 due to unusual weather events including heavy rain and floods, heat wave, lightning and thunderstorm.
With nearly 650 deaths, Bihar had the highest number of people who died due to extremities in weather. The report also cited that five of the eight cyclones that hit India, were on the Arabian Sea, which was against the normal count of 1 cyclone on the west.
9. Which national park recorded 96 unique species of wetland birds, recently?
[A] Keoladeo National Park
[B] Kaziranga National Park
[C] Bannerghatta National Park
[D] Buxa National Park
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kaziranga National Park]
Notes:
According to the second wetland bird count conducted by the officials of the Kaziranga National Park and avian specialists, ithe park recorded 96 species of wetland birds. This count is one of the highest among the other national parks with birdlife.
Kaziranga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located in the state of Assam. It has the world’s largest population of Indian rhinoceros also called as the one-horned rhinoceros. Several migratory birds visit the park attracting many tourists.
10. Which is the first Indian state to sign an MoU with IUCN to prepare a red-list assessment of Orchids?
[A] Sikkim
[B] West Bengal
[C] Assam
[D] Arunachal Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Arunachal Pradesh]
Notes:
Arunachal Pradesh inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), to prepare a red-list assessment of Orchids. With this agreement, Arunachal Pradesh becomes the first Indian state to prepare such an assessment. The IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species is a critical indicator of the health of biodiversity of the world.
The Botanical Survey of India recently conducted the first comprehensive census of orchids of India. As per the census, the total number of orchid species in India is 1,256. The highest number of orchid species is recorded from Arunachal Pradesh with 612 species, followed by Sikkim and West Bengal.
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