Environment & Biodiversity Current Affairs MCQs

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In an effort to combat coastal erosion in Kerala’s Poonthura region, the irrigation department plans to construct eight groynes costing Rs 17.5 crore. Groynes, typically made of wood, rock, or concrete, extend from shore into the sea to trap sediment, dissipate wave energy, and counter longshore drift. They reduce erosion, widen beaches, and require minimal maintenance, serving as durable structures crucial for stabilizing coastlines and supporting local activities.

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Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, nestled in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, boasts rich biodiversity including rare species like the brown palm civet, recently discovered by the Discover Koyna group. Endemic to the Western Ghats, these civets play a crucial role in seed dispersal, promoting native rainforest growth. A 2021 study highlighted their habitat spanning 21,853 sq km across the Ghats, with significant populations in Anamalai, Nilgiris, and other reserves. The sanctuary, integral to the UNESCO-listed Western Ghats, houses diverse flora like teak and wildlife such as Indian bison and leopards. It’s closely associated with the Koyna Dam, a vital water source in Maharashtra.

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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed concerns over the Teesta River’s water scarcity in summer and overflow during monsoons, and emphasized the need to renew the Farakka Treaty. Originating from the Pahunri Glacier in the Sikkim Himalayas, the Teesta River flows through Sikkim, West Bengal, and into Bangladesh, joining the Brahmaputra. Known for its turbulent flow, the Teesta has a 414 km length and a drainage area of 12,540 sq. km.

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Researchers recently discovered a new species of shield-tail snake, Uropeltis caudomaculata, in the Meghamalai-Munnar landscape of the Western Ghats. Named for the yellow spot on its tail, this non-venomous species is distinguished by its increased number of ventral scales and is found exclusively in the Meghamalai Tiger Reserve, Periyar Tiger Reserve, and Yellapetty, Munnar. Shield-tail snakes belong to the Uropeltidae family, endemic to peninsular India and Sri Lanka. They inhabit hilly forests, burrow up to one foot below soil, and occupy tunnels in leaves, humus, rocks, and logs. They possess a keratinous shield at the tail tip.

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The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways announced feasibility studies for using National Waterways-101 on the Tizu Zunki River for cargo and passenger transport. The Tizu River, flowing east and southeast, originates in central Nagaland and joins the Irrawaddy in Myanmar. Major tributaries include the Zungki, Lanye, and Likimro rivers. This waterway system is crucial for the eastern part of Nagaland, running through Kiphire and Phek districts.

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India has successfully prevented Aquilaria malaccensis (agarwood) from being included in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) Review of Significant Trade. Agarwood, or gaharu, is resinous heartwood from fast-growing subtropical trees found in West Bengal and North-Eastern India. It thrives in high rainfall areas with temperatures between 20°C and 28°C and requires sandy loam or slightly acidic soils. Valued for incense, perfumes, and medicine, agarwood also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Despite its critical endangered status on the IUCN Red List and listing in CITES Appendix II, India’s efforts have impacted its trade regulation.

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The Chhattisgarh government has announced the creation of a new tiger reserve named Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve. It is located in northern Chhattisgarh near Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand. It will be the state’s fourth tiger reserve after Indravati (in Bijapur district), Udanti-Sitanadi (Gariaband) and Achanakmar (Mungeli). The reserve combines areas from Guru Ghasidas National Park and Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary. It hosts various animals like tigers, leopards, and bears, and is a source for major rivers including Hasdeo Gopad and Baranga.

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Researchers identified Gymnema sylvestre (Gurmar) on Brahmayoni Hill in Gaya, Bihar, known for its diabetes treatment potential. Gurmar, used in the anti-diabetic drug BGR-34 by CSIR, reduces blood sugar by blocking intestinal sugar absorption. It contains gymnemic acid, flavonoids, and saponins, which regulate lipid metabolism and lower cholesterol. The study emphasizes the importance of Gurmar in managing diabetes, alongside other medicinal plants. Researchers call for more in-depth studies on Gurmar and advocate for local cultivation to ensure its sustainability and prevent extinction.

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Uttarakhand is the first Indian state to launch a Gross Environment Product Index (GEPI). GEPI evaluates ecological development influenced by human actions. It focuses on four pillars: air, soil, trees, and water. The formula is: GEP index = (Air-GEP index + Water-GEP index + Soil-GEP index + Forest-GEP index). GEPI helps assess the impact of human activities on ecosystems, measures contributions back to the environment, and quantifies the economic and welfare benefits of natural ecosystems.

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The state government approved the relocation of four villages from the core area of Amrabad Tiger Reserve (ATR). ATR is located in the Nagarkurnool and Nalgonda districts of Telangana, covering part of the Nallamala Forest. It spans 2,611.4 square kilometers, making it one of the largest tiger reserves in India. ATR is the second-largest tiger reserve in terms of core area. Originally part of Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve, it became ATR after Telangana’s state bifurcation. The Srisailam and Nagarjuna Sagar Dams are fed by the Krishna River and streams originating in ATR.
The Chenchu tribe lives in the ATR. The area has dense grass and various tree species like Terminalia tomentosa and Hardwickia binata.