Environment & Biodiversity Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
An investigation into 43 tiger deaths between 2021 and 2023, with 34 in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve and 9 in Shahdol Forest Circle, revealed poor investigations and missing body parts in 10 cases. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) reported these findings on July 15. Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, located in Madhya Pradesh, is renowned for its high density of Royal Bengal Tigers and was declared a tiger reserve in 1993.

Notes:
The Western Ghats, crucial for biodiversity, still lack official ecologically sensitive area notifications from the Union environment ministry, 14 years after the 2011 Gadgil Committee Report. The 2011 Gadgil Committee Report, or Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP) Report, was commissioned by India’s Ministry of Environment and Forests. It recommends measures for the sustainable development and ecological preservation of the Western Ghats, a region noted for its rich biodiversity and environmental importance.

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An ancient clay figurine from the Iron Age has been discovered in Lake Bolsena, Italy. Lake Bolsena, located in the Lazio region, is Europe’s largest volcanic lake, spanning 113.5 square kilometers. It formed 370,000 years ago from the collapse of the Vulsini volcano. The lake features tidal-like movements called “sessa” and has two islands, Martana and Bisentina, formed by underwater eruptions. Its shores are natural with forests, reed beds, and vineyards, and towns bordering the lake include Capodimonte and Bolsena.

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The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) launched the “Polar Coupled Analysis and Prediction for Services” (PCAPS) to enhance weather forecasting in the Arctic and Antarctic. PCAPS aims to improve information on weather, water, ice, and climate in these regions. The project will develop better observation systems, Earth system models, and advocate for improved forecasting services. PCAPS is part of WMO’s World Weather Research Programme (WWRP).

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A recent study found that the South American lungfish genome has grown significantly over the past 100 million years. The lungfish, Lepidosiren paradoxa, is a freshwater species and the closest living relative to the first land vertebrates. It has the largest genome of any animal, over 50 times the size of the human genome. The DNA in each lungfish cell would stretch almost 60 meters, while human DNA stretches only 2 meters. The genome is mostly made up of repetitive elements, accounting for 90% of it. Found in Brazil, Argentina, Peru, and other South American countries.

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Researchers in Bhuj assessed areas of Banni for sustainable grassland restoration, focusing on ecological value. Banni is in Gujarat’s Kachchh district and is home to 22 ethnic groups, mainly pastoralists. It has rich biodiversity with 37 grass species, 275 bird species, and domesticated animals like buffalo, sheep, and camel. The Banni Grasslands include the Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary and Chhari Dhand Conservation Reserve.

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Similipal Tiger Reserve in Odisha will grow bamboo grass in the National Park. It is located in Mayurbhanj District, Odisha. It covers 2,750 sq km and features waterfalls like Joranda and Barehipani. It was designated as a tiger reserve in 1973 and a wildlife sanctuary in 1979. In 1980, 303 sq km was proposed as a National Park, and in 2009, UNESCO added it to its Biosphere Reserves list. The reserve is part of the Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve and features hilly terrain with diverse vegetation, mainly Northern tropical moist deciduous forests and semi-evergreen patches.

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Bangladesh is facing severe floods due to ongoing monsoon rains and overflowing rivers. The country partly blames the floods on the opening of the Farakka Barrage gates in West Bengal, India. India’s Ministry of External Affairs has denied any connection between the Farakka Barrage and the floods. The Farakka Barrage, located 18 km from the Bangladesh border, began operations in 1975. Its purpose is to divert water into the Farakka Canal to flush silt from the Bhagirathi-Hoogly river, aiding Kolkata port. The Ganga Water Treaty of 1996 and previous agreements aim to manage the shared waters between India and Bangladesh.

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Residents near the Madeira River in the Amazon face severe challenges due to historically low water levels amid a severe drought. The Madeira River is a major tributary of the Amazon River, formed by the Mamoré and Beni rivers in Bolivia, flowing northward. It forms a 100 km border between Bolivia and Brazil and is part of the 1.3 million square kilometer Madeira Basin. The basin spans Bolivia, Brazil, and Peru, with 50% in Bolivia, 40% in Brazil, and 10% in Peru. The river plays a vital role in the Amazon Basin’s hydrology, supporting diverse ecosystems.

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Recent analysis shows that about 50,000 trees were uprooted in a 200-hectare area along 2 to 3 km length in Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary, established in 1953, is located near the Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana borders. The perennial Dayyam Vagu river flows through it, dividing the sanctuary into two parts. The sanctuary is known for the Sammakkka Sarakka Jathra, one of Asia’s largest tribal festivals, held every two years. The River Godavari also flows through the sanctuary.