Environment & Biodiversity Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
The Uttarakhand Forest department has set up 42 ecological laboratories to study climate change effects on forests.
These labs will track changes like early flowering in rhododendrons and Brahmakamal and monitor how high temperatures impact litchis. The labs, also known as ‘living laboratories,’ are spread across diverse ecosystems, from Terai to alpine meadows. Uttarakhand, with its 46 forest types, is significant for global climate change research.

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A rare weather event involving the collision of two cyclones caused massive tree flattening in Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary, Telangana. The sanctuary is located near the Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana borders in Mulugu district. Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1952 by the Hyderabad Nizam Government, it spans 806 sq. km. The sanctuary is divided by the Dayyam Vagu water source, and the River Godavari also flows through it.

Notes:
The Negro River, a main tributary of the Amazon, recently dropped to its lowest level in 122 years. It is one of the largest tributaries of the Amazon River and one of the world’s largest rivers by discharge. Originating from eastern Colombia, it flows through Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil before joining the Amazon at Manaus. The river spans about 1,400 miles, with 850 miles in Brazil. The river was named “Negro” for its dark water due to decomposed organic matter and tannins. It is the world’s largest blackwater river. The Central Amazon Ecological Corridor, a giant protected area, surrounds it.

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The body of an eight-year-old tiger was recently found near Amangarh Tiger Reserve. Amangarh Tiger Reserve is located in the Bijnor district of Uttar Pradesh. It covers approximately 9,500 hectares, which is about 95 square kilometers. The reserve is next to the Corbett Tiger Reserve and acts as an important corridor for Asiatic elephants, tigers, and other wildlife. Originally part of Jim Corbett National Park, Amangarh remained in Uttar Pradesh after Uttarakhand was formed from it.

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Researchers have discovered a new damselfly species named Agasthyamalai Bambootail in Manjadininnavila, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. This rare species belongs to the bambootail group, known for their long cylindrical abdomens resembling bamboo stalks. It was found in the Agasthyamalai landscape of the Western Ghats. The only other species in this genus is the Malabar Bambootail, located in Coorg-Wayanad. Agasthyamalai Bambootail can be identified by the absence of the anal bridge vein in its wings. It features a long black body with striking blue markings and differs from the Malabar Bambootail in specific anatomical structures.

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The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) Standing Committee cleared key road stretches passing through the Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary (KWS). KWS is located in the easternmost part of the Karakoram range, in the Leh district, Ladakh.
It is part of the Northwestern Himalayas. The sanctuary is bordered by the international boundaries of China to the north and Pakistan to the west.

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The carcass of a nearly nine-year-old tigress, RVTR-2, was found in the Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve in Bundi, Rajasthan. The reserve is located in southeastern Rajasthan and covers 1,501.89 sq. km, including a core area of 481.91 sq. km and a buffer area of 1,019.98 sq. km. It connects to Ranthambore and Mukundara Hills tiger reserves. Ramgarh Vishdhari was designated as a tiger reserve on May 16, 2022. The Mez River, a tributary of the Chambal, flows through it. The vegetation mainly consists of dry deciduous forests, with dominant flora including Dhok and Khair trees. The reserve is home to leopards, sloth bears, jungle cats, and various other wildlife.

Notes:
Chennai recently witnessed bioluminescent waves, a natural phenomenon caused by marine organisms like dinoflagellates.
These microscopic plankton emit light at night, visible on the ocean surface. Bioluminescence is common among many marine animals such as jellyfish, fish, and algae, used for evading predators, attracting prey, or mating. It occurs when the enzyme luciferase reacts with luciferin in the presence of oxygen. This phenomenon is often visible in warm weather and low light. Other beaches in India like Havelock Island, Mattu Beach, and Bangaram Island have also experienced it.

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The Telangana government aims to develop Musi riverbanks for commercial use, inspired by South Korea’s Great Hangang (Han River) project. The Han River is South Korea’s fourth-longest river, flowing through Seoul. It originates from the Namhan and Bukhan rivers in eastern South Korea. The river flows through Seoul and empties into the Yellow Sea. Telangana’s plan was to attract private firms to develop riverfronts similar to the Han River model.

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Mormugao Port Authority is now listed as an incentive provider on the Environment Ship Index (ESI) portal, recognized by the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH). IAPH, founded in 1955, represents 185 ports and 160 port-related businesses in 88 countries, handling over 60% of global seaborne trade and container traffic. Mormugao’s ‘Harit Shrey’ scheme, launched in October 2023, offers discounts on port charges for ships with high ESI scores, promoting reduced emissions. ESI evaluates ships based on emissions of nitrogen oxide, sulphur oxide, and greenhouse gases, identifying vessels with superior environmental performance.