Environment & Biodiversity Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
A new orchid species, Coelogyne tripurensis, was discovered in Jampui Hills, Tripura. It comes from moist broadleaf forests in the Indo-Myanmar Biodiversity Hotspot. The genus Coelogyne has around 600 species, native to the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Pacific Islands. These orchids are mostly epiphytic, valued for their ornamental appeal and easy growth. The new species belongs to the Fuliginosae section, known for showy flowers and a unique labellum. High phenotypic plasticity makes species in this group hard to classify.

Notes:
The Rongmei Naga Council Manipur (RNCM) opposes oil exploration in Zeilad Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamenglong district, Manipur. The sanctuary, established in 1982, is located near the Indo-Myanmar border. It covers 21 sq. km and features hilly terrain in the Barak River basin. Zeilad Wildlife Sanctuary is home to seven lakes, with Zeilad Lake being the largest and most famous.

Notes:
The Madras High Court has mandated the complete removal of Senna spectabilis from Tamil Nadu’s forests by October 1, 2025. Currently, 28,000 tonnes remain, with efforts underway to eradicate this invasive species. The court emphasized that the removal process should not be delayed by negotiations with paper companies for the timber. Additionally, the court is focused on eradicating other invasive species like Lantana camara and Prosopis juliflora to protect the forest ecosystem.

Notes:
Researchers discovered a new aphid wasp species, Arpactophilus pulawskii, in Nagaland’s Khuzama district at 1,800 meters altitude. This is the first time the Arpactophilus genus has been recorded outside the Australasian region. Arpactophilus species target aphids as prey and show unique nesting behavior, using silk from their abdomen to form protective cells. Arpactophilus pulawskii has a distinct square-shaped head, inverted V-shaped clypeus, rust-colored body markings, and a uniquely textured thorax. This genus is notable for exhibiting social behavior, which is rare among wasps.

Notes:
Researchers discovered a new species, Dicliptera polymorpha, in the Northern Western Ghats of India. The species is known for its fire-resilient, pyrophytic habit and dual-blooming pattern. It has a second flowering phase triggered by grassland fires set by locals. Dicliptera polymorpha has unique spicate inflorescences and is the only Indian species with this structure. It thrives on slopes in open grasslands exposed to droughts and frequent fires. The species blooms twice a year, with the second phase in May and June, triggered by fires. Its adaptation highlights the need to manage grassland ecosystems carefully.

Notes:
Mealworm larvae, recently discovered in Kenya, can eat plastic (Polystyrene) and have gut bacteria that help break it down. Found mainly in poultry houses, the larvae thrive in warm environments with a constant food supply. This is the first African-native insect identified with this ability, though it can also be found outside Africa. Polystyrene, commonly used in packaging, is durable but difficult and costly to recycle using traditional methods, often creating pollutants.

Notes:
The Dolphin Ambulance initiative was launched by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) to protect Ganga Dolphins, India’s national aquatic animal. The project, with a budget of Rs 1 crore, focuses on rescuing dolphins and raising awareness about their conservation. It aims to train communities to handle dolphin emergencies and restore the Ganga’s ecological balance. The initiative supports biodiversity preservation and aquatic life conservation through innovative measures to protect the Ganga’s ecosystem.

Notes:
A new genus of freshwater fish, Koima, has been described from the Western Ghats. Two species, Mesonoemacheilus remadevii and Nemacheilus monilis, are reclassified as Koima remadevii and Koima monilis. This is a rare event, as adding a new genus is uncommon. The fish are small, elongated, and used for dietary and ornamental purposes. Both species are endemic to the Western Ghats, particularly in tributaries of the Cauvery River. Koima remadevii is found in fast-flowing streams in Silent Valley National Park. Koima monilis lives in various tributaries of the Cauvery River at elevations of 350-800 meters.

Notes:
The Supreme Court has asked the Union government to submit the report from a committee negotiating the Pennaiyar river water dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The Pennaiyar River, also called the South Pennar River, flows through Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. It originates in Karnataka’s Nandi Hills and flows 80 km southward into Tamil Nadu, covering 320 km before entering the Bay of Bengal at Cuddalore. The river’s basin spans 16,019 sq.km, with 77% in Tamil Nadu. Major tributaries include Chinnar, Markanda, Vaniar, and Pamban. Bengaluru is the largest city in the catchment area and a major polluter.

Notes:
Cyclone Fengal, which recently hit the eastern coast of India, was named by Saudi Arabia. The name “Fengal” is of Arabic origin. Cyclone Fengal made landfall near Puducherry on November 30, bringing heavy rain and gusty winds to Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. It was the second cyclone to affect India’s east coast in two months, after Cyclone Dana.