Environment & Biodiversity Current Affairs MCQs
21. New species of potter wasp, Pseumenes siangensis, was discovered in which northeastern state?
[A] Assam
[B] Nagaland
[C] Arunachal Pradesh
[D] Mizoram
[B] Nagaland
[C] Arunachal Pradesh
[D] Mizoram
Correct Answer: C [Arunachal Pradesh]
Notes:
Entomologists discovered a new species of potter wasp in Arunachal Pradesh, named Pseumenes siangensis. It belongs to the genus Pseumenes within the subfamily Eumeninae and is mainly found in the Oriental region. These solitary wasps build small, pot-like mud nests for their larvae. India has only reported one other species of this genus, making Pseumenes siangensis a significant addition to the country’s wasp diversity. The species was found in the Upper Siang District and named after Siang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh. At 30.2 mm in length, it has unique features and plays a role in controlling pest populations by feeding on caterpillars and insects.
Entomologists discovered a new species of potter wasp in Arunachal Pradesh, named Pseumenes siangensis. It belongs to the genus Pseumenes within the subfamily Eumeninae and is mainly found in the Oriental region. These solitary wasps build small, pot-like mud nests for their larvae. India has only reported one other species of this genus, making Pseumenes siangensis a significant addition to the country’s wasp diversity. The species was found in the Upper Siang District and named after Siang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh. At 30.2 mm in length, it has unique features and plays a role in controlling pest populations by feeding on caterpillars and insects.
22. Negro River, which was seen in the news, is a tributary of which river?
[A] Niger River
[B] Zambezi River
[C] Amazon River
[D] Nile River
[B] Zambezi River
[C] Amazon River
[D] Nile River
Correct Answer: C [Amazon River]
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.
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.
23. Phata Byung Hydroelectric Project (HEP) is built on which river?
[A] Mandakini
[B] Tons
[C] Sarda
[D] Dhauliganga
[B] Tons
[C] Sarda
[D] Dhauliganga
Correct Answer: A [Mandakini]
Notes:
The Phata Byung Hydro Electric Project (HEP) in Uttarakhand has received fresh approval, pending environmental, forest, and wildlife clearances. It is a run-of-the-river project on the Mandakini River in Rudraprayag. There are concerns about the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in the area, with 24 glacial lakes nearby, six of which are critical.
The Mandakini River originates from the Chorabari Glacier near Kedarnath and flows about 81 kilometers before joining the Alaknanda River at Rudraprayag. The Alaknanda eventually converges with the Bhagirathi River at Devaprayag, forming the Ganga and passes by the Madhyamaheshwar temple in Ukhimath.
The Phata Byung Hydro Electric Project (HEP) in Uttarakhand has received fresh approval, pending environmental, forest, and wildlife clearances. It is a run-of-the-river project on the Mandakini River in Rudraprayag. There are concerns about the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in the area, with 24 glacial lakes nearby, six of which are critical.
The Mandakini River originates from the Chorabari Glacier near Kedarnath and flows about 81 kilometers before joining the Alaknanda River at Rudraprayag. The Alaknanda eventually converges with the Bhagirathi River at Devaprayag, forming the Ganga and passes by the Madhyamaheshwar temple in Ukhimath.
24. Which university has launched The Climate Institute to address environmental challenges?
[A] Lucknow University
[B] Mumbai University
[C] Ahmedabad University
[D] Delhi University
[B] Mumbai University
[C] Ahmedabad University
[D] Delhi University
Correct Answer: C [Ahmedabad University]
Notes:
Ahmedabad University has launched The Climate Institute, focusing on research, education, and impact to address climate issues. The Institute is developing India’s first comprehensive Climate, Energy, and Environmental education program for future leaders. It operates in three areas: Energy and Climate Change, Cities and Settlements, and Air and Water, promoting interdisciplinary research and partnerships to inform policy design and innovation.
Ahmedabad University has launched The Climate Institute, focusing on research, education, and impact to address climate issues. The Institute is developing India’s first comprehensive Climate, Energy, and Environmental education program for future leaders. It operates in three areas: Energy and Climate Change, Cities and Settlements, and Air and Water, promoting interdisciplinary research and partnerships to inform policy design and innovation.
25. Tenkana Jayamangali, which was seen in the news, belongs to which species?
[A] Snake
[B] Spider
[C] Frog
[D] Lizard
[B] Spider
[C] Frog
[D] Lizard
Correct Answer: B [Spider]
Notes:
A new species of spider, named Tenkana jayamangali, has been discovered at the origin of the Jayamangali River in the Devarayanadurga reserve forest. This spider has been recognized as a new genus of Tenkana jumping spiders by arachnologists. The new genus contains two species currently classified within the ‘manu’ group. The male and female specimens were analyzed, revealing DNA that did not match any known species, leading to the new genus identification. The spider is ground-dwelling and found in southern Indian states and northern Sri Lanka. It inhabits complex microhabitats like shaded grasses with dry leaf litter and simpler areas with short grasses in rocky, dry regions.
A new species of spider, named Tenkana jayamangali, has been discovered at the origin of the Jayamangali River in the Devarayanadurga reserve forest. This spider has been recognized as a new genus of Tenkana jumping spiders by arachnologists. The new genus contains two species currently classified within the ‘manu’ group. The male and female specimens were analyzed, revealing DNA that did not match any known species, leading to the new genus identification. The spider is ground-dwelling and found in southern Indian states and northern Sri Lanka. It inhabits complex microhabitats like shaded grasses with dry leaf litter and simpler areas with short grasses in rocky, dry regions.
26. Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary, which was seen in the news, lies on which mountain range?
[A] Karakoram Range
[B] Satpura Range
[C] Aravalli Range
[D] Vindhya Range
[B] Satpura Range
[C] Aravalli Range
[D] Vindhya Range
Correct Answer: C [Aravalli Range]
Notes:
Delhi High Court ordered all city monkeys to be moved to Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary. It is located on Delhi’s southern ridge. It spans southern Delhi and parts of Faridabad and Gurugram, Haryana. The sanctuary lies on the northern end of the ancient Aravalli Hill Range and is part of the Sariska-Delhi Wildlife Corridor. It covers 32.71 sq. km and has Northern Tropical Thorn Forest vegetation, with xerophytic adaptations like thorns and waxy leaves.
Delhi High Court ordered all city monkeys to be moved to Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary. It is located on Delhi’s southern ridge. It spans southern Delhi and parts of Faridabad and Gurugram, Haryana. The sanctuary lies on the northern end of the ancient Aravalli Hill Range and is part of the Sariska-Delhi Wildlife Corridor. It covers 32.71 sq. km and has Northern Tropical Thorn Forest vegetation, with xerophytic adaptations like thorns and waxy leaves.
27. What atmospheric phenomenon was recently observed above Antarctica’s Pine Island Glacier by NASA’s Landsat 8 satellite?
[A] Fog bank
[B] Sea smoke
[C] Aurora borealis
[D] Dust storm
[B] Sea smoke
[C] Aurora borealis
[D] Dust storm
Correct Answer: B [Sea smoke]
Notes:
NASA’s Landsat 8 satellite captured images of ‘sea smoke’ rising from Antarctica’s Pine Island Glacier, a phenomenon where frigid air meets warm water, creating fog-like plumes. This rare atmospheric event highlights the glacier’s vulnerability and the impact of strong winds on polar ice sheets. Sea smoke forms when cold air cools and condenses over open waters, resulting in ghostly ice crystal plumes that can influence ice mass balance. Pine Island Glacier is known for its rapid retreat and significant role in ice flow dynamics.
NASA’s Landsat 8 satellite captured images of ‘sea smoke’ rising from Antarctica’s Pine Island Glacier, a phenomenon where frigid air meets warm water, creating fog-like plumes. This rare atmospheric event highlights the glacier’s vulnerability and the impact of strong winds on polar ice sheets. Sea smoke forms when cold air cools and condenses over open waters, resulting in ghostly ice crystal plumes that can influence ice mass balance. Pine Island Glacier is known for its rapid retreat and significant role in ice flow dynamics.
28. What is the origin of Koel River that was recently seen in the news?
[A] Parasnath hills
[B] Palamau Tiger Reserve
[C] Panna Tiger Reserve
[D] Pachmarhi hills
[B] Palamau Tiger Reserve
[C] Panna Tiger Reserve
[D] Pachmarhi hills
Correct Answer: B [Palamau Tiger Reserve]
Notes:
Three XI standard students tragically drowned while bathing in the Koel River in Lohardaga district, Jharkhand. The Koel River originates from the Palamau Tiger Reserve and flows through the western part of Palamu District. It consists of two parts: North Koel River and South Koel River. The North Koel River is tapped for irrigation and joins the Son River, while the South Koel flows through Odisha before merging with the Brahmani River. The river is prone to seasonal flooding, especially during the monsoon, and has hydropower potential, with the North Koel Dam built to generate electricity and supply irrigation.
Three XI standard students tragically drowned while bathing in the Koel River in Lohardaga district, Jharkhand. The Koel River originates from the Palamau Tiger Reserve and flows through the western part of Palamu District. It consists of two parts: North Koel River and South Koel River. The North Koel River is tapped for irrigation and joins the Son River, while the South Koel flows through Odisha before merging with the Brahmani River. The river is prone to seasonal flooding, especially during the monsoon, and has hydropower potential, with the North Koel Dam built to generate electricity and supply irrigation.
29. What is the IUCN conservation status of the North Atlantic right whale, that was recently seen in news?
[A] Least Concern
[B] Vulnerable
[C] Endangered
[D] Critically Endangered
[B] Vulnerable
[C] Endangered
[D] Critically Endangered
Correct Answer: D [Critically Endangered]
Notes:
Researchers reported a 4% increase in the North Atlantic right whale population since 2020, following a 25% decline from 2010 to 2020. These migratory whales spend winters in warmer waters and migrate to the poles in late summer. They inhabit temperate and subpolar waters of the North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans. Right whales are often found near bays and peninsulas in shallow, coastal waters, mainly along the East Coast of the United States and Canada. They feed by skimming plankton at or just below the water’s surface. Conservation status: IUCN lists North Atlantic right whales as critically endangered.
Researchers reported a 4% increase in the North Atlantic right whale population since 2020, following a 25% decline from 2010 to 2020. These migratory whales spend winters in warmer waters and migrate to the poles in late summer. They inhabit temperate and subpolar waters of the North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans. Right whales are often found near bays and peninsulas in shallow, coastal waters, mainly along the East Coast of the United States and Canada. They feed by skimming plankton at or just below the water’s surface. Conservation status: IUCN lists North Atlantic right whales as critically endangered.
30. Common Cat Snake, recently discovered in Valmiki Tiger Reserve, is endemic to which region?
[A] South America
[B] South Asia
[C] North Africa
[D] Australia
[B] South Asia
[C] North Africa
[D] Australia
Correct Answer: B [South Asia]
Notes:
The common cat snake was recently discovered in Valmiki Tiger Reserve, Bihar. Its scientific name is Boiga trigonata, and it is endemic to South Asia. It is found across India, except in the northeast and islands. It inhabits various forests and elevations. It is venomous but not highly dangerous to humans, used primarily for subduing prey. It is classified as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List.
The common cat snake was recently discovered in Valmiki Tiger Reserve, Bihar. Its scientific name is Boiga trigonata, and it is endemic to South Asia. It is found across India, except in the northeast and islands. It inhabits various forests and elevations. It is venomous but not highly dangerous to humans, used primarily for subduing prey. It is classified as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List.