Environment & Biodiversity Current Affairs MCQs

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Hurricane Melissa has made a catastrophic landfall in Jamaica, causing heavy rainfall, storm surge, and severe structural damage. Hurricanes are the most intense storms on Earth, also known as typhoons or cyclones, depending on their location. Scientifically, they are called tropical cyclones, which form over warm ocean waters through the same process worldwide. The term “hurricane” is used for storms forming in the Atlantic Ocean or eastern Pacific Ocean. These storms are named from a six-year rotating list maintained by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

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Two new species of marine amphipods named Grandidierella geetanjalae and Grandidierella khambhatensis were recently discovered by researchers from Chilika and the Gulf of Khambhat. Amphipods are small crustaceans related to crabs, lobsters, and shrimp. They are found in marine, freshwater, and even land environments across the world. The word “amphipoda” means “different-footed”, as their legs are of varied types and functions. There are over 7,000 known species, mostly under the group Gammaridea. They usually feed on tiny dead plants and animals and also act as scavengers in aquatic ecosystems.

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The pristine waters of River Umngot in Meghalaya are turning murky due to soil dumping and construction debris. River Umngot, also called Dawki River, flows through the West Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya. It originates from the Eastern Shillong Peak at about 1,800 meters above sea level. The river forms a natural divide between the Jaintia Hills and Khasi Hills. It is known for its crystal-clear water and is considered the cleanest river in India. An annual boat race is held on the river during March–April. It also serves as a natural boundary between India and Bangladesh.

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Recently, the Assam State Zoo team reported the first case of albinism in the checkered keelback, also called the Asian water snake. The checkered keelback is a medium-sized non-venomous snake native to Asia. It is widely found across India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. It lives in freshwater habitats like ponds, marshes, and rice fields. It is listed as Least Concern on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

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No registered breeders or authorised pet shops exist in India for African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus), yet they are widely sold in pet markets. Forest departments confirmed through Right to Information (RTI) replies that no breeder has registered with them. The species is listed under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), requiring special permits and CITES certificates for domestic and international trade. African grey parrot is a medium-sized dusty grey bird, scientifically called Psittacus erithacus, and known as one of the most talented talking/mimicking birds. It has a lifespan of over 50 years and is listed as Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

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Bioremediation means “restoring life through biology” using microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, algae, and plants to clean polluted land and water. These organisms break oil, pesticides, plastics, and heavy metals into safer products like water and carbon dioxide. In situ bioremediation treats pollution at the site, while Ex situ bioremediation treats removed soil or water in a facility. India needs it due to severe river, soil, and industrial pollution and the high cost of traditional cleanup methods. It is cheap, eco-friendly, job-creating, but needs strict safety rules for genetically modified (GM) microbes.

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Two pairs of red-breasted parakeets were spotted on the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Patna campus, exciting birdwatchers and highlighting local biodiversity. These birds are listed as Near Threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. This is the first confirmed sighting of red-breasted parakeets in Bihar. Scientific name of the species is Psittacula alexandri, also called the moustached parakeet. They are native to Southeast Asian countries and easily identified by the large red patch on their breast.

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The Union Environment Ministry reconstituted the Delhi Ridge Management Board (DRMB) with statutory powers under Section 3(3) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, as directed by the Supreme Court of India. DRMB replaces the 1995 board and becomes the single authority to give permissions, remove encroachments, and oversee afforestation in the 7,777-hectare Delhi Ridge. The statutory status strengthens enforcement, coordination, and environmental protection for Delhi’s “green lungs”, which face pressure from construction and encroachments.

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The western tragopan (Tragopan melanocephalus) is one of India’s rarest pheasants and the state bird of Himachal Pradesh, now surviving in small, fragmented pockets in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. IUCN estimates 3,000-9,500 mature tragopans remain, all in a single subpopulation, with a quarter in western Himalayas and northern Pakistan. Sarahan Pheasantry initiated the world’s first successful captive breeding programme in 2005; 43 captive-born birds recorded between 2007-2015. Captive breeding complements but cannot replace habitat protection, which is essential for species survival.

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A new species of snakehead fish has been discovered and named Channa bhoi. It was found in a small mountain stream near Iewmawlong village in the Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya. The species is named to honour the indigenous Bhoi community of the Khasi tribe living in Ri-Bhoi. It belongs to the Gachua group of snakehead fishes, a group rich in species diversity in the Eastern Himalayan region.