Environment & Biodiversity Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
Lamphelpat Lake, located in Manipur’s Langol hill range, serves as a crucial reservoir for excess waters from Luwangli and Nambul rivers. Also known as a mini Loktak lake, it sustains Imphal’s ecosystem. Now, the Lamphelpat Waterbody Project, a joint effort of Manipur’s Water Resource Department and Ministry of Jal Shakti, aims to revive it. This project, with six key components including flood control and ecotourism promotion, promises a remarkable revival for the lake.

Notes:
At Atapaka Bird Sanctuary, situated on Kolleru Lake in Andhra Pradesh, nature enthusiasts relish the sight of thousands of migratory birds, particularly Pelicans. Spanning 673 sq km across West Godavari and Krishna districts, it’s under the Kaikalur forest range. Common species include Cormorants, Common Redshanks, and more. Kolleru Lake, India’s largest freshwater lake, balances floods for Krishna and Godavari deltas, with over 68 inflowing channels and serves as a vital migratory bird habitat.

Notes:
A study from the University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia, reveals lianas, or woody vining plants, threaten forests. Also known as vines or climbers, lianas use trees to ascend to the canopy. Common in tropical forests, they flourish in warm, lowland areas and thrive in disturbed environments. Lianas compete with trees for sunlight, suppressing them and reducing carbon sequestration. This could worsen global warming by hindering forests’ ability to store carbon effectively, altering carbon cycles.

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Telangana’s Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary faces forest fires in the Tadvai region. Established in 1953, it lies near Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana borders, traversed by the Dayyam Vagu River. Renowned for the Sammakkka Sarakka Jathra, it’s traversed by the Godavari River. Vegetation comprises tropical dry deciduous types with teak, bamboo, and climbers. Notable fauna include Indian gaur, giant squirrel, tiger, leopard, and various others like sloth bear and wild dogs.

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Scientists discovered a new species of cicada in Meghalaya, dubbed “Butterfly Cicadas.” Cicadas, belonging to the Cicadidae family, are sound-producing insects with two pairs of wings, compound eyes, and ocelli. They measure 2 to 5 cm and males produce loud noises via vibrating membranes. Females typically lay eggs in woody plants. Over 3,000 cicada species exist, predominantly in tropical regions like deserts, grasslands, and forests.

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Cumbum Valley, known as the “Grapes City of South India,” is known for Panneer Thratchai grapes, comprising 85% of India’s production. Introduced in 1832 by a French priest, these grapes thrive year-round, unlike elsewhere. Recognized for its rapid growth and early maturity, it earned a Geographical Indication tag in 2023. Cumbum Valley’s grapes, rich in nutrients, are used for wine, spirits, and more. Its location in Tamil Nadu’s Western Ghats adds to its allure.

Notes:
The Decision Support System (DSS) for Delhi’s air pollution, developed by IITM Pune, will resume in September with new features. It forecasts Delhi’s air quality and pollution sources, including emissions from Delhi and neighboring districts. It also assesses the impact of emission interventions and biomass burning. Now, it will extend to eight surrounding NCR districts. DSS, operational in winter, halted temporarily due to forecast discrepancies. It collaborates with SAFAR for comprehensive air quality data.

Notes:
Widespread damage to cardamom plantations in Kerala due to drought has led to significant losses for farmers. With fears of further crop destruction, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Idukki suggest strategies like foliar application of PPFM and disease prevention treatments to mitigate the impact on cardamom production, emphasizing the urgent need for action to safeguard livelihoods in affected regions.

Notes:
Researchers unveiled Impatiens neo-uncinata, a new species of garden balsam in Kerala’s Western Ghats. This rare find, resembling Impatiens uncinata, differs in flower size and morphology. Growing up to 20 cm in height, it thrives in evergreen forests’ open areas, particularly wetlands, at elevations of 1,000 to 1,250 m. Flowering from August to December, it’s a cousin to the popular garden balsam, contributing to the over 1000 species of Impatiens found in the tropics.

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The Noyyal River in Tamil Nadu originates from the Velliangiri hills, flowing through Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Karur, and Erode districts before joining the Cauvery River. It faces pollution and choking due to plastics and sewage. Historical relics from Chalukya and Chola periods line its banks. Restoration efforts, aided by the Central Government’s National River Restoration Fund, managed by the Ministry of Jal Shakti.