Environment & Biodiversity Current Affairs MCQs

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Recently, over 20 people died in the southern United States due to severe storms and tornado outbreaks in Missouri and Kentucky. A tornado is a vertical column of violently rotating air that stretches from a thunderstorm to the ground. It usually appears as a funnel-shaped cloud, but in dry conditions, it may only be seen as swirling dust or debris. If this rotating column forms over water, it is called a waterspout. Tornadoes have wind speeds ranging from 105 to 322 kilometres per hour (km/h), but some can be even stronger. They can move rapidly, often at about 97 km/h, making them extremely dangerous.

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Recently, the Jammu and Kashmir Government formed a Divisional Level Committee to monitor the Eco-Sensitive Zone around the Surinsar-Mansar Wildlife Sanctuary. This sanctuary is located in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and is named after the twin lakes Surinsar and Mansar. It spreads across Jammu, Udhampur, and Samba districts, with most of it lying in Jammu district.

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A new species of jumping spider named Spartaeus karigiri was recently discovered by researchers in southern India. It belongs to the Spartaeinae subfamily and was found for the first time in India, previously known only from Southeast Asia and Africa. The spider is named after Karigiri (Elephant Hill) in Devarayanadurga, Karnataka, where it was first seen. It is known for its smart hunting skills and web-invasion tactics by tricking other spiders. These spiders have excellent eyesight and mimic prey to catch food.

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Recently, a wildlife scientist highlighted the use of CaTRAT (Camera Trap data Repository and Analysis Tool) to identify Himalayan snow leopards. CaTRAT is a software that uses artificial intelligence (AI) and neural network models to automatically sort camera trap images of animal species. It helps researchers efficiently process large volumes of photos and identify snow leopards in high-altitude regions.

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Forest officials in Arunachal Pradesh recently discovered a new flowering plant species named Begonia nyishiorum in the East Kameng district. Begonia nyishiorum is a flowering plant that grows only in East Kameng, making it an endemic species. It grows on moist, shaded mountain slopes at altitudes between 1,500 and 3,000 metres above sea level. The name “nyishiorum” honours the Nyishi tribal community for their forest protection efforts.

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A new gecko species named Cnemaspis brahmaputra was recently discovered in Assam at Dirgheswari Temple on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra River. It has been named after the Brahmaputra River to honour the discovery location. The gecko belongs to the Cnemaspis podihuna clade, a group of small, daytime-active (diurnal) geckos. This clade was earlier believed to exist mainly in Sri Lanka. Its discovery in Assam proves an ancient biogeographic link between Sri Lanka and northeast India.

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Recently, at Ramsar COP15 held at Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, India introduced a resolution on ‘Promoting Sustainable Lifestyles for the Wise Use of Wetlands’. The resolution was adopted with support from 172 Ramsar Contracting Parties, 6 International Organisation Partners, and other observers. It highlights the importance of individual and societal choices in wetland conservation and promotes a pro-planet lifestyle. It urges countries to integrate lifestyle-based interventions into wetland policies, plans, and investments. The resolution calls for public-private collaboration, education at all levels, and awareness to promote wise use of wetlands.

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Palamau Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Jharkhand, the last stronghold of Gaur (Bos gaurus) in the state, is witnessing a sharp population decline. It lies on the Chhotanagpur plateau in Jharkhand and is part of Betla National Park. Gaur, also called Indian Bison, is the largest wild cattle species in the Bovidae family. They are native to South and Southeast Asia.

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For the first time, a consignment of 1.5 metric tonnes of Halman apricots has been sent to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar. Halman apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) is a premium variety found in Ladakh. It was introduced over a century ago from China or Central Asia. It is abundantly grown in the Sham region of Ladakh including Dha-Hanu, Garkhon, Skurbuchan, Domkhar, Wanla, Khaltse, and Timosgang villages. It is renowned for rich flavor, versatility, and role in Ladakhi cuisine, medicine, and rituals. Nutritionally, it is rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin E, potassium, magnesium, iron, dietary fiber, and antioxidants.

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A new study found that native plants Bombax ceiba and Lagerstroemia speciosa are joining invasive species and altering the riverine ecosystem of Dibru-Saikhowa National Park in eastern Assam. Dibru-Saikhowa National Park is located in Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts of Assam, India. It was designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1997. The park is bounded by the Brahmaputra and Lohit Rivers in the north and the Dibru River in the south.