Environment & Biodiversity Current Affairs MCQs

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The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) approved Rs 56 crore for the next phase of conserving the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) and Lesser Florican. This program, running since 2016, aims for the long-term recovery of these critically endangered species, with around 140 GIBs and fewer than 1,000 Lesser Floricans surviving. Key efforts include breeding centers, in-situ conservation, artificial insemination techniques, and addressing threats like hunting and power line collisions.

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Environmental organizations recently urged the Forest department to maintain transparency in a project to extract Senna spectabilis from Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. Senna spectabilis, a legume family tree native to South and Central America, is invasive in India. Known for its bright yellow flowers and resilience, it was introduced for shade and fuelwood but now threatens native species due to its dense foliage. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

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Researchers from Christ College, Irinjalakuda, discovered two new litter-dwelling jumping spider species in the southern Western Ghats’ evergreen forests. Named Habrocestum swaminathan and Habrocestum benjamin, they contribute to the genus Habrocestum. These spiders play crucial roles in natural pest control and serve as indicators of ecosystem health. Habrocestum swaminathan was found near the Kunthi river, honoring M.S. Swaminathan, while Habrocestum benjamin, noted for its colorful patches, was discovered near Thusharagiri waterfalls and named after jumping spider specialist Suresh P. Benjamin.

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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed concerns over the Teesta River’s water scarcity in summer and overflow during monsoons, and emphasized the need to renew the Farakka Treaty. Originating from the Pahunri Glacier in the Sikkim Himalayas, the Teesta River flows through Sikkim, West Bengal, and into Bangladesh, joining the Brahmaputra. Known for its turbulent flow, the Teesta has a 414 km length and a drainage area of 12,540 sq. km.

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Sajjangarh Biological Park in Udaipur is to receive a pair of lions from Sakkarbaug Zoological Park, Gujarat, through an animal exchange initiative. The Rs 3.45 crore lion safari project aims to enhance the park’s appeal. Covering 26 hectares, it will accommodate up to eight lions. In return, Sajjangarh will provide Sakkarbaug Zoo with various animals. The Central Zoo Authority approved the transfer to boost Udaipur tourism, with plans to expand the park’s facilities.

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Kashmiri willow bats have gained global recognition in international cricket. Grown primarily in the Kashmir region, these deciduous trees can reach up to 30 meters and take 20-25 years to mature. They thrive in moist, temperate climates, especially near riverbanks. Willows are efficient in converting solar energy and exhibit high evapotranspiration rates. Besides their use in the cricket bat industry, they are also utilized in packing, basketry, and furniture manufacturing.

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India will apply for exploration licenses from the International Seabed Authority (ISA) to search for deep-sea minerals in the Pacific Ocean, focusing on the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ). The CCZ, a vast plain between Hawaii and Mexico, contains large volumes of polymetallic nodules rich in manganese, nickel, copper, and cobalt, essential for electric vehicles and solar panels. Discovered in 1873, these nodules form over millions of years. The CCZ hosts up to 30 cetacean populations, including endangered blue whales. The ISA, established in 1994 under the UNCLOS, regulates mining in international seabeds beyond national jurisdiction.

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Azerbaijan has launched the Climate Finance Action Fund (CFAF) as part of its initiatives for the UN Climate Change Conference COP29. Headquartered in Baku, the CFAF aims to support climate projects in developing countries, advance Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and address natural disaster impacts. The fund will be capitalized by fossil fuel-producing countries and companies involved in oil, gas, and coal. It will become operational after raising $1 billion in its initial fundraising round and securing commitments from 10 contributing countries.

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Recently, Typhoon Gaemi wreaked havoc across Taiwan, the Philippines, and parts of southeastern China. The heavy rains resulted in the sinking of an oil tanker laden with 1.4 million litres of oil in Manila Bay. Oil spills, such as this, occur when crude oil or refined petroleum products are released into the environment due to accidents during transportation, offshore drilling, or tanker mishaps. These spills can have severe and long-lasting effects on ecosystems and human communities. The substances spilled can include refined products like gasoline and diesel, which are often more toxic and harmful than crude oil.

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India has successfully prevented Aquilaria malaccensis (agarwood) from being included in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) Review of Significant Trade. Agarwood, or gaharu, is resinous heartwood from fast-growing subtropical trees found in West Bengal and North-Eastern India. It thrives in high rainfall areas with temperatures between 20°C and 28°C and requires sandy loam or slightly acidic soils. Valued for incense, perfumes, and medicine, agarwood also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Despite its critical endangered status on the IUCN Red List and listing in CITES Appendix II, India’s efforts have impacted its trade regulation.