Environment & Biodiversity Current Affairs MCQs

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A pair of Shaheen Falcon was recently found nesting in a multi-storey residential complex in Kochi, highlighting its adaptability to urban environments. The Shaheen Falcon (Falco peregrinus peregrinator) is a non-migratory subspecies of the Peregrine Falcon found mainly in the Indian subcontinent. It is found across India and also reported in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. It is listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

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The Assam Government is planning to create a new Reserved Forest adjacent to Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuary in Sonitpur district, Assam, to strengthen conservation efforts. Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the south bank of the Brahmaputra River, Assam and is part of the Laokhowa–Burhachapori ecosystem. It lies strategically between Kaziranga National Park (east), Orang National Park (west), and Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary (south). The region experiences a sub-tropical monsoon climate, supporting rich biodiversity.

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Telangana Government has started rehabilitation and relocation of tribal families from Amrabad Tiger Reserve (ATR) to balance tribal development and wildlife conservation. Amrabad Tiger Reserve is located in the Nallamala Hills of Eastern Ghats in Telangana. It was earlier part of Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve before Andhra Pradesh–Telangana bifurcation (2014). The reserve has rugged terrain, deep valleys, and dense forests, supporting rich biodiversity. Krishna River and its streams flow through the reserve, feeding Srisailam Dam and Nagarjunasagar Dam. The Chenchu tribe, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), is the main community residing inside the reserve.

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The Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve is being developed as India’s third cheetah habitat, with the foundation of a soft release enclosure (Boma) laid recently. The reserve was created by combining Nauradehi and Durgavati Wildlife Sanctuaries and is located in the Bundelkhand region across Sagar, Damoh, and Narsinghpur districts, Madhya Pradesh. The initiative will help in the safe adaptation and release of cheetahs, strengthening wildlife conservation in India.

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The Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle is a freshwater turtle species endemic to South Asia and once thrived in the Ganga River, but is now restricted to limited habitats. It belongs to the genus Batagur and is one of the three large freshwater turtles found in India. It is distributed in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and also found in the Brahmaputra River basin. It is listed as Critically Endangered in IUCN – International Union for Conservation of Nature list.

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Snowy Owl has been granted international protection under the U.N. Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals. It is a large white owl of the true owl family, mainly inhabiting Arctic tundra regions. It is found across Arctic areas of North America and Eurasia, and also in open habitats like grasslands and coastal dunes. Unlike most owls, it is active during both day and night and shows nomadic behaviour. It feeds on small mammals like lemmings and voles using a swooping hunting technique. According to International Union for Conservation of Nature, it is classified as Vulnerable.

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Police rescued 16 Indian Softshell turtles from illegal wildlife trade in Jharcha, Greater Noida, highlighting ongoing trafficking concerns. The Indian softshell turtle is a freshwater turtle species native to South Asia. They are found in rivers, canals, ponds, and freshwater systems. They are distributed across major river basins like Indus, Ganga, and Mahanadi. They occurs in multiple Indian states (e.g., Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal) and also in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan.

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Blackbuck have been reintroduced into their natural habitat at Rampur grassland in Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary, supporting conservation efforts. The sanctuary is located in the northern part of Mahasamund district in Chhattisgarh. It derives its name from the Bar and Nawapara forest villages situated within its core area. The sanctuary’s water sources are mainly tributaries of the Mahanadi River. The Balamdehi River forms its western boundary, while the Jonk River forms its northeastern boundary.

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The National Biodiversity Authority has designated two institutions as National Repositories under Section 39 of the Biological Diversity Act 2002. The institutions are Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology and Agharkar Research Institute. The Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology hosts the Referral Centre Bhavasagara, focusing on deep-sea biodiversity with over 3,500 geo-referenced specimens, including fishes and invertebrates. It is the only national facility dedicated to preserving life from India’s deep-sea ecosystems. The Agharkar Research Institute hosts the MACS Microorganism & Fungal Collection, specialising in anaerobic and extremophilic microorganisms and diverse fungal cultures.

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India has withdrawn its bid to host COP33 climate summit after reviewing governmental commitments for 2028. The proposal was earlier announced at COP28 to strengthen India’s leadership among Global South countries. COP (Conference of Parties: annual UN climate meeting under UNFCCC) hosting rotates among regional groups; 2028 is allocated to Asia-Pacific. With India’s withdrawal, South Korea remains the only formal contender. India previously hosted COP8 in New Delhi.