Environment & Biodiversity Current Affairs MCQs

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Recently, researchers began studying the rare cooperation between wild dolphins and traditional fishers in Ashtamudi Lake. Ashtamudi Lake is a freshwater lake in Kollam district, Kerala, and is the second largest lake after Vembanad Lake. Its name means Eight Braids in Malayalam, reflecting its palm-shaped branching. It is fed by the Kallada River and drains into the Arabian Sea. The region is also famous for its traditional coir industry. The lake supports rich biodiversity with 57 bird species, 97 fish species, and many endangered animals like pearl spot fish, mangrove crab, otter, and kingfisher.

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The Asiatic Caracal was recently spotted in Ramgarh, Rajasthan, showing its rare presence in India. The Caracal (Scientific Name: Caracal caracal) is an elusive medium-sized wild cat species. It is called the desert lynx but is more closely related to the African golden cat and the Serval. In India, it is known as Siya Gosh, meaning ‘black ear’ in Persian. It is native to Africa, Central Asia, the Middle East, northwestern India, and arid Pakistan. Only about 50 remain in India, mostly in Rajasthan and Gujarat. It lives in semi-deserts, savannahs, shrublands, steppes, forests, and dry woodlands. Its IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) status is Least Concern.

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Semeru Volcano on Indonesia’s main island of Java erupted recently, sending ash and gas kilometres into the sky and prompting officials to raise the alert to the highest level. It is located in East Java, Indonesia, and is one of the country’s most active volcanoes. At 3,676 metres (12,060 feet), it is the highest peak on Java and part of the Pacific “Ring of Fire”. The volcano lies at the southern end of a volcanic massif extending north to the Tengger caldera. Its summit shifts from northwest to southeast, creating complex topography.

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Scientists have discovered a new owlfly species in Kerala after 134 years, named Protidricerus albocapitatus, marking a major entomological finding. It was found in the Nedumkayam forest in the Malappuram district of Kerala. The species belongs to the family Myrmeleontidae and the order Neuroptera. With this discovery, Kerala now has five known owlfly species, and India’s total has increased to 37 species. The owlfly has a white tufted head and clubbed antennae, making it easily identifiable.

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Recently, poachers killed two bison in the Chilfi East Range of the Bhoramdev Sanctuary in Kawardha, Chhattisgarh, raising serious concern for wildlife protection. Bhoramdev Wildlife Sanctuary, also called Bhoramdeo Wildlife Sanctuary, is located in Kawardha district of Chhattisgarh. It was notified as a sanctuary in 2001. It lies in the Maikal range of the Satpura hills, known for its rich and unique ecosystem. It forms part of the Kanha–Achanakmar Corridor linking Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh with Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary in Chhattisgarh

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Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Morigaon district of Assam is recording an early arrival of migratory birds with winter beginning. Birds are coming from Europe America and the Tibetan region attracting wildlife lovers. Pobitora is located in the eastern region of Guwahati, Assam, and lies near Mayong village known as the Black Magic capital of India. The sanctuary was established in 1998 and covers 48.81 sq km area. It includes Rajamayong Reserve Forest and Pobitora Reserve Forest. The region was once part of the Brahmaputra River floodplains and is known for rich flora and fauna

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A nest of the Rock Eagle Owl led the Telangana Forest Department to stop quarrying for over one month to protect the species. It is also called the Indian eagle-owl or Bengal eagle-owl. It is a large horned owl found in hilly scrub forests and rocky areas. The bird is brown-grey with a white throat patch and black stripes. It is mainly found in South Asian countries like India, Nepal, and Pakistan. Its status is Least Concern under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

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Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) was found non-compliant in stopping untreated sewage from entering Powai Lake. National Green Tribunal (NGT) committee recommended a fine of Rs 5 lakh per month per inlet if the action plan is violated. Powai Lake is an artificial lake in northern Mumbai, Maharashtra. It lies near Western Ghats and has a catchment area of 6.6 square kilometres.

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India’s resolution on “Strengthening the Global Management of Wildfires” was adopted at the 7th Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) in Nairobi, Kenya. The resolution received wide support from UN Member States, emphasizing global recognition of wildfire threats. India highlighted that wildfires are a pressing global environmental challenge, increasing in number, scale, and intensity beyond seasonal patterns. The resolution aims to enhance international cooperation and coordinated action for wildfire management. India referenced UNEP’s report “Spreading Like Wildfire”, warning wildfires could rise by 14% by 2030, 30% by 2050, and 50% by 2100 if trends continue.

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A forest department team recently conducted a raid in the Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary, seizing a large number of deer heads, horns, and animal flesh, and arrested a poacher. Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Kaimur district of Bihar. It lies in the Kaimur Hills range, a region known for its rugged and historically significant terrain. The Kaimur Hills are home to two ancient forts and the Mundeshwari Temple, regarded as one of the oldest Hindu temples in India. It is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Bihar, covering an area of about 1,342 square kilometres.