Environment & Biodiversity Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
Amid controversy over reducing its boundary, the Forest Minister recently visited Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary to assess the situation. The sanctuary is located in Shimoga (Shivamogga) district of Karnataka and covers about 395.6 square kilometres. The Tunga Anicut Dam lies within the sanctuary and supports otters and several water bird species. Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary is part of Shettihalli and is a major bird nesting site on an island in the Tunga River. The area has tropical evergreen, semi-evergreen, dry deciduous, and moist deciduous forests.

Notes:
The Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary in Nuapada district, Odisha was declared Maoist-free in January 2026, enabling improved wildlife monitoring and conservation activities. In the All-India Tiger Estimation exercise (data yet to be officially released), authorities estimate over 70 leopards, with 90% camera traps capturing leopard images. Nuapada district regularly reports human–leopard conflict, supporting evidence of a strong leopard presence. Reduced Maoist activity enabled camera trap installation across all sanctuary sectors for the first time.

Notes:
A new orchid species named Diplocentrum papillosum was discovered in Kanthalloor, Marayoor, in the Idukki district of Kerala. It belongs to the Diplocentrum genus, which is found only in the southern part of the Western Ghats. The orchid grows on rocks and tree branches and has strong roots to survive high winds. The name papillosum refers to the papillose, or small bump-like, texture of its flowers. It has unbranched flower clusters with pink and white, fragrant, and eye-catching blooms.

Notes:
A recent faunal survey in Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary has greatly increased biodiversity records of Kerala’s youngest protected area. The sanctuary is located in Malappuram district of Kerala on the western slopes of the Nilgiris. Its name comes from the Karimpuzha River, a tributary of the Chaliyar River. The forest forms part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR) and the Nilambur Elephant Reserve (ER). It borders Mukurthi National Park (Tamil Nadu) and Silent Valley National Park (Kerala).

Notes:
The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has launched a digital portal for issuing Certificates of Origin for cultivated medicinal plants. The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The portal enables stakeholders to obtain Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) exemptions through an end-to-end online, single-window system.

Notes:
A third tigress was recently released into the wild at Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR), boosting tiger conservation in western Maharashtra. Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR) is located in the Sahyadri Ranges of the Western Ghats, Maharashtra, and is the northernmost tiger habitat in the Western Ghats. It is the first tiger reserve of Western Maharashtra and the fourth in the state.

Notes:
Gentoo penguins became first bird species confirmed with H5 avian influenza in an Australian territory. It is closely related to Adélie penguin and Chinstrap penguin. It is found along Antarctic Peninsula, sub-Antarctic islands and Falkland Islands in Southern Hemisphere between 45° and 65° south latitude. It lives near shorelines for easy food access and nesting. It is fastest underwater swimmer among penguins. It is diurnal, social and breeds in colonies. International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) status is Least Concern.

Notes:
Scientists from the ICAR-Directorate of Floricultural Research have discovered a new species of blossom midge named Contarinia icardiflores. Contarinia icardiflores is a newly identified species belonging to the genus Contarinia, whose members are small insects recognized as serious pests of ornamental and food crops worldwide. The larvae of this species feed inside flower buds or blossoms, often leading to severe yield losses in agricultural and horticultural crops. The species has been named in honour of ICAR-DFR to acknowledge the institute’s significant contributions to floriculture research.

Notes:
Assam flagged off its first trial export of 1.2 metric tonnes of Geographical Indication tagged Karbi Anglong Ginger to London, marking a major agricultural milestone. Karbi Anglong district produces this premium ginger variety known for strong aroma, high pungency and medicinal value. It is grown mainly in Singhasan Hills using traditional Jhum shifting cultivation and Tila farming methods. It has Geographical Indication tag, confirming its unique origin and quality. It has high essential oil content, strong earthy flavour and digestive and anti inflammatory benefits. It is widely demanded in culinary, pharmaceutical and processing industries.

Notes:
Stenothoe lowryi is a rare shrimp-like marine crustacean recently recorded in India for the first time. It was discovered at Arjyapalli Beach by researchers from Berhampur University, Odisha. Earlier, the species was known only from Malaysia waters. It belongs to family Stenothoidae under the order Amphipoda. Amphipods are small invertebrate crustaceans related to crabs, lobsters, and shrimp. They live in oceans, lakes, rivers, beaches, caves, and moist tropical habitats. The name Amphipoda means “different-footed” because they have different types of legs.