Environment & Biodiversity Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
Scientists from the ICAR-Central Institute of Coldwater Fisheries Research (ICAR-CICFR) have recorded the rare fish Schizopygopsis waddellii for the first time from a natural lake in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh. The fish was recorded at an altitude of around 12,800 feet above sea level. The discovery expands the known range of this rare Himalayan fish into India. Earlier, Schizopygopsis waddellii had been recorded from the Tibetan and China Plateau. The finding adds to the understanding of India’s freshwater biodiversity, particularly in the Himalayan region.

Notes:
A rare leucistic Great Cormorant was spotted at Ameenpur Lake near BHEL, Hyderabad. The bird was spotted by Raghuvamsh Chavali, a Hyderabad-born Canadian birder. The bird had very pale, almost white feathers, making it look completely different from the normal dark cormorants around it. Leucism is a condition in which birds have reduced pigmentation, causing some or most feathers to appear pale or white. Leucistic birds are different from albino birds, although they may sometimes look similar. Ameenpur Lake is a freshwater lake near BHEL in Hyderabad and is known as a birding site.

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Hazaribagh in Jharkhand is emerging as a safe habitat and natural breeding zone for vultures. A 100-km radius around Hazaribagh has recorded regular vulture activity, including adult and juvenile birds. Around 400–450 vultures are estimated to be present in this area. Mahavar Hill and the surrounding forests provide suitable feeding, nesting and roosting conditions. The Jharkhand Forest Department has proposed a conservation-cum-breeding centre in Hazaribagh. India’s vulture population has declined by more than 95% over the past three decades, largely linked to toxic residues of certain Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) used in livestock treatment. Five of India’s nine vulture species are reported in Hazaribagh.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned Sonai-Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary during the 138th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’, highlighting the return of elephants to the area. Elephants had earlier moved away due to human interference and encroachment in the forest. Sonai-Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Sonitpur district of Assam, in the foothills of the Himalayas. The sanctuary covers an area of about 220 sq km and was officially notified as a wildlife sanctuary on 4 September 1998. It is an important habitat for Asian elephants and other wildlife of the Himalayan foothill ecosystem.

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The Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus), India’s national bird, has been officially recorded for the first time in Orang National Park and Tiger Reserve. Orang National Park and Tiger Reserve is located in Assam, on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra River. The area is mainly characterised by grasslands, wetlands and riverine forests, making it an important habitat for wildlife. It was given Tiger Reserve status in 2016.

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Recently, Janakikkad Forest was in the news after the first photographic evidence of the Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl (Ketupa nipalensis) was recorded in the region. Janakikkad Forest is an eco-tourism centre located in Kozhikode district, Kerala. The Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl is a large, nocturnal bird of prey recognised by its distinctive dark chevron markings and deep call. Located near the Kuttiyady River basin, the forest supports diverse birdlife and forest-dwelling species. Janakikkad forms part of the ecologically rich Western Ghats, highlighting the importance of conserving biodiversity and natural habitats.

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Recently, the Junnar Forest Division in Pune district, Maharashtra, launched India’s first scientific study to control leopard fertility through immunocontraception. Two female leopards have received the vaccine and were safely released into the wild. Immunocontraception is a non-lethal, reversible method that temporarily prevents pregnancy. The project was approved by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. Between 2000 and 2025, leopard attacks killed 56 people in Junnar. RESQ Charitable Trust and the Indian Council of Medical Research are supporting the study to assess its safety and effectiveness in reducing human–leopard conflict.

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Recently, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research–Central Potato Research Institute (ICAR-CPRI) highlighted Kufri Jamunia, a nutrient-rich purple potato variety developed to improve nutritional security. Kufri Jamunia was officially released in 2024 and contains higher levels of Vitamin C, anthocyanins and carotenoids than Kufri Manik and Kufri Neelkanth. It is a biofortified crop, meaning its nutritional value is enhanced through plant breeding rather than by adding nutrients during food processing. Kufri Jamunia has potential to improve dietary diversity, support farmers and strengthen India’s efforts towards long-term nutritional security.

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Recently, AdaniConneX and Google announced a planned 1 GW hyperscale data-centre campus across three sites in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The proposed campus includes sites at Mudasarlova and Tarluvada. The Mudasarlova Reservoir is a major surface-water source and a historical reservoir located in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Mudasarlova Reservoir was built in 1901 during British rule on land donated by Maharaja Sri Pusapati Ananda Gajapati Raju. It covers approximately 25 hectares (62 acres), with a catchment area of over 4,000 acres.

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Two new plant species, Ophiorrhiza shidiensis and Ophiorrhiza pemae, have been discovered in Vijoynagar in Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh. Both newly identified species belong to the Rubiaceae family. The species Ophiorrhiza pemae was named after Chief Minister Pema Khandu. The discovery highlights Arunachal Pradesh’s rich floral diversity and enhances scientific understanding of its ecologically significant regions.