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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Recently, a rare Indian giant flying squirrel was spotted in Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve, indicating rich biodiversity and possible range extension. The reserve is located in Chhattisgarh and was formed by combining the Udanti and Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuaries. Its river system is dominated by the Mahanadi River, along with tributaries like Udanti, Sitanadi, Indravati, and Pairi. It forms a critical forest corridor connecting to Indravati Tiger Reserve, aiding wildlife movement.

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Researchers have discovered three new species of rove beetles in Arunachal Pradesh, highlighting the region’s rich and largely unexplored biodiversity. The species—Megalopsilus arunachalensis, Megalopsilus mithun, and Megalopsilus microglossus—belong to the genus Megalopsilus and were reported in the journal Soil Organisms. The discovery was made through a collaboration between Rajiv Gandhi University and the University of Tübingen. These beetles were found in forest ecosystems such as decaying wood and moist leaf litter, which are crucial for maintaining ecological balance.

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India has withdrawn its bid to host COP33 climate summit after reviewing governmental commitments for 2028.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.

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Dillenia nagalim is a new plant species discovered in Kamjong district of Manipur near the Indo-Myanmar border. The name reflects the Naga community, indicating its local origin. It is endemic, currently known from only a single location. It is a small shrub with bright yellow flowers and double-serrated leaves. It differs from related species like Dillenia pentagyna in size, flower structure, and reproductive features. It grows in tropical deciduous forests (250–350 m altitude) and flowers during May–June.

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Scientists discovered two new jumping spider species—Mogrus shushka and Mogrus pune—belonging to the genus Mogrus, found in arid and urban ecosystems. Mogrus shushka was identified in Desert National Park, adapted to extreme heat, low humidity, and sandy terrain of the Thar Desert. Its name is derived from the Sanskrit word “shushka,” meaning dry, reflecting its habitat conditions. Mogrus pune was discovered in Alfa Laval Biodiversity Park and named after Pune city. These spiders belong to jumping spiders (family Salticidae), known for keen vision and agile hunting. The discovery highlights India’s biodiversity richness across both desert ecosystems and urban green spaces.

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The Madras High Court has refused to lift the temporary ban on boating in Pykara Lake, highlighting environmental concerns. Pykara Lake is located in the Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu and was formed by the construction of a dam on the Pykara River. The river originates from Mukurthi Peak and is the largest river in the district. It is considered sacred by the Toda tribe, an indigenous Adivasi community. The Pykara Dam hosts one of the oldest hydropower plants in South India, generating about 60 MW of electricity.

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The Rajasthan High Court set aside a decision of the National Board for Wildlife regarding clearance near Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is located in the Aravalli Range near Jaipur, Rajasthan. It is named after the historic Nahargarh Fort built by Sawai Jai Singh II in the 18th century. The sanctuary has ecological connectivity with forest regions like Ranthambore Tiger Reserve.

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Scientists discovered new fossils of an ancient platypus species in South Australia showing it had teeth, unlike modern platypuses. The Platypus is a semi-aquatic, egg-laying mammal endemic to eastern Australia. It belongs to a rare group of mammals called monotremes (egg-laying mammals). It inhabits freshwater systems ranging from tropical Queensland to Tasmania and the Australian Alps. It spends much of its time in burrows along riverbanks. Its conservation status is Near Threatened (IUCN).

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Forest officials arrested four suspected poachers in the Baliguda forest division of Kotgarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha. Kotgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Kandhamal district of Odisha in the Eastern Highlands region. It is classified as a moist deciduous forest ecosystem with rich biodiversity. The sanctuary includes tribal communities such as Kutia Kondh and Desia Kondh living within or near forest areas.