Environment & Biodiversity Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
A recent wildlife survey in Arunachal Pradesh recorded first-ever photographic evidence of the elusive Pallas’s cat. It was first described in 1776 by Peter Simon Pallas, based on specimens near Lake Baikal, Russia. It is mainly found in Central Asia, with its range extending to western Iran, Mongolia, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. It inhabits rocky montane grasslands and shrublands with snow cover below 15–20 cm. It preys mainly on lagomorphs (hares, pikas) and rodents. This finding is a major addition to Arunachal Pradesh’s wildlife records.

Notes:
Union Environment Ministry approved the capture of eight tigers from Tadoba-Andhari and Pench reserves for translocation to Sahyadri Tiger Reserve in western Maharashtra. Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR) is the first tiger reserve of western Maharashtra and the fourth in the state. It covers two protected areas: Koyana Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS) and Chandoli National Park (CNP). The Shivsagar reservoir of Koyana River and Vasant Sagar reservoir of Warana River lie in its central part.

Notes:
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed the formation of Cyclone Shakhti on October 3, 2025, over the northeast Arabian Sea. The cyclone was named by Sri Lanka. Fishermen advised not to venture into northwest, northeast, and central Arabian Sea, and Gujarat–north Maharashtra coasts during October 3–6. Cyclone Shakhti highlights warming Arabian Sea, causing rapid intensification like Cyclones Tauktae (2021) and Biparjoy (2023).

Notes:
Recently, scientists discovered a new fungus species named Paramyrothecium strychni in Kerala, India. It belongs to the Ascomycota division and Stachybotryaceae family. The fungus is a phytopathogenic species, meaning it causes diseases in plants. It is associated with leaf spots and blight disease on Strychnos dalzellii (family Loganiaceae). The species was identified using morpho-cultural and multigene molecular phylogenetic studies. According to Index Fungorum, there are 25 known species of Paramyrothecium worldwide. Most Paramyrothecium species are plant pathogens that cause leaf spots and blights in various plants.

Notes:
Scientists from Arunachal Pradesh recently discovered a new Begonia species in Basar, Leparada District. It is named ‘Chowna Buku Chulu (Aryarakta)’, meaning “Noble Red”, in honour of Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein. The plant is known for its striking red leaves and natural growth in the region’s habitat. Begonia is a genus of perennial flowering plants from the Begoniaceae family. In cooler regions, they are cultivated outdoors in summer for their bright flowers with sepals but no petals.

Notes:
Recently, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) adopted Motion 007 on Soil Security Law, the world’s first model legal framework for soil protection. The motion was co-sponsored by Save Soil (Isha Outreach) and the Global Center for Environmental Legal Studies, with support from Aurora, an Australian soil think tank. It marks the first global recognition of soil security as vital for food, water, biodiversity, and climate resilience. IUCN will now form a working group to draft an international convention on soil protection. Sadhguru called it a historic step toward global soil conservation.

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Civil society groups and conservationists in Assam have urged declaring the Roumari-Donduwa Wetland Complex within Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary as a Ramsar Site due to its rich avian biodiversity. Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary lies on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River in Nagaon District, Assam. The sanctuary forms part of the Laokhowa–Burachapori ecosystem and serves as a buffer zone of Kaziranga Tiger Reserve. It is situated within the Brahmaputra Valley and is surrounded by human settlements except to the north.

Notes:
Scientists recently spotted the rare ginkgo-toothed beaked whales (Mesoplodon ginkgodens) for the first time in the wild near Baja California, Mexico. This species is one of 24 beaked whale species, the second most diverse cetacean group after dolphins. It lives in tropical and temperate waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. It has a robust body, small pointed flippers and two unique ginkgo-shaped teeth on the lower jaw. These whales are the deepest-diving mammals, surfacing only briefly and staying far from coastlines.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
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