Source: The Hindu

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Context

• In 2023, India discovered 641 new species, including new plants and animals. The Environment Ministry launched the 'Fauna of India Checklist Portal.'

Details

Key Points

• Discovery of 641 new species and 339 taxa of plants in India in 2023.
• Kerala and West Bengal lead in new fauna and plant discoveries, respectively.
• Launch of the 'Fauna of India Checklist Portal' by the Environment Ministry.
• Significant contributions from Western Ghats and North Eastern regions in new discoveries.

About Curcuma Kakchingense:

• Discovery:
  • A new species of turmeric discovered in Kakching, Manipur.
• Significance:
  • Adds to the diversity of turmeric species in India.
• Potential:
  • Possible applications in horticulture and agriculture due to unique properties.

About Asystasia venui:

• Discovery:
  • A flowering plant discovered in the Acharya Jagdish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden, Howrah, West Bengal.
• Significance:
  • Represents the rich botanical diversity of the region.
• Potential:
  • May have ornamental and medicinal

About Botanical Survey of India:

• Institution:
  • Premier institution working on plant taxonomy for about 120 years.
• Publications:
  • Released the annual 'Plant Discoveries 2023' detailing new plant species.
• Role:
  • Essential in documenting and conserving India’s botanical diversity.

Sources:

The Hindu

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Consider the following statements about new species discovered in India in 2023: 1.Curcuma Kakchingense is a new species of turmeric discovered in Manipur. 2.Asystasia venui is a flowering plant discovered in Kerala. 3.Kerala recorded the highest number of new fauna discoveries. Which of the above statements is/are correct? a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 1 and 3 only d) 1, 2, and 3 Answer: c)