Description

Source: The Hindu
Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.
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)
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