Current Affairs-Topics

Phlogacanthus Sudhansusekharii: Arunachal New Plant Species

Phlogacanthus Sudhansusekharii, a species of Phlogacanthus, was discovered in Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh. Named after Dr. Sudhansu Sekhar Dash.

Discovery of Phlogacanthus Sudhansusekharii

  • Discovered by researchers from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI)
  • Found in Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh
  • Belongs to the Acanthaceae family and Phlogacanthus genus
  • Named after Dr. Sudhansu Sekhar Dash, a BSI scientist
  • Honors Dr. Dash's contributions to plant and ecological research in the Indian Himalayan region
  • Research paper published in the Indian Journal of Forestry by Samrat Goswami and Rohan Maity

Characteristics and Significance

  • Closely related to Phlogacanthus guttatus but with distinct morphological features
  • Differs in shape and size of calyx, staminodes, and corona color
  • Part of the Phlogacanthus genus, which comprises 13 species in India
  • Primarily found in northeastern and eastern Himalayan states
  • Grows in damp, shady forests and plays a crucial role in local ecosystems
  • Potential for traditional medicine applications, though not fully studied yet

Biodiversity and Conservation Implications

  • Highlights the rich biodiversity of Arunachal Pradesh
  • Emphasizes the importance of wildlife sanctuaries in preserving unique flora
  • Draws attention to the need for continued ecological research in the region
  • Underscores the potential for new discoveries in unexplored areas
  • Raises awareness about habitat loss and the importance of conservation efforts
  • Celebrated by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, recognizing its significance for the state's natural heritage

Botanical Survey of India (BSI)

  • Founded on February 13, 1890, in Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
  • Founded by Sir George King, former ex-officio director of Royal Botanic Garden, Calcutta.
  • Organized by the Government of India, Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.
  • Surveys, researches, and conserves plant wealth, flora, and endangered species.
  • Maintains germplasm and gene bank for endangered, patent, and vulnerable plant species.

More Related Articles

CO₂, Methane & Nitrous Oxide

The 2024 greenhouse gas levels have reached an alarming record, according to the United Nations and the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO). The latest climate change report 2024 confirms that

India Elephant Population 2025

The Indian elephant population in 2025 has drawn significant attention from conservationists, policymakers, and students preparing for competitive exams like SSC. According to the latest All-India

Climate Change Threat on the Rise Globally

The climate change threat has emerged as the most serious environmental challenge for the world’s natural heritage sites. According to the latest IUCN World Heritage Outlook 4, released in O

Compressed Biogas Plant Launch

India has launched its first cooperative multi-feed Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant in Kopargaon, Maharashtra. This is a big step toward renewable energy, green energy, and sustainable rural develop

Project Dolphin India

Project Dolphin India is a flagship initiative by the Government of India aimed at conserving India’s dolphin species, both in rivers and marine ecosystems. Launched under the theme of human

Madhya Pradesh’s Gaj Rakshak App

The Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh is not only famous for its tigers but has also become home to a growing population of elephants. With this increase, human-elephant conflicts have e

Mountain Ecosystem Explained

The fragile mountain ecosystem of the Himalayas is facing unprecedented climate risks and ecological challenges. At the 12th Sustainable Mountain Development Summit (SMDS-XII) held in Dehradun, ex

Draft 2025 Solid Waste Management

India marks 25 years since its first Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Rules in 2000. Over the years, the country has seen evolving regulations and infrastructure aimed at cleaner cities, but many urban

Floods and Landslides in Hilly Regions

The current monsoon has brought unusually intense rainfall to hilly states such as Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, exacerbating the incidence of floods and landslides. Rivers are swelling to per

India’s CO₂ Emissions Drop in 2025

India’s CO₂ emissions have always been a critical issue in the context of sustainable development, economic growth, and climate change. For the first time outside a crisis period like the

Toppers

anil kumar
Akshay kuamr
geeta kumari
shubham