UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27th July 2025
Two New Bush Frog Species Jakoid and Jadoh from Meghalaya Named After Khasi Language & Cuisine
Why in News?
- Scientists have discovered two new species of bush frogs in the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, emphasizing the region’s rich biodiversity.
- The frogs have been named using Khasi words and local cuisine, blending biological discovery with cultural recognition.
Key Highlights
- Raorchestes jakoid is derived from the Khasi word “jakoid” meaning frog.
- Raorchestes jadoh is named after “Jadoh”, a traditional Khasi rice and meat dish.
- R. jakoid was found at an elevation of 815 m in Lawbah (East Khasi Hills), while R. jadoh was found at 1,655 m in Langtor (Eastern West Khasi Hills).
- Both species belong to the Raorchestes parvulus complex, known for direct development (no tadpole stage).
Conservation Context
- The frogs were found in shrubs and low vegetation near human habitations, showing some ecological tolerance.
- However, this proximity also suggests a threat from habitat fragmentation, land-use changes, and human encroachment.
- Meghalaya lies in the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, with numerous endemic and recently discovered amphibian species.
Relevance
- The discovery highlights the ecological and cultural richness of Meghalaya, calling for increased scientific exploration and community-based conservation.
- It exemplifies a model where taxonomy supports both biodiversity research and local cultural appreciation.
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Introduction
Economic Implications
For Indian Exporters
- These reforms reduce transaction costs and compliance hurdles
- Encourage a more competitive and efficient export environment
- Promote value addition in key sectors like leather
For Tamil Nadu
- The reforms particularly benefit the state’s leather industry, a major contributor to employment and exports
- Boost the marketability of GI-tagged E.I. leather, enhancing rural and traditional industries
For Trade Policy
- These decisions indicate a shift from regulatory controls to policy facilitation
Reinforce the goals of Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and India’s ambition to become a leading export power
Recently, BVR Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog, claimed that India has overtaken Japan to become the fourth-largest economy in the world, citing data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
India’s rank as the world’s largest economy varies by measure—nominal GDP or purchasing power parity (PPP)—each with key implications for economic analysis.
