UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 16th July 2025
New Gecko Species Cnemaspis brahmaputra Discovered in Assam
Why in News?
A new diurnal gecko species, Cnemaspis brahmaputra, has been discovered in Assam’s Brahmaputra River valley.
Introduction
- A new species of diurnal gecko, Cnemaspis brahmaputra, has been discovered at Dirgheswari Temple on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra River, facing Guwahati in Assam.
- This discovery adds to the growing body of evidence indicating the rich and unique biodiversity of Northeast India.
Key Highlights:
- Scientific Discovery: The new gecko species has been described in the latest issue of Taprobanica: The Journal of Asian Biodiversity.
- Taxonomy:
Cnemaspis brahmaputra belongs to the Cnemaspis podihuna clade — a group of small, diurnal geckos (active during the day), primarily known from Sri Lanka.
Its discovery in Assam suggests a historical biogeographic link between Sri Lanka and Northeast India. - Ecological Significance:
- Most lizards of this kind in Northeast India are nocturnal, but this species is diurnal, making it unique.
- It inhabits the Brahmaputra River valley, a major ecological corridor.
- The river has played a dual role as a geographic barrier and evolutionary corridor, influencing species distribution.
Naming Rationale:
- Jayaditya Purkayastha of Help Earth stated that the species was named after the Brahmaputra River, recognizing its ecological and cultural significance to the Northeast.
- The river plays a pivotal role in shaping regional biodiversity and evolutionary patterns.
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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.
