The cutting-edge research of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has led to an exciting discovery in the field of amphibian biology. A new species of frog, named Amolops Siju, has been identified in the South Garo Hills district of Meghalaya, situated in a cave known as the Siju cave.
Discovery of Amolops Siju
This newly discovered frog species falls under the category of the ranid frogs, which is the largest group of its kind, boasting more than 70 distinct species. These are not limited to northeast and north India but are spread far and wide, reaching out to Nepal, Bhutan, China, and the Malaya Peninsula. Uncovering a new species from a cave is relatively unusual, with this being the fourth instance of identifying a new cascade frog (Amolops). Interestingly, these frogs have earned their name due to their preference for small waterfalls or cascades in flowing hill streams.
Future Retail Ltd. Gets Approval for Extension
In other news, National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has granted Future Retail Ltd. (FRL) an extension of 90 days to wrap up its Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP). The insolvency process against FRL was initiated by NCLT in July 2022 after it failed to pay off its loans. According to Section 12(1) of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), the resolution process must conclude within 330 days, including the time taken for litigation.
Even though the CIRP should ideally be completed within 180 days of initiation, NCLT can offer a one-time extension of 90 days. Established under the Companies Act, 2013, the NCLT adjudicates issues related to Indian companies and is itself a product of the Justice Eradi committee’s recommendation.
Unprecedented Discovery by James Webb Space Telescope
Meanwhile, in the vast expanse of the universe, the James Webb Space Telescope has made an unprecedented discovery. It has spotted a highly compact galaxy that was formed shortly after the Big Bang, which is revolutionising our understanding of the early universe. Despite being 1,000 times smaller than the Milky Way, this galaxy conceives new stars at a rate that matches our existing galaxy.
This discovery challenges the traditional understanding of galaxy formation in the early universe, suggesting that the first galaxies might greatly differ from the current ones. Additionally, due to the scarcity of heavier elements during its formation, the chemical composition of this newly discovered galaxy also varies from modern-day galaxies. The detection of this galaxy was made possible by the Gravitational lensing phenomena.
The Significance of the Uttaramerur Inscription
Back home, Indian Prime Minister recently referred to the Uttaramerur inscription located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, while discussing India’s democratic history. Dating back to the reign of Parantaka I (907-953 AD), this inscription offers a detailed description of how self-governance operated in the village.
Uttaramerur, currently part of the Kanchipuram district, is a small town renowned for its historic temples built during Pallava and Chola rule. The inscription, found on the walls of the Vaikunda Perumal Temple, describes the functioning of the local sabha, or village assembly. While it details the selection process, qualifications, roles, and responsibilities of the members, it also sheds light on the specialised committees and their varied functions.
The Uttaramerur inscription serves as a precedent of democratic functioning, describing a system of government that closely adheres to the rule of law. However, it must be noted that the sabha was composed solely of brahmans, excluding a large proportion of the populace from participation in governance. Nevertheless, it stands as a testimony to India’s long-standing democratic traditions.
