Science, Discovery, Tech and Environment · 26 October 2026
Two New Ophiorrhiza Plant Species Discovered in Arunachal Pradesh
Exam-focused facts from the 26 October 2026 current affairs briefing.
Key facts
- Researchers Krishna Chowlu, Renthlei Lalnunfeli and Dr Vinay Kumar Sahani discovered two new plant species, Ophiorrhiza shidiensis and Ophiorrhiza pemae, belonging to the Rubiaceae family, during botanical surveys in Arunachal Pradesh's Vijoynagar.
- One of the newly discovered species, Ophiorrhiza pemae, was named after Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu.
- Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein described the discovery as a significant contribution to documenting the state's biodiversity and advancing botanical research.