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  • Current Affairs 24th February 2017

    Updated : 24-Feb-2017

    Current Affairs 24th February 2017 - Important Points

    • New frog species discovered in- Western Ghats
    • Central Excise Day celebrated on- 24th February 2017

    Current Affairs 24th February 2017 - Details

    New frog species discovered in- Western Ghats

    Delhi University-based researchers and the Kerala Forest Department discovered seven new miniature frog species in the Western Ghats.This study was published on 21st February 2017 in Peerj.

    Night Frogs belong to the Nyctibatrachus genus endemic in the Western Ghats and represent an ancient group of frogs that diversified on the Indian landmass 70 to 80 million years ago approximately.

    Important Things:

    •  Out of the seven new discovered species, five are facing considerable anthropogenic threats and need an immediate conservation priority.
    •  Four out of seven of the new species are of size 12.2-15.4 mm only.
    •  These species of frogs are locally abundant and common in westerna ghats only. 

    Do you know:

    These miniature frogs discovered in the Western Ghats are also called the "Night Frogs" because of the feature that these are active during both day and night unlike other normal breeds.

    Central Excise Day celebrated on- 24th February 2017

    The Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) celebrated the Central Excise Day across the country on 24th February 2017 .

    To mark this occasion, the Central Excise officers organized seminars, workshops, trade interactions and cultural events all over the country.

    Interesting Facts:

    •  It is a part of the Department of Revenue under the Union Ministry of Finance.
    •  The CBEC deals with policy formulation concerning levy and collection of Customs and central excise duties and service tax.
    •  The Board also deals with matters related to smuggling and administration of matters relating to Customs, central excise, service tax and narcotics
    •  to the extent under the CBEC's purview.
    •  The board primarily deals with the Customs Act, 1962, Customs Tarriff Act, 1975, Central Excise Act, 1944 and Service Tax Act.

    Do you Know:

    The Central Excise Day is celebrated every year to show respect to the Central Excise and Salt Act, enacted on 24th February 1944.