Content
- Indian Scientists Discover Two New Fungal Species in the Western Ghats
- Adi Sanskriti
Indian Scientists Discover Two New Fungal Species in the Western Ghats
Why in News?
- Indian scientists from MACS-Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune identified two new species of Aspergillus section Nigri (black aspergilli) from the Western Ghats:
- Aspergillus dhakephalkarii
- Aspergillus patriciawiltshireae
- Reported first records in India of A. aculeatinus and A. brunneoviolaceus.
- Marks India’s first indigenous discovery of new species in Aspergillus section Nigri using polyphasic taxonomic approach.
Relevance :
- GS-3 (Science & Tech / Environment):
- Biotechnology applications of fungi.
- Importance of microbial diversity in ecosystems.
Basics
- Aspergillus Genus:
- Group of filamentous fungi, widely distributed in soil, air, and decaying matter.
- Medical, industrial, and ecological significance.
- Section Nigri (Black Aspergilli):
- Commonly called black molds.
- Known as “industrial workhorses” for applications in:
- Citric acid production
- Food and beverage fermentation
- Agriculture (e.g., phosphate solubilisation)
- Polyphasic Taxonomy:
- A “gold standard” method integrating morphological + molecular phylogenetics.
- Genes used: ITS & CaM (identification); BenA & RPB2 (phylogeny).
Overview
- New Species Description:
- A. dhakephalkarii:
- Fast-growing, pale to dark brown conidia.
- Yellowish-white to orange sclerotia.
- Ellipsoidal, smooth-walled conidia.
- Closely related to A. saccharolyticus.
- A. dhakephalkarii:
- A. patriciawiltshireae:
- Fast-growing with abundant sclerotia on CYA & MEA.
- Yellowish-orange sclerotia; modest sporulation.
- Echinulate conidia; conidiophores branching into >5 columns.
- Related to A. indologenus, A. japonicus, A. uvarum (series Japonici).
- Scientific Significance:
- First systematic Indian study of Aspergillus section Nigri using advanced techniques.
- Provides a phylogenetic baseline for fungal diversity research.
- Contributes to biotechnological applications (fermentation, enzymes, acid production).
- Links to agricultural potential – phosphate solubilisation can improve soil fertility.
- Ecological & Policy Significance:
- Western Ghats = UNESCO World Heritage Site and a biodiversity hotspot.
- Fungi are often neglected in biodiversity studies → discovery underscores hidden microbial wealth.
- Highlights need for conservation and systematic fungal biodiversity surveys.
- Institutional Significance:
- Work initiated under ANRF (erstwhile SERB) project at National Fungal Culture Collection of India (NCCS), ARI Pune.
- Continued with MACS-ARI core funding.
- First Indian-authored recognition of new black aspergilli species.
Adi Sanskriti
Why in News?
- The Ministry of Tribal Affairs launched the Beta Version of “Adi Sanskriti”, a digital learning platform for tribal artforms, during the National Conference on Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi (10 Sept 2025).
- Envisioned as the world’s first Digital University for Tribal Art and Knowledge, integrating education, preservation, and livelihoods.
Relevance :
- GS-1 (Culture): Preserving India’s tribal artforms and intangible heritage.
- GS-2 (Governance / Vulnerable Sections): Tribal empowerment, digital inclusion, role of TRIs.
Basics
- Objective: To digitally preserve tribal heritage, promote traditional knowledge, and empower tribal communities with livelihoods.
- Components:
- Adi Vishwavidyalaya (Digital Tribal Art Academy) → 45 courses on dance, crafts, painting, music, folklore.
- Adi Sampada (Socio-Cultural Repository) → 5,000 curated documents across art, dance, textiles, artefacts, and livelihood.
- Adi Haat (Online Marketplace) → Linked with TRIFED, will evolve into a full marketplace for tribal artisans.
- Partnership: Built with State Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) across 15 states (e.g., AP, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Odisha, Rajasthan, UP).
- Complementary Initiative: Builds on Adi Vaani (AI-based tribal language translator).
Overview
- Cultural Significance:
- First digital repository of songs, stories, rituals, crafts, and art from India’s tribal communities.
- Safeguards intangible cultural heritage at risk of being lost.
- Ensures authentic documentation through TRIs → grassroots validation.
- Educational Significance:
- Digital Tribal University vision → future certifications, advanced research, global learning pathways.
- Bridges traditional wisdom with modern pedagogy through immersive online courses.
- Encourages knowledge-sharing across communities, reducing isolation of tribal cultures.
- Economic & Livelihood Significance:
- Adi Haat gives tribal artisans direct access to global consumers.
- Reduces middlemen → ensures fair pricing and sustainable livelihoods.
- Integrates with TRIFED initiatives for marketing tribal products.
- Governance & Policy Significance:
- Aligned with Viksit Bharat @2047 vision → cultural preservation + economic empowerment.
- Demonstrates Digital India in action → applying digital platforms for inclusion.
- Follows the Ministry’s approach of Shiksha (education) → Sampada (knowledge repository) → Haat (livelihood).
- Technological Significance:
- Uses AI, digital archiving, e-learning frameworks, and e-commerce.
- Represents convergence of digital economy with heritage conservation.
- Potential integration with democratic institutions (e.g., AI-based tribal language use in governance).
- Challenges & Way Forward:
- Ensuring internet accessibility in remote tribal areas.
- Need for multilingual interfaces and local cultural custodians.
- Expansion to cover more tribes, artforms, and languages.
- Requires continuous community involvement to maintain authenticity and inclusiveness.
