Content

1. Indian Scientists Discover Two New Fungal Species in the Western Ghats
2. 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. 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.