CA-10/09/2025
Aspergillus section Nigri
Why in news?
Researchers at MACS-Agharkar Research Institute (Pune), under the Department of Science & Technology, identified two novel species: Aspergillus dhakephalkarii and Aspergillus patriciawiltshireae.
These findings highlight the Western Ghats as an ecologically rich, yet largely unexplored, reservoir of fungal diversity with immense industrial and biotech potential.
About Aspergillus section Nigri
- Aspergillus section Nigri refers to a group of filamentous fungi noted for their black spores and diverse ecological and industrial roles.
Key Features:
Taxonomy
- Aspergillus section Nigri is a subgroup within the genus Aspergillus.
- Members are commonly called black aspergilli due to black-pigmented conidia (spores).
- Includes important species such as Aspergillus niger, A. tubingensis, A. carbonarius, etc..
Morphology
- Colonies typically appear black due to pigmented spores.
- Filamentous structure; produce conidial heads that are radial (uni/biseriate).
- Microscopically, vesicles are globose; conidia are rough-textured and dark.
Ecology and Distribution
- Widely found in soil, decaying organic matter, and on plants.
- Can contaminate food products such as onions, grapes, peanuts, maize.
Industrial Significance
- Used extensively in fermentation and biotechnology (e.g., citric acid production).
- Known for metabolic diversity and high yield in enzyme and acid production.
Health and Safety
- Causes food spoilage and post-harvest decay, especially of fruits and vegetables.
- Certain species produce mycotoxins (such as ochratoxin A and fumonisins), which can be harmful.
- Some can cause opportunistic infections, mostly in immunocompromised individuals (aspergillosis, otomycosis).
National Industrial Classification (NIC-2025)
Why in news?
Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the Draft National Industrial Classification (NIC-2025) on September 10, 2025, aligning it with the global International Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC) Revision 5 standard for better international data comparability.
Key News Updates
- The draft expands the number of industry sub-classes from 1,304 (NIC-2008) to about 1,900 in NIC-2025, especially in emerging sectors like digital economy, renewable energy, fintech, e-commerce, and AYUSH.
- An Expert Committee—including academicians, economists, and industry bodies—led consultations for the overhaul, factoring in extensive stakeholder feedback.
- News reports emphasize that the NIC is critical for statistical surveys, registrations, research, and policy-making by various entities including government, industry, and academia.
- Suggestions can be submitted via email or an online form, ensuring an inclusive and participatory revision process.
Special emphasis on:
- Renewable energy
- Fintech services
- AYUSH health systems
- E-commerce and digital economy
- Intermediation activities
These developments mark a significant step in India’s statistical modernization and reflect both domestic and global changes in industrial structures.
Adi Sanskriti
Why in news?
Ministry of Tribal Affairs officially launched the beta version of Adi Sanskriti in September 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, during the National Conference on Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan.
About Adi Sanskriti
- Adi Sanskriti is a pioneering digital learning platform launched by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs in partnership with State Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) from multiple states, aimed at preserving and promoting the culture, art forms, and traditional knowledge of tribal communities.
- It serves as the world’s first Digital University dedicated to tribal culture, combining education, heritage preservation, and economic empowerment.
The platform integrates three core components:
- Adi Vishwavidyalaya (Digital Tribal Art Academy): Offers immersive courses on tribal dance, painting, crafts, music, and folklore, designed and guided by tribal artists and scholars.
- Adi Sampada (Socio-Cultural Repository): A vast collection of over 5,000 curated documents covering themes like paintings, dance, textiles, artifacts, and livelihood, digitally preserving tribal heritage.
- Adi Haat (Online Marketplace): An online marketplace linked with TRIFED that allows tribal artisans to sell their products directly, promoting sustainable livelihoods.
The long-term vision is to expand Adi Sanskriti into a full-fledged Tribal Digital University offering certifications, advanced research, and transformative learning pathways, aligning with India's goal of Viksit Bharat @2047.
India-Israel Investment Agreement
Why in news?
Recently India and Israel signed a Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIA) in New Delhi. This fresh bilateral investment treaty replaces an earlier BIT from 1996 that was terminated in 2017.
Israel is the first OECD country to adopt India’s new investment treaty model.
Key summary of agreement
- The BIA is characterized as a historic milestone, boosting economic cooperation and providing a stable investment environment while balancing investor protection with the sovereign rights of both states.
- The BIA aims to increase bilateral investments, which currently stand at about USD 800 million, providing greater legal certainty and protection for investors.
- Safeguards against expropriation, transparency, fair compensation for losses, smooth transfer of returns, and an independent arbitration mechanism for dispute resolution.
- The agreement supports cooperation and growth in sectors such as cybersecurity, defense technologies, fintech and digital payments, innovation, infrastructure, and high technology.
- India is Israel's second-largest trade partner in Asia, with bilateral trade reaching around USD 3.9-5 billion in recent years, including trade in defense, diamonds, and technology.
This agreement paves the way for stronger India-Israel economic ties and may support future negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA).
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