Breakthrough in Male Infertility Research
Researchers at the ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (ICMR-NIRRCH) in Mumbai have made a significant discovery by identifying a new X-linked gene, ADGRG2, linked to congenital absence of the vas deferens (CAVD). CAVD is a rare form of male infertility where men are born without the tubes that transport sperm. This finding, published earlier this week, provides a broader genetic explanation for the condition in Indian men, moving beyond the previously recognized CFTR gene. The identification of ADGRG2, which can be passed from mothers to sons, is expected to lead to improved understanding, more informed treatment options, and better genetic counselling for affected couples.
Discovery of New Fungal Species in Western Ghats
Indian scientists from the MACS-Agharkar Research Institute in Pune have unveiled two novel species of *Aspergillus section Nigri*, commonly known as black aspergillus. Named *Aspergillus dhakephalkarii* and *Aspergillus patriciawiltshireae*, these species were identified from soil samples collected in the biodiversity-rich Western Ghats. The research also marked the first geographic record of two other black aspergilli species, *A. aculeatinus* and *A. brunneoviolaceus*, from the region. This significant advancement in mycological understanding underscores the Western Ghats' status as a largely untapped reservoir of unique and ecologically important fungal diversity.
India's Ambition to Become a Green Hydrogen Hub
India is laying strong foundations to emerge as a global hub for innovation, manufacturing, and deployment in hydrogen technologies. Union Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy, Shripad Yesso Naik, affirmed this during the valedictory session of the first Green Hydrogen R&D Conference in New Delhi. Through the National Green Hydrogen Mission, the government is actively supporting over 200 R&D projects in renewables, hydrogen, fuel cells, and storage technologies. Dedicated funding, testing facilities, and incubation programs are designed to assist Indian researchers and startups in translating ideas into groundbreaking innovations, positioning India to lead in this critical clean energy sector.
PM Modi Launches Gyan Bharatam Portal for Manuscript Digitization
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Gyan Bharatam Portal, a dedicated digital platform aimed at accelerating the digitization, preservation, and public access of India's extensive manuscript collection. Addressing the International Conference on Gyan Bharatam in New Delhi, PM Modi highlighted that India possesses the world's largest collection of approximately one crore manuscripts. He emphasized that these digitized manuscripts, representing ancient knowledge, will serve as a vast data bank, fostering data-driven innovation and opening new opportunities for youth in the tech field and academic research. The initiative seeks to revitalize India's unparalleled manuscript wealth and integrate it into a global knowledge dialogue.
Foxconn Commences iPhone 17 Production in India Amid Expansion
India does not foresee any significant disruption to the operations of Foxconn, a key iPhone assembler, despite some Chinese employees returning home. S. Krishnan, Secretary of India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, stated that Foxconn's operations, including the commencement of iPhone 17 production at its Bengaluru unit, have remained largely unaffected. With new plants also being established, this development signifies India's continued growth and strategic importance as a manufacturing base for global electronics, particularly in the smartphone sector.