Historic Appointment at BSI
India Appoints First Mushroom Scientist to Lead BSI: On September 25, 2025, Dr. Kanad Das became the 13th Director of the Botanical Survey of India (BSI). This appointment marks the first time a mycologist has headed the prestigious institute. The BSI operates under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and has been central to documenting India’s plant diversity since 1890. Static GK fact: BSI headquarters are located in Kolkata with 11 regional centres and 4 supporting units.
Profile of Kanad Das
Dr. Das is internationally recognized for his expertise in fungal taxonomy. He has discovered 165 new species of wild mushrooms and 2 new genera. His contributions include 170 research papers in journals like Fungal Diversity, Mycosphere, and IMA Fungus, alongside eight authored books on mushrooms. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Das has held leadership roles at the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden and Central National Herbarium. Static GK fact: He started as a research scholar at BSI’s Dehradun center.
Vision for BSI
Dr. Das aims to transform the BSI with a focus on digitisation, inclusivity, and scientific expansion. Key initiatives include:
- Completing a comprehensive checklist of India’s lower plant groups and fungi.
- Digitising the national herbarium database for public and research access.
- Promoting fungal biodiversity research, a previously underexplored area in Indian botany.
Static GK Tip: The BSI’s mission is to explore, document, and conserve India’s floral wealth across diverse ecological zones.
Significance of Fungal Research
Fungi play a critical role in ecosystems as decomposers and symbionts. Under Dr. Das, India’s fungal diversity is expected to gain national and global attention, filling gaps in biodiversity records. His leadership also aligns with modern conservation priorities, emphasizing digital accessibility and data-driven research.
Institutional Impact
The appointment highlights a paradigm shift in Indian botanical research, valuing both traditional plant studies and lower plant groups. Dr. Das’s expertise is anticipated to strengthen collaborations with universities, research institutes, and international botanical networks. Static GK fact: BSI was established in 1890 and is responsible for curating specimens and field research nationwide.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
India Appoints First Mushroom Scientist to Lead BSI:
| Topic | Detail |
| New BSI Director | Kanad Das |
| Specialization | Mycology (Fungi Taxonomy) |
| Major Achievement | 165 new mushroom species, 2 new genera |
| Appointment Date | September 25, 2025 |
| Parent Ministry | Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) |
| Headquarters | Kolkata |
| BSI Established | 1890 |
| Key Vision | Checklist of lower plant groups, digitisation of herbarium |
| Research Contributions | 170 research papers, 8 books |
| Leadership Roles | Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden, Central National Herbarium |
