A university in Assam has developed a fungal powder to help people boost their immunity to disease.

Try this question from CSP 2019:

Q.) Recently, there was a growing awareness in our country about the importance of Himalayan nettle (Girardinia diversifolia) because it is found to be a sustainable source of

(a) anti-malarial drug

(b) bio-diesel

(c) pulp for paper industry

(d) textile fibre

A similar question related to Cordyceps militaris can be asked. UPSC may ask whether it is a Fungi, Algae, a Moss or a Lichen.

Cordyceps militaris

• The powder is from a parasitic but rare “super mushroom” called Cordyceps militaris.
• The militaris underwent powdering through lyophilisation or freeze-drying at –80°C.
• The earth has more than 400 species of Cordyceps, a fungus parasitic on insects as well as other fungi.
• Often referred to as a super mushroom, Cordyceps known for its anti-ageing, anti-viral, energy and immunity-boosting effect.
• Natural Cordyceps is hard to get and if dried, costs at least ₹8 lakh per kg.

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

Attend Now