India, April 9 -- In a significant boost to scientific research and biodiversity conservation, the Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune, has been designated as a national repository under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. The notification was issued on April 7, 2026, by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in consultation with the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA).

The designation covers two key facilities at ARI, the MACS Collection of Microorganisms and the National Fungal Culture Collection of India, recognising their role in preserving and documenting the country's microbial and fungal diversity.

Under Section 39 of the Act, the Centre may notify institutions as repositories for various biological resource...