New Delhi | January 6, 2026

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh on Monday inaugurated two world-class national facilities at the CSIR–National Physical Laboratory (NPL), marking a major moment in India’s journey towards stronger environmental regulation and renewable energy leadership. The launches took place during the 80th Foundation Day celebrations of CSIR–NPL, one of India’s oldest and most respected scientific institutions.

Addressing scientists, officials, and industry representatives, the Minister inaugurated the National Environmental Standard Laboratory, the second such facility in the world, and the National Primary Standard Facility for Solar Cell Calibration, which places India among just five countries globally with this advanced capability. Dr Singh said the twin facilities represent a significant leap for India in areas that are crucial for sustainable development and clean energy growth.

Explaining the importance of the National Environmental Standard Laboratory, the Minister said it would strengthen India’s environmental governance by enabling precise and transparent calibration of air pollution monitoring instruments. He noted that many monitoring systems currently depend on foreign standards, which may not fully match India’s diverse climatic conditions. The new facility, he said, will allow testing and certification based on Indian environments, improving the accuracy of pollution data and supporting better enforcement of environmental laws, including programmes like the National Clean Air Programme.

Dr Singh also highlighted the importance of the National Primary Standard Facility for Solar Cell Calibration. Developed in collaboration with Germany’s national metrology institute PTB, the facility uses advanced laser-based technology to achieve extremely low uncertainty levels in solar cell calibration. He said this would reduce India’s reliance on foreign certification agencies, save valuable foreign exchange, cut down long waiting periods for calibration, and build greater trust among investors in India’s rapidly expanding solar energy sector.

Reflecting on the legacy of CSIR–NPL, the Minister described the institution as a symbol of India’s scientific progress from the pre-Independence era to the present day. He recalled how, for decades, people across the country set their watches according to the atomic clock maintained at NPL, highlighting how the laboratory has quietly shaped everyday life by maintaining Indian Standard Time.

Dr Singh stressed that science and technology would be key drivers of India’s socio-economic growth in the coming years. He called for stronger partnerships between scientific institutions, industry, startups, MSMEs, and the private sector. Such collaboration, he said, would help translate research into real-world solutions, boost innovation, and support the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

CSIR Director General Dr N. Kalaiselvi, who also addressed the gathering, congratulated the NPL team on completing 80 years of service to the nation. She said the laboratory now houses some of the world’s most advanced facilities in environmental monitoring and solar calibration. Dr Kalaiselvi also underlined the strategic importance of NPL’s atomic clocks, especially in situations where satellite-based systems like GPS may not be available, ensuring uninterrupted national timekeeping.

During the event, 14 Phytochemical Bharatiya Nirdeshak Dravya (BNDs) jointly developed by CSIR–CIMAP and CSIR–NPL were released. In addition, two gas BNDs and one silica fume BND were unveiled, strengthening India’s quality standards and measurement systems. Several memoranda of understanding and technology transfer agreements were also signed to support indigenous manufacturing, startups, and MSMEs.

Concluding his address, Dr Singh said India’s scientific institutions are now central to the country’s national goals. He expressed confidence that CSIR–NPL would continue to play a crucial role in shaping India’s future as the nation moves towards its centenary year in 2047, with science and innovation at the heart of its progress.

 Union Minister Jitendra Singh Launches Global Environmental and Solar Calibration Facilities at CSIR-NPL’s 80th Foundation Day

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh on Monday inaugurated two global-scale national facilities at the CSIR–National Physical Laboratory (NPL) during its 80th Foundation Day celebrations in New Delhi. The launch marks a major step for India in environmental monitoring and solar energy development.

The Minister unveiled the National Environmental Standard Laboratory, only the second of its kind in the world. The facility will help accurately test and certify air pollution monitoring systems under Indian climatic conditions, making pollution data more reliable and strengthening programmes like the National Clean Air Programme. It will also support regulators, industries, and startups by improving compliance and transparency.

Dr Singh also inaugurated the National Primary Standard Facility for Solar Cell Calibration, making India one of only five countries globally with this capability. Developed with Germany’s PTB, the facility will reduce dependence on foreign agencies, save foreign exchange, shorten calibration timelines, and boost confidence in India’s fast-growing solar sector.

Highlighting CSIR–NPL’s legacy, the Minister recalled how its atomic clock helped set Indian Standard Time for decades. CSIR Director General Dr N. Kalaiselvi congratulated the NPL team and stressed the strategic importance of its facilities, including during GPS-denied situations. Several new national reference standards and agreements supporting startups and MSMEs were also unveiled.