World’s second “National Environmental Standard Laboratory inaugurated

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, PMO, Department of Space and Department of Atomic Energy, Dr Jitendra Singh today inaugurated the world’s second “National Environmental Standard Laboratory” and the world’s fifth “National Primary Standard Facility for Solar Cell Calibration” at the CSIR–National Physical Laboratory (NPL).

Addressing the 80th Foundation Day celebrations of CSIR–NPL here, the Minister said, while the “National Environmental Standard Laboratory” marks for India a major leap in Environmental Governance, the “National Primary Standard Facility” makes India a member of Elite Global League in Solar Metrology.

Describing India’s premier scientific institutions as “monuments of 20th and 21st century India,” Dr. Jitendra Singh said that laboratories like the CSIR–National Physical Laboratory embody India’s scientific journey from pre-Independence foundations to global technological leadership.

The Minister said that science and technology reforms will be the key drivers shaping India’s socio-economic future.
During the event, fourteen Phytochemical Bharatiya Nirdeshak Dravya (BNDs) jointly developed by CSIR-CIMAP and CSIR-NPL were released, along with two Gas BNDs and one Silica Fume BND, strengthening India’s quality assurance and metrological traceability ecosystem. Several MoUs and technology transfer agreements were also concluded to further support indigenous manufacturing, startups and MSMEs.(updated on 5th January 2026)

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