On 4th January 2022, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology (S&T), Dr Jitendra Singh released a Special Postage Stamp commemorating the 75th Platinum Jubilee year of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) -National Physical Laboratory (NPL), New Delhi.
- It is one of the earliest CSIR laboratories that was set up during independence that the celebration coincides with 75th year of India’s independence and also highlights the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- The foundation of NPL was laid by Former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on 4th January 1947. The main building of the laboratory was formally opened by Late Deputy Prime Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on 21st January 1950.
Highlights:
i.Jitendra Singh also dedicated the New Delhi-based ‘LED Photometry Laboratory’ at CSIR-National Physical Laboratory to develop energy-efficient illumination technology.
ii.About LED Photometry Laboratory: LED Photometry Laboratory contributes towards calibration and testing of LED lighting products, which could save the foreign exchange spent on availing testing and calibration services from abroad and also reduces turn-around time.
– Other Releases on 75th Platinum Jubilee year of CSIR-NPL
i.Dr. Jitendra Singh released Bharatiya Nirdeshak Dravyas (BNDs) to support the testing and calibration laboratories for quality assurance with the international standards for high purity gold, silver and other elements.
- BND is the trademark of Certified Reference Material (CRM) produced by CSIR-NPL in association with Reference Material Producers (RMPs) for ensuring quality of products in every manufacturing and consumer sectors such as heavy metals, pesticides, pharma etc.
ii.The Minister launched the Calibration Facility for Infusion Pump Analyzer used for testing the infusion pump.
iii.He launched Certification Process for Indian Made Low-Volume PM2.5 Sampler to fight pollution along with Certification Process for Indian made Ambient Ozone Analyzers.
iv.He launched the Responsive Website of CSIR-NPL to showcase the details about the Metrology-related activities of CSIR-NPL, in a fully responsive format.
v.He also inaugurated Science Exhibition by school students.
Note – The Platinum Jubilee year becomes a platform to plan for the next 25 years, keeping in mind that science and technology will play a key role in inclusive growth of India.
COVID -19 measures undertaken by S&T Departments :
i.The first DNA vaccine trial was done by the Department of Bio-Technology and it has again taken the lead for the Omicron Virus.
ii.ISRO has provided Liquid Oxygen continuously on a large scale to several State governments from their own manufacturing facilities or from the existing stock.
iii.The Department of Atomic Energy developed reusable PPE kits and N-99 masks using High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter technology.
Recent Related News:
The Hansa New Generation (NG) aircraft successfully made its maiden flight which was designed and developed by CSIR – National Aerospace Laboratory (NAL), Bengaluru, Karnataka.
About Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR):
Director – General – Shekhar C.Mande
Headquarters – New Delhi, Delhi
