Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh on Monday 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), coinciding with the institution’s 80th Foundation Day celebrations.

Addressing the event, Dr Jitendra Singh said the new laboratories mark a major milestone in India’s scientific and regulatory capabilities. While the National Environmental Standard Laboratory represents a significant leap in environmental governance, the solar cell calibration facility places India among a select group of global leaders in solar metrology, he said.

Describing India’s premier scientific institutions as “monuments of 20th and 21st century India,” the Minister highlighted CSIR–NPL’s unique legacy, noting that the laboratory was established before Independence and later became a cornerstone of the country’s post-Independence scientific framework. He recalled NPL’s historic role in establishing Indian Standard Time, stating that for decades, much of the country synchronised its time with the atomic clock housed at the laboratory.

Dr Jitendra Singh said the National Environmental Standard Laboratory will strengthen India’s environmental governance by enabling accurate, traceable and India-specific calibration of air pollution monitoring instruments. The facility is expected to support regulators, industries and startups by ensuring reliable environmental data, particularly under initiatives such as the National Clean Air Programme.

The Minister also inaugurated the National Primary Standard Facility for Solar Cell Calibration, developed in collaboration with PTB, Germany. The laser-based Differential Spectral Responsivity system achieves a globally lowest uncertainty of 0.35% for reference solar cell calibration, reducing India’s reliance on foreign certification agencies and boosting investor confidence in the solar sector.

CSIR Director General N Kalaiselvi congratulated CSIR–NPL on completing 80 years of service, highlighting its growing global standing in environmental and solar calibration. The event also saw the release of multiple Bharatiya Nirdeshak Dravya standards and the signing of MoUs to support indigenous manufacturing, startups and MSMEs.

Dr Jitendra Singh concluded by saying India’s scientific institutions are now central to national aspirations and will play a defining role in the country’s journey towards Atmanirbhar Bharat and technological leadership by 2047.