India & Nepal Sign MoU to Boost Science & Technology Collaboration

20 Feb 2025 CW Team

CSIR and NAST share a rich history of collaboration, dating back to 1994 when a foundational agreement was signed between CSIR and then-RONAST (now NAST), leading to joint research initiatives, workshops, and training programmes. The newly signed MoU revitalizes and expands this relationship, focusing on key areas such as biological sciences, food technology, water and environmental technologies, fuel and mining sciences, metallurgy, materials sciences—including glass, ceramics, biomaterials, and nanotechnology—alternative energy, leather and footwear technologies, metrology, polymer sciences, and drug discovery. The agreement facilitates joint research projects, the exchange of scientific information, access to major research facilities, technology partnerships, and capacity-building initiatives.

During the signing ceremony, attended by senior officials from CSIR, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and NAST, discussions centred on the modalities of collaboration and strategic focus areas for research. Dr. N. Kalaiselvi emphasized CSIR’s commitment to strengthening technology partnerships with Nepal, highlighting the immense untapped potential for cooperative scientific advancements. She stressed the need for swift implementation of the MoU through a structured action plan. Prof. Dr. Dilip Subba reaffirmed NAST’s dedication to this partnership, underlining Nepal’s strong interest in leveraging India's scientific expertise. He proposed forming subject-specific working groups to streamline collaboration in priority sectors.

With the signing of this MoU, CSIR and NAST have reinforced their shared vision of harnessing scientific and technological innovations to drive progress, economic growth, and sustainable development. This renewed partnership marks a significant milestone in Indo-Nepal scientific relations, opening new avenues for research, knowledge exchange, and long-term cooperation.

In a landmark step towards bolstering Science and Technology (S&T) collaboration, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), India, and the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 18th February 2025 at CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi. The agreement, signed by Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General, CSIR, and Secretary, DSIR, and Prof. Dr. Dilip Subba, Vice-Chancellor, NAST, establishes a robust framework for fostering bilateral scientific and technological cooperation. CSIR and NAST share a rich history of collaboration, dating back to 1994 when a foundational agreement was signed between CSIR and then-RONAST (now NAST), leading to joint research initiatives, workshops, and training programmes. The newly signed MoU revitalizes and expands this relationship, focusing on key areas such as biological sciences, food technology, water and environmental technologies, fuel and mining sciences, metallurgy, materials sciences—including glass, ceramics, biomaterials, and nanotechnology—alternative energy, leather and footwear technologies, metrology, polymer sciences, and drug discovery. The agreement facilitates joint research projects, the exchange of scientific information, access to major research facilities, technology partnerships, and capacity-building initiatives. During the signing ceremony, attended by senior officials from CSIR, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and NAST, discussions centred on the modalities of collaboration and strategic focus areas for research. Dr. N. Kalaiselvi emphasized CSIR’s commitment to strengthening technology partnerships with Nepal, highlighting the immense untapped potential for cooperative scientific advancements. She stressed the need for swift implementation of the MoU through a structured action plan. Prof. Dr. Dilip Subba reaffirmed NAST’s dedication to this partnership, underlining Nepal’s strong interest in leveraging India's scientific expertise. He proposed forming subject-specific working groups to streamline collaboration in priority sectors. With the signing of this MoU, CSIR and NAST have reinforced their shared vision of harnessing scientific and technological innovations to drive progress, economic growth, and sustainable development. This renewed partnership marks a significant milestone in Indo-Nepal scientific relations, opening new avenues for research, knowledge exchange, and long-term cooperation.

Infrastructure Urban

14 Oct 2025

DRI Introduces Advanced Fresh Air Solutions for Large Buildings

DRI has unveiled its latest solutions for indoor air quality (IAQ) and energy-efficient ventilation in large enclosed buildings: the Treated Fresh Air Handling Units (TFA) and Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems (DOAS). The TFA units integrate EcoFresh Molecular Sieve Coated Heat Wheels to deliver optimal IAQ while promoting energy savings. The modular design allows additional functions such as cooling, heating, humidification, high-efficiency filtration, mixing, and sound attenuation. Maintenance is minimal, with standard filters and fan assemblies designed for reliability and ease of service. TFA..

Infrastructure Urban

14 Oct 2025

Dia Mirza-backed Without® Launches FOAK Recycling Plant in Pune

Without®, an impact-first deep-tech material science enterprise, has inaugurated its first-of-a-kind (FOAK) recycling demonstration plant in Pune. The 1,030 sq. m facility can process up to 5 tons per month of “unrecyclable” plastic waste, offering end-to-end operations from material intake and separation to chemical transformation, purification, product manufacturing, and quality testing. The demonstration plant serves as a precursor to a commercial facility planned for next year. The launch follows the successful closure of a $1.9 million (approx. Rs 16.8 crore) seed funding round led ..

Infrastructure Transport

13 Oct 2025

Tata, Airbus to Build India’s First Private Helicopter Line

In a landmark development for India’s aerospace sector, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus will establish the country’s first private-sector helicopter assembly line in Vemagal, Karnataka. The facility will manufacture the Airbus H125 and H125M, marking a significant milestone in India’s push for self-reliance in aviation and defence manufacturing. The new Final Assembly Line (FAL) will produce the H125, the world’s best-selling single-engine helicopter, known for its versatility and performance in extreme environments. The first ‘Made in India’ H125 is expected to ro..