India’s First Indigenous Biomedical Waste Plant Opens

13 Feb 2025 CW Team

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated India’s first indigenous Automated Biomedical Waste Treatment Plant, ‘S?janam,’ at AIIMS New Delhi. Developed by CSIR-NIIST, the plant offers a sustainable alternative to incineration by disinfecting pathogenic waste without harmful emissions.

With an initial capacity to handle 400 kg of biomedical waste per day, ‘S?janam’ neutralizes odors and treats infectious materials like blood, urine, and laboratory disposables. The system, currently undergoing validation and regulatory approval, could revolutionize biomedical waste management in India.

India generates 743 tonnes of biomedical waste daily, according to a 2023 CPCB report. Traditional incineration poses health and environmental risks, making this new technology a crucial step in waste management. Third-party validation confirms its antimicrobial effectiveness, with studies suggesting treated material is even safer than organic fertilizers like vermicompost.

During the event, Singh also highlighted India’s recent scientific advancements, including indigenous DNA and HPV vaccines, the antibiotic Nafithromycin, and gene therapy trials. He outlined key government initiatives, such as Rs 500 billion for the Anusandhan National Research Foundation and Rs 200 billion for Bharat Small Modular Reactors.

With a growing focus on research and sustainability, ‘S?janam’ marks a significant milestone in India’s biomedical waste management efforts.

Infrastructure Urban

13 Oct 2025

Daikin Boosts Haryana’s Innovation Push with Rs 10 billion R&D Plan

Japanese multinational Daikin Industries has committed an investment of Rs 10 billion to set up a new research and development centre in Haryana. The proposed facility will focus on advanced technologies and sustainable industrial solutions, marking a significant boost to the state’s innovation and industrial ecosystem. The announcement follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Osaka, Japan, during a visit by a Haryana government delegation held from October 6 to 8. The MoU was signed by Amit Kumar Agrawal, Commissioner and Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department, ..

Lloyds Metals to Build Rs 250 billion Steel Plant in Gadchiroli

Lloyds Metals & Energy Limited (LMEL) has announced an investment of Rs 250 billion aimed at transforming Gadchiroli in Maharashtra from a region once associated with the red corridor into a key industrial and growth hub. The company’s plans are centred on establishing an integrated steel production ecosystem, which will contribute significantly to regional development and employment. As part of its expansion strategy, LMEL is setting up a 4.5-million-tonne blast furnace in Gadchiroli, scheduled for completion by 2027–28, along with another 1.2-million-tonne facility in Chandrapur by 2029..

UPI Crosses 500 Million Users, Fuels MSME and Digital Growth

The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has achieved a new milestone, surpassing 500 million consumers and 65 million merchants across India. The platform, developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has expanded its reach to nearly 99 percent of the country’s pin codes, underlining its deep penetration into both urban and rural markets. According to a report by NPCI and the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) launched during the Global Fintech Fest 2025, UPI has evolved from being a digital payments mechanism into a key enabler of financial inclusion and small business growth. I..