CSIR-NPL marks 80th Foundation Day with new environmental standard and solar cell calibration facilities
Union Minister Jitendra Singh inaugurated a National Environmental Standard Laboratory and a National Primary Standard Facility for Solar Cell Calibration at CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi, on its 80th Foundation Day on 5 January 2026.
Summary
CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (NPL) celebrated its 80th Foundation Day on 5 January 2026, when Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurated the National Environmental Standard Laboratory and the National Primary Standard Facility for Solar Cell Calibration (Solar Energy Complex). Fourteen phytochemical Bharatiya Nirdeshak Dravyas (BNDs), developed jointly by CSIR-CIMAP and CSIR-NPL, were released along with two gas BNDs and one silica fume BND. Jitendra Singh recalled the role of NPL's atomic clock in establishing Indian Standard Time.
Key facts
- Occasion
- 80th Foundation Day of CSIR-NPL, 5 January 2026
- Inaugurated
- National Environmental Standard Laboratory; National Primary Standard Facility for Solar Cell Calibration
- By
- Dr Jitendra Singh
- BNDs released
- 14 phytochemical (with CSIR-CIMAP), 2 gas, 1 silica fume
- Role
- NPL's atomic clock underpins Indian Standard Time
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Which CSIR laboratory, which celebrated its 80th Foundation Day on 5 January 2026, is associated with maintaining India's atomic-clock time standard?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — CSIR-National Physical Laboratory
PIB (Science & Technology): at NPL's 80th Foundation Day the Minister recalled the atomic clock housed at NPL and its role in establishing Indian Standard Time.
Consider the following statements about the CSIR-NPL Foundation Day event of 5 January 2026: 1. A National Primary Standard Facility for Solar Cell Calibration was inaugurated. 2. Phytochemical Bharatiya Nirdeshak Dravyas developed jointly with CSIR-CIMAP were released. 3. It marked the 50th Foundation Day of CSIR-NPL. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 1 and 2 only
PIB: the solar cell calibration facility was inaugurated and 14 phytochemical BNDs with CSIR-CIMAP were released, but it was NPL's 80th Foundation Day, so statement 3 is wrong.