CSIR
Aatmnirbhar Bharat in Quantum Tech: Standards & Indigenous Approaches Discussed at CSIR-NPL
By IndianMandarins 16 May 2025
New Delhi (16.05.2025): The CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (NPL), India's national measurement institute, hosted a pivotal "Focused Interaction Meeting on Indigenous Approaches to Quantum Technologies, Measurements, and Standardization" on May 6, 2025.
The meeting convened a diverse group of stakeholders from various Ministries and Institutions to address the critical need for developing indigenous standards and measurement capabilities to support India's rapidly growing quantum technologies sector. The focused meeting was attended by over 40 invited delegates including Dr Ajai Chowdhry, Co-founder, HCL & Chairman, Mission Governing Board, National Quantum Mission (NQM), Prof V Kamakoti, Director, Indian Institute of Technology- Madras (IIT-M), Chennai, Prof. Venu Gopal Achanta, Director, CSIR-NPL, Dr Sivakumar Kalyanaraman, CEO, Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), New Delhi and representatives of Indian Army, Indian Navy, ISRO, DRDO, TIFR Mumbai, IITs-Madras, Delhi, Tirupati, IISER-Pune, BIS-New Delhi, DoT-New Delhi, MeitY-New Delhi, TEC- New Delhi, DIAT-Pune, MCTE-Mhow, C-DOT-New Delhi along with teams from CSIR-NPL and IIT-M Pravartak Technologies Foundation, Chennai.
Participants emphasized that the development of precise measurements, robust standards, and the pursuit of technological sovereignty are fundamental to building reliable and trustworthy quantum technologies. It was highlighted that homegrown quantum approaches, capabilities, and advancements are essential for driving national and international standardization efforts, fostering business opportunities, and ensuring the practical utility of quantum technology. The participants deliberated and strongly felt the need for specific standards in the field.
The event served as a platform for expert dialogue among metrologists, quantum technology experts, strategic sector leaders, and policymakers. The meeting spurred discussions on strategic collaborations to accelerate the development and deployment of indigenous quantum technologies and on formulating policy frameworks to nurture a self-reliant quantum technology ecosystem.
A central theme of the discussions was the critical importance of the four pillars necessary for the smooth adoption and advancement of quantum technologies in India: characterization/calibration, standardization, validation, and certification.
Several prominent figures felt strongly that CSIR-NPL should play a vital role in the NQM, especially considering the urgent requirement of standardization of emerging quantum technologies under the umbrella of the ambitious and futuristic NQM Program. Prof. Venu Gopal Achanta, Director of CSIR-NPL, delivered a keynote address on "Quantum Metrology and Metrology for Quantum Technologies". He provided an overview of NPL's role in India's National Quality Infrastructure as the custodian of national standards. Prof. Achanta emphasized the importance of quantum metrology and standardization in developing India's Quantum Technology ecosystem. He also presented NPL's R&D activities and efforts toward developing new quantum standards and made a strong case for CSIR-NPL's inclusion in the ongoing NQM.
OIL and CSIR sign an umbrella MoU
By IndianMandarins 21 Apr 2023
New Delhi (21.04.2023): Oil India Ltd (OIL) and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), New Delhi inked an umbrella Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to pursue technological partnership in select domains across the Energy value chain. This will be a collaborative arrangement between labs of CSIR and OIL.
The umbrella MoU puts in place a formal framework for collaboration between OIL and CSIR Labs. The objective of the MoU is to facilitate collaboration for pursuing research in advanced technologies for energy security. The preliminary areas identified for Joint R&D activities and technology partnership include: New frontier areas in hydrocarbon exploration; Upstream and downstream operations; New and renewable energy, batteries/storage systems; Green and Renewable Hydrogen / Biohydrogen (H2); Reducing environmental pollution and bioremediation; Waste treatment including oil separation and recovery from wastewater and waste sludge including crude oil sludge; Corrosion inspection and anti-corrosion coating; Extraction of Lithium and Rare Earth Elements from Oilfield Water; Stranded natural gas to fuel molecules; and Decarbonisation and net zero targets. The MoU was signed by Dr N Kalaiselvi, DG, CSIR & Secretary, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) and Dr Ranjit Rath, CMD, OIL.
Lokpal puts all recruitments on hold: CSIR in a fix
By Rakesh Ranjan 03 Apr 2023
New Delhi (03.04.2023): One of the latest decisions of the Lokpal assumes significance amid few laboratories, under CSIR, in a hurry with recruitment drive under the existent rules despite the directions of Union Minister for Science & Technology and CSIR Vice President Dr Jitendra Singh to wait for the revised Recruitment Rules which are under process.
The Lokpal of India comprising acting Chairperson Justice Pradip Kumar Mohanty and two members Dinesh Kumar Jain & Dr Indrajeet Prasad Gautam in its communication to the Centre has advised to see the possibility to put recruitments in all labs under CSIR on hold until the new recruitment rules and revised recruitment process are finalised. Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) has approximately 39 laboratories and is considered as India’s premier scientific research institutions in various streams of science.
The decision came in the backdrop of Central Vigilance Commission’s extensive study of complaints against rampant perpetual irregularities and lobby driven recruitments. As of now, recruitment processes in two of the Labs of CSIR have been put on hold. While passing the order, Lokpal has given a six-weeks’ time to the Department of Science and Technology to revert with the progress and the Action Taken Report (ATR) in this regard.
It will prove to be a turning point in India’s scientific research if irregularities in the recruitment process meet a course-correction. It may be underlined that Lokpal has appreciated the suggestions made in the report of the CVO; especially the suggestion of a written test to be conducted before an interview, wherever the number of applicants against vacancies advertised is very large as compared to the number of vacancies. The Lokpal has directed to consider the suggestion of written exams while framing the revised recruitment rules/recruitment process.
(By Rakesh Ranjan)
NMDC signs agreement with CSIR-IMMT, Bhubaneswar
By IndianMandarins 18 Feb 2023
New Delhi (18.02.2023): NMDC signed an Agreement for Collaborative Research with CSIR-IMMT, Bhubaneswar, on "Feasibility Studies for Preparation of Fused Magnesia from Kimberlite Tailings" today in Hyderabad. The agreement was signed between S.K. Chaurasiya, GM, R&D, from NMDC and Dr Ashok Kumar Sahu, Chief Scientist and Head, Strategy Planning and Business Development, from CSIR-IMMT, in the presence of NMDC’s Director (Production), Dilip Kumar Mohanty, senior officials of NMDC and Dr. Kali Sanjay, Chief Scientist and Head, Hydro & Electrometallurgy Department, CSIR-IMMT.
Speaking on this project, Sumit Deb, CMD of NMDC said that NMDC is tapping on the opportunity to utilise kimberlite tailings from our Panna Mines as a resource to produce high cost fused magnesia. "We are confident that our endeavours will lead to the conversion of waste into wealth and import substitution, proving to be a significant step towards Atmanirbhar Bharat," said Deb.
Prof Achanta Elected as a Member CIPM
By IndianMandarins 21 Nov 2022
New Delhi (22.11.2022): Prof Venu Gopal Achanta, Director, CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL), New Delhi, has been elected as a member of the International Committee for Weights and Measures (CIPM). Prof Achanta was declared an elected Member of CIPM in the recently held 27th General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM) meeting during November 15-18, 2022 in Paris, France.
The election of Prof Achanta is not only significant for CSIR-NPL and the advancement of metrology in the country, wherein metrology is the backbone of industries and national missions of the Government of India i.e. ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, ‘Clean and Green India”, “Swasth Bharat, Sashakt Bharat”, etc., but is also the pride of the nation as it would enhance India’s global visibility and participation in global decision making. Prof. Achanta is among 18 elected members from different countries and the 7th Indian to be elected as a Member of CIPM.
SCSC route for selection of Director, CMERI raises eyebrows
By IndianMandarins 02 Nov 2022
New Delhi (02.11.2022): Three candidates -- Dr Harish Hirani, Prof Avinash Agarwal and Dr N C Murmu -- are the frontrunners in the upcoming interview for the post of Director, CSIR-CMERI. They are associated with the Research Council of CSIR-CMERI whose Chairman along with DG, CSIR, are part of the committee constituted for the selection of Director, CMERI.
Prof Avinash Agarwal is the current member of the Research Council, CMERI while Dr N C Murmu is the Ex-Secretary, Research Council and Chief Scientist, CMERI. It may be underlined that Dr Harish Hirani (Ex-Director, CMERI) has also applied for the Director’s post from which he was removed on the charges of serious misconduct following the arrest warrant issued by the Metropolitan Magistrate, Kolkata. Considering certain facts, DG, CSIR gave clean-chit and considered Dr Hirani’s candidature for Director, CMERI.
Union Minister for Science & Technology, last year, had given a written commitment to Lokpal that selection for important posts in CSIR will be conducted through independent institutions like UPSC, SSC, etc but paying no heed to higher authority’s commitment, a “Search-cum-Selection-Committee” was constituted. Insiders believe that setting aside Lokpal’s concerns by taking the SCSC route ignores the call of the top authority.
Though there are other viable candidates vying for the coveted post, it remains to be seen whether the search-cum-selection committee selects one of the three candidates mentioned above.
(By Rakesh Ranjan)
ABOUT CMERI:
Established in February 1958, the Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI), Durgapur, is the apex R&D institute for mechanical engineering under the aegis of CSIR. Being the only national-level research institute in this field, CMERI’s mandate is to serve the industry and develop mechanical engineering technology so that India’s dependence on foreign collaboration is substantially reduced in strategic and economic sectors.
ALSO READ (Indianmandarins ARCHIVE):
Dr Kalaiselvi is DG, CSIR & Secretary, Scientific & Industrial Research
By IndianMandarins 06 Aug 2022
New Delhi (06.08.2022): As Indianmandarins had reported first on 21.07.2022 (CLICK TO READ) the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet headed by Prime Minister approved the appointment of Dr (Ms) N Kalaiselvi as Director General, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research-cum-Secretary, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research for a period of two years.
She replaces Dr Shekhar C Mande. Currently, Dr (Ms) Kalaiselvi is working as Director, CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CSIRCECRI), Karaikudi.
It may be underlined that the coveted post of DG of CSIR and Secretary DSIR fell vacant on May 1, 2022, following the retirement of Dr Shekhar C Mande on April 30, 2022.
Presently Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology Rajesh S Gokhale is holding the additional charge of Director-General, CSIR, and Secretary DSIR.
(By Rakesh Ranjan)
ALSO READ:
Amid four prospective names Centre in a fix over next DG CSIR & Secretary, DISR
By Rakesh Ranjan 21 Jul 2022
New Delhi (21.07.2022): The process to select the Director General, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Secretary, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) is on its last leg with four eminent scientists from various CSIR laboratories vying for the coveted posts.
The names include Jitendra J Jadhav, Director, National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR- NAL), Bengaluru; Dr Virendra M Tiwari, Director, National Geophysical Research Institute (CSIR- NGRI), Hyderabad, Mrs N Kalaiselvi, Director, Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CSIR-CECRI), Karaikudi (Tamil Nadu) and Dr G Narahari Sastry, Director, North East Institute of Science & Technology (CSIR-NEIST), Jorhat.
Indianmandarins has reliably learned that the search-cum-selection-committee which interviewed these four candidates is yet to arrive at a conclusion regarding a final name.
A section of well-placed top scientists says that the panel has been sent to the New Delhi establishment for a final call whereas another section believes that there is no robust consensus on a final name yet and the government may re-advertise the post saying that none of the four candidates was found to be suitable for the post.
Amid several possibilities, the government may spring up a surprise this week by announcing one of the above four names as the successor of Dr Shekhar C Mande.
It may be underlined that the coveted post of DG of CSIR and Secretary DSIR fell vacant on May 1, 2022, following the retirement of Dr Shekhar C Mande on April 30, 2022.
Presently Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology Rajesh S Gokhale is holding the additional charge of Director-General, CSIR, and Secretary DSIR.
(By Rakesh Ranjan)
