CSIR–National Physical Laboratory (CSIR–NPL)

Author: Mahatma Gandhi
Written: Around 1888–1889 , during his stay in London as a law student.
Type: Unpublished manuscript , not released during his lifetime.
Purpose: To guide Indian students going to London on how to live and study responsibly.
Content: Advice on food, clothing, housing, expenses, and moral conduct .
Main Message: Live simply, truthfully, and with self-discipline while respecting both Indian and Western values.
Cultural Insight: Encourages learning from the West without blindly imitating Western habits.
Significance: Shows Gandhi’s early ethical thinking and values that later shaped his philosophy.

CSIR–NPL, designated as India’s national agency, will certify air quality monitoring instruments under NCAP for accurate emissions tracking.

CSIR–National Physical Laboratory (CSIR–NPL)

Syllabus: Science and Tech (UPSC Prelims)

Context:

The Union Environment Ministry has designated the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Physical Laboratory (CSIR–NPL) as the National Verification Agency for certifying instruments and equipment used in monitoring emissions and ambient air quality.

Key Highlights:

Role of CSIR–NPL:
- It will develop the necessary infrastructure, management systems, and testing & certification facilities in line with international standards.
- This initiative ensures the reliability and accuracy of air quality monitoring instruments used across India.
Background:
- Following the launch of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), there has been a surge in demand for real-time air quality monitoring equipment.
- NCAP aims to achieve a 20–30% reduction in PM2.5 and PM10 levels by 2024 (compared to 2017 levels) in 102 non-attainment cities.
- New Delhi currently leads in the number of air quality sensors, with around 35 monitoring stations.

About CSIR–National Physical Laboratory:

Located in New Delhi, CSIR–NPL serves as the measurement standards laboratory of India.
It maintains the national standards for SI units and calibrates instruments related to weights and measures.
The laboratory was conceptualized in 1943 by the Governing Body of CSIR to advance industrial growth through science and technology.
Foundation stone: Laid by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on January 4, 1947, marking a milestone in India’s scientific development.