Drishti IAS PDF.pdf

The National Metrology Conclave 2021, organized by CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (NPL), marked its 75th year with the inauguration by the Prime Minister, who also laid the foundation stone for the National Environmental Standards Laboratory. Key highlights include the dedication of the National Atomic Time Scale and Bharatiya Nirdeshak Dravya Pranali (BND) to the nation.

National Atomic Time Scale:
- Accurately generates Indian Standard Time (IST) with a precision of 2.8 nanoseconds.
- Uses the longitude of 82°30' E as the 'standard meridian' for IST synchronization.
- Achieves near alignment with International Standard Time, within 3 nanoseconds.
- CSIR-NPL, as India's National Measurement Institute, maintains and realizes IST through atomic clocks.

Benefits:
- Enhances digital infrastructure security and reduces cyber crime.
- Significantly aids organizations in cutting-edge fields like space research, banking, railways, defense, health, telecom, weather forecasting, disaster management, Industry 4.0, etc.

Bharatya Nirdeshak Dravya Pranali (BND):
- Indian reference materials developed by CSIR-NPL for quality assurance across sectors.
- Ensures product quality through SI traceable measurements.
- Recent releases include BNDs for gold purity and bituminous coal.
- Government support aims to expand BND program to AYUSH, materials, nanotechnology, medicine, food & agriculture, and biologics, boosting "Make in India" initiatives.