In this important transformation, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) played a key role. Laboratories across the country presented an impressive array of innovations that contributed to strengthening infrastructure, improving healthcare, enhancing resilience to climate change, and increasing India's strategic autonomy.
An extensive report prepared by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) demonstrated how CSIR linked its scientific efforts to national priorities such as the Viksit Bharat @2047 initiative, self-sufficiency, and sustainable development.
As a result, CSIR has become an institution that not only strives for scientific discoveries but actively transforms acquired knowledge into practical solutions related to everyday life, industry, and national security.
Innovations in "Green" Infrastructure
One of CSIR's most notable contributions in 2025 was in the area of the "green" infrastructure ecosystem.
In Hazira, Gujarat, CSIR — Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) introduced the world's first port road built using steel slag technology, allowing for the efficient use of industrial waste.
This project became an example of implementing circular economy principles in large infrastructure projects without compromising their operational characteristics.
Sustainable development principles were also applied in rural areas of India. The MSS+ "green" road technology from CSIR-CRRI was successfully implemented on over 200 kilometers of rural roads in Uttar Pradesh under the PMGSY program.
The abandonment of heated bitumen helped reduce emissions and accelerate construction in any weather conditions, introducing climate-oriented innovations in rural road development.
Significant changes also occurred in urban areas thanks to the ECOFIX technology — a quick solution for pothole repairs that hardens in just 20 minutes using steel slag.
After successful tests in Delhi, this solution began to be implemented in other states of India and abroad, highlighting CSIR's growing presence in applied engineering.
Additionally, in a unique project, CSIR-CRRI used about 30 tons of expired plastic technical textile materials in the construction of expressways, proposing a scalable model for recycling plastic waste into durable infrastructure.
Achievements in Agriculture and Biodiversity Conservation
CSIR laboratories have made significant strides in agriculture, confirmed by global achievements.
CSIR — National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) created the world's first genetically modified cotton fully resistant to the pink bollworm, which can significantly increase yields for farmers.
This innovation strengthened India's position in agri-biotechnology.
Research in conservation science also advanced. CSIR — Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) developed the world's first DNA test to detect illegal use of shahtoosh in the production of pashmina shawls, contributing to the protection of the endangered Tibetan antelope.
The laboratory also opened the first zoo biobank in India at the Darjeeling Zoo, which will preserve genetic material of endangered species for future research and conservation.
These achievements demonstrated how CSIR combines cutting-edge scientific developments with environmental responsibility.
Revolution in Healthcare through Local Scientific Developments
Innovations in healthcare became foundational for CSIR's impact in 2025. CSIR-CCMB developed an affordable and rapid molecular test for sickle cell anemia, allowing diagnosis from a single drop of dried blood.
As part of CSIR's Mission to combat sickle cell anemia, over 2 million individuals from tribal communities were screened, directly supporting India's goal of eliminating this disease by 2047.
In the field of oncology, CSIR — Indian Institute of Chemical Biology and its partners actively developed new treatments for triple-negative breast cancer, as well as "smart" anti-cancer drugs and nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems.
These developments helped overcome drug resistance and opened new horizons in precision oncology.
A significant achievement was the creation by CSIR — Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB) of the first indigenous gene therapy in India based on CRISPR for the treatment of sickle cell disease.
The transfer of technology to industry was an important step towards ensuring affordable and locally developed gene therapies.
Climate-Resilient Homes and Waste Management
CSIR's contribution to climate resilience also touched on housing construction and waste management.
CSIR — Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) presented the first climate-resilient buildings in India, capable of reducing carbon emissions by 60% while enhancing thermal comfort.
The projects demonstrated how to achieve a combination of sustainability and affordability in the construction industry.
CBRI also developed the first 3D-printed rural house in India, supporting rapid and economical housing under the PMAY-G program, indicating the future of construction technologies.
In the field of medical waste management, CSIR — National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST) created the first automated biomedical waste processing facility, which was launched at AIIMS in Delhi.
This system allows for waste sterilization without incineration, reducing environmental impact and providing large-scale processing, offering a cleaner and scalable alternative for hospitals across the country.
Strengthening Defense and Strategic Capabilities
The development of strategic technologies became another important focus for CSIR in 2025. CSIR — National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) advanced the creation of high-altitude platforms for border surveillance and monitoring, as well as developed the small gas turbine engine NJ-100 for UAVs and loitering munitions.
Together with DRDO and ISRO, CSIR-NAL participated in creating an advanced continuous three-dimensional aerodynamic tunnel, which reduces dependence on foreign testing facilities and accelerates the development of the aerospace industry in the country.
Even such subtle yet critically important aspects as time measurement became a subject of improvement. CSIR — National Physical Laboratory registered the trademark "Indian Standard Time" (IST) and, together with ISRO, initiated the establishment of reference laboratories based on atomic clocks to ensure precise time synchronization, even in the absence of GPS.
Supporting Innovations through Industry and Startups
CSIR also focused on the practical application of its scientific achievements through collaboration and technology transfer.
The signing of numerous memoranda of understanding with Indian and international companies enabled the commercialization of developments in areas such as road construction, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, clean energy, and advanced materials.
In various regions of the country — from Mumbai to Assam, from Jammu to Kerala and the Northeast — new innovation and incubation hubs have been opened that support startups, small and medium enterprises, as well as deep-tech companies.
BioNEST incubators, startup conclaves, and CSIR innovation complexes have become a bridge between scientific research and the market, turning science into a driver of entrepreneurship and job creation.
Science as a Catalyst for National Progress
Thus, 2025 became a landmark year for CSIR and the entire scientific ecosystem of India.
From world-class infrastructure solutions and cutting-edge medical technologies to sustainable housing and strategic systems — CSIR demonstrated how government investments in science can serve as a catalyst for national progress.
By synchronizing scientific research with the principles of sustainability, inclusivity, and self-sufficiency, CSIR not only strengthened India's innovation landscape but also positioned the country on the international stage as a source of scientifically grounded solutions.
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