Latest news with #CSIR-NIIST
United News of India
2 days ago
- Science
- United News of India
India ranks 6th largest producer of chemicals, contributing 7pc to GDP
Thiruvananthapuram, June 27 (UNI) India ranks as the sixth-largest chemical producer globally, with the sector contributing 7pc to the national GDP. Highlighting the global relevance of organic and materials chemistry, Dr. C. Anandharamakrishnan, Director of CSIR-NIIST, emphasised the need for climate-smart, low-carbon chemistries and the integration of technologies like AI and automation to accelerate innovation in the sector. He said this while inaugurating the National Conference on Advances in Organic and Materials Chemistry (AOMC-2025), organised by the institute's Chemical Sciences and Technology Division (CSTD), which is part of the Golden Jubilee Conclave Series commemorating 50 years of scientific excellence. The two-day conference aims to bring together leading scientists, industry experts, academicians, and young researchers to discuss recent advancements and emerging trends in the fields of organic and materials chemistry. Reflecting on the evolution of India's research ecosystem, Prof. T. K. Chakraborty, Professor at IISc Bangalore and former Director of CSIR-CDRI, encouraged the younger generation to leverage the tools and infrastructure available today. Prof. Chandrabhas Narayana, Director, RGCB, called for broader inclusivity in research employment, while Prof. Jiju P. Alex, Member, Kerala State Planning Board, spoke on Kerala's strategic plans to transform Thiruvananthapuram into a knowledge-driven research hub. A special felicitation was conferred upon Prof. Chandrabhas Narayana for his outstanding contributions to science. UNI DS ARN
The Hindu
6 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Manufacturing units planned in northeast States for vegan leather developed by CSIR-NIIST
Manufacturing units will be established in the northeast States for the plant-based vegan leather developed by the CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST) in Thiruvananthapuram. CSIR-NIIST on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR), an autonomous body under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, in this regard. NIIST described the MoU as a significant step towards promoting sustainable technologies and a circular economy in the northeast. 'The MoU facilitates the transfer of CSIR-NIIST's plant-based vegan leather technology to NECTAR for establishing common facility centres and manufacturing units in Meghalaya and other northeast States. These centres will support farmers, MSMEs, and women-led self-help groups in converting agro-waste into high-value sustainable products,' NIIST said. NIIST director C. Anandharamakrishnan and NECTAR director Arun Kumar Sarma exchanged MoU documents in the presence of CSIR director general N. Kalaiselvi at the CSIR Headquarters in New Delhi. By harnessing locally available agro-waste, the partnership aims to promote regional entrepreneurship, create jobs and foster environmentally-responsible manufacturing practices in the northeast region. Dr. Kalaiselvi said there is a pressing need to address the growing agro-waste challenge in northeast India. Agricultural residues such as rice straw, banana and pineapple waste are typically discarded or burned, leading to air and water pollution, soil degradation, and biodiversity loss, she said. NIIST said its technology provides a sustainable solution by converting this biomass into plant-based leather, replacing 50–70% of the chemicals used in synthetic leather and significantly reducing the environmental footprint of the leather industry. The initiative, it said, is aligned with national missions such as Atmanirbhar Bharat, Make In India, Innovate India and Swachh Bharat.
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Govt clears Rs 215cr lifescience project in Thonnakkal
Thiruvananthapuram: The state govt has approved a Rs 215-crore investment proposal by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST) at the Bio360 Life Science Park in Thonnakkal, Thiruvananthapuram. An order issued by the industries department on June 7 also permits the allotment of 10 acres of land to CSIR-NIIST on a lease of up to 90 years at no financial cost. The allotted land falls within the area designated for the second phase of development at the Bio360 Life Science Park, developed by Kerala Lifescience Industries Park Pvt Ltd (KLIP), a state-incorporated company promoting lifescience industries. The approval follows a proposal submitted in Sept 2024 by the KLIP managing director to establish a CSIR-NIIST Centre for Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship. The initiative includes a pilot plant for solar-aided hydrogen production from wastewater, supported by the department of science and technology and the state govt. It also proposes a bio-manufacturing hub under a Rs 115-crore joint submission by CSIR-NIIST and KLIP to the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (Birac). Additional components include a production facility for bio-polymers and bio-based alternatives to plastic and animal leather, funded by CSIR and private industry partners. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Plans also involve creating a manufacturing and standardisation hub for Ayush products in collaboration with the ministry of Ayush and industrial stakeholders. A regional resource development centre focused on rubber, coir and spices is also proposed, to be implemented under public-private partnership models and supported by govt schemes. The land allotment falls under the unified industrial land and building allotment and disposal regulations introduced in 2024 for Kinfra and KSIDC. These rules allow leasing a minimum of 10 acres for projects with investments above Rs 100 crore, for up to 90 years, subject to conditions. The investor must bring in Rs 100 crore within three years, with employment generation in line with the investment scale. All allotments require approval from the State Industrial Land Allotment Committee. If the investment exceeds Rs 300 crore, additional incentives may be granted by a high-power committee led by the chief secretary, as per the state's industrial policy. This marks one of the largest projects in the park's second phase, with timelines and employment targets set to guide its progress.
The Hindu
06-06-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
Proposed extension centre of CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology to focus on core areas of research and product development
A satellite centre planned by the CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST) at the Bio 360 Life Sciences Park here at Thonnakkal will focus on core areas of research and product development, including solar-driven hydrogen production from wastewater. A State Cabinet meeting on Thursday (June 5) gave the nod for establishing the 'Extension Centre for Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship.' The Cabinet approval also included allocation of 10 acres of land on a 90-year lease at the Bio 360 Life Sciences Park. Collaborative hub 'The proposed CSIR-NIIST innovation centre will serve as a collaborative hub fostering interdisciplinary research, product development, and entrepreneurship,' NIIST officials said. Major initiatives planned under it include a pilot plant for the solar-driven production of hydrogen from wastewater, an AYUSH manufacturing and standardisation hub, a production line for biopolymer and bio-based products, a bio-enabler bio manufacturing unit and a regional resource development centre. It will also be the first satellite centre of NIIST, a laboratory under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). NIIST described the decision to establish the centre as a strategic move aligned with its mission to drive sustainable, inclusive innovation and reinforce Kerala's position as a hub for science-driven entrepreneurship. The Bio 360 Life Sciences Park is a flagship initiative of the State government's Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC).
United News of India
05-06-2025
- General
- United News of India
Greywater constitutes nearly 75pc total household wastewater
Thiruvananthapurm, June 5 (UNI) Greywater constitutes nearly 75% of total household wastewater, often discharged untreated into soak pits, posing serious environmental and public health concerns. This was one of the major discussion points at the National Conclave on Sustainable Environmental Solutions, which brought together eminent policymakers, technocrats, and researchers to deliberate on innovative and actionable strategies for environmental sustainability in India. A key highlight of the event was the technology transfer of CSIR-NIIST's engineered modular wetland system (patent filed) for greywater treatment and reuse at the household level. Developed by a team led by Dr. Krishnakumar B from the Environmental Technology Division, the modular system is compact, energy-free, and scalable and produces reuse-quality water for applications like gardening, horticulture, and toilet flushing. On the side-lines of the conclave, CSIR-NIIST signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with V-Tech Instrumentation (India) Pvt. Ltd. Thiruvananthapuram, for the field implementation and commercial rollout of this innovative technology. In his presidential address, Dr. C. Anandharamakrishnan, Director, CSIR-NIIST, underscored the institute's enduring mission of translating cutting-edge science into practically viable and socially relevant solutions. He also highlighted the institute's leadership in the National Mission on Sustainable Packaging Solutions, led by CSIR-NIIST, which aims to accelerate India's transition toward a plastic-free and environmentally responsible future. 'Our initiatives in sustainable packaging are aligned with the country's march toward a circular economy and greener industry practices,' he added. As part of its Golden Jubilee celebrations and World Environment Day, the CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST) organized the Conclave on Wednesday. The Conclave was inaugurated by Prof. V. K. Ramachandran, Chairperson of the Kerala State Planning Board, who served as the Chief Guest. In his address, Prof. Ramachandran emphasised the impact of floods and landslides preceded by drought. There is a need for science-based studies and interventions to bring resilience in the era of climate change. The event was also attended by Dr. C Anandharamakrishnan, Director, CSIR-NIIST, Dr. G. Shankar, Architect and Founder, Habitat Technology Group and Prof. N. V. Chalapathi Raju, Director, NCESS. The conclave served as a platform to showcase CSIR-NIIST's impactful research and technologies that address real-world environmental problems, including climate-resilient solutions in water management, waste-to-resource technologies, and green innovations for communities. With its convergence of thought leadership and scientific advancement, the CSIR-NIIST Golden Jubilee Conclave marked a major milestone in the institute's journey, reinforcing its position as a pioneer in science-led transformation. UNI DS ARN
