The year 2025 became an important milestone on India's scientific path, as research moved beyond laboratories to become a driver of national development.
In this process, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) played a key role by presenting a wide range of innovative solutions that contributed to strengthening infrastructure, improving healthcare systems, enhancing climate resilience, and ensuring the strategic autonomy of the country.
The final report from the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) demonstrated how CSIR integrated scientific achievements with national priorities such as Viksit Bharat @2047, self-sufficiency, and sustainable development.
Thus, CSIR established itself as an institution that transforms scientific discoveries into practical solutions impacting everyday life, industry, and the security of the country.
Innovations in "green" infrastructure
One of CSIR's most significant contributions in 2025 was its achievements in "green" infrastructure.
In Hazira, Gujarat, the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) created the world's first port road using steel slag technology, turning industrial waste into a durable and environmentally friendly material.
This project demonstrated how the principles of a circular economy can be successfully implemented in large infrastructure projects without compromising their functionality.
The sustainability-focused approach also extended to rural areas of India. CSIR-CRRI's MSS+ "green" road technology was adapted for over 200 kilometers of rural roads in Uttar Pradesh as part of the PMGSY program.
The abandonment of heated bitumen allowed for reduced emissions and accelerated construction, introducing climate-conscious innovations into rural infrastructure development.
Breakthroughs also occurred in urban roads with ECOFIX — a quick solution for pothole repair that sets within 20 minutes using steel slag. After successful tests in Delhi, the technology spread to several states and abroad, highlighting CSIR's global impact in applied engineering.
Additionally, as part of a unique CSIR-CRRI project, nearly 30 tons of expired plastic technical textile materials were used to construct expressways, offering an effective model for recycling plastic waste.
Breakthroughs in agriculture and biodiversity conservation
CSIR laboratories also achieved significant progress in agriculture.
The National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) introduced the world's first genetically modified cotton fully resistant to the pink bollworm, promising to enhance yield and stability for farmers.
Scientific advancements in conservation also progressed: the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) developed the world's first DNA test for detecting illegal use of shahtoosh in pashmina shawls, strengthening the protection of the endangered Tibetan antelope.
Moreover, the first zoo biobank in India was established at the Darjeeling Zoo to preserve the genetic material of rare species.
These achievements demonstrate how CSIR combines cutting-edge scientific approaches with environmental responsibility.
Revolutionizing healthcare through domestic developments
Healthcare innovations remained a focus for CSIR in 2025. CSIR-CCMB developed a rapid and inexpensive molecular test for sickle cell anemia, allowing diagnosis from just one drop of dried blood.
As part of the CSIR Mission to combat this disease, over 2 million individuals from tribal communities were screened, supporting India's goal to eliminate the disease by 2047.
In oncology, CSIR — Indian Institute of Chemical Biology and its partners developed new therapies for triple-negative breast cancer and "smart" anti-cancer drugs with nanoparticle-based delivery systems.
These achievements opened new avenues for precision oncology and addressed the issue of drug resistance.
It is also noteworthy that CSIR — Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB) developed the first gene therapy in India based on CRISPR for treating sickle cell disease, marking an important step towards affordable and locally developed therapies.
Creating climate-resilient buildings and effective waste management
CSIR also made significant contributions to the development of climate-resilient housing and waste management.
The Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) introduced the first climate-resilient buildings in India, capable of reducing carbon emissions by up to 60% while simultaneously enhancing thermal comfort.
These projects demonstrated the compatibility of sustainability and affordability in the construction sector.
CBRI also unveiled the first rural house in India printed on a 3D printer, marking the future of construction technologies under the PMAY-G program.
In the field of biomedical waste management, CSIR — National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST) created the first automated facility for processing biomedical waste at AIIMS in Delhi, reducing environmental impact.
Strengthening strategic and defense capabilities
Strategic technologies became another important area of achievement for CSIR in 2025. The National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) developed high-altitude platforms for border surveillance and monitoring, as well as the NJ-100 small gas turbine engine for UAVs.
In partnership with DRDO and ISRO, CSIR-NAL participated in the creation of a high-tech aerodynamic tunnel, reducing dependence on foreign testing facilities.
Even such subtle yet important aspects as time measurement were improved: the National Physical Laboratory registered the trademark "Indian Standard Time" (IST) and, in collaboration with ISRO, began creating reference laboratories based on atomic clocks to ensure precise time synchronization.
Supporting innovation through industry and startups
In addition to scientific achievements, CSIR actively works on practical applications through partnerships and technology transfer.
Numerous memorandums of understanding with Indian and international companies facilitated the commercialization of developments in various fields, including road construction, aerospace, and pharmaceuticals.
New innovation and incubation hubs opened across the country — in Mumbai, Assam, Jammu, Kerala, and the Northeast — support startups and small enterprises.
BioNEST incubators and other CSIR initiatives have become a link between scientific research and the market, turning science into a driving force for 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 infrastructure solutions and medical technologies to climate-resilient housing and strategic systems — CSIR demonstrated how government funding for science can be a catalyst for national progress.
By integrating scientific research with the principles of sustainability and self-sufficiency, CSIR not only strengthened India's innovative landscape but also established the country as a global source of scientific solutions.
Photo www
