BIS is continuously evolving in its pursuit of excellence, in various fields of its activities. Innovation is the cornerstone of any organizational evolution; and continuous creation of intellectual property, through research, is the foundation of such innovations. As per BIS Act, 2016, Section 10 (2) (d), one of the functions of the Bureau is to undertake, support and promote such research as may be necessary for formulation of Indian Standards. With a view to aid the creation of a vibrant atmosphere of research in BIS, where fertile minds can work on generation of knowledge, which can create evidence for trying out new ideas & innovations, eventually leading to progressive organizational evolution with the aim to meet its objectives, serve better and excel in all spheres of its activities, a draft research policy has been formulated as provided at Annex I.

India has achieved an unexpected benefit on the energy front during this Covid-19 pandemic phase. The gap between the share of renewables and coal-fired power in India’s electricity generation sector has narrowed more than ever before. The share of renewables increased from 17 % just before the pandemic to almost 24 % and coal-fired power declined from 76 % to 66 %,” said energy analysts of International Energy Agency (IEA) in their note on India’s energy sector. IEA is of the view that the clean energy transition is good, both for the economy and the environment of India, the world’s third-largest energy consumer.

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade will realign itself along the lines of Prime Minister’s Make in India and will push for production of items domestically to cut down imports. The organisation is “focusing on creating more capacities within the country to produce items that can cut down imports and accelerate exports from the electronics and hardware sector, including ventilators,” Director General Amit Yadav said at an event organized by Electronics and Computer Software Export Promotion Council (ESC). He also said that the government-run agency is also taking suggestions from the industry and others as to the areas which promise new capacities to reduce import and accelerate exports.

India’s Road Transport and Highways Ministry announced its hydrogen fuel cell vehicle feasibility draft and is seeking comments and suggestions from stakeholders which include the general public. The primary focus is to be on the evaluation of the safety of using H2 powered vehicles. The ministry’s draft on hydrogen fuel cell vehicle feasibility was first revealed on July 10. Furthermore, the H2 specifications for fuel cell vehicles will align with ISO 14687 until appropriate notification takes place as per the requirements of the Bureau of Indian Standard Act of 2016, said the release.

Government’s telecom standard body TEC is providing free access to all technical documents to stakeholders with a view to easing manufacturing and public procurement hassles. The access to Generic Requirements (GRS), Interface Requirements (IR), Essential Requirements (ERs) has been made free. Telecom gear makers are required to follow the technical standards set by TEC for supplying telecom equipment. Every player was required to purchase GRs, IRs and ERs for getting their product tested and also submit the same to meet the tender requirement of the public sector telecom firms.