Hyderabad-based CSIR institutes playing key role in drug discovery, diagnostics: Jitendra Singh

hyderabad: union minister of state for science and technology (independent charge) dr. jitendra singh on sunday said csir laboratories in hyderabad are playing a pivotal role in drug discovery, genetic diagnostics and development of cost-effective active pharmaceutical ingredients (apis).reviewing the recent achievements of the hyderabad-based labs, the minister acknowledged their contributions under the guidance and support of prime minister narendra modi over the past decade.directors of three premier labs—csir-indian institute of chemical technology (csir-iict), csir-national geophysical research institute (csir-ngri), and csir-centre for cellular and molecular biology (csir-ccmb)—presented key scientific accomplishments during the review meeting.csir-iict director dr. d. srinivasa reddy briefed the minister on innovations in the chemical and pharma sectors, including the development of safer agrochemicals and compostable plastics in collaboration with greenworksbio. he also highlighted the indigenous development of hydrazine hydrate with gacl and the institute's anaerobic gas lift reactor technology for biogas production.csir-ccmb director dr. vinay nandicoori outlined the institute's advancements in molecular biology, genetic diagnostics, and biotechnology. he cited ccmb's pioneering role in dna fingerprinting, efforts during the covid-19 pandemic, and low-cost diagnostics for sickle cell anemia. the institute's rare disease registry and support for over 160 biotech startups were also highlighted.dr. prakash kumar, director of csir-ngri, showcased the institute's seismic hazard mapping and geothermal energy exploration. ngri's strain mapping of the himalayan and indo-gangetic belt was cited as a major step toward disaster preparedness.the minister appreciated the contributions of the labs in advancing scientific innovation and societal welfare, and announced a csir startup conclave to be held in hyderabad on april 22-23, 2025. the event will promote collaboration between research institutions and startups.dr. singh reiterated the government's commitment to fostering innovation and self-reliance in science and technology.