World Standards Day 2026: BIS launches Silver Refinery Scheme
Why in the news
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) marked World Standards Day on 14 October 2026 with a national event in New Delhi, where Union Minister Pralhad Joshi gave the presidential address and several new initiatives were unveiled.
Key facts
- 2026 theme: Shared vision for a better world, with a spotlight on SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).
- BIS Silver Refinery Scheme: certifies silver refineries and mints, modelled on the Gold Refinery Scheme; based on IS 2112:2025 with grades 999.9, 999.5 and 999.0.
- The silver hallmark carries the BIS Standard Mark, the word SILVER, the purity grade, the maker’s mark and a unique serial number.
- BIS Digital Standard Reader: a web platform that turns XML-based Indian Standards into interactive SMART standards, with search, dictionary and Indian-language translation.
- Academic MoUs: six new institutions (including IIT Ropar and IIT Dharwad) joined, taking the total to 98.
| New standard | Subject |
|---|---|
| IS 19967:2026 | Cables for EV charging systems |
| IS 19891:2026 | Pedal-assisted bicycles (EPACs) |
| IS 17192 Part-6:2026 | Wearable lower-limb service robots |
| IS 19960:2026 | Paediatric Panchakarma Droni |
| IS 19956:2026 | Therapeutic footwear for diabetic and neuropathic patients |
| IS 19952:2026 | Flexible plywood |
| IS 19825:2026 | PVC-coated fibreglass insect screens |
About World Standards Day
The day recalls a 1946 London meeting where delegates of 25 countries agreed to form an international standards body; ISO was founded in 1947. It was first observed in 1970 and is organised by IEC, ISO and ITU under the World Standards Cooperation. In India, BIS is headed by Director General Sanjay Garg.
Exam angle
- Date: 14 October; first observed 1970; organisers IEC, ISO, ITU.
- 2026 theme linked to SDG 7.
- Silver hallmarking standard: IS 2112:2025.
- BIS MoU partner institutions: 98.