News: India will host the 89th IEC General Meeting at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on 15–19 September 2025.
About International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)
- It is a global standard-setting organization that prepares and publishes international standards for electrical, electronic, and related technologies to ensure safety, efficiency, and interoperability.
- Establishment: Founded in 1906 and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
- Membership: Comprises 89 member countries, including India.
- Functions:
- Develops international standards for power generation, transmission and distribution, renewable energy, semiconductors, batteries, nanotechnology, and smart grids.
- Promotes harmonized technical rules to facilitate global trade and technological cooperation, working with International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
- Significance for India
- Hosting & history: India hosts the 89th GM; fourth time after 1960, 1997, 2013.
- BIS in global governance: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) representation in ISO/IEC bodies to align national priorities with international best practices.
- India’s IEC membership & expert contribution: India is a full IEC member via BIS; experts contribute on renewable energy, smart grids, e-mobility, and energy storage.
- Global Secretariat (LVDC): India will serve as the Global Secretariat for Low Voltage Direct Current (LVDC).
- Scale & agenda of GM: 89th GM exhibition is the “Largest” electrotechnical exhibition in India. It will feature 150+ committee meetings and workshops on sustainability, AI, e-mobility, inclusivity, and an all-electric and connected society.
- Talent pipeline: BIS builds talent through student chapters, a six-month internship, and the IEC Young Professionals Programme hosting 93 participants.
