1 Introduction

Since the establishment of SI units in 1875, many changes and development have taken place in order to improve the measurement system across the globe. The existing system of units is globally accepted as a modern metric system of measurement and is used in science, engineering, technology, international trade, and commerce. However, there are continuous efforts being made by researchers toward the metrological innovation for building the capacity of measuring parameters with higher precision and lesser inaccuracy. Highly accurate measurements will lead to advanced scientific research as well technological innovations.

Through decades of advanced research, the world’s scientific and technical community arrived at a landmark and historic decision in the open session of the General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM) at BIPM on 16 November 2018 and unanimously adopted the resolution to redefine four of the seven base units, the kilogram (kg), kelvin (K), mole (mol), and ampere (A). This decision has now enabled scientists and researchers to base all seven SI units entirely on fundamental constants of nature, which will ensure their ongoing refinement and improvement for years to come. Consequently, all SI units need to be realized or linked through fundamental constants as primary metrological standards and then disseminate the units to stakeholders. Therefore, the realization and dissemination of the SI units are very crucial and important for international trade and industrial growth. It is worth mentioning that measurement standards are not only important for the industry or manufacturer but it’s equally important for the consumer also because the accuracy, quality, and reliability of the products are equally important for the end users. With the advent of better quality products through metrological advancement, industries are facing global competition and in order to overcome trade barriers, measurement traceability plays a vital role which eventually translates into industrial and economic growth. The designated Metrology Institutes are responsible to realize SI units as per advancement and technological developments in fundamental constants where ever possible and disseminating the SI units to users and industries through apex calibration, testing, consultancy, training, etc. Advanced Metrological facilities and practice through implementation of technical regulation and reliable assessment procedure will facilitate fair and barrier less cross border trade and eventually will help economy. Particularly for the manufacturing industries its essential to make sure that component manufactured with desired specifications and dimensions in one economy is fitting well into the machine of other economies. Following good metrology practices, test reports and certificates issued by one economy will be accepted by all other economies without further checking and will bring assurance about the quality as well as quantity of the products and will enhance global trading of items.

This special issue  of MAPAN-Journal of Metrology Society of India is  a valuable reference for the metrologists, engineers, scientists, academicians, and students from R&D institutes and industrial establishments to explore the future advancements and research in the areas of industrial chemistry, environments, advance materials, and quality improvement of various products to meet the global competiveness.

2 Summary

This special issue aimed to synthesize the latest multidisciplinary advances in metrological innovations for science & technology for global trade. The special issue featured 20 articles. The preface/editorial by the Guest editors is summarizing the various articles published in the special issue. The meteorological advancement, re-establishment of measurement traceability in various fields, and application of measurement traceability in environmental measurements were highlighted in this issue.

In this issue Rab et al. [1] discussed the digital revolution in metrology, which is changing the world as well as influencing the developments of science & technology through quality infrastructure. Whereas as Ekici and Avci [2] reported the importance of inter-laboratory comparison and profanely testing for ascertain the quality infrastructure as well as competence of the calibration and testing laboratory. Mihai and Galliana [3] of National Institute of Metrological Research (INRIM), Italy reported the use of statistical methods to optimize a dual source of high DC Resistance Bridge. Sahu et al. [4] describes the establishment of the comparison technique of microwave power sensor calibration (2.4 mm power sensor) from 1 to 50 GHz frequency range. Khatkar et al. [5] examined the performance evaluation of phasor measurement unit at CSIR-NPL. Dedeoglu and Merev [6] discussed about the realization of the reference composite voltage (as per IEC 60060-1:2010 guidelines) waveforms for lightning impulse voltages which is superimposed over DC and AC signals. Singh and Agarwal. [7] discussed the application of artificial neural network for solar forecasting. Guo et al. [8] discussed about the study of deadweight force standard machines that operate over 1000 kN. Vijeta et al. [9] discussed about the establishment of traceability of total spectral radiant flux with expanded uncertainty (in 410–780 nm range). Ghosh et al. [10] of CSIR-NPL, New Delhi, India describes the various design and requirements of oscillator for application of wide range of frequencies oscillator. Rab et al. [11] discussed the indigenous development of pressure transducer which can be used for testing and calibration for pressure measurements up to 1000 MPa. A simple algorithm based model developed and discussed by Li et al. [12] in their study to evaluate the minimum zone straightness error using planar coordinate data. Anitha and Kumar [13] reported about the development and application of IoT-based air pollution monitoring system. A development adjustable pulse measurement system and their application are examined by Kumar et al. [14] in this special issue.

Kumari et al. [15] reported the preparation, testing and calibration of standard benzene (ranges of BNDs: 1 to 10,000 mg/kg) gas mixture as per ISO 6142-1 at CSIR-NPL, New Delhi. Whereas, Tripathy et al. [16] discussed about the establishment of the traceable CRMs/BNDs of elemental solution for RMP under the Metrology in Chemistry Programme. Garg et al. [17] reported about the acoustic enclosures of traffic and machinery noise control system. A short-term effect on physico-chemical characteristics (morphological and elemental) of fine mode aerosol particles over Delhi India were examined by Shankar et al. [18] to explore the possible sources of aerosol over the region. Whereas, Vaishali et al. [19] have attempted to establish the relationship between PM2.5 concentrations and meteorology over Delhi for further climate study. Choudhary et al. [20] reported a comprehensive study on identification of sources and source regions of carbonaceous aerosols over the Himalayas region of India.