Human Impact on Global Climate Change Over the Past Two Centuries: Use of Isotope-Tracing Techniques
Abstract
The human impact on global climate change over the past two centuries is unprecedented. An incredible growth of population, from 1.5 billion in 1900 to 7.9 billion today has led to an increase in energy consumption by more than 1000% over ~70 years to power the development. Never in the history of the Earth has such a drastic increase in the atmospheric CO2, from 296 ppm in 1900 to 423 ppm in 2023, took place; it is attributed to energy extraction from non-renewable resources (e.g., fossil fuel) contributing ~85% of total energy consumption. The ‘science of the changing environment’ is at the forefront of human endeavor and a significant (and increasing) fraction of the global GDP is currently being spent on addressing this science (e.g., increasing spatial extent of harmful algal blooms, ocean acidification, ever increasing number of micro-plastics in fresh and saltwater systems, weather-related catastrophic events, etc). Isotopes of key chemical elements have been widely utilized to identify and quantify recent environmental changes. In this talk, a set of case studies, illustrating global environmental changes in different regions of global oceans will be presented.
PEACE THROUGH EDUCATION IN NORTH-EAST INDIA<img src='/prl-eng/images/red.gif'>
Abstract
Many parts of India’s North East have been plagued with insurgency and ethnic conflict for decades. This has cost the country heavily in terms of lives, livelihoods and development of this region. Importantly, given the threat posed by our aggressive northern neigbhour, this instability is severely impacting the security of this strategic limb. With the obvious linkage of lack of education and empowerment to the radicalization of youth and perpetuation of ethnic divisions, this talk of Peace through Education in Northeast India by Col Christopher Rego is about a sustainable solution to insurgency and conflict through his innovative approach executed through his organization Sunbird Trust.
FUTURE SPACE EXPLORATION – A PERSPECTIVE<img src='/prl-eng/images/red.gif'>
Abstract
“The Human civilization is poised to recommence space exploration; this time, not to explore but to inhabit, first the Moon and later, perhaps, Mars.
How should we plan for this fundamental shift in our space activity? Do we adopt the same paradigm as we have done thus far i.e., the initial explorer takes it all? Should our approach be exclusive or inclusive? Should we be going out there while continuing to retain our national identities or, as explorers from Planet Earth? Do we go forth by leveraging the advantage one or the other nation has by virtue of its better technological base or, do we go out as a civilization from Planet Earth that recognizes that Space is not the domain of any one nation, that all human activity in outer space must benefit humankind resident on Planet Earth, as has been mandated by the United Nations?”
Shocking waves – Healing touch!<img src='/prl-eng/images/red.gif'>
Abstract
The phenomenon of “Shock Waves” has been historically associated with aerospace engineering and in particular with supersonic flight. Shock waves appear in nature, when different elements in a fluid approach one another with a velocity higher than the local speed of sound. These waves are also generated if massive energy dissipation takes place within ultra-short time in events like explosions. A number of methodologies/facilities to generate shock waves of requisite strength have been designed and indigenously built in the Laboratory for Hypersonic and Shockwave Research (LHSR) in Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore. Over the years, these facilities have facilitated very interesting interdisciplinary research programmes in IISc with participation of several faculty members from physics, chemistry, biology and materials engineering. Some of the novel techniques that will be discussed in this talk includes retractable aero-spikes, smart coatings, forward facing jets and concentrated energy deposition for reducing the aerodynamic drag around vehicles flying at hypersonic speeds. Concurrently, utilizing the remarkable ability of shock waves to instantaneously enhance the pressure and temperature in the propagating medium, several innovative shock wave assisted techniques have been developed in LHSR. These include non-intrusive needleless vaccine delivery, cell transformation, Wound healing, bio-film destruction, sandal oil extraction, polyphenol enrichment in tea, metal texture modification, and preservative impregnation in bamboo. A broad overview of the recent Transdisciplinary shock wave research and technology development activities at LHSR will be presented in this Colloquium.
Apollo to Artemis: The Science and Exploration of the Moon<img src='/prl-eng/images/red.gif'>
Abstract
The Moon’s pull on our imagination is unrivalled, as best demonstrated by the Apollo programme. Fifty years on, humanity stands at the crossroads of technological advancement and scientific knowledge, ushering in a new era of human and robotic space exploration. Scientific discoveries relating to the history of water and other associated volatiles on and in the Moon have renewed global interest in lunar exploration. Thus, the Moon is becoming a favourite target for established and emerging space-faring nations and commercial entities. In addition to national pride and scientific curiosity, the renaissance in lunar exploration is also driven by an increased realisation of the Moon as a technology testbed for exploring more distant bodies such as Mars and asteroids.
The possibility of utilising the Moon and its constituents as resources for sustaining an extended presence on its surface has heralded an era of 'New Space' by attracting private and commercial bodies towards lunar exploration, guided by scientific insights derived from continuing research on lunar samples. Our vision of the future sees a sustainable presence of humans based on the lunar surface. For this, the natural resources present there must be explored and utilised. The coming decades are likely to witness the realisation of Living on the Moon, enabled by research that is commonly termed lunar in situ resource utilisation (ISRU).
My Professional Forays- People, Challenges & Anecdotes<img src='/prl-eng/images/red.gif'>
Abstract
On the eve of the 75th Anniversary of PRL coming into being, I consider it my special privilege to be with all of you and share some of the memories that have left a permanent imprint on me. I am grateful to Prof Anil Bhardwaj and the present management of PRL, for inviting me to give a talk befitting this august occasion. I shall touch upon some interesting episodes of my research career at PRL, including working with Dr Vikram Sarabhai, its legendary Founder and being guided by such mentors like Prof P D Bhavasar and Prof N W Nerurkar. I started my forays into India’s Space Program thanks to the persuasive power of Vikram Sarabhai and in the next thirty years or so made a very interesting, challenging and most memorable journey working in satellites, applications, space science and overseeing the overall program in the final stages of my career in ISRO as its Chairman. A brief account of some of the related memories, that I hold from that period shall be narrated with particular focus on my unique association with my illustrious predecessor Chairmen - Vikram Sarabhai, MGK Menon, Satish Dhawan and UR Rao. Subsequent developments in my professional trajectory beyond space and some of the resulting excitements and challenges will be narrated as a part of my role as Member of Rajya Sabha, Member of Erstwhile Planning Commission and more recently, Chairman, National Education Policy Committee. To me, this totality of roles spread over nearly fifty years, prove to be an extraordinary journey in understanding the issues of development of this Nation, with its complexity, diversity and plurality. I owe the humble service that I could render for this Nation, to individuals, leaders of political systems, many institutions and the most crucial support that I received from my colleagues and well-wishers; on this historic occasion I remember all of them through this talk.
Vikram Sarabhai and Indian space programme<img src='/prl-eng/images/red.gif'>
Abstract
Vikram Sarabhai a man of many dimensions, an outstanding scientist deeply concerned about the country's need to provide science and technology based solutions to the problems faced by society and citizen's of a country which was grappling with governance as an independent nation after emerging from centuries of external rule. In the space programme one of his many dreams was to use national satellite programme to provide a better way of life to the 630000 villages of India. He had hoped by the research and development activities of the space programme that television would be available to 80% of India's population in ten years. This project was of special significance because by providing entertainment and instruction of high quality it would be possible to bring about a quantitative improvement in the richness of rural life. He often used to say that “I have a dream, a fantasy may be that we can leapfrog our way to development”. And over the years he showed his capacity to leapfrog many decades and translate many of his dreams into realities. Visualizing the ability of objects going beyond earth to provide solutions to the problems we faced and the use of emerging disruptive technology of space were indeed acts of great impact and the manner in which he facilitated its role out in the country needs to be remembered by us even as we complete 75 years of existence as independent India and further as we look at navigating through the 'Azadi ka Amrut mahotsav' and reach the landmark of 2047.