Tag: Science

EduConnect

NIO Goa to Host Open Day on 26th September, Students Invited to Marine Resources Exhibition

Tanisha Cardozo

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Institute of Oceanography (CSIR-NIO), Goa, is gearing up to celebrate its 84th Foundation Day with a special Open Day event on the 26th of September. The event will take place at the NIO campus in Dona Paula, from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm, and promises to be an engaging experience for students and the wider community interested in the fascinating field of oceanography.

As part of the celebrations, the institute has extended a warm invitation to students from across the state to take part in an exhibition dedicated to marine resources and scientific instruments. This exhibition will highlight the latest scientific endeavors in ocean research, showcasing the tools and techniques used by scientists to study and preserve the ocean environment.

In addition to the exhibition, students will have the opportunity to watch a series of films related to ocean sciences, providing an immersive and educational insight into marine ecosystems, oceanography, and the importance of sustainable marine resource management.

A key highlight of the day will be a talk titled ‘Careers in Oceanography,’ designed to inspire and inform young minds about the various career paths available in this dynamic and critical field. The talk aims to encourage students to consider oceanography as a viable and exciting career option, emphasizing the role of scientific research in addressing global challenges such as climate change, marine biodiversity loss, and sustainable development.

The CSIR’s mission to enhance the quality of life in India through innovative, competitive, and sustainable scientific solutions is deeply embedded in the institute’s work. By promoting awareness and education through events like the Open Day, CSIR-NIO continues to support the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, fostering self-reliance through scientific and technological advancements.

This Open Day presents a unique opportunity for students and the public to connect with leading oceanographers, explore cutting-edge research, and understand the critical role oceans play in sustaining life on Earth. The event underlines CSIR-NIO’s commitment to nurturing scientific curiosity and empowering the next generation of ocean scientists and researchers.

All students, educators, and marine science enthusiasts are encouraged to participate in this free event to celebrate science, innovation, and the vast mysteries of the ocean.

Science

CSIR-NIO Hosts National Science Seminar on Marine Research and India’s Future Prospects

Tanisha Cardozo

CSIR–National Institute of Oceanography (CSIR-NIO), Goa, hosted a two-day National Science Seminar in Hindi at its Dona Paula campus on the theme “Contribution of Marine Research in India’s Development and Future Prospects.” The seminar brought together experts, researchers, and scholars from across the country to discuss the current landscape and future opportunities in ocean science and its impact on India’s development.

The Chief Guest for the seminar was Prof. Dr. Sujata Kadam, Dean of the All India Institute of Ayurveda, Goa Campus, who spoke about the importance of integrating Ayurveda into lifestyle and shared key initiatives taken by her institution. Dr. Ramanuj Narayan, Director of CSIR-IMMT, Bhubaneswar, graced the event as the Guest of Honour and emphasised the importance of such national-level scientific seminars in furthering research dialogue. He also acknowledged the critical role that CSIR institutions, including NIO, have played in advancing national goals through scientific excellence.

Among the highlights of the seminar was a keynote lecture by Dr. Arun Deo Singh, Senior Professor, Department of Geology at Banaras Hindu University, who presented insights into the utility of microfossils in ocean exploration. CSIR-NIO Director Prof. Sunil Kumar Singh addressed the gathering and spoke about the immense potential that ocean science holds in contributing to socio-economic growth and national progress. He stressed how marine research outcomes can directly support the objectives of nation-building.

The seminar concluded with a valedictory function attended by Dr. Asha B. Gehlot, Member of the Hindi Language Advisory Committee, NITI Aayog, and Head of the Hindi Department at Government College, Khandola, Goa. In her address, Dr. Gehlot underscored the importance of conducting scientific seminars in Hindi and other Indian languages, stating that this would help bridge the gap between complex scientific research and public understanding, ultimately making a stronger impact on the blue economy.

The seminar featured four key scientific sessions across the disciplines of Chemical Oceanography, Biological Oceanography, Geological Oceanography, and Physical Oceanography & Ocean Engineering. Over the course of the two days, 34 oral presentations and 20 poster presentations were made by delegates from 12 institutions across the country. The event saw enthusiastic participation from over 150 delegates, creating a vibrant platform for knowledge exchange and collaborative thinking.

The seminar successfully highlighted the transformative role of marine research in India’s present and future, while also promoting science communication in Indian languages to foster broader outreach and societal benefit.

Human Interest

Karnataka Tells Goa It Will Take Elephant Omkar Only After Dussehra

Closed Account

Written by Intern Queeny George M.H, Team Allycaral

A wild elephant named Omkar has become the center of a growing human-wildlife conflict in Goa, as he continues to damage farmland in the Tambos area of Pernem for three consecutive days. The Goa forest department has struggled to control the situation, drawing strong reactions from local farmers who are demanding immediate and high-level intervention.

In response, Goa Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane held a joint meeting with Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre to seek a long-term and humane resolution. The discussion focused on the possibility of relocating Omkar to a rehabilitation camp in Karnataka where the elephant can receive proper care in a controlled environment. However, Karnataka has informed Goa that they will be able to take in Omkar only after Dussehra, due to logistical and festival-related constraints.

Rane emphasized the urgency of the issue, noting that Omkar is not just a threat to crops but a potential risk to human safety. “The immediate issue before us is Omkar, the elephant who moved into Goa from Maharashtra and has been destroying crops. As part of the deliberations, we requested that Omkar be rehabilitated at the Karnataka camp, where he can be given the care and environment he requires,” he said.

Khandre confirmed Karnataka’s support but clarified that the relocation will be possible only after the Dussehra festivities conclude. Meanwhile, both ministers have also proposed a broader strategy to address such conflicts in a sustainable way. A tripartite agreement between Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka is in the works. This agreement aims to build inter-state coordination, enhance response capabilities, and implement collective wildlife management strategies.

This move is being seen as a significant step in addressing the rising number of human-elephant conflicts, particularly in the western and southern states of India, where forest corridors overlap with agricultural and residential zones.

While immediate relief for the farmers in Tambos is still awaited, the discussions signal a hopeful shift towards regional collaboration in wildlife conservation and conflict resolution.

Special Occasion

World Ozone Day 2025: From Science to Global Action — A Celebration of 40 Years of Environmental Progress

Tanisha Cardozo

Every year on September 16, the world observes World Ozone Day—a moment to reflect on the critical role the ozone layer plays in protecting life on Earth. Acting as a natural shield, the ozone layer absorbs most of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which, if left unchecked, can cause severe health problems like skin cancer and cataracts, and inflict lasting damage on ecosystems. Often called “Earth’s umbrella,” this invisible barrier is vital to our planet’s survival.

In 2025, World Ozone Day carries the theme “From science to global action,” a powerful reminder of the journey from early scientific discovery to real-world environmental triumphs. This year also marks the 40th anniversary of the Vienna Convention—a landmark moment when the global community first came together to address the threat of ozone depletion. The Convention laid the groundwork for the Montreal Protocol, signed in 1987, which has since become one of the most successful environmental treaties in history.

The history of global ozone protection efforts dates back to the 1970s and 1980s, when scientists first began to raise alarm over the thinning of the ozone layer. The discovery of the ozone hole over Antarctica, announced in 1985 by British scientists Joe Farman, Brian Gardiner, and Jonathan Shanklin, sent shockwaves through the scientific community and policymakers alike. Researchers had identified that man-made chemicals—specifically chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), commonly used in refrigeration, air conditioning, and aerosol sprays—were the primary culprits behind ozone depletion.

In response, the international community acted swiftly. In 1985, the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer was adopted, establishing a framework for cooperation and research. Two years later, in 1987, the Montreal Protocol was agreed upon. This legally binding treaty committed countries to phase out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances. Since then, the Protocol has been strengthened multiple times, including through the Kigali Amendment in 2016, which added a commitment to phasing down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)—potent greenhouse gases, though not ozone-depleting.

Thanks to decades of concerted global efforts, the ozone layer is showing signs of recovery. According to the World Meteorological Organization’s 2024 Ozone Bulletin, depletion levels have been lower compared to previous years, aided by both natural atmospheric patterns and a steady reduction in ozone-depleting substances. The recovery of the ozone layer stands as a rare success story in global environmental policy—proof that unified international action, grounded in scientific evidence, can truly reverse damage.

In his official World Ozone Day message, UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the importance of continuing on this path, stating, “Forty years ago, nations came together to take the first step in protecting the ozone layer, guided by science, united in action.” His words resonate in a world increasingly affected by climate-related challenges, highlighting the power of collaboration and the urgency of maintaining environmental commitments.

As we celebrate World Ozone Day 2025, we not only commemorate past achievements but also renew our commitment to protecting the atmosphere for generations to come. The journey from science to global action is far from over—but it offers hope that when nations stand together, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome.

Human Interest

Voyager 1 Sends Signal After 48 Years in Space, Leaving NASA Speechless

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

America’s National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is known for pioneering space exploration, but even its most seasoned scientists were left speechless recently. The cause? A new signal from the legendary Voyager 1 spacecraft — still active and transmitting after 48 years in deep space.

Voyager 1 was launched in 1977 with a primary goal of exploring the giant planets in our solar system, particularly Jupiter and Saturn. It accomplished that mission with stunning success, capturing some of the most iconic images ever taken of those distant worlds. But the true legacy of Voyager 1 began not with what it photographed, but with where it went next.

After leaving the known planetary orbits, Voyager 1 continued on its path toward the unknown. It eventually crossed a critical boundary known as the heliopause — the outermost edge of our solar system where the Sun’s solar wind meets the interstellar medium. It was here that Voyager’s instruments picked up something unexpected: a rise in both temperature and particle density. This region, dubbed the “wall of fire,” is a turbulent frontier where the calm of our solar system collides with the chaos of deep space.

Despite being powered by less energy than a single LED light bulb — only about 4 watts per scientific instrument — Voyager 1 continues to function. Its radioactive plutonium core steadily depletes over time, but still provides just enough power to keep critical systems alive. Communicating with such a distant spacecraft is a monumental challenge. NASA relies on enormous 230-foot antennas scattered around the globe to receive Voyager’s incredibly weak signals.

The feat is even more impressive considering the craft is more than 15 billion miles from Earth. Every signal takes over 22 hours to reach us. The fact that Voyager is still “talking” at all is a testament to the engineering ingenuity behind it. NASA’s team continues to tweak its systems remotely, optimizing power usage and preserving key instruments so that the data stream can continue for as long as possible.

This latest signal — faint, delayed, yet profound — is another reminder that even decades-old machines can redefine human understanding. Voyager 1 may have started its journey with a camera pointed at Jupiter, but today, it peers into the uncharted vastness beyond, still pushing the boundaries of exploration.