Engineering, Science & Technology, Climate Change A glance at 2023

on 03/01/2024

In contrast to Western billionaires’ space endeavors ending in failure, India achieved an unprecedented feat. The Chandrayaan-3 mission, costing a mere $75 million, became the world’s first to reach the unexplored lunar south pole.
Although the spacecraft went dormant after two weeks of the landing, it did what it was supposed to do — successfully detected lunar surface sulfur and demonstrated the moon’s soil as an effective insulator. This accomplishment, marked by diversity, cost-effectiveness, and eco-friendly technology, hints at a transformative era in space exploration on the horizon.
Artificial Intelligence Goes Mainstream
The year 2023 emerged as the “breakout year” for artificial intelligence, with ChatGPT leading the charge. This large language model, released by OpenAI in 2022, went viral in 2023, captivating users with its fluency and encyclopedic knowledge.
AI became mainstream, with industry leaders like OpenAI and Google competing to advance generative AI.
Researchers explored AI generating content from brain scans, offering potential communication solutions for stroke and paralysis patients.
AI’s role extended to conservation, aiding in tracking migrating birds through tools like BirdCast.
AI applications have the potential to not only prevent diseases and window strikes but also identify species from photographs, distinguish mushrooms, and translate whale sounds.
However ethical concerns about misinformation and bias were also raised and such concerns will likely pick up pace in the new year.
Insights into Human Migration out of Africa
A paradigm shift in understanding our origins occurred in 2023. As Homo sapiens, our roots lie in Africa, where our species emerged over half a million years ago.
Recent DNA analysis, led by Sarah Tishkoff at the University of Pennsylvania, revealed Neanderthal DNA in living Africans, indicating early migrations from Africa to Eurasia around 250,000 years ago.
This challenges previous notions, showcasing a more complex evolutionary history.
Additionally, research in 2023 discovered that ancient Native Americans, after venturing to North America 20,000 to 30,000 years ago, made return journeys to Eurasia.
Analysis of ten Eurasian individuals’ ancient DNA revealed migrations as far as Kamchatka and central Siberia, suggesting a more intricate narrative of human movement across continents than previously understood.
These findings show the importance of exploring diverse genomic data to unravel the complexities of human history.
NASA Retrieves Asteroid Bits For Clues to Earths Origin
NASA’s OSIRIS-REx probe completed a seven-year mission, delivering 8.8 ounces of rock and dust from the asteroid Bennu in the Utah desert on September 24.Top of Form Bennu, older than Earth, may hold clues about our planet’s formation and life’s building blocks. Initial analysis unveiled evidence of water and high carbon content.
While OSIRIS-REx embarks on another asteroid visit, scientists on Earth are studying the Bennu sample, anticipating revelations about Earth’s distant past.
The Hottest Year on Record
The year 2023 gripped the world with alarming heat records, solidifying its status as the hottest year on record. The Therapyperiod from April to November saw successive months of extreme heat globally. Climbing temperatures fuelled devastating natural disasters, from floods in Libya to wildfires in Canada and the United States.
Despite alarming events, positive strides include increased green energy production and advanced AI forecasting.
The COP28 climate summit witnessed global leaders making a landmark commitment to “transition away” from fossil fuels. Yet, questions lingered about the practical implications of this pledge.
The urgent call is clear: acknowledging our role in climate change and implementing solutions is crucial for survival.
CRISPR Therapy for Sickle Cell Disease and Beta Thalassaemia
In a groundbreaking development, the UK approved the Crispr–Cas9 genome-editing tool, Casgevy, for treating sickle cell disease and beta thalassaemia.
The therapy showed promise of relieving pain and reducing the need for red-blood cell transfusions.
However, long-term effectiveness, safety issues, and the high $2m per person cost raised concerns. Budget considerations questioned the ongoing focus on these diseases.
Despite uncertainties, the approval signifies a potential move towards healthcare equity by including overlooked groups, offering a glimmer of hope.
Weight Loss Drug Wegovy Revolutionize Health
Wegovy, initially prescribed for diabetes, emerged as a revolutionary weight-loss drug, garnering unprecedented demand.
Besides its remarkable weight-loss efficacy, early trials hinted at potential benefits like reducing heart attack and stroke risks and aiding addiction treatment. Despite criticisms of a “quick fix,” and challenges in access and shortages, Wegovy marked a pivotal shift in healthcare.
Global obesity affects 650 million adults, surpassing undernourished populations at 735 million. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor stimulants, initially for diabetes, now combat obesity.
In a two-year trial, Wegovy participants shed 15% body weight, dwarfing the control group’s 3%.
However, Wegovy’s side effects, like nausea and a potential risk of thyroid cancers, caution against unbridled optimism. Addressing starvation remains an unresolved challenge.
Bird Decline Linked to Herbicides and Pesticides
This year marks a record-breaking environmental crisis, notably the alarming decline in global wildlife alongside the pervasive issue of global heating. Unfortunately, the biodiversity crisis receives significantly less attention than the climate emergency, despite its severity.
A study revealed a shocking decline of 550 million birds across Europe over four decades.
Previously attributed to habitat loss and pollution, a comprehensive study by Stanislas Rigal’s team identifies agricultural intensification, driven by increased pesticide and fertilizer use, as the primary culprit.
The findings emphasized the urgent need for policy changes to mitigate biodiversity loss.
Hope for Stem Cell-ased Embryo Models
June witnessed a surge in scientific interest as researchers demonstrated the ability to cultivate structures resembling early post-implantation human embryos entirely within a culture dish, using pluripotent stem cells.
The experiments garnered significant media attention, emphasising the remarkable ability of stem cells to self-organise into relevant tissues.
While hailed for potential breakthroughs in understanding human development and addressing reproductive challenges, there’s a consensus that these stem cell-based embryo models, while promising, aren’t equivalent to natural embryos.
A critical test, implantation into a womb, remains uncharted territory, with 99% of cultured aggregates failing to resemble a human embryo.
Ethical considerations and the need for improved efficiency highlighted the journey toward using these models.
Wildfires Burn Through Canada and Hawaii
Devastating wildfires set records in 2023, particularly in Canada, where over 45 million acres succumbed to flames by October—more than double the previous record set in 1989.
These infernos, covering vast areas, unleashed massive clouds, akin to those over volcanoes, causing lightning and high winds. The repercussions extended globally, with June witnessing the worst air quality in parts of the US, affecting Spain, Britain, and Norway.
Additionally, a catastrophic blaze on Hawaii’s Maui Island claimed at least 100 lives, marking the highest US wildfire death toll in a century.
This alarming trend, fuelled by climate change, transforms once-extreme fires into a disturbing norm across the planet.

3rd HVACR Trends Exhibition & Conference A Resounding Success in Addressing Sustainability in Pharma, Hospitals, Cleanrooms

on 03/01/2024

The 3rd HVACR Trends Exhibition & Conference took place in December (9th and 10th) 2023, at the prestigious Karachi Marriott Hotel, bringing together industry leaders, experts, and professionals to explore and address critical issues in the HVACR sector, with a special focus on sustainability in Pharma, Hospitals, and Cleanrooms.
Themed “Sustainability in the Critical Sectors of the Industry: Pharma, Hospitals, and Cleanrooms,” the event featured an impressive lineup of tech-talks, discussions, and product displays aimed at presenting innovative solutions to challenges facing these vital sectors of the industry.
The event boasted participation from over 35 prominent companies showcasing cutting-edge HVACR products and technologies tailored for Pharma, Hospitals, and Cleanrooms. Attendees included a diverse audience of Engineers, Technicians, Consultants, Contractors, Suppliers, Building Facilitation Managers, MEP professionals, CEOs, and other high-level staff from the healthcare sector.
The distinguished Consul General of Turkey in Karachi, H.E. Mr. Cemal Sangu, inaugurated the event, accompanied by Mr. Farooq Mehboob, Immediate Past President of ASHRAE, Mr. Omer Khan, President ASHRAE Pakistan Chapter (2022-23), and Mr. Muhammad Abbas Sajid, Chair Managing Committee of HVACR Trends.
Parallel events enriched the conference experience, including Technical Seminars, Product Presentations, Panel Discussions, a Product Display Expo, Networking Breakfast, and a Welcome Dinner. Renowned experts such as Wei Sun, P.E., ASHRAE Fellow; Timothy G. Wentz, PE, HBDP, Fellow; and Luke Leung, P.E., a LEED Fellow, delivered insightful presentations on cleanroom design, industry trends in 2030, and healthy built environments.
Delegations from key organizations, including the Pakistan Engineering Council, Institution of Engineers Pakistan, IEEEP, ACEP, Pakistan HVACR Society, NED University of Science & Technology, Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Pakistan Society of Plumbing Professionals, and academia, were received by ASHRAE APC.
Mr. Muhammad Abbas Sajid, Chair Managing Committee of HVACR Trends, expressed his satisfaction, stating, “The event has achieved great success in bringing together the entire HVACR and Healthcare Industry to discuss relevant issues and present viable solutions. We are grateful for the support of all participants, sponsors, and partners.”
The 3rd HVACR Trends Exhibition & Conference was organized by ASHRAE Pakistan Chapter and skillfully managed by BRG (Business Relay Group) Events.
ASHRAE Pakistan Chapter is a leading professional organization dedicated to the advancement of the HVACR industry, promoting sustainable practices and fostering knowledge exchange among industry professionals.
BRG Events is a premier event management company committed to delivering exceptional experiences through meticulously planned and flawlessly executed events.

OGDC HANDS to construct climate-resilient houses in Balochistan

on 03/01/2024

In continuation of its strategic collaboration for uplifting the local community, Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) has partnered with the Health and Nutrition Development Society (HANDS) for the construction of 84 climate-resilient houses at Umaid Ali Rawtani village of Jhal Magsi district of Balochistan province.
The transformative initiative aimed to uplift the community of Jhal Magsi in Balochistan. The groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of climate-resilient houses took place at Umaid Ali Rawtani village, marking a significant milestone in this collaborative endeavor. OGDCL and HANDS signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a Model Village at Umaid Ali Rawtani village in Jhal Magsi district, with a total cost of Rs. 84.929 million. OGDCL, with a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) focus on health, infrastructure, water supply, and environment, aims to make a positive impact on the lives of the local communities in Jhal Magsi, an area that has faced challenges of poverty and flood-related adversities.
This strategic partnership between OGDCL and HANDS lays the foundation for the construction of 84 climate-resilient houses. Each house will consist of a 15 x 15 room, a washroom, a kitchen, and a veranda, providing essential amenities for the residents. The construction is expected to be completed within a timeframe of 4 to 6 months. The initiative underscores OGDCL’s commitment to social responsibility and community welfare. OGDCL remains steadfast in its dedication to sustainable development and positive societal impact.

Learning from China a must to promote sustainable development of chemical industry

on 03/01/2024

Moazzam Ghurki, president of Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI), said during a think tank session held at PCJCCI Secretariat the other day that Pakistan does not have mature technology to produce petrochemical complex facilities or cracking units, which is a very big constraint to the development of its chemical industry. He stressed that Pakistan can collaborate with China and learn from China’s experience to promote the sustainable development of the chemical industry and give full play to the industry in the national economic construction. President PCJCCI also highlighted that there is a vast potential of Pakistan in chemical manufacturing and processing. Our vision was to transform the chemical industry of Pakistan from an import-oriented to an export-oriented industry. Fang Yulong, senior vice president PCJCCI, further added that with the rapid development of biotechnology, the biochemical industry has injected new vitality into the traditional chemical industry and opened up new development directions and insights. He further explained that China has a growing influence in the field of biochemical industry globally. Both approaches will be of great benefit to Pakistan. Zafar Iqbal, chairman Standing Committee on Chemical Industry (PCJCCI), said that with the continuous growth of economy and population base, the demand of Pakistani citizens for chemical products is increasing day by day. The country is highly dependent on imported oil products, and the shortage of oil products has even affected national security. He added that China’s successful chemical park model can provide Pakistan’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the necessary resources and facilities, so as to achieve cluster development. Hamza Khalid, vice president PCJCCI, said that Cracker is an important link in the transfer of chemical production to downstream and upstream operations. It is significant to establish a chemical industrial park with facilities such as common effluent treatment plant, a sound supply network of water, electricity, centralized steam generating facility to reduce capital & operating expenditures for chemical manufacturers. With the promulgation of the SME Policy, Pakistani government is taking rational and challenging steps to develop SMEs for their growth.

AIIB approves US$250 m loan after WB’s US$350m to help Pakistan

on 03/01/2024

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank’s (AIIB) Board of Directors have approved a loan of $250 million to help Pakistan strengthen its response to the social and economic fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic, said the financial institution in a press release at the end of year 2023.
The AIIB said that the loan is co-financed by the World Bank, adding that this development policy financing will help bolster the government’s Resilient Institutions for Sustainable Economy Program.
The RISE Program is a part of a set of measures Pakistan has undertaken towards recovery from the impact of the pandemic. The program aims to stimulate investment in human capital, expand social safety nets, improve the emergency health infrastructure and foster economic growth.
The investment bank stated that the latest loan brings AIIB total support to Pakistan’s Covid-19 response to $750 million.
The statement mentioned that the health crisis is expected to have far-ranging and long-term repercussions on growth, which may undermine the hard-fought progress the country has made in restoring macroeconomic stability.
The AIIB said that pandemic has taken a toll on employment in the formal and informal sectors, with the poor, women and other vulnerable groups disproportionately affected.
“The pandemic has rapidly evolved in Pakistan and now threatens to undo many of the hard-won gains made in reducing poverty over the past two decades,’ said AIIB Vice President, Investment Operations, Konstantin Limitovskiy.
“Our immediate support is critical and will contribute to the government’s efforts to mitigate pandemic-related shocks, so that the country may continue on its path to sustainable development,” he said.
The AIIB said it does not have a regular instrument for policy-based financing, the Bank is extending such financing on an exceptional basis under its Covid-19 Crisis Recovery Facility to support its members through projects co-financed with the World Bank or the Asian Development Bank.
It merits mentioning that The World Bank had announced in December 2023 that its board of directors had approved the long-awaited $350 million loan ‘2nd Resilient Institutions for Sustainable Economy (RISE-II) Operation’ to Pakistan to support key macroeconomic reforms in energy, taxation and business environment.
As per the announcement of the bank, the financing was aimed to strengthen fiscal management and promote competitiveness for sustained and inclusive economic growth
The operation contributes to better fiscal management by improving fiscal policy coordination, enhancing debt transparency and management, strengthening the taxation of property, and improving the financial viability of the power sector, the bank had said, adding that the financing seeks to foster growth and competitiveness by reducing the cost of tax compliance, improving financial sector transparency, encouraging the use of digital payments, and promoting exports by lowering import tariffs.
The bank believed that Pakistan needed urgent fiscal and structural reforms to restore macroeconomic balance and lay the foundations for sustainable growth.
“RISE-II completes the first phase of tax, energy and business climate reforms geared to raising additional revenues, improve the targeting of expenditures and stimulate competition and investment.”
World Bank’s team leader for the operation Derek H. C. Chen said that based on the foundations laid through RISE II and parallel support by other international financial institutions, Pakistan had the opportunity to tackle long-standing structural distortions in its economy after the upcoming general elections. “Failing to use this opportunity would risk plunging the country back into stop-and-go economic cycle,” he said.
Importantly, the combined $600m program would help Pakistan shore up foreign exchange reserves while taking measures to enhance the policy and institutional framework for improved fiscal management and regulatory conditions that support growth and competitiveness.