Plasma Waves

Recently the researchers at Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG) have examined the existence of high-frequency plasma waves in the Martian plasma environment.

• It is an interconnected set of particles and fields which propagate in a periodically repeating fashion.
• The waves that are emanate from the sun having Low-density, ionized gases are called as plasmas.
• Plasma is a good electrical conductor with properties that are strongly affected by electric and magnetic fields.
• Various plasma waves are often observed in the Earth’s magnetosphere, a magnetic field cavity around the Earth.
• In general, plasma waves are identified as the short-time scale fluctuations in the in the electric and magnetic field observations.
• These plasma waves play an important role in the energization and transport of the charged particles in the Earth’s magnetosphere.
• Some of the plasma waves like electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves act as a cleaning agent for the Earth’s radiation belt, which is hazardous to our satellites.
• Mars – The planet do not have any intrinsic magnetic field therefore the high-speed solar wind coming from the Sun interacts directly with the Mars atmosphere, like an obstacle in the flow.
• The researchers at Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG), have examined the existence of high-frequency plasma waves in the Martian plasma environment.
• Researchers are curious to understand the existence of various plasma waves in the vicinity of un-magnetized planets like Mars.
• Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG) is an autonomous institute of Department of Science and Technology.

PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI) Scheme

Recently the cabinet approved the overarching scheme “PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI)” of the Ministry of Earth Sciences.

• PRITHVI stands for Promoting Research in Earth Systems Science, Technology, & Human Resource Development.
• It is an initiative of Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
• Various components of PRITHVI scheme are inter-dependent and are carried out in an integrated manner through combined efforts of the concerned Institutes under MoES.
• The scheme enables development of integrated multi-disciplinary earth science research and innovative programs across different MoES institutes.
• Major Objectives – Augmentation and sustenance of long-term observations of the atmosphere, ocean, geosphere, cryosphere and solid earth to record the vital signs of the Earth System and change.
• Development of modelling systems for understanding and predicting weather, ocean and climate hazards and understanding the science of climate change.
• Exploration polar and high seas regions of the Earth towards discovery of new phenomena and resources.
• Development of technology for exploration and sustainable harnessing of oceanic resources for societal applications.
• Translation of knowledge and insights from Earth systems science into services for societal, environmental and economic benefit.
• Sub schemes – It integrates 5 existing sub-schemes that includes:
  1. ACROSS – Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services
  2. O-SMART – Ocean Services, Modelling Application, Resources and Technology
  3. PACER – Polar Science and Cryosphere Research
  4. SAGE – Seismology and Geosciences
  5. REACHOUT – Research, Education, Training, and Outreach
• These programs collectively aim to enhance our understanding of the Earth's vital signs and translate scientific knowledge into practical services that benefit India.

Mitigation Work Programme

The Second Global Dialogue and Investment-Focused Event under the Sharm el-Sheikh Mitigation Ambition and Implementation Work Programme (MWP) took place from October 2023 in Abu Dhabi.

• Mitigation Work Programme is a part of Global Stocktake which was originally proposed by the United States at COP26.
• It aims to encourage countries to heighten mitigation ambition in their climate plans in order to stay within 1.5 degrees Celsius (°C) of warming.
• The Second Global Dialogue and Investment-Focused Event under the Sharm el-Sheikh Mitigation Ambition and Implementation Work Programme (MWP) took place from October 2023 in Abu Dhabi.
• However, it has seen pushback from developing countries who initially questioned how its role differed from the Global Stocktake, which is itself a mechanism written in to scale up ambition.
• There are 2 possible reasons for the failure of the MWP to discuss substance in Dubai:
  1. Unwillingness to prejudge the Global Stocktake (GST) until the final day and commit more than what it agreed to.
  2. The atmosphere of mistrust that exists among Parties with respect to who will bear the mitigation burden.

Pallas’s Fish Eagle

The rare Pallas’s fish eagle was recently spotted after a decade on Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, Chilika Lake in Odisha.

• Pallas's fish eagle (Haliaeetus leucoryphus) is also known as Pallas's sea eagle or band-tailed fish eagle, is a large, brownish sea eagle.
• It is not the largest eagle species in the world.
• Conservation – It is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
• It is a winter migrant, which is protected under the Schedule-I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
• Distribution – It can be found in the east Palearctic in Kazakhstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, China, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Bhutan.
• It is endemic to Asia.
• Breeding – It breeds during winter in the northern and north-eastern parts of the Indian subcontinent and migrates to Mongolia and thereabouts for the summer.
• Diet – Its diet consists primarily of large freshwater fish.

Etikoppaka Toys

The Etikoppaka Toy industry is flourishing in recent times due to several initiatives taken by the Union Government including ‘vocal for local’ initiative.

• The Etikoppaka toy industry is believed to be around 400 years old.
• In early days, some craftsmen from Etikoppaka, a Village in Andhra Pradesh made in small wooden bowls and boxes for household purposes.
• These versatile items found utility in storing salt, turmeric, and other aromatic substances, with women especially preferring them for keeping ‘kum-kum’ or their precious gold jewellery.
• Initially, wooden creations from Etikoppaka were sold at stalls near temples and during weekly markets, better known as ‘vaaram - santha’.
• Over time, local kings, zamindars, and landlords began placing orders for these wooden products, utilising them both in kitchens and as decorative elements in homes.
• The turning point in their history came when artisans ventured into crafting toys for children.
• The introduction of Lakkapidathalu, a kitchen set featuring vibrant vessels, a stove, a roti-making plate with a stick, and plates marked a breakthrough in the toy industry.
• Etikoppaka toys was granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2017.
• The Etikoppaka toys industry have been flourishing in the recent times.
• These toys have no sharp edges and are rounded on all sides.
• The industry has provided livelihood to a number of women in the village.
• Challenges – It includes:
  1. Significant scarcity of ‘Ankud’ wood
  2. Rising prices of dyes
  3. Increased transportation and labour costs
  4. Invasion by China-made toys
  5. Absence of young individuals embracing ancestral occupations to sustain the hereditary profession.