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NASA rover detects electrical discharges 'mini-lightning' on Mars
NASA's Perseverance rover has obtained evidence that the atmosphere of Mars is electrically active, detecting electrical discharges - what one scientist called "mini-lightning" - often associated with whirlwinds called dust devils that regularly saunter over the planet's surface. The six-wheeled rover, exploring Mars since 2021 at a locale called Jezero Crater in its northern hemisphere, picked up these electrical discharges in audio and electromagnetic recordings made by its SuperCam remote-sensing instrument, researchers said. It is the first documentation of electrical activity in the thin Martian atmosphere. "These discharges represent a major discovery, with direct implications for Martian atmospheric chemistry, climate, habitability and the future of robotic and human exploration," said planetary scientist Baptiste Chide of the Institute for Research in Astrophysics and Planetology in France, lead author of the study published on Wednesday in the journal Nature.
"The electrical charges required for these discharges are likely to influence dust transport on Mars, a process fundamental to the planet's climate and one that remains poorly understood. What's more, these electrostatic discharges could pose a risk to the electronic equipment of current robotic missions - and even a hazard for astronauts who one day will explore the Red Planet," Chide said.
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Children in climate vulnerable districts of India 25 pc more likely to be underweight
Children in India districts that are highly vulnerable to climate change could be 25 per cent more likely to be underweight, compared to those in less vulnerable districts, indicating how climate vulnerability can impact public health outcomes, a study has found. Districts highly vulnerable to climate change consistently underperform on achieving health targets, such as stunting and problems accessing healthcare, compared to less vulnerable districts, the study published in the journal PLOS one said.
Researchers from Delhi's Institute of Economic Growth said that with 80 per cent of India's population living in areas highly vulnerable to extreme weather events such as cyclones, floods and heatwaves, risks due to climate change could undermine the country's progress on several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The researchers analysed data from the National Family Health Survey-Round 5 and 'Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture' (CRIDA), which provides information on a district's climate vulnerability.
The study also found a 38 per cent higher likelihood of a non-institutional delivery -- birth occurring outside a healthcare facility -- in districts highly vulnerable to climate change.
The team also found a higher chance of six per cent and 14 per cent for wasting -- a low weight for height -- and stunting in highly vulnerable districts.
They added that the findings establish the need to account for how climate change impacts health outcomes, apart from the socio-economic and access-related factors conventionally considered relevant, in low and middle-income countries such as India.
Risks due to climate change need to be urgently addressed, including an effective adaption in health, to ensure desired health and well-being outcomes can be achieved and sustained amidst rising climate risks, the team said.
PM Modi unveils Skyroot's orbital rocket in Hyderabad
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday unveiled space startup Skyroot's first orbital rocket and praised Gen Z professionals for creating new technologies. The PM virtually inaugurated Skyroot's Infinity Campus here. The company's orbital rocket Vikram-I has the capability to launch satellites to orbit.
In his address, the PM highlighted the government's 'historic' space reforms and said that opening up the space sector to private players has resulted in Skyroot and others coming up with such innovations.
Skyroot's state-of-the-art facility will have around two lakh sq.ft. workspace for designing, developing, integrating and testing multiple launch vehicles, with a capacity to build one orbital rocket every month. Skyroot is India's leading private space company founded by Pawan Chandana and Bharath Dhaka, both IIT alumni and former scientists of ISRO.
In November 2022, Skyroot launched its sub-orbital rocket, Vikram-S, becoming the first Indian private company to do so.
India’s first Tesla Motors Facility launched in Gurugram
Tesla India has announced that its first integrated Tesla Center at the Orchid Business Park in Gurugram. The new facility marks Company’s biggest presence in entire country as it combines retail, after-sales service, delivery and charging facilities under one roof. “Tesla’s mission is to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy. We are opening our first all-in-one Tesla Center in Gurugram, combining experience center, after-sales service, delivery, and charging station in one place. By building charging infrastructure that fits people’s daily lives, we are making electric driving convenient for everyone in India. The network will expand rapidly for a seamless EV experience. Our direct business model has sparked huge excitement for electric mobility, driving strong adoption and lasting confidence in sustainable transport across India,” said Sharad Agarwal, General Manager, Tesla India. Visitors will be able to explore Tesla’s technology, take test drives of the Model Y, access V4 Supercharging and obtain after-sales assistance in one connected space. Optimus Gen 2, Tesla’s advanced humanoid robot prototype, will also be on display in Gurugram, alongside installations in Mumbai and Delhi. Once operational, Tesla will have four charging stations in India equipped with 16 Superchargers and 10 Destination Chargers.
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