What is a 'Black box'? Explain its significance in flight safety and airplane crash investigations.

Black box was recently recovered from airline crash site in Ahmedabad revealing crucial detail. Black box: a) An instrument to record all activities and messages on the plane b) Specially designed to survive any accident c) Kept to get info about every minute detail of flight Significance: 1) Provides crucial information → flight weight, progress, pilot's commands etc. 2) Helps in knowing bluest minute details of accident → (eg Ahmedabad crash details) 3) Flying the blame → why did it happen? - Pilots were heard saying 'didn't switch off' → proved it was not their mistake 4) Helps when accidents leave no trace because of severe damage → only black box can be the only source. 5) Future safety → by helping in investigations it helps to avoid tragedy in future. 6) Crucial communication device → records pilot's communication as well.

NISAR is a joint collab of ISRO and NASA, to launch a satellite for space exploration & research. International Cooperation: 1) Significant for cross country agency collabs → ISRO & NASA 2) An example of pooling resources for better research program → using experiences of both countries 3) ISRO & NASA will work to succeed data sent by NISAR and further collab on research 4) Combines rich knowledge + tech and experiences of agencies → for advantage

Climate change monitoring: a) Survey the earth/land survey low emissions, concentration etc. b) Will also provide info about changes earth/atmosphere → can help to target policies c) Methane tracking → 24x7 → provides real time updates to govt. d) Complete mapping of atmosphere and gaseous composition in it Natural hazard management: 1) Provides data regarding changes in glacial activities/sea ward about glofs, floods etc. 2) Can track meteorological changes such as weather pattern, precipitation 3) Monitor Oceans/it activities → helpful for tsunami alerts 4) Useful fire data can be made available. Ways to tackle warming under 2°C a) Limit warming under 2°C ways to - Under 2 alluvance b) Net zero → E India by 2070 c) Marine protection zones d) Climate engineering activities

— ASTHA JAIN · AIR 9