In the grand scheme of our natural world, a unique phenomenon known as ‘Crown Shyness’ occurs in deciduous forests along with the annual maritime exercises between India and France, the artistry of Ustad Ali Zaki Hader from Jaipur Beenkar gharana of Dhrupad, and the volcanic eruptions of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano.
Crown Shyness: Nature’s Jigsaw
Crown shyness is an interesting occurrence widely seen in temperate deciduous forests. This phenomenon is characterized by the gaps or spaces that form when the tops or crowns of trees, such as black mangrove, camphor, and Japanese larch, refrain from touching each other. These gaps, like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, paint intricate patterns against the backdrop of the sky.
Scientists maintain various hypotheses to decipher the cause of this uniqueness. Some believe it’s a mechanism to reduce light competition while others theorize it may be a preventive strategy against disease transmission or physical damage due to wind incidents. Regardless of the reasons, crown shyness facilitates enhanced light penetration through the forest canopies.
VARUNA: The Naval Exercise of Unity
The year 2021 marked the 21st edition of Varuna-23, the bilateral naval exercise between Indian and French Navies, conducted in the Arabian Sea. Both nations put forth a display of their naval prowess incorporating guided missile frigates, tankers, Maritime Patrol Aircraft, and integrated helicopters.
Varuna, officially named in 2001 but spanning back to its initiation in 1993, stands as a symbol representing the robust strategic relationship between India and France. The evolution and strengthening of this exercise speak volumes about the growing bond between these two nations.
The Artistry of Ustad Ali Zaki Hader
Carrying forward the musical tradition of Jaipur Beenkar gharana of Dhrupad in the present era is Ustad Ali Zaki Hader. An acclaimed exponent of Rudra Veena and disciple of Ustad Asad Ali Khan, he is the last known practitioner of the Khandarbani style.
The Khandarbani style, a musical discipline initiated in the 18th century by Shahaji Saheb, is deeply engrained in the roots of the Jaipur Beenkar gharana. Rudra Veena, North India’s traditional string instrument, is their instrument of choice. Crafted from teak wood, metal, pumpkin, and bamboo, its unique structure features two large gourd resonators beneath a tubular wooden body.
The Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai Volcano: Nature’s Fury Unleashed
A recent geological study brought to light the explosive eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano in January 2022. Ejected rock and ash collapsed rapidly into the sea, resulting in high-speed and destructive underwater debris flow.
The Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano, a submarine volcano located 40 miles north of Tongatapu, the main island of Tonga, was formed in 2015 when a moderate eruption fused two uninhabited islands. This volcanic activity is part of the Kermadec-Tonga subduction zone. Here, the Pacific Plate is pushed under the Indo-Australian Plate, forming an extended chain of volcanoes and islands.
