The effect of velocity gradient across the magnetic field on the low frequency flute modes is examined in detail, using the normal mode analysis. It is shown that some new type of instabilities driven primarily by the velocitygradient arise and these excited modes eventually attain the convective saturation. The onset of plasma turbulence due to these instabilities may possibly be one of the major contributors for anomalous heating process and enhanced plasma resistivity.

In the presence of a gravitational field the stability of a magnetoplasma is studied against electromagnetic perturbations. We have shown that a pinching type of instability can be triggered with a sizable growth rate affecting the equilibrium configuration of the confining magnetic field. This might have a profound effect on the magnetic fields of astrophysical bodies.