News Crux Science & Technology
Low Temperature Thermal Desalination (LTTD) Technology
On March 16, 2023, it was reported that the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) in Chennai is working on a green, self-powered desalination plant in Lakshadweep.
- The plant is part of an initiative to provide potable water using LTTD technology.
- Current desalination plants are powered by diesel generators requiring fuel shipment.
- The new plant will generate its own power, making the process emission-free.
- There are currently five plants operating, with four more expected and the self-sustaining plant expected to be operational later this year.
Low Temperature Thermal Desalination (LTTD) is a process that converts seawater into potable water using the difference in temperature between warm surface sea water and cold deep sea water. LTTD technology is environment-friendly, requires no chemical pre or post-treatment of seawater, and is suitable for island territories with minimal pollution problems. |
News Crux Ecology & Environment
Dinoflagellate algae
Currently, the small fishing village of Kumbalangi in Kerala, India is experiencing a natural neon phenomena caused by bioluminescence.
- Shrimp farms lining the backwaters of the village are glowing in electric blue and fluorescent green sparkles at night, attracting visitors from across Kerala and beyond.
- The phenomenon, known as 'kavaru' in Malayalam, has been going on for several weeks and is caused by dinoflagellate algae.
- The popularity of the bioluminescence has been partly due to its appearance in the Malayalam film "Kumbalangi Nights" in 2019, as well as social media exposure.
- Concerns have been raised by shrimp farmers about potential damage to their farms from visitors throwing stones and wood in their enthusiasm to see the glow.
- Kumbalangi is one of India's first eco-tourism villages and has been successful in tapping its tourism potential for the welfare of the local community that is dependent on fishing and allied activities.
Bioluminescence refers to the natural phenomenon where living organisms, such as some types of bacteria, fungi, algae, and animals, produce light through chemical reactions within their bodies. |
News Crux Defence/Military Exercises
Exercise La Perouse – 2023
On March 13-14, 2023, the Indian Navy's INS Sahyadri and INS Jyoti took part in the third edition of the multilateral exercise La Perouse, which was conducted in the Indian Ocean Region.
- The exercise aimed to improve maritime domain awareness and optimize maritime coordination among the participating navies in the Indo-Pacific region.
- The exercise involved the participation of several ships from different navies, including the Royal Australian Navy, French Navy, Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force, Royal Navy, and the United States Navy.
- The two-day exercise included complex and advanced naval operations such as replenishment at sea, surface warfare drills, anti-air and air-defence exercises, cross deck helicopter operations, and tactical manoeuvres.
- INS Sahyadri, an indigenously built guided missile stealth frigate, and INS Jyoti, a fleet tanker, both based in Visakhapatnam and function under the operational command of the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, played a crucial role in the exercise.