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.