News in Shorts: 10 March 2026

OTEC Desalination Plant

Context: India is establishing its first Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion powered desalination plant at Kavaratti Island, Lakshadweep, to generate electricity and convert seawater into drinking water sustainably.

About OTEC-Powered Desalination Plant

• The Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) powered desalination plant harnesses ocean temperature gradients to produce renewable electricity while simultaneously desalinating seawater for potable use.
• Developed by: National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
• Working Mechanism
  • Warm surface seawater heats a working fluid in an evaporator, converting it into vapour that drives a turbine to generate electricity.
    • Working fuels are substances with low boiling points (Liquid Ammonia , propane, and hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), etc ) used to transfer heat and drive turbines in OTEC systems.
  • Cold deep-sea water condenses the vapour back into liquid, completing the cycle.
  • The process also enables low-temperature thermal desalination, converting seawater into potable water
• Capacity: Expected to generate about 60–65 kW of electricity and 1 lakh litres of drinking water daily.

Significance

• Provides sustainable drinking water for islands and coastal settlements.
• Generates renewable electricity in remote maritime regions.
• Supports climate-friendly infrastructure by reducing fossil-fuel dependence.

Nirbhaya Nisha Initiative

Context: On the occasion of International Women’s Day (8 March), the Kerala Police launched a new initiative titled “Nirbhaya Nisha” aimed at strengthening the safety of women travelling at night.

About Nirbhaya Nisha initiative

• It is a major step by the Kerala Police to make cities safer for women at night. 
• By combining Artificial Intelligence (AI) with existing police systems, the program acts as a “force multiplier,” making the police more effective and faster to respond between 9 PM and 5 AM.
• Key Features of the Initiative:
  • Integrated Help System: A 24/7 connection between the 112 Helpline, the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS), and the Pol-App SOS button ensures that help is always one tap away.
  • Smart Safety Poles: High-traffic areas are now equipped with Nirbhaya Nisha Safety Poles. These include:
    • Panic Buttons: For instant alerts to nearby police.
    • AI Surveillance: Cameras with facial recognition to track potential offenders and monitor crowded spots.
  • Stronger Night Patrols: The police have increased visibility through Pink Patrols and highway monitoring. 
    • This includes 28 Force Gurkha jeeps driven specifically by women police personnel.
  • Hotspot Monitoring: Using data analysis, the police identify and focus on “vulnerable zones” like IT parks, hospital areas, and bus/train stations.
• Its Significance: 
  • Smart Innovation: It shows how to improve existing infrastructure (like the 112 helpline) using modern tech (AI and data) to create a specific safety net.
  • Economic Freedom: Beyond just protection, the goal is operational independence. 
    • It allows women to work and move freely in the night economy without fear.
  • Better Accountability: By setting fixed hours and using women-led teams, the state is setting a clear, measurable standard for public safety.

Exercise Dharma Guardian 2026

Context: The 7th India–Japan joint military exercise, Dharma Guardian 2026 was concluded in Uttarakhand.

About the Exercise Dharma Guardian 2026

• Dharma Guardian 2026 is a joint military exercise conducted between the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF).
• Venue: The exercise was held at the Foreign Training Node, Chaubattia (Uttarakhand).
• Annual Exercise: It is conducted annually and alternately in India and Japan since 2018.
• Objective: The exercise aimed to enhance interoperability and joint operational capability, particularly in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations.
• Validation exercise – ASAHI SHAKTI: A 48-hour field exercise called Exercise ASAHI SHAKTI was conducted to test the standards achieved during the joint training.
• Strategic significance: The exercise strengthened the India–Japan strategic partnership and reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to regional peace and stability.

Dark Oxygen

Context: Scientists studying the deep Pacific ocean have discovered “dark oxygen”, produced without sunlight, challenging traditional understanding of oxygen generation.

About the Dark Oxyzen

• Definition: Dark oxygen refers to oxygen produced in the deep ocean without sunlight.
• Discovery: Scientists discovered this phenomenon while studying the deep Pacific Ocean seabed  in the Clarion–Clipperton Zone (CCZ).
• Depth of Discovery: The phenomenon occurs at depths of around 4,000 metres, where sunlight cannot reach.
• Source of Oxygen: The oxygen is believed to be generated by polymetallic (manganese) nodules on the ocean floor, which can produce electrical currents that split seawater molecules and release oxygen.
• Process Involved: The process may involve electrochemical reactions similar to electrolysis, where minerals in the nodules help break water into hydrogen and oxygen without sunlight.
• Scientific Significance: It challenges the long-held idea that photosynthesis is the only natural source of oxygen on Earth.
  • Scientists say the discovery could change our understanding of Earth’s oxygen cycle and deep-ocean ecosystems.
• Implications for Marine Life: The presence of dark oxygen could support deep-sea ecosystems, enabling organisms to survive in oxygen-poor environments.

Clarion–Clipperton Zone (CCZ)

• Location: The Clarion–Clipperton Zone (CCZ) is a vast deep-sea region in the central Pacific Ocean, located between Hawaii and Mexico.
• Mineral-rich Seabed: It contains large deposits of polymetallic (manganese) nodules rich in nickel, cobalt, copper, and manganese, making it important for deep-sea mining.
• Governance: Exploration and potential mining activities in the CCZ are regulated by the International Seabed Authority under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Exercise LAMITIYE 2026

Context: An Indian Armed Forces contingent arrived in Seychelles to participate in the 11th India–Seychelles joint military exercise LAMITIYE 2026.

About Exercise LAMITIYE 2026

• Bilateral Exercise: LAMITIYE 2026 is a joint military exercise between India and Seychelles, conducted with the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF). 
• It is a biennial training exercise that has been conducted in Seychelles since 2001.
• 11th edition: The 11th edition of the exercise is being held in Seychelles from 9–20 March 2026 at the Seychelles Defence Academy. 
• Meaning of the Name: “Lamitye” means “Friendship” in the Creole language, symbolising strong bilateral ties between the two countries. 
• Participating Forces: The Indian contingent includes troops from the Assam Regiment, along with participation from the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force.
• Key Assets Involved: India has deployed INS Trikand (naval ship) and a C-130 aircraft for the exercise..
• Objective: The main aim is to enhance interoperability, military cooperation, and synergy between the armed forces of both nations.

War of Attrition

Context: As tensions between US, Israel and Iran continue, experts warn that this is becoming a war of attrition.  

What is the War of Attrition?

• Definition: A military strategy aimed at gradually exhausting the enemy’s manpower, resources, and morale until they can no longer continue fighting.
• Meaning: The word “attrition” comes from the Latin attritionem, meaning “rubbing or wearing away”, reflecting the slow weakening of an opponent.
• Strategy: One side tries to wear down the opponent through sustained attacks, economic pressure, and continuous fighting rather than quick decisive victories.
• Heavy casualties: Often results in prolonged conflicts and significant human and material losses on both sides.
• Examples: Seen in conflicts like World War I trench warfare and the Iran–Iraq War.

Early Summer and Heat-Wave Conditions in North India

Context: Several regions in north and west India have recorded temperatures 8–13°C above normal, leading to heat-wave conditions.

• IMD Forecast: The India Meteorological Department predicted above-normal day temperatures over western Himalayan, central, and peninsular regions.

Causes of Early Heatwaves

• Deficient Winter Rainfall: Low rainfall and snowfall reduce soil moisture, allowing land to heat up faster and triggering early heatwave conditions.
• Weak Western Disturbances: Reduced frequency of Western Disturbances lowers winter precipitation in north India, contributing to warmer temperatures.
• Dry Soil: Dry land absorbs heat quickly because less energy is used for evaporation, leading to faster temperature rise.
• Lack of Moisture-Laden Winds: Weak interaction between westerly and easterly winds limits moisture transport from seas, reducing cooling rainfall.
• Climate Change: Global warming is increasing the frequency, intensity, and earlier occurrence of heatwaves.

Impact of Early Heatwaves on Agriculture

• Reduced Crop Yields: High temperatures during the grain-filling stage of rabi crops (especially wheat) reduce grain size and overall yield.
• Moisture Stress on Crops: Rapid evaporation and dry soils lead to water stress, affecting crops like mustard, gram, and vegetables.
• Higher Irrigation Demand: Farmers require more frequent irrigation to maintain soil moisture, increasing pressure on groundwater and local water resources.

Heatwave

• A heatwave is a period of abnormally high temperatures over a region compared to the normal climatological values.
• IMD Criteria for Declaring Heatwave: 
  • Based on Departure from Normal Temperature
    • Heatwave: Maximum temperature 4.5°C to 6.4°C above normal.
    • Severe Heatwave: Maximum temperature more than 6.4°C above normal.
  • Based on Absolute Maximum Temperature
    • For plains: Heatwave: Maximum temperature ≥ 40°C and Severe Heatwave: Maximum temperature ≥ 47°C.
    • For hilly regions: Heatwave: Maximum temperature ≥ 30°C.
    • For coastal regions: Heatwave: Maximum temperature ≥ 37°C

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