The V.O. Chidambaranar Port in Tamil Nadu welcomed the first shipment of Green Ammonia as part of a significant shift towards carbon-free production processes. This marks an important milestone in the port’s ‘Go Green’ initiative, demonstrating its commitment to promoting ecologically conscious practices.
Green Ammonia at VOC Port
In a bid to reduce dependence on conventional Grey Ammonia, the port will be using Green Ammonia to produce green soda ash on a trial basis. Green Ammonia is a 100% renewable and carbon-free variant of ammonia, created by using hydrogen derived from water electrolysis and nitrogen harvested from the air. These elements are then introduced to the Haber-Bosch process, powered entirely by sustainable electricity.
The V. O. Chidambaranar Port Trust, previously known as Tuticorin Port Trust, holds the distinction of being one of India’s major ports. Since being declared as a major port in 1974, it has grown into the second largest port in Tamil Nadu and the fourth-largest container terminal in the nation, providing essential facilities like berthing, navigation, storage, and port security.
Sarna Code Approval Sought
In other national news, the Chief Minister of Jharkhand recently penned a letter to the Prime Minister, urging official recognition for the Sarna religious code observed by tribal communities. Concerns were voiced about possible implications on tribal development policies falling under the Constitution’s Fifth and Sixth Schedules in the event of this code’s neglect.
The Sarna religion, with a significant following among Jharkhand’s tribal population, advocates nature worship and is distinct from mainstream religions. Efforts are on to protect the cultural and religious identity of these tribes who venerate nature.
Monoclonal Antibodies Against Nipah Virus
With Kerala’s Kozhikode district in the grip of a Nipah virus outbreak, there’s growing interest in the potential use of Monoclonal antibodies as a treatment option. Regarded more severe than Covid-19, Nipah virus has a high mortality rate, necessitating the search for effective treatments.
Monoclonal Antibodies, man-made proteins that mirror the activity of human antibodies, are generated by cloning a distinct white blood cell. When these antibodies latch onto part of the viral envelope, they can neutralize the Nipah virus. They have also shown effectiveness against the Hendra virus, a similar virus from the same family.
FSSAI Against Use of Newspapers for Food Storage
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) took a stance against using newspapers or like material for storing and wrapping food items through its Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018. Newspaper ink, containing bioactive materials with harmful health implications, can contaminate food, leading to ingestion-related health issues.
Printing inks potentially contain hazardous chemicals such as lead and heavy metals, which can leach into food and pose grave health risks with long-term exposure. FSSAI, an autonomous body established under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare through the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, seeks to ensure the nation’s food safety standards.