Good morning, Chennai!
🌥️ Today’s weather: High: 34 ℃ | Low: 26 ℃ | Mostly cloudy for the day.
🧐 Did you know? The Chennai Air Show by the IAF entered the Limca Book of Records for attracting the largest gathering for an air show. Over 13 lakh people came to the venue.
🛩️ Air show’s environmental cost
The Indian Air Force (IAF) Air Show in the city generated over 2,300 tonnes of CO2.
What’s it about? As the IAF dazzled lakhs of Chennaiites with its aerial prowess and acrobatics, there was an environmental cost. Considering the amount of jet fuel consumed, one litre emits 3.16 kg of CO2 and 1.2 kg of NO2.
- The average fuel consumption of each aircraft is about 1,300 litres per hour. Per city-based researcher Shankar Prakash, the jets would’ve used about 7.5 lakh litres of fuel in total.
- Jets like the Rafale or SU-30 can burn up to 1,500 litres of fuel per hour. Including rehearsals and the show itself, the total time could be about 8 hours.
Compensating: Scientist Rebellion India stated that to sink all the carbon emitted during the rehearsals and the event, 1,718 trees per aircraft need to be planted.
✈️ Abu Dhabi becomes a vacation spot
Many Chennaiites see Abu Dhabi as a destination for a luxurious yet affordable vacation.
What’s it about? High-earning professionals in the city are opting for international vacations. While Dubai remains a favourite, Abu Dhabi is gaining popularity. It’s becoming an ideal gateway for a luxury holiday.
- Travel packages for a holiday include stays in luxury hotels and visits to Yas Island and Al Ain. Other attractions include Sea World, Ferrari World, and the Warner Bros. theme park.
- Previously, most flights operated only to Dubai, but now there are more options to Abu Dhabi. There’s even connectivity from other districts like Coimbatore.
UFC tourism: There’s an emerging trend of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) tourism since Yas Island hosts high-profile UFC events.
🐟 Fish vendors shifted
Several fish vendors were shifted to the newly built modern complex on Loop Road.
What’s it about? Some vendors were relocated from Loop Road near Marina Beach to the newly constructed modern market complex in the same area. The Chennai Corporation announced that the remaining vendors would be transferred after the air show.
- The area they previously occupied was declared a non-vending zone by the civic body. The modern complex was inaugurated on August 12 by Chief Minister MK Stalin but has been unoccupied till now.
- The complex was built for ₹9.97 crore and has 336 stalls. Of this, 332 have been allocated to fish vendors based on a 2019 enumeration. However, some vendors who weren’t on the list have also requested stalls.
What about the rent? According to Mylapore MLA Dha Velu, a nominal maintenance fee will be charged from the vendors following discussions with them and the government.
🦮 Microchipping pet licenses
The state animal welfare board has asked the Chennai Corporation to issue pet licenses with microchips.
What’s it about? The Tamil Nadu Animal Welfare Board (TNAWB) has asked the Chennai Corporation to issue pet licenses with microchips to help track owners if pets are abandoned. They can be a tamper-proof way to identify pets, with information on their vaccination and neutering statuses.
- Instead of posting on social media, owners can track down their pets if they’re lost or abandoned. A vet or a shelter can scan the chip and contact the owner.
- While data on abandoned pets is scarce, the TNAWB received emails about 18 abandoned dogs in Chennai from May to September.
Pet licensing: The Chennai Corporation made pet licensing mandatory due to increasing cases of dogs attacking people. Till last month, about 8,000 licenses were issued.
📊 Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Have you participated in a citizen/civic forum?
- I have participated in a citizen/civic forum.
- I haven’t participated in a citizen/civic forum.
❓ Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
Which musical instrument would you like to learn?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In other news…
- Tamil literature becomes an integral part of this year’s Golu arrangements.
- Over 1,000 student volunteers have been enlisted by the Chennai Corporation to identify and map vulnerable areas.
- Industries Minister TRB Rajaa, amid the ongoing strike by Samsung workers, held discussions with the company’s representatives.
- The BJP and DMK spar following the deaths and hospitalisations of people who attended the air show.
- Schwing Setter India launched its first-ever all-women service centre in Poonamallee.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll:
- I watched the Chennai Air Show in person: 25.0%
- I watched the Chennai Air Show on TV/social media: 75.0% 🏆
Answers to Yesterday’s Question:
What fear would you like to conquer?
Chitra: “Fear of heights.”
Suchi: “Fear of lizards!”
Shiva: “Fear of deep water”
That’s it for today. Have a great day!