Good morning, Chennai!
☁️ Today’s weather: More cloudy weather.
🧐 Did you know? The first advertising agency to set up shop in the city was J Walter Thompson (JWT) in 1955. The company managed to rope in the likes of Ashok Leyland, TI Cycles, and Parrys.
🚢 Hub to repair US Navy ships
The Larsen & Toubro (L&T) shipyard will become a hub to repair US Navy ships for the next five years.
What’s it about? The L&T shipyard at Kattupalli will be a hub where US Navy ships will be repaired for the next five years. The first ship, the USNS Salvor, a salvage ship, arrived at the port recently.
- In the initial months, ships belonging to the US Military Sealift Command will be repaired, and battleships will arrive later. Those of the seventh fleet that are in voyage will be repaired here.
- This particular shipyard was chosen since it met the Navy’s requirements. Among them is the contractor must be able to complete 55% or more of the work of a vessel, utilise its own shops and maintain a safe track record.
Strategic considerations: The agreement between L&T and the US Navy is a way to advance collective maritime security in the region. This includes scouting for more ports, especially on the western coast.
🚖 Refusing rides invites fines
Chennai Traffic Police have started to fine cab and auto drivers for refusing to accept a ride.
What’s it about? The traffic police will now fine cab and auto drivers if they accept a ride initially but later refuse the passenger. Currently, cases are booked based on complaints from users of Ola and Uber.
- Under Section 178 (3) (b) of the New Motor Vehicles Act, the police are allowed to collect ₹500 as fines from the drivers. This rule allows cops to act against auto drivers too, who should ideally use the meters.
- Some cab drivers aren’t willing to go on trips over 10 or 15 km. Auto drivers say the current fare structure is outdated since it was last revised in 2014.
Fare revision issue: Auto drivers rejected the government’s proposal of ₹40 as the base fare and ₹18 for every additional kilometre. They want a dynamic pricing system and a dedicated app to offer and monitor rides.
⚕️ AI in cardiac care
Kauvery Hospital launched the latest AI-based Ultreon Coronary Imaging system.
What’s it about? At the Kauvery Heart Institute, the hospital acquired the latest Artificial Intelligence-based Coronary Imaging system. It’s now the first hospital in Tamil Nadu to have the technology to help cardiologists in coronary analysis, complex angioplasty, and stenting.
- The new system offers an automatic quantification of coronary blocks and a detailed analysis of the types of blocks. Its co-registration system helps doctors to perform complex angioplasty and stenting, called CHIP PCI.
- A recent workshop which was also live-streamed to specialists showcased the new technology in action. It also enables side-by-side viewing of live and co-registered angiograms. It’s set to revolutionise the treatment of vessels.
Institute’s excellence: Since its launch, the Kauvery Heart Institute has completed over 25 complex procedures. Those with advanced coronary atherosclerotic disease and calcification have been treated with interventional cath procedures.
🦿 Free prosthetic limbs
Rajasthan-based NGO, Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti, will distribute its free prosthetic limbs in the city.
What’s it about? Prosthetic feet can be expensive. Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti by DR Mehta will distribute free prosthetic limbs, the “Jaipur Foot”, on July 17. It comes as part of the launch of the South India Centre in the city.
- The limbs are made of polymer and have a lining sheet inside so that it doesn’t touch the skin and cause any irritation. It’s an important factor for diabetics since their injuries don’t heal easily and can get infected.
- The organisation measures the person’s foot to ensure the prosthetics are tailor-made and fit correctly. They also provide training to those who haven’t used a prosthetic.
Ambitious plans: The organisation plans to distribute 75,000 customised limbs across Tamil Nadu by 2030. They’re currently making 5-7 a day and will scale up to 33.
📊 Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Do you think the current fines for traffic violations are high enough?
- The current fines for traffic violations are high enough.
- The current fines for traffic violations aren’t high enough.
❓ Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
What policy would help Chennai become greener?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In other news…
- The Railway police will increase surveillance at MRTS stations.
- Medical college students wore black bands demanding the repeal of NExT exams.
- The CMDA has set itself a target to clear 60 applications a month to avoid delays.
- Retteri Lake will soon be rejuvenated by clearing encroachments and desilting.
- The Corporation workers’ union protested against the privatisation of waste management.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll:
- I have been involved in a road accident: 55.6% 🏆
- I haven’t been involved in a road accident: 44.4%
That’s it for today. Have a great day!