Good morning, Chennai!
🌥️ Today’s weather: High: 34 ℃ | Low: 27 ℃ | Mostly cloudy weather for the day.
🧐 Did you know? Madras was one of the principal sources for army uniforms. It had an Army Clothing Department at the old Mint Buildings.
✨ Celebrating Armenia’s National Day
Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Armenia hosted a celebration of Armenia’s 33rd National Day.
What’s it about? The grand ballroom of the Taj Club House hosted the celebration that coincided with the 100th birthday anniversary of the famed singer Charles Aznavour. The celebration was in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia, with a performance by the Klingen Choir and Cultural Association.
- The honorary Consul General of Armenia in Chennai, Shivkumar Eashwaran, highlighted the growing diplomatic and cultural ties between India and Armenia.
- The event was also an occasion to honour the life and legacy of Charles Aznavour, whose music transcended boundaries and bridged cultures.
About Charles Aznavour: The musician was born in Paris in 1924 to Armenian immigrant parents. He left a lasting legacy through his music and humanitarian efforts as an advocate for Armenian causes.
📖 Learning differently
Increased awareness and available resources have resulted in more families embracing homeschooling.
What’s it about? In recent years, many city parents have chosen to homeschool their kids and found it beneficial. With the education system evolving and undergoing changes, homeschooling is seen as a flexible and unique opportunity to explore things traditional schools might not provide.
- Educator and scholastic entrepreneur Lakshmi has homeschooled her 9-year-old daughter for the past six years. She follows the Cambridge curriculum and takes the Olympiad exams.
- With no specific hours or timetable, Lakshmi introduces concepts through books and stories. Her daughter is also enrolled in sports classes and attends workshops where she interacts with kids her age.
The Unschooling Project: The Learning Community at Quest’s initiative called The Unschooling Project is an all-day programme based on self-directed learning. Kids choose specific areas of interest with the support of mentors. The programmes are offered for homeschoolers and afterschoolers.
🚄 Hyperloop ambitions
India’s hyperloop ambitions could be realised with TuTr Hyperloop incubated at IIT Madras.
What’s it about? The deep-tech startup, incubated at IIT Madras, is working to create a full-scale hyperloop system capable of travelling at 600 km/h. Thanks to local talent and the community, Chennai is seen as an ideal place for a global hyperloop test facility.
- TuTr engineers have successfully developed the linear motor prototype currently undergoing trials at the test track. They’re in the final stages of developing the levitation technology. Both will be tested in the 410-metre tube in the coming weeks.
- The pod can be like a bus carrying 30-40 passengers. It can also be used to move containers from the Chennai Port. The challenge will be to develop the hyperloop at a competitive cost.
Collaboration and funding: The startup has already signed agreements with similar European companies like Swisspod and Hardt Hyperloop. The company has received ₹15 crore in grants, including ₹8 crore from the Indian Railways. There’s also support from companies like L&T, Arcelor Mittal, and Hindalco.
🚇 New metro trains ready
The first set of trains for phase 2 of the Chennai metro is ready.
What’s it about? The manufacturing of the first set of trains for the second phase of the Chennai Metro is complete. The trains will now move to the testing bay in Sri City in Andhra Pradesh.
- Manufacturing of the car body began in February at Alstom Transport India Limited’s premises in Sri City. Once the body was complete, various equipment was mounted and fitted.
- Now comes the testing phase. Once all the static testing is complete, the trains will be delivered to the Poonamallee depot to undergo dynamic trials followed by safety verifications.
Details of the contract: The Chennai Metro awarded the contract for 36 driverless Unattended Train Operation (UTO) train sets with three-car formations each. It includes the supply of driverless trains, commissioning of guage metro rolling stock, training of personnel, and supply of spare parts.
📊 Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Would you use the metro more once phase 2 services begin?
- I would use the metro more once phase 2 services begin.
- I won’t use the metro more once phase 2 services begin.
❓ Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
What’s your favourite reality show?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In other news…
- The Madras Race Course Club will be transformed by the government into an ecological park.
- The LEARN 2024 conference in Chennai focused on the need for inclusive colleges and curriculums.
- TASMAC outlets and bars near railway stations have become a cause for crimes by miscreants.
- The Chennai Corporation will use a flood warning system this monsoon season to alert residents.
- F1 legend Fernando Alonso visited Chennai’s Cognizant campus as part of his off-track commitments for Aston Martin.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll:
- I regularly buy organic produce: 28.6%
- I don’t regularly buy organic produce: 71.4% 🏆
Answers to Yesterday’s Question:
What’s you favourite type of coffee?
Suchi: “Black coffee”
That’s it for today. Have a great day!