Good morning, Chennai!
☀️ Today’s weather: It’s going to be sunny with clear skies.
🧐 Did you know? Madras was one of the principal sources for supplying army uniforms. The city had an army clothing department that supplied the Madras Army with materials from England. The factory was in the old mint buildings. In 1912, the factory moved to Mount Road.
🏡 New boutique residences
Casagrand launched its new range of boutique residences in locations across the city.
What’s it about? Real estate developer Casagrand has launched a new range of boutique homes in response to increasing demand in locations like Anna Nagar, Kilpauk, and Adyar. The company has already expanded with high-rise apartments and independent villas. However, residential localities were largely ignored.
- The company will add at least 100 residences in the next year. Through this new project, the company is projected to generate ₹500 crores in revenue.
- The residential communities will have the best-in-class homes with curated high-end specifications. The company will also deploy professionals for small and medium landowners for joint venture deals.
Who said what? Arun Mn, founder and MD, said this segment has been overlooked by builders and has potential. He said the residences would stand apart because of the brand. Sukumar, the project’s director, said customers who have lived in a particular location for generations are looking for an upgrade.
🧑🏫 IIT M’s push for global excellence
IIT Madras will set up an Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fund as part of its goal towards global excellence.
What’s it about? The ₹100 crore Fund from IIT Madras will support students and faculty in their pursuit of establishing startups. It’s among the institute’s top goals outlined in the Strategic Plan for the Period 2022-27. The institute has been developing and following strategic plans for more than 20 years.
- The institute wants at least five of its Centers of Excellence to be among the top 3 in the world. Part of the next phase of IIT-Madras’ pursuit of global excellence is new academic outreach programmes.
- The institute will launch hybrid and online PG programmes with multidisciplinary PG programmes like disability studies and medical humanities.
Who said what? V Kamakoti, Director of the institute, said IIT Madras should have a diverse faculty, students, and staff pursuing domestic and international research in the next five years. What will help is the satellite campus, 36 km from the main campus, housing world-class research facilities.
🍳 Household waste as gas
Setting up biogas plants at home is easy and cost-effective.
What’s it about? 39-year-old Jagadeesh quit his government job in 2018 and decided to dedicate his life to sustainable solutions. He built a biogas plant at his home in Guindy, using household waste to power it.
- The biogas plant costs not more than ₹15,000 to set up, and the costs can be recovered in about two years if one cylinder is used.
- His idea worked. Then, he set up biogas plants in about 600 houses across the city. It saves money and is good for the environment as household waste isn’t incinerated.
The setup: At home, a plastic tank is enough. Residents who want the setup are given a kit. It includes a biogas stove and a gas storage bag. A 500-litre tank will take no more space than a washing machine. The kit costs ₹10,000.
🏗️ Poor quality m-sand in Chennai
Inferior m-quality sand has flooded city markets, which could affect construction.
What’s it about? Lorry owners and civil engineers have said the poor m-quality sand would affect the construction of new buildings. The State Sand Lorry Owners’ Association said not even 10% of the 360 crusher units in the city follow the rules. Hence, uncertified m-sand reaches all construction sites.
- The rules formed by the state government years ago haven’t been implemented. It’s unclear which department checks the quality of the quarries and sand supplied.
- The PWD hasn’t conducted quality checks. Poor quality m-sand could mean a building built with this won’t withstand an earthquake measuring 4-5 on the richer scale.
Who said what? S Yuvaraj of the stone and sand committee of the All India Motor Transport Congress said the Tamil Nadu Crushed Stone Sand Rules should be enacted. He said there’s no provision to check the supply of the m-sand from Andhra Pradesh. One PWD official said the rules would be implemented soon to curb the supply of inferior m-quality sand.
📊 Today’s Poll
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Do you have/follow a daily work/life schedule?
- Yes, I do keep and follow a schedule.
- No, I don’t keep and follow such a schedule.
❓ Today’s Question
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Which Indian city have you visited the most?
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🗞️ In other news…
- Here’s the history of Therukoothu and other forms of Tamil theatre in Chennai.
- Metro rail work has resulted in traffic congestion on OMR.
- The Chennai Corporation has identified more than 1,400 bulk waste generators to process dry and wet waste.
- Chennai traffic police are cracking down on fancy number plates violating the Motor Vehicles Act.
- The Travel and Tourism Fair aims to take advantage of people’s desire to travel abroad.
That’s it for today. Have a great day!