Good morning, Chennai!
☁️ Today’s weather: High: 36 ℃ | Low: 26 ℃ | Cloudy weather for the day.
🧐 Did you know? The Government Museum began as an informal collection of artefacts that people kept adding to, at the Madras Literary Society. The collection was then allocated the first floor of College House.
🏎️ Chennai’s tryst in the fast lane
The F4 race in Chennai was a mixed bag with enthusiastic crowds and delays.
What’s it about? Motorsport fans across the city were treated to a rare display – cars gathered on Island Grounds as they prepared to race in the city’s first-ever street race. Saturday turned out to be a bit of a disappointment with delays in getting the approval for the circuit, and spectators were only treated to the practice session.
- The crowd was a mix of motorsport enthusiasts and curious onlookers seeing the sport for the first time. However, fewer people turned up on Sunday since the rumour that there was free entry wasn’t true.
- There wasn’t proper guidance from officials, and many were forced to go from one gate to the next in search of official information.
A good initiative: Despite the hiccups, many praised the state government for bringing the race to Chennai. The hope is that it paves the way for similar events in the future and encourages youngsters to take up the sport.
🏨 25 years of hospitality
Ambica Empire celebrated its 25th year as part of the city’s hospitality landscape.
What’s its history? It began with the Ambica Agarbatti Industry from founder Ambica Krishna, the managing director of Ambica Empire and chairman of the Ambica Group. It laid the foundation of what would become a diversified business empire. To commemorate 25 years, the hotel facilitated its long-serving staff.
- The secret to its success, according to Ambica Krishna, is blending tradition and modernity with high standards of service and food quality.
- The European style of architecture separates it from contemporary designs. It was chosen for its timeless quality, elegance, and grandeur.
Looking to the future: The hotel is looking to expand further with potential properties in Hyderabad and Bengaluru.
🚌 Modernising bus termini
The MTC has scrapped the PPP model to modernise bus depots and termini across the city.
What’s the story so far? The Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) planned to modernise 16 termini and bus depots under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model through a design, build, finance, operate and transfer (DBFOT) system. Since the response to the bids invited by the MTC wasn’t good, the PPP model has been scrapped.
- The MTC will now take up 12 depots and termini for modernisation and commercial development in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu Infrastructure Development Board (TNIDB).
- The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) will modernise 5 termini, i.e., Anna Nagar West, Broadway, Vadapalani, Mandaveli, and KK Nagar.
A good call: Private contractors usually focus on profits, while buses are mostly used by lower-middle-class people. The developers who responded to the MTC’s initial bid wanted a concession period of 50-60 years.
🌊 Machine to desilt drains
The Chennai Corporation has rented a Drain Master Machine from Ahmedabad to desilt drains.
What’s it about? Ahead of the monsoon, the civic body is gearing up to desilt drains to prepare for heavy rains. It has brought in the Drain Master Machine to desilt drains and remove weeds from canals, stormwater drains, and waterbodies.
- The machine is currently deployed at the Captain Cotton Canal. It’s capable of operating on land and water. The truck-mounted machine can clean drains and sewers up to 4.4 feet deep with its high-pressure water jet and vacuum system.
- The machine is versatile and can be used for small canals. It’s placed on the banks with its arms extending into the canal to remove debris and silt.
Other measures: The Chennai Corporation has also deployed amphibious machines and robotic excavators across multiple canals.
📊 Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Have you read a self-help book?
- I have read a self-help book.
- I haven’t read a self-help book.
❓ Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
What’s your favourite traditional Indian sweet?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In other news…
- Avadi Corporation officials conducted a drive against private water tankers.
- Forest Department officials, fearing theft, have decided to shift the sapling site from the Rama Thangal Lake to the Avadi HVF.
- A journalism student from the US gives a first-person account of exploring Chennai.
- US-based Ohmium will invest ₹400 crore to set up a green hydrogen manufacturing plant in Chengalpet.
- IIT Madras will host 400 scientists for a global conference on thermal analysis.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll:
- I wear a fitness band: 20.0%
- I don’t wear a fitness band: 80.0% 🏆
Answers to Yesterday’s Question:
How often do you exercise?
Suchi: “Every day!”
That’s it for today. Have a great day!