Good morning, Chennai!
🌤️ Today’s weather: High: 34 ℃ | Low: 26 ℃ | Mostly sunny for the day.
🧐 Did you know? Chennai-based Sukra Jewellery holds the Guinness World record for creating the largest silver sculpture.
🦮 Diagnosing pet illnesses
The startup VETiNSTANT’s device helps owners assess their pet’s illness.
What’s it about? When pet dogs get sick, many owners find it tough to get accurate information from others in the same situation. The startup VETiNSTANT’s ExamD device allows owners to measure temperature, heart rate, and SPO2.
- The idea for the device was to diagnose any illness early. The hand-held monitoring device is non-invasive. It can be clipped onto the pet’s ear to check vitals.
- The device is integrated with the VETiNSTANT app, where the data is stored and can be shared. Thanks to research and inputs from vets, the team crafted a digitised system, PAWS, where owners can reach out to vets.
Journey and future: The team moved into the IIT Madras incubation cell two years ago. Now, the product is available in Chennai and Bengaluru and over 50 devices have been sold so far. It’s currently applicable to cats and dogs and will soon expand to other animals.
🚙 Ford’s plans
Auto major Ford may produce electric vehicles, hybrid, and ICE components once it returns to the Chennai plant.
What’s the story so far? Last month, Ford announced plans to return to India after its officials met with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and Industry Minister TRB Rajaa in the US. The company announced plans to restart production at the Chennai plant, initially for exports.
- The company plans to make electric vehicles, hybrids, and internal combustion engine (ICE) components at the Maraimalainagar plant. It’s working on hybrid and EV architecture for new affordable compact vehicles for the Southeast Asian markets.
- The company is looking to manufacture several vehicles at the plant, which could be sold in India later. It’s treading cautiously due to the tepid response to EVs in India.
Broader strategy: The volatility in EV demand has prompted the company to reassess its plans. There’s demand pressure in countries like China and South East Asia.
🌆 Master Plan’s ambitions
CMDA official Anshul Mishra talked about Chennai’s Third Master Plan and its goals for the city.
What’s it about? Chennai’s Third Master Plan is currently in progress. For the first time, it includes an economic growth strategy that covers the entire metropolitan area. Speaking at a CII Summit in the city, Member-Secretary of the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA), Anshul Mishra, said urban planning and development will play a key role in shaping Chennai’s future.
- The Master Plan focuses on addressing the distribution of industries, housing, and amenities for balanced growth by optimising the use of available land. Among the projects cited were the shoreline development and the Kilambakkam bus terminus.
- One of the components of the plan is the compact city model. It aims to increase urban density by using the floor space index tool. The city’s core areas will be efficiently used while addressing the need for expansion with six new town plans.
Housing supply challenge: Currently, Chennai produces 22,000-23,000 dwelling units per year. That’s well below cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad, which generate 80,000, and Mumbai, with 1.25 lakh.
🚄 Vande Bharat trains from ICF
The new Vande Bharat sleeper version will roll out from the Integral Coach Factory (ICF).
What’s it about? The new Vande Bharat trains will feature a 24-car sleeper version in a couple of years. The ICF has received an order to manufacture 50 of them.
- The configuration will be a 24-car rake with a pantry car to facilitate it running long distances like the Rajdhani. The new trains will be ready in 24 months.
- The Railway Board has also asked the ICF to increase the length of the Vande Bharat chair car rakes due to their popularity. Previously, the ICF made 8 and 16-car trains but will switch to only 20-car rakes.
No cancellations: The ICF has produced 76 Vande Bharat chair cars and intends to fulfil the order for 97.
✨ Things to do…
Here are some fun and interesting things to do in the city over the weekend!
- Justin Bieber and The Weeknd fans can experience their chart-topping hits at The Bieber Weeknd this Sunday.
- Anime, gaming, and Halloween come together at the Cursed Carnival this Saturday.
- Get ready for fun and games at the Halloween Big Bash this weekend.
- Frights and delights await at the Halloween-themed party Boos N Booze this Saturday.
- Electrifying music and infectious beats take centre stage with the Makka Band to support the End Polio initiative this Saturday.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll Results:
- I have been on a heritage walk: 10.0%
- I haven’t been on a heritage walk: 90.0% 🏆
Answers to Yesterday’s Question:
What genre of music do you prefer listening to?
Suchi: “Light and melodious.”
Shiva: “Nothing in particular (Rock was my favourite)”
Preethi: “Blues”
That’s it for today. Have a great weekend!