Good morning, Chennai!
⛅ Today’s weather: Sunny weather with some cloud cover.
🧐 Did you know? The Madras Port commenced commercial operations in 1881. It’s the 3rd oldest port among the 12 major ports.
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🏑 Preparing for the Asian Champions Trophy
A stadium gets revamped ahead of the international hockey tournament.
What’s it about? In about a month, the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament will begin. The venue is the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium in Egmore, undergoing final renovations.
- The stadium now has a brand-new playing surface. Apart from that, it’s got a new coat of paint, redone seating, and renovated spaces for media, officials, and players.
- The new Poligras turf was brought in from Germany. Twenty-seven rolls are being used to cover the playing area. It’s the same type of surface that’ll be used at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Environment-friendly turf: The Poligras Paris GT zero is referred to as a carbon zero turf. 80% of it is made from sugarcane. Its water-absorbant properties mean it requires 30% less water for its upkeep. It’s being glued down rather than stitched to ensure it can be easily removed and transported.
🌊 Encroachments at Avadi Lake
Over 1,000 encroachments along lakes in the area will be removed, despite some opposition.
What’s happened so far? The National Green Tribunal (NGT) formed a committee in March 2021 to look into rampant encroachments in the Vilinjiyambakkam Lake, once a drinking water source. No progress was made even after a year, as studies showed high pollution levels, and the Avadi Corporation was fined ₹8 lakh.
- Earlier this year, the Corporation and the Public Works Department surveyed the area and identified 1,052 encroachments. They issued notices to 661 illegal occupants.
- The areas surveyed included the Nadukuthagai, Thirunindravur, and Arabatheri lakes. The eviction process in these and other areas are expected to be completed by the end of this month.
🖥️ Cisco’s Make in India plans
The technology company will begin manufacturing at a new plant in Chennai.
What’s it about? As part of Cisco’s efforts to diversify its global supply chain, the company announced it would set up a new manufacturing facility in the city. Cisco wants to diversify its global supply chain by setting a $1 billion target for domestic production and exports.
- The new facility will focus on networking equipment. The company will have Flex India as its manufacturing partner. It usually manufactures through subcontractors.
- Flex’s unit is located at the Oragadam special economic zone (SEZ) in Chennai. It’ll begin operations in the next 12 months and will create 1,200 jobs.
Why India? Daisy Chittilapilly, President of Cisco India, said the government’s production-linked incentives (PLIs) and the manufacturing ecosystem were the catalysts for the company to set up shop here.
✈️ Chennai-Jaffna flights
Alliance Air has announced daily flights between Chennai and Jaffna.
What’s the story so far? Three years after the pandemic, India and Sri Lanka resumed flight services between Chennai and Jaffna. In October 2019, the airport at Palay was renamed Jaffna International Airport with the inaugural flight from Chennai.
- Alliance Air will commence daily flights to Jaffna from its previous four times-a-week frequency. Earlier this month, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced the flights.
- The airline will initially use its ATR72 aircraft which can carry 70 passengers. The airline decided to increase the frequency due to popular demand.
📊 Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Have you been a victim of online financial fraud?
- I have been a victim of online financial fraud.
- I haven’t been a victim of online financial fraud.
❓ Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
What’s the best place in the city to go bargain shopping?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In other news…
- Internet services were disrupted due to stormwater drain work that damaged BSNL optical fibre cables.
- Residents protested plans for the additional sports facilities at the Somasundaram ground in T Nagar.
- Owen Coyle will return as coach of Chennaiyin FC on a multi-year deal.
- IIT Madras’ Professor T Pradeep won the prestigious Eni Award for scientific research in energy and the environment.
- Ladies coaches in suburban trains will be in the middle to help enhance security.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll:
- I have tried online gambling: 12.5%
- I haven’t tried online gambling: 87.5% 🏆
Answers to Yesterday’s Question:
Where’s the best place in the city for a buffet?
Chitra: “Sigree”
That’s it for today. Have a great day!