Good morning, Chennai!
☁️ Today’s weather: Generally cloudy for today.
🧐 Did you know? The first movies in the city were shown in 1896. The Madras Photographic Store on Mount Road showcased the first ‘cinematograph or animated photograph’ presentations over 3 nights. The premier was at the Victoria Public Hall.
☔ Rainy month ahead
The recent short spells of rain may be a prologue to a rainy November.
What’s it about? The northeast monsoon could soon be active in the city and state in the coming days. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rain for the city and suburbs over the next few days.
- While many have predicted increased rainfall till the end of November, it’s likely to be below normal. It’s usually the month when Chennai gets its highest average monthly rainfall.
- The flow of northeasterly winds, disrupted by cyclone Hamoon, could become stronger in the days ahead. This could result in increased rainfall along coastal districts, including Chennai.
Rainfall in the region: According to the IMD, there’s a cyclonic circulation over Sri Lanka and a trough extending up to the southwest Bay of Bengal. The general feeling is that while there won’t be any severe downpours over Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, it won’t be completely dry.
🐄 Persistent cattle menace
Despite the Corporation’s efforts, the stray cattle menace has continued unabated.
What’s happening? The death of an elderly man after being attacked by stray cattle has renewed calls for the authorities to address the issue. Despite the Chennai Corporation increasing and collecting fines on cattle owners, the problem persists.
- They’ve identified over 2,100 stray cattle, most of which are in Koyambedu, Mylapore, and Triplicane. The rules state cattle rearers should have 36 square feet of space for each cow and a shed with draining facilities.
- However, due to a manpower shortage, the rules aren’t properly implemented. The Corporation currently has only 15 vehicles with staff for inspections and seizures.
Authorities against rearers: Cattle rearers have come out against any blanket ban. They say the lack of space is due to rapid urbanisation and demand authorities provide adequate infrastructure. The Corporation currently has two cattle sheds, one each at Perambur and Pudupettai, where seized cattle are impounded.
📶 Ericsson comes calling
Swedish giant Ericsson will set up a new R&D centre in the city.
What’s it about? Telecom gear maker Ericsson announced it will set up a new 6G R&D centre in Chennai. The company is looking to expand its footprint in the 6G space.
- The new R&D centre in the city will start small but eventually expand. The company currently has three such centres. The other ones are in the US and Sweden.
- In India, the company has three centres – Chennai, Gurgaon, and Bengaluru. Ericsson also wants to partner with engineering institutes for 6G-related research.
6G ambitions: While India is still getting up to speed on 5G, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address at the 2023 India Mobile Congress, said India will take the lead in 6G research. Ericsson sees this as an opportunity to expand its network in India.
🐟 Fish prices increase
Due to a dip in supply, fish prices in the city have risen.
What’s it about? The prices of fish in retail and wholesale markets in the city have increased over the past few months due to low supply and high demand. As the northeast monsoon approaches, traders expect prices to increase further.
- Only a few boats ventured into the sea, leading to low supply. Currently, Seer fish is sold at ₹700 per kg in wholesale markets and nearly double at ₹1,300-1,400 in retail markets.
- There has been a sudden increase in demand for fish over the past several months. This has led to a drastic difference in prices in retail markets.
What’s ahead? Sales will likely be low in the coming two months since there will be restrictions on deep fishing due to weather systems.
📊 Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Do you distribute sweets to others during Diwali?
- I distribute sweets to others during Diwali.
- I don’t distribute sweets to others during Diwali.
❓ Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
What’s your favourite seafood?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In other news…
- The Tambaram Corporation has proposed nine composting centres to deal with mounting garbage.
- 182 candidates were given job offers to the Southern Railways at a Rozgar Meal held in the city.
- Dengue cases have increased in the state, with Chennai recording 500 last month.
- Apollo Hospitals launched a dedicated service for people with specific neurological conditions called the Apollo Stroke Network.
- The city’s lighthouses will become accessible as the government wants to increase their tourism potential.
That’s it for today. Have a great day!