TAMILNADU

The Tamil Nadu Forest Department is constructing an International Dugong Conservation Centre (IDCC) at Manora, Thanjavur district, to protect the endangered Dugong species and its habitat in the Palk Bay. The center, funded by the TN-SHORE initiative, will serve as a hub for conservation research, knowledge sharing, and community awareness. It will feature a Dugong-shaped main building, a museum, a monitoring lab, a seagrass ecology lab, a tunnel aquarium, and interactive displays. The IDCC will also focus on sustainable livelihoods for the local community through eco-tourism and incorporate water recycling systems and solar power. The project, estimated to cost ₹41 crore, is expected to be completed in two years and will require CRZ clearance from the state government. The center aims to address threats to Dugongs, including boat collisions, entanglement in fishing nets, habitat degradation, and climate change, through conservation strategies such as establishing marine protected areas and raising awareness.

On November 6, Indian and Sri Lankan naval officers met aboard the SLNS Vijayabahu in the Palk Bay to discuss issues related to maritime security in the region. The meeting, known as the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) meeting, focused on enhancing cooperation to ensure the safety of fishermen, address security concerns in the Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar, and strengthen maritime collaboration between the two nations. Rear Admiral R.K. Dhingra of the Indian Navy and Rear Admiral S.J. Kumara of the Sri Lankan Navy led the discussions, highlighting the importance of joint efforts to maintain peace and stability in the shared maritime space.

Kulasekarapattinam, a coastal town near Thoothukudi, is known for its Mutharamman Temple and a proposed rocket launchpad. However, its journey to fame began 120 years ago with the establishment of a girls’ school in 1904 by Chettikulam Deivanayagam, known as CD Nayagam. A pioneer in women’s education and a close friend of Periyar E.V. Ramasamy, Nayagam’s school, named after his wife Thayammal, adopted unique teaching methods that drew attention from the British government and the Indian Social Reformer. Nayagam’s commitment to empowering women from oppressed classes led him to introduce free meals, a residential school, and communal reservation in admissions. In 1947, he established a teachers’ training institute, Valliammaiar Hindu Teachers’ Training Institute, which empowered generations of women. Despite facing challenges from the proliferation of English medium schools, the schools continue to serve the community, offering Tamil medium education and meals to students from weaker sections.

Tamil scholar M. Selvarasan, formerly with the Tamil Department of the University of Madras, will be awarded the prestigious Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi Semmozhi Tamil Award for 2024 in Chennai on Friday, November 8th. The award, presented by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin at the Secretariat, recognizes Selvarasan’s contributions to Tamil language and literature. The award includes a cash prize of ₹10 lakh, a citation plaque, and a bronze replica of the late leader and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi.

• Program Overview: IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation has introduced a hands-on training program in semiconductor technology for engineering and science students, aimed at bridging the gap between academic learning and industry requirements.
• Target Audience: The program, conducted in collaboration with Swayam Plus under the Union Education Ministry, is open to engineering graduates from disciplines like electronics, electrical, mechanical, manufacturing, and production.
• Course Highlights: This short-term, campus-based course provides practical training, with high-performing participants receiving placement assistance. It emphasizes developing real-world engineering skills beyond theoretical concepts.
• Skill Development Focus: R. Sarathi, Dean (Planning) at IIT Madras, highlighted the importance of aligning engineering curricula with practical skills. The program aims to address the skill gap identified between academic courses and industry practices.
• Certification and Accommodation: Participants will receive a certificate from Swayam Plus, IIT Madras, and IITM Pravartak. Accommodation is available on campus for ₹650 per day, including meals, with advance booking required.
• Program Slots: The training is scheduled in three fortnight-long slots—November 11-23, December 2-14, and December 16-30—to accommodate different batches.
• Organizational Backing: Funded by the Department of Science and Technology’s National Mission on Cyber-Physical Systems, IITM Pravartak hosts this program as part of its mission to foster innovation in sensor and control technology.

• Early Connections: Madras’s link with the Sringeri order dates back to the Vijayanagara Empire, founded by the guidance of the 12th Sringeri pontiff. This association naturally led to Madras becoming a frequent stop for the Sringeri seers.

• Shifting Locations: Early visits saw the pontiffs likely residing in Black Town (present-day High Court area) and later establishing a mutt in Krishnappa Naicken Agraharam in George Town. With the city’s southward expansion, focus shifted to areas like Raja Annamalaipuram, T. Nagar, and Mambalam.

• Changing Times: The 20th century saw a shift in the nature of the visits. While earlier visits focused on religious aspects, later visits included interactions with industrialists and tours of newly established factories, reflecting Madras’s growing industrial landscape.

• Grand Processions: Sringeri seers historically traveled with large retinues, showcasing their influence and power. This practice continued even during the British era, as documented by Governor Grant Duff’s observations of a procession with elephants, camels, and soldiers.

• Lost Landmarks: The article also laments the disappearance of historical landmarks associated with the Sringeri seers’ visits, such as Vasantha Bungalow in Triplicane and the art deco building Navasuja in R.A. Puram.

1. Comprehensive Disaster Management Drills: A disaster management drill and equipment exhibition were conducted in Tirunelveli by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), police, and Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services at VOC Stadium, aiming to improve public preparedness.
2. Public Awareness Campaigns: As part of a district-wide awareness effort led by Tirunelveli District Collector K.P. Karthikeyan, various programs were implemented to educate the public on disaster readiness, as instructed by the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
3. Geographical Risk Assessment: NDRF teams studied coastal regions, the Thamirabarani riverbank, and nearby hills, including Karayaru and Manjolai, identifying potential risks and documenting preventative measures for possible natural calamities.
4. Monsoon-Driven Initiatives: With the northeast monsoon season commencing, the drill highlighted the importance of being prepared for seasonal weather hazards and how to respond to emergencies effectively.
5. Collaborative Demonstrations: Representatives from the revenue department, police, fire services, medical department, and volunteers participated, showcasing practical safety measures for the public, particularly targeting students and local residents.
6. Key Officials’ Involvement: The event saw the presence of officials, including MP C. Robert Bruce and Deputy Commissioner G.S. Anitha, underscoring the importance of disaster preparedness at all governmental levels.
7. Building Community Resilience: By combining drills, practical exercises, and awareness programs, the initiative aims to foster resilience and readiness among the public for handling various disaster scenarios.

• Purpose and Scope: The Act aims to simplify land consolidation for special projects such as infrastructure, industrial, agricultural, and commercial developments requiring over 100 hectares of land. However, it includes provisions to acquire land even if it contains water bodies, raising environmental and community concerns.
• Controversial Provisions: The Act has sparked criticism from environmentalists and farmers, who fear it may lead to further depletion of water bodies and disregard for community rights. The possibility of private entities obtaining land with water bodies in exchange for other lands is particularly contentious.
• Lack of Public Oversight: The decision to designate a project as “special” is solely with the government, limiting public input. Public hearings are only held after project approval, diminishing community influence over projects impacting local resources.
• Role of the Expert Committee: An expert committee is designated to oversee proposals, conduct public hearings, and finalize land consolidation schemes. However, concerns arise regarding its independence, as it is largely government-appointed.
• Potential Environmental Impact: Critics argue that the Act lacks provisions for preserving essential hydrological pathways, which are critical for the health of water bodies. There is also no clear role for the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, despite potential pollution risks.
• Concerns over Community Livelihoods: The Act offers compensation and alternative lands to landowners but fails to provide adequate safeguards for those whose livelihoods depend on these ecosystems, such as farmers and fishing communities.
• Environmental Risks: Given recent incidents of encroachment on water body lands, environmental advocates argue for more robust protection of these areas to prevent increased flood risks and ecological degradation.

Chief minister M K Stalin unveiled a slew of initiatives aimed at heralding https://exam.pscnotes.com/inclusive-Growth“>Inclusive Growth in startups covering a cross section of streams including green tech, rural impact and Women-led startups.

The special package assistance has been launched to ensure an innovation-driven economy in the state as it targets to become a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

A key element of the special package for the startups in these select categories is 50% increase in grant to 15 lakh from the present 10 lakh through StartupTNs flagship grant initiative Tamil Nadu Startup Seed Grant Fund (TANSEED), Tamil Nadu government said in its order. The grant will be disbursed in three equal instalments of 5 lakh each, with 25% of total TANSEED assistance earmarked for women-led startups and 10% for rural impact startups, a State Government release said.

The rain that lashed delta districts in the last two days has flattened and damaged harvest-ready sambapaddycrop on thousands of acres in Thanjavur, according to farmers and Agriculture-notes-for-state-psc-exams”>Agricultureofficials.

Besides this, 50,000 tonnes of paddy that was procured and stacked in an open stockyard of NaduCivil Supplies Corporation (TNCSC) at Sannapram near Kumbakonam got drenched in the rain.
Farmers said about 1,000 acres of samba paddy crop ripe for harvest has been submerged in Orathanadu, Pattukottai, Peravurani and Thanjavur taluks.