VinFast’s first EV plant in India at Thoothukudi
▪ Tamil Nadu Chief Minister inaugurated VinFast’s first EV manufacturing plant in India at Thoothukudi on August 4, 2025.
▪ Location : SIPCOT Industrial Complex, Sillanatham, Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu.
▪ Manufacturing Hub : “Chennai is India’s Detroit.”
▪ EV Contribution : 40% of EVs sold in India are manufactured in Tamil Nadu.
▪ Skill Development : Jobs provided to local youths through the ‘Naan Mudhalvan’ scheme.
Chief Minister’s Green Fellowship Programme (CMGFP)
▪ It is India’s first State-led climate fellowship programme.
▪ Tamil Nadu Chief Minister launched the Chief Minister’s Green Fellowship Programme (CMGFP) on August 21, 2023, at the Secretariat in Chennai.
▪ The scheme was announced as part of the 2021-22 Budget for the Department of Environment and Climate Change.
▪ The program aims to provide a platform for young individuals who are passionate about environmental conservation, renewable energy, biodiversity protection, and sustainable living.
▪ It emphasizes the role of youth in shaping policy and highlights the government’s commitment to a “greener future.”
▪ The fellows will also be introduced to the three missions of the State- Green Tamil Nadu Mission, Tamil Nadu Wetlands Mission and Tamil Nadu Climate Change Mission.
▪ Each Fellow will receive a monthly stipend of ₹60,000 and an allowance of ₹15,000 for travel within their district.
Tamil Nadu’s organ donation initiative
▪ The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare praised Tamil Nadu’s initiative of according State honours to brain-dead organ donors.
▪ The Directorate-General of Health Services (DGHS) noted it had immensely impacted the deceased donor transplant programme.
Impact of the State Honours Initiative
▪ Launched in September 2023.
▪ It is “first-of-its-kind” Government Order, which resonated deeply with the public and increased awareness.
Record-Breaking Donations in 2024
▪ The DGHS noted that Tamil Nadu had its highest-ever number of donations in 2024.
▪ For the first time, government institutions contributed more to the program than private hospitals (54.48% vs. 45.52%).
▪ Donations occurred in 26 government institutions, including from remote colleges like Nilgiris Medical College.
Other Proactive Measures
▪ ‘Honour walk’ in hospitals for donors.
▪ Development of detailed protocols for all aspects of organ donation.
▪ Personal appreciation notes from TRANSTAN after each donation.
▪ Periodic multi-level reviews to strengthen the programme.
Mudhalvar Padaippagam
▪ Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments announced that 45 ‘Mudhalvar Padaippagam’ hubs will become operational in Chennai by November 2025.
About Mudhalvar Padaippagam
▪ It is a flagship initiative of the Tamil Nadu government, launched under the “Vada Chennai Valarchi Thittam” (North Chennai Development Scheme).
▪ Aim: To bridge the gap in access to education and employment opportunities for the youth, particularly in underserved urban areas like North Chennai.
▪ Managed by: Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) and Greater Chennai Corporation.
▪ 45 centres planned in Chennai, with 26 already functional (as of August 2025).
TN Rising Investors Conclave in Thoothukudi
▪ Thoothukudi was chosen as the host city for the inaugural edition of TN Rising.
▪ The Tamil Nadu government signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) for 41 projects with a total investment of ₹32,554 crore.
▪ Out of the 41 projects, 19 are in the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector, with a combined investment of ₹265.15 crore.
▪ 4 commercial production projects inaugurated in: Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi and Kancheepuram.
▪ Four new projects were announced specifically for Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli, including:
✓ A 256-acre space park in Thoothukudi.
✓ A dedicated shipbuilding industry in Thoothukudi.
✓ A common facility center for moringa export in Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli, at a cost of ₹5.59 crore.
▪ Existing projects:
✓ Desalination plant – Thoothukudi
✓ TIDEL Park – Madurai & Thoothukudi
✓ PM Mitra Park – Virudhunagar
✓ TATA Power Solar & Vikram Solar – Tirunelveli
