ASI’s underwater studies at Mahabalipuram
▪ The Underwater Archaeology Wing (UAW) of the ASI has resumed its underwater archaeological studies off the coast of Mahabalipuram after a gap of two decades.
▪ The new phase of fieldwork is a continuation of previous investigations carried out in 2001 and systematic excavations in 2004-2005.
▪ New Phase of Study (2025): Equipped with a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) for high-resolution imagery and video of submerged remains without disturbing them.
▪ Mahabalipuram monuments built during 7th–8th century Pallava dynasty. Served as a landmark to sailors for centuries.
▪ Earlier Discoveries: The underwater study conducted east of the Shore Temple and north of the Mahisasura rock revealed submerged remains, including three walls and carved architectural members of ancient temples.
Tamil Nadu Tourism
▪ Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation’s revenue rose fivefold from ₹49.11 crore (2020-21) to ₹243.31 crore (2023-24).
▪ Policy Milestone: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, on September 26, released ‘Tourism Policy 2023’ which aims to attract investments of ₹20,000 crore into this sector over the next five years.
▪ Major Projects Implemented:
▪ Keeladi Museum:
✓ Established to showcase findings from the Keeladi excavations (Sangam-era urban settlement).
✓ Exhibits artefacts such as pottery, beads, tools, and inscriptions that reveal the urban culture of ancient Tamil civilization (6th century BCE – 1st century CE).
▪ Jallikattu Arena (Alanganallur, Madurai district)
▪ India’s First Fiberglass Sea Bridge: (Kanniyakumari)
✓ First of its kind in India, offering visitors panoramic views of the confluence of the Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal, and Arabian Sea.
Cauvery delta records highest-ever Kuruvai crop coverage this year
▪ The Cauvery delta has achieved its highest-ever Kuruvai crop coverage this year, exceeding six lakh acres.
▪ As of August 10, the coverage was 6.09 lakh acres, which is about 40% higher than the normal
coverage of 4.4 lakh acres.
▪ This represents a 57% increase compared to last year’s coverage of 3.88 lakh acres.
▪ The previous record was 5.6 lakh acres, set in 2023-24.
▪ Thanjavur and Tiruvarur districts alone account for nearly two lakh acres each of the total coverage.
Instant crop loan scheme
• The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister launched an instant crop loan scheme under Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) on a pilot basis in Dharmapuri on 17, August 2025.
• Farmers can apply online, and loan amounts will be credited to their accounts on the same day.
• It replaces earlier system of in-person applications and long waiting periods.
Tamil Nadu Semiconductor Mission 2030 (TNSM 2030)
• Tamil Nadu sanctioned the Semiconductor Design Promotion Scheme under its ₹500-crore
TNSM 2030 (Announced in the Tamil Nadu Budget 2025).
• Aim: To strengthen the fabless design ecosystem with subsidies and prototyping grants.
• Goal: Position Tamil Nadu as a hub for chip innovation.
• 1,000 engineering students to be trained under the India Semiconductor Workforce
Development Program (ISWDP).
