‘Thozhi’ Hostels
- 26 ‘Thozhi’ hostels for working women are currently under construction across Tamil Nadu at various stages.
- Launch Date: January 4, 2024.
- Department: Social Welfare and Women Empowerment, Government of Tamil Nadu.
- Aim: To provide safe and affordable accommodation for women working in various locations.
- Target Group: Women living far from families, belonging to lower and middle-income groups.
- Tamil Nadu Natural Farming Project
- The Tamil Nadu Natural Farming Project was recently launched at the Epic (Eco Park and
Information Centre) in Padur, off Rajiv Gandhi Salai. - Members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from four clusters in three districts are being trained:
Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, and Kancheepuram. - The initiative is a pilot project for the future implementation of natural farming techniques across the State. Each cluster will cover five villages.
- Farmers are being trained in natural farming under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission
- Core Principles of Natural Farming:
- It is neither organic farming nor conventional farming that relies on synthetic fertilizers and
- It supports year-round crop cultivation (continuous production).
- It involves growing pest-attractant plants to safeguard main crops.
- Seeds for the next crop are collected from the previous crop (use of indigenous seeds).
- The top soil is disturbed minimally to keep microbes intact.
- Biostimulants are encouraged as catalysts for plant growth.
- Benefits/Approach: The system involves the use of indigenous seeds, integration of animals into farming, reduction in cultivation costs, and assurance of a regular income for farmers.
- First phase of archaeological survey off Poompuhar coast completed
- Conducted by: Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology (TNSDA) in collaboration with trained divers from Indian Maritime University.
- Location: Off the coast of Poompuhar (Kaveripoompattinam), Mayiladuthurai district.
- Objective: The primary aim was to identify potential archaeological remains of the ancient
Sangam-era port city submerged in the Bay of Bengal. - Survey Duration: The survey lasted for 12 days, beginning on September 20.
- Technology Used: Advanced marine exploration instruments were used to map the ocean floor and detect structural anomalies, including a remotely operated vehicle, side-scan sonar, sub-bottom profiler, and multibeam scanner.
- Logistics: The operation was supported by local fishermen using mechanized boats and smaller fibre
- Historical Reference: The team traced several underwater locations previously identified by veteran
archaeologist S. R. Rao, who conducted a similar survey nearly three decades ago.
Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme - The scheme was launched on 15 September 2022 (Periyar’s birthday).
- Expansion: All Tamil Nadu government and government aided schools, classes 1–5
- Special feature:
- First such scheme at the state level in India
- Appreciation by organizations including UNICEF
- Significance: Students’ health, academic interest, and attendance rates have all increased.
- Expired Vehicle ‘Scrapping’ Scheme
- As part of the measures to reduce air pollution, a scrapping scheme to destroy old vehicles will soon be launched in Tamil Nadu.
- In addition, 8 out of 100 families use cars. The number of vehicles is increasing faster than the population of the country.
- Poor roads, fuel quality, use of old vehicles and improper traffic management are the main factors responsible for air pollution. Studies have shown that old vehicles are the most affected.
- The scrapping company itself will pay the appropriate amount to the vehicle owners. Once the scrapping of vehicles is completed, its registration number and all the documents of the vehicle will be uploaded on the website of the transport department.
