Initiative / Scheme 'Nalam TN' Portal Background: The Government of Tamil Nadu launched an integrated digital platform named 'Nalam TN' in Chennai on July 14, 2026. The portal was inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu at an event held at Presidency College, Chennai, under the aegis of the State Health and Family Welfare Department. About the 'Nalam TN' Portal 'Nalam TN' serves as a unified web portal for government health services in Tamil Nadu. It consolidates various health services for patients, government hospitals, and public institutions into a single platform. The portal also features a transparent and monitored system that enables individuals and organizations to make direct donations to government hospitals. Digital Health Services in Tamil Nadu The Government of Tamil Nadu is expanding the use of digital technology in the public health sector. In July 2026, the state government introduced 'Nalam AI', a WhatsApp-based chatbot service. 'Nalam AI' assists the public in booking appointments for outpatient department (OPD) treatments; this service is available across several districts in Tamil Nadu. The 'Nalam TN' portal further strengthens the state's digital health ecosystem by offering additional online health services. Health Infrastructure and Appointments Alongside the launch of this portal, the government inaugurated health projects worth ₹139 crore. These projects are being implemented across government medical college hospitals, district hospitals, and primary health centers throughout Tamil Nadu. History & Culture Discovery of an Ancient Brick Step-well in Karivalamvandanallur, Tamil Nadu Context: The Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology has discovered a square-shaped brick step-well (measuring 4m × 4m) in Karivalamvandanallur, near Tenkasi. It is believed to date back to the Sangam period (approximately 2,500 years old). Archaeologists consider this to be the first brick step-well from the Early Historic (Sangam) period discovered in Tamil Nadu. Significance of the Discovery This…
