Initiatives/ Schemes Udangudi Thermal Power Station Context: The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu inaugurated a new thermal power station established at Udangudi in the Thoothukudi district, built at a cost of ₹13,077 crore. This power station comprises two units, each with a capacity of 660 megawatts. It is a high-efficiency thermal power station constructed using supercritical technology. To facilitate the transport of coal to the power station, a jetty has been constructed in the open sea, located 9 kilometers offshore. Since a reduced quantity of coal is required to generate one unit of electricity, carbon dioxide emissions are reduced by 25–30%. Through this project, the state's power generation capacity will increase, thereby reducing the need to procure electricity from the open market. TNSCST – ICMR Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Context: The Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology (TNSCST) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen initiatives related to medical research and development projects within academia and the bio-industry, as well as to enhance Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) protection. This agreement was established with the specific objective of reinforcing medical research, development, and the protection of Intellectual Property. It will facilitate the protection of biomedical innovations emerging from academic institutions and help promote technology transfer. Tamil Nadu has emerged as a leading state in India in terms of the highest number of patent applications filed. This agreement was signed in New Delhi under the guidance of NITI Aayog. The Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology was established by the Government of Tamil Nadu in 1984 as an autonomous institution. Indian Council of Medical Research Established in 1911, it is one of the oldest medical research institutions in the world. It receives funding through the Department of Health…
