#chennai

Positive Reads

Chennai Startup BookWater Uses QR Codes to Ensure Safe Drinking Water

Chennai-based startup BookWater has introduced an innovative solution to ensure access to safe drinking water through the use of QR codes. Can this technology transform the way we monitor water can quality and safety? BookWater, founded by brothers Bharath Govindaraghavan and Balachander G, addresses the issue of unreliable water can suppliers in Chennai. Many residents, like Supriya Sethuram, have been receiving dirty or cloudy water cans, raising concerns about the water's quality, especially when it comes to their children's health. With the aim of providing a reliable and transparent solution, BookWater has implemented IoT-powered QR codes on their water cans. By scanning the QR code, consumers can access detailed information about the can's quality and history of use. This unique feature sets BookWater apart from other water delivery platforms. The founders, Bharath and Balachander, along with their team, manufacture ISI-rated plastic cans with embedded QR codes. The codes allow users to track the cans' movement, monitor the number of times they have been reused, and obtain reports on important quality parameters such as TDS levels, pH levels, and manufacturing dates. BookWater emphasizes the importance of disposing of the cans after a certain number of uses to maintain water quality and prevent the release of harmful microplastics. To promote sustainability, the startup collaborates with recycling companies to upcycle used cans into useful products like t-shirts. Currently serving 3,000 users in Chennai, BookWater aims to expand its services to other regions of India in the next two years. By leveraging QR code technology, this innovative startup is revolutionizing the way we access safe drinking water and promoting a healthier and more sustainable future.

6 Jan 2024

Positive Reads

Opening New Worlds: Know How Chennai's Anna Centenary Library Empowers the Visually Impaired

The Anna Centenary Library in Chennai has taken a remarkable step towards empowering visually impaired researchers and students preparing for competitive exams with its special Braille section. Spread over eight acres, the library offers a vast collection of books and facilities that make people with disabilities feel at home. This section of the library is equipped with superior technology, including computers with non-visual desktop access, digital collections of books for competitive examinations in both Tamil and English, Braille typewriters, audio-enabled scan reading, and more. The Braille section of the library currently boasts a collection of 2,000 books related to competitive examinations, and it also enables readers to copy the books to their pen drives or other storage devices. The regular collection extends to 3,500 books, encompassing various subjects like literature, public administration, economics, sociology, mathematics, engineering, science, medical history, political science, geography, and more. The volunteers here support the visually impaired job seekers to apply for competitive examinations. The library also facilitates book releases with a 60% discount and provides an auditorium for special meetings. The primary aim of the library is to guide research scholars and provide them with appropriate resources. The Braille section extends its volunteer services to visually impaired students who are preparing for competitive exams such as TNPSC, UPSC, staff selection, banking, RRB, UGC-NET & JRF, among others. The visually impaired readers can also access daily newspapers in Tamil and English scanned by the library staff and e-mailed to them. The library offers a supportive and nurturing environment for visually impaired students, making knowledge accessible to all.

2 Aug 2023

Positive Reads

Nature's Grand Spectacle: Rare Sighting of Whale Sharks Thrills Chennai Fishermen

In a remarkable display of nature's wonders, approximately 20 majestic whale sharks have taken up residence near the shores of Chennai, providing local fishermen with a daily spectacle of excitement and awe. Experts believe that the presence of artificial reefs in the area has attracted these magnificent creatures, turning the region into a feeding ground for them. According to Joe K Kizhakudan, a scientist at the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), over the past week, more than 20 whale sharks have been spotted along the Chennai coast, specifically in Pulicat, Semmencherry, Chinnandi, and Kovalam. While whale sharks were traditionally seen predominantly on the West Coast, they have increasingly been sighted along the East Coast, particularly in Tamil Nadu, thanks to the availability of food near the artificial reefs. Among this group of whale sharks, an incredible sighting occurred when a juvenile ventured close to the Neelankarai beach. Photographs shared by the Tree Foundation, an NGO dedicated to turtle conservation, captured the shark swimming leisurely, seemingly undisturbed by human presence, with the beautiful sandy beach and buildings in the background. Experts predict that the whale shark presence near Chennai will be short-lived as the annual fishing ban is set to end on June 14, prompting the return of thousands of trawler boats to the sea. However, for now, the absence of disturbances allows the whale sharks to roam freely and enjoy their time in the area. Despite their enormous size, whale sharks pose no harm to humans. These gentle giants feed by filtering vast quantities of nutrient-rich water through their wide-open mouths, capturing zooplankton, phytoplankton, krill, roe, small crustaceans, squid, and fish. The unprecedented gathering of whale sharks in Tamil Nadu, including four adult females and approximately 16 juveniles, presents a unique research opportunity. Scientists, such as Kizhakudan, are eager to geotag some individuals to gain valuable insights into their migration patterns and understand how they locate abundant food sources. As nature continues to surprise us with its awe-inspiring marvels, the rare sighting of these magnificent whale sharks near Chennai reminds us of the importance of preserving our marine ecosystems and fostering a harmonious coexistence between humans and marine life.

13 Jun 2023

Positive Reads

This School Is in Tune With Gandhian Values Even After a Century!

The Vidyodaya Girls’ Higher Secondary School in T Nagar Chennai has an old charm as it stays rooted in Gandhian values even as it celebrates its centenary in the coming year. What sets this school apart is that the students here are imparted training to spin the charkha twice in a week. The students here are steeped in Gandhian values which help them to be good academicians and sportspersons. The school has maintained its old-world charm with huge playgrounds, an abundance of trees, and few buildings. Students from faraway places seek admission to this reputed school which was founded in 1924 by Elizabeth Sornam Appasamy. It was founded with a donation of Rs 10,000 which was collected from the public. Initially, the school had only three boarders and threeday scholars. Today it has expanded to a group of schools - Vidyodaya Girls Higher Secondary School, Vidyodaya Matriculation School and Vidyodaya Nursery School- comprising 2500 girls. The students here on every Thursday start the Sarvodaya prayer with a few lines about Mahatma Gandhi, passages from Gita, Bible and Quran. The session concludes with a rendition of Mahatma Gandhi's favorite bhajans. No donations are collected from the students in this school. If there is surplus income, it is set aside to buy sports kits or other necessary items for the students. The school will be celebrating its centenary from February 24th next year.

24 Dec 2022

Positive Reads

Chennai’s Temple Tanks Are Not Just Architectural Wonders but Are Excellent Water Storage Systems

Chennai has been facing an acute water shortage in the past few years. One of the ways to prevent drought is to revive the age-old water tanks that can act as an excellent water storage system. According to a study conducted in 2008, there are 39 temple tanks in Chennai. The temple tanks of Chennai not only showcase the architectural expertise and aesthetics of their time but is also instrumental in recharging the groundwater. According to historian Nivedita Louis, tanks were an indispensable part of temples and they ensured water management as part of religion and ritual. These tanks were usually dug by benefactors and philanthropists. Temple tanks which play a key role in maintaining the groundwater table need to be de-silted and maintained regularly. Recently, volunteers belonging to the Central Industrial Security Force cleaned the biggest tank which is situated in Parthasarathy temple in Triplicane. When the rains arrive, the tanks get filled to the brim and offer a spectacular view to the visitors. Last month, the 600-year-old Arulmigu Ekambareswarar temple tank in Mint Street was de-silted and nine pits were dug in the tank so that rainwater get recharged. According to the temple’s Executive Officer, not a single drop of rainwater from the temple premises gets wasted. Many volunteers have also joined hands to revive local water bodies and temple tanks in Chennai in an effort to recharge groundwater and prevent salination of water from seawater percolation. Temple tanks are proof that even centuries ago, people knew the importance of rainwater and the need to store it. Let us continue this tradition with proper rainwater harvesting techniques.

17 Sep 2019

Positive Reads

Star Citizens

Chennai Heroes: Selfless Duo Braves Floods to Rescue Stranded Citizens

In the face of adversity and rising floodwaters, a group of selfless individuals in Chennai has emerged as true heroes, braving the dangers to rescue those in distress. Led by Sangavi Vijayaraghavan and her husband Pradhap Lakshmanan, these courageous individuals have taken it upon themselves to extend a helping hand to their fellow citizens. When Sangavi received a distress call on December 4 from a flooded area in Mudichur, Chennai, she wasted no time in springing into action. With a strong desire to assist those in need, Sangavi and Pradhap, both employed in the corporate world, swiftly transformed into dedicated volunteers as part of the Direction for Volunteers organization. Operating in areas where government rescue teams were unable to reach due to deepwater levels and limited manpower, the couple relied on local fishermen and their boats to navigate the flooded terrain. They successfully rescued numerous individuals, including a woman and a child with a high fever. As the situation worsened, Sangavi and Pradhap continued to receive requests for essential supplies and rescue operations. Undeterred by the absence of mobile network coverage, they diligently noted down rescue requests and ventured into affected areas, such as Pallikaranai. The ground reality proved more challenging than anticipated, with a diverse range of people, including the elderly and pregnant women, in need of rescue. Despite facing personal risks and enduring the perils of wading through stagnant water mixed with sewage and carcasses of animals, Sangavi and Pradhap remained committed to their mission. They even utilized social media platforms to amplify awareness of the dire situation and garnered support from influencers. Their efforts caught the attention of the Greater Chennai Corporation, which collaborated with Sangavi to address the needs of affected localities. However, the couple emphasizes that their actions represent only a fraction of the overall help needed due to damage caused by the floods. Sangavi urges the government to establish a more efficient network of volunteers and improve public announcements to ensure timely assistance reaches all affected areas. In the midst of the calamity, this extraordinary couple chose to put the needs of others before their own, leaving their three-year-old child in the care of their neighbors to provide aid and support to those in distress.

28 Dec 2023

Star Citizens

Tech Professional Transforms into Organic Farmer, Promotes Affordable Organic Produce

In a remarkable transition, a 40-year-old tech professional has embarked on an organic journey, transforming himself into an organic farmer and advocate for affordable organic produce. NT Prasanth Kumar, hailing from Madurai, now runs an eight-acre integrated vegetable farm near Ulaganeri village along the Madurai-Chennai NH. Driven by his passion for the environment, Prasanth's journey as an environmentalist began in 2010 when he initiated tree planting drives as part of the "Maram Madurai" team. Their efforts aimed to improve green cover and create awareness about native tree species and their ecological significance. Maintaining the trees they planted became a joint effort with student volunteers. The pivotal question that changed Prasanth's path was the affordability of organic produce. Challenging the common belief that organic food is more expensive, he sought to prove otherwise. With the guidance of environmentalist Pamayan and the support of organic farmers, Prasanth established his own organic farm. Within just a year, Prasanth has successfully cultivated over 30 varieties of vegetables and some fruits using G Nammalvar's organic farming methods. His farm attracts 100-200 daily visitors who purchase the produce at affordable prices, allowing Prasanth to earn an average monthly income of Rs 80,000 to Rs 1 lakh. Prasanth's dedication to organic farming goes beyond his farm's success. He provides internships to students, imparting knowledge about organic farming practices and preparing them for a chemical-free future. The initiative has garnered interest from many young individuals who frequently visit the farm. Excitingly, the renowned Pothys group has offered assistance, providing land for cultivation purposes. Prasanth plans to establish a retail outlet for organic produce in Madurai, further expanding access to affordable and sustainable food options.

9 Oct 2023

Star Citizens

Blind Ambition: The Foundation That Sees Potential Where Others Can't!

In a heartwarming initiative, the 'Nam Dhesam' Foundation in Chennai is making a significant impact in the lives of differently-abled individuals, particularly the visually impaired. Led by social worker S Chandrasekar, this foundation aims to create sustainable livelihood opportunities and empower those with disabilities. Since its establishment in 2013, the 'Nam Dhesam' Foundation has been identifying visually impaired individuals from underprivileged backgrounds and providing them with support. Their core mantra, "Your Kindness is Blessed Forever," serves as the guiding principle behind their efforts. During the COVID-19 lockdown, the foundation extended its support to many differently-abled individuals. However, post-pandemic, their focus shifted towards enabling the visually impaired to lead independent lives through sustainable livelihoods. Rather than doing things for them, the foundation believes in teaching individuals skills that will enable them to support themselves. Under Chandrasekar's guidance, the foundation provides a small capital investment of Rs 2,000 or Rs 3,000 to individuals to purchase essential items like burfi (peanut sweet), kerchiefs, headsets, and pens. This investment has proven to be transformative, doubling the income of beneficiaries within days. The initiative has also ventured into wire chair making, providing additional support whenever necessary. To date, the 'Nam Dhesam' Foundation has nurtured around 600 visually impaired entrepreneurs, changing their lives for the better. Through partnerships with corporations and effective utilization of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds, Chandrasekar aims to eradicate poverty through education and awareness. The inspiring stories of beneficiaries like S Ruban and S Ramesh highlight the positive impact of the foundation's work. Ruban's earnings selling burfi have increased significantly, while Ramesh and a group of visually impaired individuals have found success in crafting wire chairs.

16 Sep 2023

Star Citizens

Photographer Breaks Caste Barriers with Every Wedding Click: Capturing Love Beyond Boundaries

Photographer Ravishankar, owner of Oliyan Photography in Chennai, is using his lens to break caste barriers one wedding at a time. Since 2016, he has been providing free and discounted photography services to inter-caste couples, helping them celebrate their love and bridging the gap between communities. Inter-caste couples in India face numerous challenges due to societal norms, and Ravishankar understands the financial burden they often encounter. By offering his services as a gift, he aims to ease their financial strain and support their journey towards a better, more inclusive society. Initially, Ravishankar's photography work followed traditional patterns, but as he attended more weddings, he became increasingly aware of the struggles faced by inter-caste couples. This realization prompted him to question why their relationships were not recognized as expressions of love. Determined to make a difference, he embarked on his mission to capture the essence of love beyond caste boundaries. Ravishankar's efforts align with the vision of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who advocated for the annihilation of caste. His photography has not only empowered inter-caste couples but has also extended to queer couples, further promoting inclusivity. Through his passion and dedication, Ravishankar and his team at Oliyan Photography serve as beacons of hope, inspiring others to transcend societal shackles and create a brighter, more accepting future for all.

7 Sep 2023

Star Citizens

From Abandoned to Award-Winning: Chennai Woman Builds Affordable Container Homes in Just 15 Days!

Chennai resident Vaanmathi has been making waves in the construction industry with her innovative use of marine containers to build homes, offices, hospital rooms, and even marriage halls. Her company, Container Care, has become a popular choice for those looking for a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative — you can have a beautiful home in just 15 days with a kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom for Rs 3 lakh. Container Care offers a range of services, from design and customization to delivery and installation. Customers can choose from a variety of sizes and configurations, and the company uses environmentally friendly materials and practices whenever possible. The benefits of container-based construction are many. Containers are structurally sound, fire-resistant, and weather-resistant, making them ideal for use in a variety of settings. They can be easily transported and assembled, which can significantly reduce construction time and costs. And because they are made from steel, they are much more durable than traditional building materials, which can lead to significant savings in maintenance and repair costs over time. As the demand for sustainable, affordable housing and infrastructure continues to grow, it seems likely that Vaanmathi and Container Care will continue to play an important role in shaping the future of construction.

9 Mar 2023

Star Citizens

Kerala Woman Is the First Female Firefighter to Enter the Male Bastion of AAI Firefighters in South India

The firefighters of Airport Authorities of India (AAI) have always been dominated by men until last year when Kolkata’s Tanya Sanyal was hired as its first female firefighter. It feels great to know that more women are entering this field which demands higher levels of skill and competency. Recently Remya Sreekantan became the third woman to join the firefighting force of AAI and the first in South India. Challenging Job Remya, who had rigorously trained for four months at the Fire Training Centre (FTC), New Delhi, joined the Chennai airport as Junior Assistant (AFS) on November 1, 2019. She said that fire fighting is a challenging job, but she is very confident of delivering what is expected of her. She hopes that more women show interest and join this male-dominated profession. However, she informs that the right mindset is needed to explore the avenues at disposal. A Mother And Professor Remya who hails from a modest family in Thiruvanathapuram is the mother of a two-year-old child. Remya has a post-graduate degree in structural engineering. Earlier, she had also worked as Assistant Professor at LBS Institute of Technology for Women. Let us hope that more women like Remya, find the self-confidence and determination to do male-centric jobs and thus help bridge the gender gap. Image Source: Edexlive

15 Nov 2019

Star Citizens

Good News

Chennai Airport Achieves Full Green Power Takeoff!

Chennai Airport, a bustling hub serving approximately 20 million passengers annually, has reached an impressive milestone by becoming completely powered by renewable energy. The airport has adopted a diverse range of sustainable power sources, including rooftop solar panels, solar energy procured from businesses, and green tariff power purchased from Tangedco. This remarkable feat was accomplished just last month, marking a significant increase from the previous renewable energy usage of 50%. Notably, even the crucial runway and taxiway lighting are now powered by clean solar energy. The transition to renewable energy has yielded substantial benefits for Chennai Airport. By replacing traditional terminal fittings with energy-efficient LED lights and utilizing solar power for terminals and efficient air conditioning, the airport has not only reduced its carbon emissions by an estimated 2,200 tonnes annually but has also achieved energy savings of Rs. 100 million. The airport's focus on upgrading its lighting systems and optimizing air conditioning usage has played a vital role in emission reduction efforts. In line with their commitment to sustainability, Chennai Airport also considered installing solar panels on the airport campus. Although the initial plans faced delays and concerns about potential interference with flight operations due to sunlight reflection, the authorities explored alternative options, including procuring solar energy from third-party sources. Additionally, with available land parcels on the airport property, the installation of solar panels remains a possibility for future expansion. The airport's sustainability efforts extend beyond energy sources, as airlines are gradually transitioning to electric cars to minimize pollution and reduce their carbon footprint. Chennai Airport's commendable achievement serves as an inspiring example of how airports can successfully harness renewable energy to power their operations, ultimately paving the way for a more sustainable and environmentally conscious aviation industry.

14 Jun 2023

Good News

Setting Sail: India's First International Cruise Ship Begins a New Era of Adventure

In an exciting development for India's tourism industry, Sarbananda Sonowal, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, proudly inaugurated the launch of India's first international cruise vessel, the MV Empress. The maiden voyage of the MV Empress set sail to Sri Lanka on Monday (5 June) from Chennai, marking the commencement of the highly anticipated international cruise tourism terminal. This state-of-the-art terminal, built at a cost of Rs 17.21 crores, signifies a new era for cruise tourism and maritime trade in the country. Travelers aboard the MV Empress can embark on an unforgettable journey, with the vessel making stops at three picturesque Sri Lankan ports: Hanbantota, Trincomalee, and Kankesanturei. Offering a variety of tour packages ranging from 2 to 5 nights, the MV Empress promises a luxurious experience, allowing passengers to indulge in world-class amenities, captivating entertainment, and awe-inspiring views. Minister Sonowal emphasized the immense potential of cruise tourism in India, given the country's rich coastal heritage and cultural diversity. To further stimulate demand for cruise services, the ministry is actively working on expanding offerings along the western, southern, and eastern coasts of India. Plans include Gujarat Pilgrimage tours, Cultural and Scenic Tours, Ayurveda Wellness Tours, and Heritage Tourism. Moreover, the development of new cruise tourism terminals in Andamans, Puducherry, and Lakshadweep circuits is underway. Additionally, the feasibility of establishing ferry circuits connecting India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Myanmar is being explored. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways anticipates a surge in cruise tourism following the overwhelming response received from 85,000 passengers who availed the domestic circuit across 37 vessels. The introduction of the international circuit is expected to amplify the region's cruise tourism business even further. The modern cruise terminal at Chennai Port spans an impressive 2,880 square meters and has the capacity to accommodate 3,000 passengers at a time. Its cutting-edge facilities and infrastructure ensure a seamless and delightful experience for all travelers. As the MV Empress embarks on its maiden voyage, India's cruise tourism industry enters a promising new phase, ready to captivate globetrotters. With the government's ambitious plans to enhance cruise tourism across the country, India is poised to become a sought-after destination for cruise enthusiasts worldwide.

6 Jun 2023

Good News

Affordable, Safe, and Fun: Chennai Metro's Latest Partnership Brings a New Twist to Last-Mile Travel!

In a groundbreaking move towards empowering women, Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has partnered with Rapido to launch the first-ever women-driven bike taxi services in Tamil Nadu. The initiative aims to offer secure and affordable commutes to women travelers for the last mile, while also providing employment opportunities to women. The bike taxi captains, exclusively female, will be available at five Metro stations initially, including Thousand Lights, Teynampet, Egmore, Saidapet, and Government Estate. The partnership between CMRL and Rapido is not new. In March 2022, they had joined hands with Uber to enhance last-mile connectivity at 22 Metro stations, including the airport, Guindy, LIC, High Court, Vadapalani, Koyambedu, Egmore, and Central. This move was in line with the officials' vision to encourage more people to use public transport by offering multiple options for last-mile connectivity. Inaugurating the new service, Rajesh Chaturvedi, Director of Systems and Operations of Chennai Metro, waved the green flag at the Nandanam Metro Station. Although the new bike taxi services are designed to cater to women travelers, both men and women can use the service by booking through an app. This move is in line with the officials' vision of making last-mile connectivity easy, affordable, and efficient for all. CMRL's partnership with Rapido to launch women-driven bike taxi services is a significant step towards empowering women, providing employment opportunities, and making last-mile connectivity easy and efficient for all.

16 Apr 2023

Good News

1 Lakh Kisan Drones by 2024 Set To Revolutionize the Agricultural Sector

Think about drones — it's a cool gadget, right? It serves various purposes, such as filming Tom Cruise hanging down a plane in Mission Impossible! What could be cooler? The answer is using drones for the people who feed our stomachs. Garuda Aerospace, a Chennai-based drone start-up, recently announced its plans to produce 1 lakh Kisan drones by 2024. The Kisan drones, designed specifically for agricultural use, will greatly benefit Indian farmers by providing efficient and cost-effective solutions for crop monitoring and management. Agnishwar Jayaprakash, the Founder and CEO of Garuda Aerospace, says, "The drone yatra will help farmers understand more about the technology and give them a better perspective on growing crops." The production of 1 lakh Kisan drones will create employment opportunities across 6 lakh Indian villages and contribute to the government's goal of doubling farmers' income by 2022. Furthermore, the widespread use of Kisan drones in agriculture will help India achieve food security and self-sufficiency in the long run. India is a developing country, and it dreams to be a $3 trillion economy soon. The drone market is expected to cross $5 billion by 2024, and it requires at least 1 lakh drone pilots by next year. In conclusion, the production of 1 lakh Kisan drones by Garuda Aerospace is a welcome development that will greatly benefit Indian farmers and the agriculture industry as a whole. It is a step towards modernizing the sector and improving the livelihoods of farmers.

14 Dec 2022

Good News

The Indian Coast Guard Gets a Boost With the Induction of This Advanced Super Machine

An Indian Coast Guard Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Mk-III squadron was commissioned by D G V S Pathania at ICG Air Station, Chennai on November 30, providing a significant boost to further reinforce the Coast Guard Region East. The helicopter will give the Indian Coast Guard a much-needed boost in the security-sensitive waters around Tamil Nadu and the Andhra region. The unique thing about this helicopter is that it can transform from an offensive platform with a powerful machine gun to a benign one that is carrying an intensive care unit to assist in the transport of critically ill patients. One thing that makes us proud is the fact that this super-advanced machine with state-of-the-art features has been indigenously manufactured. The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) company manufactures the ALH Mk-III helicopters, which are equipped with cutting-edge technology such as advanced radar and electro-optical sensors, Shakti engines, high-intensity searchlights, and advanced communication systems. With the help of these functions, the helicopter can operate from ships during the day and at night, conducting maritime surveillance and long-range search and rescue missions. A total of 16 ALH Mk-III planes have been gradually added to the Indian Coast Guard and four of them are currently stationed in Chennai. The commissioning of this cutting-edge aircraft is a sign of the helicopter manufacturing industry's breakthrough toward self-reliance

2 Dec 2022

Good News

Know More About This One of a Kind Tree Ambulance

As awareness spreads about the need to protect our environment through afforestation and conservation of trees, the tree ambulance of Chennai is a big effort in that direction. It renders various services like shifting and survey of trees, seed ball distribution, removal of dead trees and many more. The tree ambulance service is the brainchild of Abdul Ghani whose aim is to spread this service throughout the country. The president of the initiative, Mr. Suresh was distraught at the destruction of trees during the ‘Vardah’ and ‘Gaja’ cyclones and the Chennai floods. He, therefore, wholeheartedly supported Ghani in this project. The Tree Ambulance The tree ambulance is the first one in the country which has a hydraulic machine for lifting big trees. The purpose of the tree ambulance is to save trees by caring for sick ones and helping bring back uprooted trees and protect the trees. It also provides services such as seed ball distribution, plant distribution, aiding tree plantation, shifting and survey of trees as well as the removal of dead trees. Ghani’s aim is to have at least one tree ambulance for all districts of India by 2020. Technique While shifting trees, certain factors are taken into consideration. Each tree has a few important roots that shouldn’t be cut. The hydraulic spade is made in such a way that it digs deep into the soil without meeting at the centre so that the important roots are not cut. It is also important to move some part of the soil to which the roots are attached. The width of the pit where the tree will be replanted should be made according to the requirement of trees as the pit width varies for different trees. Unlike trees that grow naturally, replanted trees are to be provided with very good care like frequent watering and monitoring. A tree ambulance is certainly the need of the hour in present times when trees are recklessly being cut in the name of development.

24 Nov 2019

Good News

Know More About Robochef That Prepares Mouthwatering Delicacies in Bulk Quantities With Automated Technology

A startup in Chennai is using automated technology to prepare food in bulk quantities, thus saving a lot of time and effort. Saravanan Sundaramoorthy informs that he and his team have pre-programmed nearly 600 dishes into Robochef. Robochef is a massive stainless steel structure wherein one only has to feed the raw materials like vegetables, spices, oil etc and the machine will promptly prepare the dish without any further human intervention, thus eliminating the cost of cooks as well as saving time. Robochef Robochef is a big machine with belts carrying containers and utensils that function through sensors tuned to computer codes. The ingredients for a particular dish is loaded into the machine and the computer initiates the cooking process. It is equipped with an automated twin headed spatula for stirring. It is so efficient that one need not even chop or clean the vegetables. The entire cooking process from cleaning ingredients, chopping, frying, adding spices, stirring, etc. is entirely done by the machine. Saves Cost And Time Robochef can replace a large number of cooks thus saving labour cost. It can prepare delicious dishes in bulk quantities which helps to save time as well. At present, the startup has tied up with caterers who supply in bulk to events and hotels. According to Saravanan, the product has helped them to improve their gains. The domestic variant of Robochef costs Rs 6 lakh and it has already found a few customers. In the future, Robochef could be a boon to homemakers and working women as it will relieve them from the daily task of cooking so that they could find more time for themselves. Image Source: Indiegogo

20 Nov 2019

Good News

This Is the Best Gift an Employer Can Ever Give to His Employees!

When a woman mill worker expressed her helplessness to continue her studies due to financial constraints, it struck a chord with Director of KPR Mills, P Nataraj and his brother K P Ramasamy who then decided to start classes for the employees. The initiative, which began 14 years ago with 15-20 students has now snowballed to around 24,000 women who have completed their X, class XII and graduation as well. Many have taken up job oriented courses in teacher training and yoga. Ideal CSR Initiative KPR Mills is one of the largest apparel manufacturing firms in the country. You will be surprised to know that it has fifty-eight full-time teachers on its roll. The teachers are employed to educate its employees most of them who have now become graduates and postgraduates. Being serious about this initiative, it has tied up with Tamil Nadu Open University and Alagappa University. Uplifting Employees KPR Mills has 22,000 employees of which around 3,500 are pursuing various courses from Class X to Computer Diploma and even Post Graduate degrees. The employees are not expected to stay with it forever and they are encouraged to take up better opportunities that come their way as it will uplift them and their families. The women employees are grateful to the company without whose help they would have remained mill workers for life.

6 Nov 2019

Good News

Kudos to the Indian Army and J&K Police Who Helped a Kashmiri Wheelchair Basketball Player Reach Selection Camp in Time

The Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir police and retired military officers helped a Kashmiri wheelchair basketball player in reaching a selection camp in Chennai amid the ongoing restrictions in Kashmir. Selection Camp In Chennai Ishrat Akhter was paralyzed from the waist below after a fall in 2016. 20-year-old Ishrat Akhter is a wheelchair basketball player from Baramulla in Kashmir who has been selected to represent India for the pre-Olympic qualifying tournament in Thailand in October. She had no words to describe her joy when she realized that she would be able to finally travel to Chennai for a selection camp. Due to the restrictions imposed in Kashmir valley, Akhter had lost all hopes of travelling from her remote village to Chennai. Collective Efforts Akhter’s trip was made possible by retired naval captain Louis George, who is the head coach of the Indian Women Wheelchair Basketball. He informed Colonel Isenhower that one woman player, Ishrat Akhter has not reported for camp in Chennai owing to the restrictions in Kashmir. Mobile communications were disrupted and she needed to be located and sent to Chennai by flight. Colonel Isenhower, who had served in Kashmir for a long time promptly initiated efforts to locate her. He sent out WhatsApp messages with available information about Akhter to all his contacts. The matter was taken up earnestly by Brigadier Nietzche Balan (retired) who along with Poonacha, a former colleague in Kashmir, met Senior Superintendent of Police Aijaz Bhatt who in turn swung the J&K Police in action. Soon, just hours after the message was posted, Akhter was contacted and given permission to travel. With the help of the police, she reached Srinagar from where she took a flight to Delhi and another from Delhi to Chennai where she was received by coach George and other team members. It is really commendable that the defence and police officials went out of their way to help a sportsperson to reach her destination in spite of the stringent restrictions imposed in the area. Image Source: Times Square Chronicles

2 Sep 2019

Good News

A Robotic Restaurant Now in Bengaluru!

Get ready for a novel dining experience at this unique ‘Robot Restaurant” which recently opened its doors in Indiranagar in Bengaluru city. At the Robot Restaurant, you will be amused to be greeted by robots who will guide you to your table and serve your food. You can choose from a wide range of cuisines from Indian to Chinese to Thai and also a wide selection of exotic mocktails. Hi-Tech Experience The guests can place their order on a tablet which is kept on each table of the 100 seater restaurant. There are 6 robots including 1 usher and 5 bearers - all dressed like a female wearing colourful scarves and sporting a tag - who will serve food based on the order placed by you. The restaurant which is spread across an area of 3,700 sq ft is designed in such a way that it provides extra space in the aisles so the robots can move about smoothly. A Successful Venture Venkatesh Rajendran, the founder of Business Line, first launched the Robot Restaurant in Chennai in 2017 and buoyed by its roaring success he opened another in Coimbatore and now, one in Bengaluru. He said that the robots have built-in facial recognition technology and are programmed to sing birthday wishes on special occasions. In addition to this, soups and starters will be served on mini trains that roll on mini tracks along the tables. Rajendran is very confident that people will enjoy this futuristic experience. Image Source: LBB

2 Sep 2019

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Chennai airport to go silent from Today

To meet the standards of all the international airports in the country, Chennai’s domestic terminals will go silent from Monday. The passengers now travelling from Chennai airport will need to depend on the sign facilities and the SMSs which airline send them. Airports Authority of India (AAI) has made the airport silent. This step has been taken to reduce noise pollution at the airport, therefore there will be no boarding calls at the domestic terminal. Airports in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and a few smaller airports in the country already follow the same system. which curbs noise pollution. As per the report published in the Times of India, a senior AAI official said the authority took the decision on suggestions from passengers, many of whom said they were uncomfortable with the noise made by airline announcements about boarding gates and calls for boarding during peak hours. "We consulted airlines and other agencies who work at the airport [before deciding] to do away with boarding announcements," he said. A statement that the airport issued said airlines will "notify [passengers about] any changes in boarding time, baggage delivery belts and other information through SMS". However, airlines will make limited announcements in case there is a change of boarding gates. AAI staff and airline staff will now have to work with perfect coordination so airport officials assign check-in counters, boarding gates and baggage delivery belts well in advance. This will help the authorities to send in the messages on time to the passengers. Sources informed that few airlines were hesitant to do away with announcements while few were already doing the same. IndiGo airlines has been doing this on its own because it is particular to maintain good timings.

1 May 2017

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