Tamil Nadu

Geography, Environment & Culture

First Tamil-Named Tropical Cyclone – ‘Murasu’:
- Suggested by the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Chennai, ‘Murasu’ is the first Tamil name assigned to a tropical cyclone over the North Indian Ocean since the formal naming system began in September 2004.
- ‘Murasu’ refers to an ancient Tamil percussion instrument used in antiquity to disseminate news, convey announcements, and warn communities about natural disasters or war.
- It is the third Indian-contributed name used from the 2020 list of 13 names, following ‘Gati’ and ‘Tej’. Other Tamil terms submitted by RMC Chennai for future cyclones include Thirukai (stingray), Kalappai (plough), Yer (ploughing), and Naavai (ship).

J.K. Tripathy Committee on Prison Security:
- The Tamil Nadu government constituted a high-level committee headed by former Director General of Police (DGP) J.K. Tripathy to review and recommend measures to overhaul security across State prisons following an inmate escape in Theni.
- The panel includes ADGP (Prisons) K. Shankar and DIG (Prisons) S. Rajendran to assess technological gaps, standard operating procedures (SOPs), infrastructure, and manpower deployment.
Reconstitution of State Board for Wildlife:
- The Tamil Nadu Environment, Climate Change and Forests Department reconstituted the State Board for Wildlife under Section 6(1) of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
- Ex-officio leadership comprises the Chief Minister as Chairperson and the Minister for Forests as Vice-Chairperson, with non-official members serving a two-year tenure.
- The board advises the State government on protected area management, wildlife conservation policies, amendments to wildlife schedules, and safeguarding the rights of forest-dwelling tribal communities.

Supreme Court Order on Green Crackers in Delhi-NCR:
- A Supreme Court Bench permitted the conditional use of certified green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR for Deepavali.
TNPSC.Academy Bitz
- Green crackers are eco-friendly fireworks developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) to reduce air and noise pollution compared to conventional firecrackers.
- Lower Emissions: They cut particulate matter (PM) and toxic gases like sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NO_x) by about 30% to 35%.
- No Barium Nitrate: They exclude harmful chemical additives like barium nitrate, which is common in traditional fireworks.
- Dust Suppression: Many types release water vapor or use special dust-suppressing components to trap smoke.
- Noise Control: They operate within safe decibel limits (roughly 110–125 dB, about 30% quieter).

Youngest Formula One World Champion:
- Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli won the F1 World Championship at 20 years and 68 days old, becoming the youngest champion in Formula One history after finishing third at the Mexico City Grand Prix.
- He surpassed the previous record set by Germany’s Sebastian Vettel (23 years, 134 days in 2010) and became the first Italian driver to claim the title since Alberto Ascari in 1953.