Daily Current Affairs – 05-04-2025
Tamil Nadu
Mangrove
Restoration Near Buckingham Canal, Tamil Nadu
® Tamil Nadu Forest Department launched a mangrove restoration project near Buckingham Canal, Kazhipattur (Chennai) under the Green TN Mission. ® A green belt of native mangrove species is being established to counter invasive species like Prosopis Juliflora. ® 12,500 mangrove seedlings from six salt-tolerant species were planted: ® Rhizophora mucronata, Bruguiera cylindrica, Avicennia marina, Aegiceras corniculatum, Excoecaria agallocha, Acanthus illicifolius .
PKM-1: High-Yield
Moringa Variety – Tamil Nadu’s Agricultural Innovation
® PKM-1, a high-yielding variety of Moringa oleifera, was developed by the Horticulture College and Research Institute, Periyakulam (Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu) in the late 1980s. ® Unlike traditional varieties that are perennial and grow into large trees, PKM-1 is a semi-dwarf variety (grows up to 6 feet), making it easier for harvesting. ® It has gained global significance, especially in combating malnutrition in African countries such as Senegal, Rwanda, and Madagascar. ® Rich in macronutrients and micronutrients, the leaves and flowers of PKM-1 play a key role in addressing child malnutrition. ® Tamil Nadu contributes 24% to global moringa production and is the leading producer in India. ® Prominent moringa-cultivating districts include Theni, Dindigul, Karur, Madurai, Thoothukudi, Ariyalur, and Tiruppur. ® These districts are being considered for declaration as a ‘Moringa Export Zone’, aimed at promoting exports and enhancing farmers’ income.
Tamil Nadu Amends
Prison Rules to Ban Caste-Based Discrimination
® Tamil Nadu government amended the Prison Rules, 2024, prohibiting caste-based discrimination in prisons and correctional institutions. ® A new sub-rule bans manual scavenging or hazardous cleaning inside prisons, aligning with the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013. ® Prison authorities are now barred from recording or enquiring about the caste of prisoners during admission. ® Registers and records must omit any caste-related details, and duties in prison must be assigned without caste bias.
Tamil Nadu Govt
Signs MoU with Banks for Government Employees’ Welfare
® Tamil Nadu government signed MoUs with seven banks (SBI, Indian Overseas Bank, Indian Bank, Canara Bank, Axis Bank, Bank of Baroda, Union Bank of India) to provide free insurance and financial assistance to state government employees. ® Benefits include: ® ₹ 1 crore personal accident insurance for accidental death/permanent disability. ® ₹ 5 lakh marriage assistance for daughters of employees who die in accidents. ® Up to ₹ 10 lakh education assistance for higher studies of up to two daughters of deceased employees. ® ₹ 10 lakh term life insurance for natural death during service.