Daily Current Affairs – 08-04-2025
Tamil Nadu
Kalaignar
Convention Centre – Tamil Nadu
® Tamil Nadu Chief Minister unveiled the foundation stone for the Kalaignar International Convention Centre at Muttukadu, East Coast Road. ® The ₹ 525 crore project will feature a 10,000-seat exhibition hall, 5,000-seat convention hall, and 1,500-seat auditorium. ® It aims to boost Tamil Nadu’s infrastructure for global conferences, exhibitions, and cultural events.
Tamil Nadu Capital
Expenditure – Fiscal 2025 & Budget 2026
® Tamil Nadu’s capital expenditure (Capex) grew by 16.6% to ₹ 46,076.54 crore in fiscal 2025, compared to ₹ 39,540.90 crore in fiscal 2024. ® This growth rate exceeds the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.3% recorded during FY2018-2024. ® The State achieved 95.2% of its budgeted Capex target in FY2025, improving from 86.2% in FY2024 and comparable to 95.4% in FY2023. The average Capex achievement during FY2018-24 was 88.1%. ® For fiscal 2026, the State government has proposed a capital expenditure of ₹ 57,231 crorein22.38% increase over the revised estimates for FY2025. ® Including net loans and advances, the total capital outlay for FY2026 is estimated at ₹ 65,328 crore.
India’s First
Mahouts Village in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve
® For the first time in India, 44 houses have been constructed exclusively for elephant mahouts at the Theppakadu Elephant Camp in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu. ® Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, located in the Nilgiris district, spans 681 sq km of forest area. ® Theppakadu Elephant Camp, established during the British era, is Asia’s oldest elephant camp and currently houses 27 elephants. ® This initiative marks the first instance of dedicated housing for elephant herders in Indian elephant camps.
Chennai City Urban
Disaster Management Authority (CCUDMA) Formation
® Tamil Nadu government has established the seven-member Chennai City Urban Disaster Management Authority (CCUDMA) under Section 41A of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. ® The Commissioner of Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) serves as the ex-officio Chairperson, and the Chennai Collector as the ex-officio Vice-Chairperson. ® Other ex-officio members include the Greater Chennai Police Commissioner, GCC Deputy Commissioner (Works), GCC City Health Officer, Chief Executive Officer of Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA), and Chief Engineer of Water Resources Department, Chennai Region. ® CCUDMA’s formation follows the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which mandates a separate urban disaster management authority for state capitals and municipal corporations, except Delhi and Chandigarh.