Why in the News? 

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin signs an investment agreement with American companies in United States. The agreements include investments from Jabil Inc. and Rockwell Automation, are projected to bring in Rs 2,666 crore and create over 5,300 jobs in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruchi and Kancheepuram districts. 

Tamil Nadu

• Location: Southernmost state of India, bordered by Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and the Bay of Bengal 
• Capital: Chennai (formerly Madras) 
• Chief Minister: M.K. Stalin 
• Governor: Ravindra Narayan Ravi 
• Official Language: Tamil, one of the oldest classical languages in the world. 
• Geography: 
  • Bordered by the Eastern Ghats, Nilgiri Hills, and Western Ghats. 
  • It has a long coastline along the Bay of Bengal, with famous beaches like Marina Beach. 
  • Major rivers include the Cauvery, Thamirabarani, and Vaigai. 
• Economy: 
  • One of India's most industrialized states with a strong manufacturing sector. 
  • Major industries include textiles, automobiles, IT, and electronics. 
  • Leading producer of agricultural products like rice, sugarcane, bananas, and spices. 
• Literacy Rate: Over 80%, one of the highest in India. 
• Tourism: 
  • Famous for its ancient temples such as Meenakshi Temple (Madurai), Brihadeeswarar Temple (Thanjavur), and Rameswaram. 
  • Popular hill stations include Ooty and Kodaikanal. 
  • UNESCO heritage sites like the temples of Mahabalipuram and the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. 
• Festivals: Major festivals include Pongal, Tamil New Year, Deepavali, and Thaipusam.

Location of Tamil Nadu