CREDAI-backed ‘Super Chennai’ aims to reshape civic engagement for Gen Z

Ranjeeth D Rathod, Managing Director of Super Chennai, A. Mohamed Ali, President of CREDAI Chennai and CK Kumaravel, Co- Founder of Naturals Salon (Left to Right)

Chennai has become the first Indian city to formally launch a citizen-led digital platform aimed at reimagining urban storytelling and civic identity. Branded Super Chennai, the initiative marks an ambitious pivot toward participatory city branding, blending community voices, real-time tech, and cultural memory into a single digital ecosystem.

The platform—envisioned not just as a website, but as a movement—is backed by CREDAI Chennai and co-developed by technologists, urbanists, entrepreneurs, artists, and engaged residents. Its goal: to position Chennai as a globally aware, culturally rooted, and future-ready metropolis.

“This is not just a tech platform,” said Ranjeeth D Rathod, Managing Director of Super Chennai. “It’s a tribute to our city—its spirit, its struggles, and its extraordinary potential. Super Chennai is where every resident can find themselves and feel proud of belonging here.”

First unveiled as a concept at the FAIRPRO 2025 real estate summit, where Chief Minister M.K. Stalin launched the project’s logo, the platform went live today with a public-facing digital presence that seeks to combine live updates, cultural narratives, and community-driven features.

One of its early technological collaborations underscores the platform’s global ambition: Super Chennai announced a partnership with Silicon Valley-based Pointcast, becoming the first city worldwide to adopt its “point-and-broadcast” platform. The system delivers bite-sized, location-aware information directly to users’ phones, allowing citizens to stay connected with hyperlocal developments in real time.

“Pointcast is our way of giving the city a heartbeat,” said Aditya Swaminathan, Brand Evangelist at Pointcast. “It’s Chennai speaking to its citizens, wherever they are.”

Alongside the launch, the initiative rolled out a civic honours programme titled Icon of the Month, aimed at spotlighting individuals driving inclusive growth and positive urban change. The inaugural award was conferred on C.K. Kumaravel, co-founder of Naturals Salon, for his contribution to women’s entrepreneurship.

“Chennai has shaped me, supported me, and inspired me,” said Kumaravel. “I’m proud to be part of this initiative that celebrates the city and its changemakers.”

CREDAI Chennai President A. Mohamed Ali framed the project as a natural extension of the city’s development ethos. “Chennai has always been a city of builders—of homes, institutions, and futures,” he said. “Super Chennai is the digital layer of that same spirit. It reflects what we stand for: pride, progress, and participation.”

To build momentum, the team behind Super Chennai is launching a national campaign to reposition the city as a destination to live, work, visit, invest, and innovate. Through a mix of digital outreach, media partnerships, and community events, the campaign will foreground the city’s unique blend of tradition and innovation—from temple corridors and tea shops to data centres and design studios.

In an era of branded cities and fragmented digital geographies, Super Chennai aims to function as an urban mirror—one that is inclusive, expressive, and defiantly local.

Tamil Nadu launches tech transfer hub to turn DeepTech R&D into economic engine

Dr. Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, Minister for Information Technology & Digital Services, inaugurated the Tamil Nadu Technology Transfer Facilitation Centre (TNTTFC) at iTNT Hub, on Thuesday (July 17, 2025), in the presence of Dr. J. Jeyaranjan, Executive Vice Chairman of State Planning Commission; Brajendra  Navnit, Principal Secretary to Government, IT & DS Department; and Vanitha Venugopal, CEO of iTNT Hub were also present.

CHENNAI:

Tamil Nadu on Thursday unveiled a state-backed initiative aimed at accelerating the commercialisation of DeepTech research, as the southern state positions itself as a national leader in advanced technologies such as AI, semiconductors and clean energy.

The Tamil Nadu Technology Transfer Facilitation Centre (TNTTFC), housed within the state’s flagship innovation hub at Anna University, was formally inaugurated by Minister for Information Technology and Digital Services Dr Palanivel Thiaga Rajan. The facility will serve as a central platform to connect academic research and intellectual property (IP) assets with industry, startups and investors.

According to a Government Order accessed by TNIE, the cost of the centre is estimated to be Rs 3.45 crore under the Tamil Nadu Innovation Initiatives scheme for a period of three years. The Centre is designed to tackle long-standing structural challenges that have hampered innovation-to-commercialisation pipeline. These include fragmented institutional linkages, regulatory bottlenecks and the absence of dedicated market-facing support for early-stage technologies.

“Tamil Nadu is home to some of the country’s strongest academic and research institutions, but the conversion of ideas into impact remains suboptimal,” Dr Thiaga Rajan said. “This Centre will help us change that by building a coherent, state-wide ecosystem for DeepTech translation.”

The facility will provide end-to-end services for technology transfer—including IP management, licensing, and market analysis—while also offering targeted support for startups and MSMEs through seed funding, mentorship and training. A key programme, 'Research to Revenue' (R2R), will help researchers turn lab-scale innovations into viable commercial ventures.

Dr J Jeyaranjan, Executive Vice Chairman of the State Planning Commission, said the Centre would play a catalytic role in transforming Tamil Nadu’s research output into global economic relevance.

Officials said TNTTFC would also facilitate spinouts from academic institutions and create new avenues for joint R&D with industry, including contract research and consulting. The move aligns with the state’s broader push to enhance the global competitiveness of its knowledge economy.

“TTNTTFC will offer comprehensive support for the end-to-end IP Management; empower researchers and innovators to transform IP into successful ventures through dedicated spinoff support; and seed grant for proof-of-concept validation, prototype development, and early market testing,” said Brajendra Navnit, Principal Secretary, IT&DS.

Vanitha Venugopal, CEO of the iTNT Hub, added that the platform would prioritise IP-secured, market-ready innovations and serve as a launchpad for them globally. “By aligning academic capabilities with industry needs, we can engineer breakthrough partnerships and bring science closer to the citizen,” she said.

writingonblog uncensored: Tamil Nadu leans on cultural diplomacy to woo Japa...

writingonblog uncensored: Tamil Nadu leans on cultural diplomacy to woo Japa...: Chennai Tamil Nadu has opened a dedicated investment facilitation desk in Osaka, stepping up efforts to court Japanese investors with a blen...

Tamil Nadu leans on cultural diplomacy to woo Japanese investors at Osaka Expo

Chennai

Tamil Nadu has opened a dedicated investment facilitation desk in Osaka, stepping up efforts to court Japanese investors with a blend of cultural diplomacy and industrial outreach at the World Expo 2025.

The “Japan Desk,” launched by the state-run investment promotion agency Guidance, is aimed at deepening bilateral trade, investment and institutional ties with Japan—home to over 580 companies already operating in Tamil Nadu. The move follows similar international desks launched in Vietnam and Taiwan as part of the state’s aggressive global investor outreach.

At the inauguration of Tamil Nadu’s pavilion at the Expo, Industries Minister T.R.B. Rajaa said the Osaka desk would serve as a strategic link for both existing and new investors. “We’ve converted 100% of the MoUs signed during our Japan visit last year, under the leadership of our Chief Minister,” he said, highlighting the state’s record of follow-through on investment promises.

The pavilion, part of India’s broader national presence at the Expo, showcases Tamil Nadu’s manufacturing depth, policy stability, and export infrastructure—while also offering a visual celebration of its cultural heritage through performances of Parai, Silambam and Bharatanatyam. “This pavilion is not just a policy pitch—it’s a celebration of our ancient soul and modern industrial ambition,” Rajaa said.

The visit, which included meetings with Osaka’s Vice Governor, officials from JETRO and Indian diplomats, is expected to further cooperation with Japanese prefectures such as Ehime and Hiroshima, with whom Tamil Nadu already has MoUs.

The outreach comes as Tamil Nadu seeks to consolidate its status as India’s manufacturing and innovation hub in sectors such as electronics, green mobility and renewables. “This trip reflects the Chief Minister’s directive to move with speed and boldness as we script Tamil Nadu’s next industrial chapter,” Rajaa said.

writingonblog uncensored: Cabinet Clears ₹7,000 Cr Boost for NLC’s Green Ene...

writingonblog uncensored: Cabinet Clears ₹7,000 Cr Boost for NLC’s Green Ene...: CHENNAI: The Union Cabinet has cleared a ₹7,000 crore capital infusion into NLC India Renewables Ltd (NIRL), the wholly owned subsidiary of ...

Cabinet Clears ₹7,000 Cr Boost for NLC’s Green Energy Arm in Renewables

CHENNAI:

The Union Cabinet has cleared a ₹7,000 crore capital infusion into NLC India Renewables Ltd (NIRL), the wholly owned subsidiary of state-run miner Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC), as the Navratna PSU undertakes a major reorganisation of its clean energy portfolio in pursuit of a 10 GW renewable energy target by 2030.

As part of the restructuring, NLC India Ltd (NLCIL) will transfer ₹6,263 crore worth of operational solar and wind assets to NIRL. An additional ₹700 crore will be invested in ongoing greenfield and brownfield projects currently under development.

NLCIL currently operates seven renewable energy projects across the country, with a cumulative capacity of 1,400 MW. The move will consolidate these assets under NIRL, a dedicated platform aimed at sharpening strategic focus, improving access to finance, and unlocking opportunities for future partnerships or equity dilution.

Officials said the transition marks a key step in NLC’s effort to diversify beyond lignite mining and thermal power, aligning with India’s broader ambition to install 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by the end of the decade.

writingonblog uncensored: Income tax department launches searches across Tam...

writingonblog uncensored: Income tax department launches searches across Tam...: CHENNAI: Income Tax department has launched coordinated search operations across Tamil Nadu as part of a widening probe into a network of in...

Income tax department launches searches across Tamil Nadu over bogus refund claims

CHENNAI:

Income Tax department has launched coordinated search operations across Tamil Nadu as part of a widening probe into a network of intermediaries and tax practitioners allegedly involved in orchestrating fraudulent income tax refund claims worth several crores of rupees.

Surveys are being conducted at 18 locations—including Trichy, Coimbatore, Salem, Madurai, Chennai, Vellore, Erode, Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram, Theni, Sivagangai, Pudukkottai, Virudhunagar and Tirunelveli—targeting agents and practitioners who are suspected of facilitating fake deduction claims under various provisions of the Income Tax Act. The crackdown comes amid concerns over systemic abuse of tax benefits by thousands of individuals, including government employees and military personnel.

Preliminary findings suggest the existence of a sprawling network of operators who assisted clients in inflating or fabricating deductions under sections such as 80GGC (political donations), 80D (medical insurance), 80C (tuition fees), and HRA exemptions under section 10(13A), among others. Investigators believe this enabled taxpayers to illegitimately claim refunds, defrauding the exchequer.

The operation, which spans urban and semi-urban centres has yielded "incriminating evidence" pointing to the use of dedicated email accounts to file thousands of fraudulent tax returns. Authorities suspect that these agents canvassed clients—some reportedly from as far as Delhi, Assam, Bihar, and Jammu and Kashmir—via private messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram.

The quantum of fake refunds claimed is believed to run into several crores of rupees, although the full scale of the fraud is still being assessed. Several of these agents targeted vulnerable and uniformed taxpayers, promising high refunds for a fee.”

The Department has urged individuals who may have submitted inaccurate returns in the current or previous financial years to come forward voluntarily and file updated or revised returns. Officials hinted that taxpayers who do so may be spared punitive measures, including penalties and prosecution.

In a cautionary note, the tax authority warned citizens against falling prey to fraudulent schemes promoted by unscrupulous intermediaries. It has pledged assistance to those willing to correct past filings and reiterated its commitment to “restoring the integrity of the tax system.”

Thoothukudi poised for $10bn Latin American investment amid rising Indo-LAC trade ambitions

From left to right: Rajkumar Sharma, National and Founder President ILACC;  Alberto Antonio Guani Amarilla, Ambassador of Uruguay and Shakthivel, President of the South India Chapter ILACC

CHENNAI:
Thoothukudi, a major port city in Tamil Nadu, is poised to attract a potential $10 billion investment from a Latin American country in the defence and security sector, amid growing trade ties between India and the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region.

The investment is under negotiation and may be formalised through a memorandum of understanding by the end of the year, according to Rajkumar Sharma, President of the Indo Latin American Chamber of Commerce (ILACC). He declined to name the investing country or confirm whether the project is linked to the upcoming Kulasekharapatnam spaceport being developed near Thoothukudi.

“This is for national safety and security. I am not authorised to disclose further details,” Sharma said on the sidelines of the launch of ILACC’s South India Chapter in Chennai.

He noted that bilateral trade between India and Latin America has grown from $2 billion in 2000 to $18 billion today. Lithium and rare earth imports through South Indian ports are emerging as a priority, aligned with India’s energy security goals.

The announcement coincides with a broader strategic push to position South India as a hub for LAC investments in sectors such as defence, infrastructure, logistics, ports, and renewable energy. Sharma said southern states have already attracted more than $40 million in investments from the region, with Tamil Nadu receiving the largest share.

The initiative was launched during Horizon 2025, a business conclave hosted by ILACC to mark the inauguration of its South India chapter. The event brought together diplomats, trade envoys, and business leaders from countries including Peru, Cuba, Chile, Venezuela, Argentina, and El Salvador.

Alberto Antonio Guani Amarilla, Ambassador of Uruguay and Coordinator of the LAC Group (GruLAC), described the conclave as a significant step toward deeper economic and cultural ties between India and Latin America. “The South India chapter could serve as a critical node in our bilateral engagement,” he said.

Sharma said ILACC, recognised by India’s Ministries of External Affairs and Commerce, operates on a four-pillar agenda: trade, investment, policy, and advocacy. “Horizon 2025 is more than a platform—it’s a vision of a shared future,” he said.

writingonblog uncensored: Hyundai unveils design for HTWO Innovation Centre ...

writingonblog uncensored: Hyundai unveils design for HTWO Innovation Centre ...:  CHENNAI  Hyundai M otor India Ltd (HMIL), in partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras and the Tamil Nadu government, has ...

Hyundai unveils design for HTWO Innovation Centre at IIT Madras

 CHENNAI 

Hyundai M
otor India Ltd (HMIL), in partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras and the Tamil Nadu government, has unveiled the design of its ₹180 crore HTWO Innovation Centre—an advanced R&D facility focused on green hydrogen technologies. The centre, located at IIT Madras’ Discovery Campus in Thaiyur, near Chennai, is expected to be fully operational within two years.

The announcement follows Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s foundation stone-laying ceremony earlier this year, reinforcing Tamil Nadu’s strategic push into clean energy innovation.

Spanning 65,000 sq. ft., the centre will house cutting-edge laboratories, digital twin infrastructure, and custom test rigs for electrolysers and fuel cells. Of the total ₹180 crore outlay, ₹100 crore is being directly committed by HMIL, with additional support from its CSR arm, the Hyundai Motor India Foundation.

“This initiative is a key step towards achieving carbon neutrality,” said Unsoo Kim, managing director of HMIL. “The HTWO Innovation Centre will catalyse collaboration between Hyundai’s global hydrogen expertise and India’s growing green hydrogen ecosystem.”

“HTWO” is derived from Hyundai’s global hydrogen brand, symbolising a full-spectrum approach across the hydrogen value chain—from production and storage to distribution and end-use applications.

Industries Minister T.R.B. Rajaa, who unveiled the design, called the centre “a crucial step towards indigenous hydrogen production.” He also revealed plans for Tamil Nadu to become one of the first Indian states to export hydrogen, with supplies from Thoothukudi headed to Singapore-based Sembcorp and subsequently to Japan. “Tamil Nadu has the talent and momentum to emerge as Asia’s R&D capital,” he added. He also highlighted the need to make Tamil Nadu a product nation.

The centre will explore waste-to-hydrogen systems adapted from South Korea to Indian conditions, aiming to generate hydrogen from organic waste as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.

IIT Madras Director Prof. V. Kamakoti outlined plans to set up hydrogen refuelling stations using fully indigenous technology. “Our goal is to use biodegradable biowaste and biomolecules to produce green hydrogen through rigorous scientific research,” he said. A pilot demonstration, featuring a hydrogen-powered vehicle journey from Chennai to Kanyakumari, is planned over the next two years.

Initial studies suggest hydrogen-fuelled vehicles could travel 20 to 25 km per kilogram of hydrogen. While current costs stand at around $5/kg, researchers are targeting a drop to $2/kg to make hydrogen mobility commercially viable.

The centre aligns with both national and state-level ambitions under the National Green Hydrogen Mission and marks a convergence of industrial, academic, and policy collaboration. It is also expected to benefit rural economies by enabling green hydrogen production from agricultural residues, offering new income opportunities for farmers.

writingonblog uncensored: Tamil Nadu Races to Complete Delayed Sewerage Proj...

writingonblog uncensored: Tamil Nadu Races to Complete Delayed Sewerage Proj...: C Shivakumar @ CHENNAI:  Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary N Muruganandam has set a August 2025 deadline for the completion of a long-delayed under...

Tamil Nadu Races to Complete Delayed Sewerage Project Amid Green Tribunal Scrutiny

C Shivakumar @ CHENNAI: 

Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary N Muruganandam has set a August 2025 deadline for the completion of a long-delayed underground sewerage and treatment project in suburban Chennai, as the state government faces mounting pressure to curb untreated waste being discharged into the ecologically fragile Putheri Lake in Pallavaram.

At a high-level meeting held on June 26 at the Secretariat in Chennai, Muruganandam directed senior officials to expedite construction of the Underground Sewerage System (UGSS) and associated Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) in Anakaputhur.

The meeting was convened to assess Tamil Nadu’s compliance with environmental directives issued by the NGT’s Southern Zone bench, particularly concerning restoration of the Potheri Lake ecosystem and upgrades to sewage infrastructure in the Tambaram region.

The UGSS project involves laying underground pipelines across 50 km covering 389 streets in Anakaputhur and 100 km across 877 streets in Pammal. It also includes the construction of two sewage treatment plants. In a notable shift from conventional infrastructure, the project proposes installing machine holes instead of traditional manholes—2,212 in Pammal and 768 in Anakaputhur—aimed at improving safety, durability, and ease of maintenance.

Senior officials present included D Karthikeyan, Principal Secretary of the Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department; J. Jayakanthan, Secretary of the Water Resources Department; and P Madhu Sudhan Reddy, Director of Municipal Administration. Representatives from the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB), Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB), and Tambaram Corporation were also in attendance.

Officials familiar with the proceedings said the chief secretary instructed that 100 per cent household connectivity to the new sewer network must be ensured by the project deadline. The Municipal Administration Department will be responsible for close monitoring and implementation.

As part of broader compliance measures, the government also announced stricter enforcement to deter the illegal dumping of solid and liquid waste around Potheri Lake. Surveillance will be ramped up with the integration of CCTV systems around the lake with both police and the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC), allowing for real-time monitoring. Violators could face fines under the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.

"All sewage transport vehicles operating in the Tambaram zone will be GPS-enabled, with decanting permitted only at authorised treatment plants," official sources told TNIE. "Unlawful disposal will result in steep penalties, including licence revocation."

In an effort to foster civic engagement, Tambaram City Municipal Corporation has been tasked with forming Lake Management Committees in collaboration with revenue authorities and Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs). These community-led bodies will be empowered to act as local stewards of lake conservation.

The push to fast-track environmental safeguards comes in the wake of a notice of contempt  filed by a Kancheepuram resident V Pattabiraman. The NGT had earlier directed the state in its July 18, 2022 order to implement corrective measures, a timeline that has since lapsed, prompting renewed scrutiny.

"The inaction by the departments clearly amounts to wilful disobedience of the NGT's order," Pattabhiraman has observed in the notice urging the state government officials to act upon the NGT order or else face Contempt plea.

The NGT order has directed Tamabaram Municipal Corporation and the Greater Chennai Corporation to take appropriate syeps to implement the Underground sewage Scheme of uncovered areas within their respective jurisdiction in a war footing manner  so as to avoid untreated sewage beingh let into Putheri lake.

The other recommendations of NGT included fixing the boundaries of Putheri Lake and remove encroachments if any; and taking steps to implement Solid Waste management rules 2016 and other Waste Management Rules in letter and Spirit.

The Chief secretary was directed to monitor the directions issued by the tribunal and conduct review meetings with the stakeholder departments at the highest level,

writingonblog uncensored: Daimler Bets on India's Infrastructure Boom with N...

writingonblog uncensored: Daimler Bets on India's Infrastructure Boom with N...: CHENNAI: Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV), the Indian subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG, has launched an all-new range of heavy-duty tr...

Daimler Bets on India's Infrastructure Boom with New BharatBenz Truck Line-Up

CHENNAI:

Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV), the Indian subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG, has launched an all-new range of heavy-duty trucks under the BharatBenz brand, targeting the rapidly expanding construction and mining sectors in India—an industry expected to reach $45 billion by 2030.

Unveiling the HX and Torqshift series in Chennai on Wednesday, Satyakam Arya, Managing Director and CEO of DICV, said the new models are designed to meet the evolving needs of the sector, aligning with India’s infrastructure ambitions and the government's goal of transforming the country into a developed, self-reliant economy by 2047.

India’s mining landscape is highly varied, with sites typically categorised by depth—deep (up to 300 metres), mid-range (100–300 metres), and shallow (40–100 metres). BharatBenz is targeting the shallow mining segment, aiming to grow its market share to more than 50 percent in that niche, which it sees as ripe for organised fleet penetration and replacement of ageing assets.

With many Indian fleets nearing obsolescence—8 to 10 years being the typical asset life—DICV is banking on a wave of pre-emptive upgrades as contractors move towards owning more technically advanced and fuel-efficient trucks. The company has already deployed over 150 of its new vehicles in pilot operations across major sites, reporting improvements in uptime, fuel economy, and load-bearing performance, said Arya,

“We are not offering a generic product,” said Pradeep Kumar Thimmaiyan, DICV’s President and Chief Technology Officer. “Every mine operates under different conditions. Our trucks are designed to be configurable and responsive to those regional differences.”

A key innovation in the new Torqshift line is the adoption of automated manual transmission (AMT), a feature drawn from Daimler’s global technology platforms in Germany. The system, Arya said, reduces driver effort by as much as 40 per cent, enhances vehicle control under load, and lowers turnaround time—a critical factor in high-utilisation sectors like mining and construction.

“Driver fatigue is a major issue in high-intensity operations,” Arya added. “With AMT, we’re offering a more ergonomic and efficient solution that can significantly improve productivity.”

The company is also weighing export opportunities in markets with similar terrain and use cases. Indonesia has been identified as one such potential destination, pending local market assessments. The 28-tonne HX series truck is priced at ₹56 lakh and a 35-tonne Torqshift model priced at ₹65 lakh in the domestic market.

Tamil Nadu’s MSMEs sharpen edge as state bets on industrial reinvention

CHENNAI:
As India advances toward its $5 trillion economic target, Tamil Nadu is scripting its own industrial resurgence — rooted not just in marquee investments but in the grit and growth of its micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which form the bedrock of the state’s economic ambition.

The southern state, home to 15% of India’s factories — the highest in the country — and the third-largest exporter with outbound shipments worth $46.5 billion, is aiming to leverage its formidable MSME base to achieve its vision of a trillion-dollar economy. With over 2.5 million MSMEs formally registered under Udyam, Tamil Nadu ranks second in the country by MSME presence, reflecting a high degree of formalisation and entrepreneurial activity.

In the 2025 state budget, the government earmarked ₹1,918 crore for MSME development — a substantial outlay aimed at creating new industrial estates, nurturing startups, and supporting artisans. Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu announced the establishment of nine new estates by the Tamil Nadu Small Industries Development Corporation (SIDCO) with an investment of ₹366 crore, expected to generate approximately 17,500 new jobs.

The state is also offering a 50% subsidy on stamp duty and registration charges for land purchases in backward blocks to incentivise new micro and small enterprises. Though only ₹0.59 crore was disbursed under this component in FY24 — benefiting 26 enterprises — the initiative underscores an intent to level the industrial playing field across geographies.

In parallel, Tamil Nadu is implementing the Micro Cluster Development Programme (MCDP), launched in 2022–23 to spur the growth of rural micro entrepreneurs, especially among socially and economically disadvantaged communities. Executed jointly by the Commissionerate of Industries and Commerce and SIDCO, the programme aims to catalyse rural employment while supporting inclusive industrialisation. As of mid-2025, 42 micro clusters have been approved under the scheme at a total project cost of ₹203.95 crore, with ₹161.39 crore committed as subsidy. These clusters are now at various stages of implementation, anchoring localised value chains and offering scale economies to small producers.

Private investment has also begun to reinforce the state’s transformation narrative. “The entry of Tata Motors in Ranipet and Vietnamese electric vehicle major VinFast in Tuticorin is a turning point,” says V K Girish Pandian, president of the Guindy Industrial Estate Manufacturers Association. “It not only revives Tamil Nadu’s auto-component legacy but firmly positions it as an emerging EV hub.”

Simultaneously, Tamil Nadu is becoming a nucleus for non-leather footwear manufacturing, with global brands gravitating toward emerging centres like Tindivanam, Perambalur, and Hosur. Rising global demand for sustainable and cruelty-free products is creating fertile ground for MSMEs in this segment to scale up and diversify their export base.

The state’s industrial diversification is also reflected in the Defence Industrial Corridor, which spans Hosur, Salem, and Coimbatore. Though still nascent, the corridor offers MSMEs a rare opportunity to enter defence manufacturing — a space historically dominated by public-sector behemoths. Early signs of collaboration between MSMEs and defence public sector units suggest that smaller firms are gradually overcoming the entry barriers posed by long lead times and capital-intensive processes.

While new sectors gather momentum, Tamil Nadu’s traditional clusters remain resilient. Industries ranging from textiles and engineering to chemicals and electronics are not only consolidating but investing in capacity expansions and exploring new international markets. These sectors, built on decades of accumulated expertise and supplier ecosystems, continue to provide ballast to the state’s manufacturing engine.

The government is also pushing for a rural industrial pivot. The World Bank-supported Vazhndhu Kattuvom Project spans 4,000 village panchayats across 31 districts and is designed to promote rural enterprise, expand financial access, and foster local employment. It builds on prior community-based initiatives and integrates rural producers into larger value chains, ensuring that industrial growth is geographically inclusive.

Credit access remains critical to this broader vision. Tamil Nadu commands a significant share of India’s ₹35.2 lakh crore MSME credit portfolio, which grew 13% year-on-year as of March 2025. Private sector banks account for nearly 40% of this credit — a reflection of rising trust in the formal MSME ecosystem and institutional appetite to lend.

To translate policy intent into ground-level outcomes, the state is relying on ecosystem builders such as FaMe TN and Guidance Tamil Nadu, which organise investor outreach programmes, sector-specific roadshows and capacity-building sessions. These platforms have become essential to converting regulatory frameworks into tangible expansion and export opportunities for MSMEs.

Despite the momentum, the sector faces persistent structural challenges — from the slow pace of technology adoption to global supply chain disruptions and input cost pressures. Informal linkages, limited R&D spending, and skill gaps further constrain productivity in certain clusters. Experts note that navigating these issues will require more than just subsidies — it will demand institutional responsiveness, robust infrastructure, and an innovation-oriented financing strategy.

Yet Tamil Nadu’s outlook remains robust. With fresh investments flowing into emerging sectors, new industrial corridors taking shape, and policy levers steadily aligning with enterprise needs, the state’s MSME sector is poised to lead a more decentralised, inclusive phase of industrial growth. The ability to adapt and integrate — whether in EV supply chains, sustainable manufacturing or defence production — may well determine Tamil Nadu’s success in setting the standard for India’s manufacturing future.
Factfile:
1. Industrial Backbone: Tamil Nadu hosts 15% of India’s factories and ranks third in national exports, with MSMEs playing a central role in its trillion-dollar economic vision.

2, Policy Push: The state has allocated ₹1,918 crore in its 2025 budget for MSME development, including nine new SIDCO-run industrial estates expected to generate 17,500 jobs.

3. Cluster Development: Through the Micro Cluster Development Programme (MCDP), 42 rural industrial clusters worth ₹204 crore have been approved, promoting inclusive growth and employment.

4. Sectoral Expansion: New investments in EVs, defence manufacturing, and non-leather footwear are reshaping the MSME landscape while traditional sectors like textiles and engineering remain strong.

5. Financial Ecosystem: Tamil Nadu accounts for a major share of India’s ₹35.2 lakh crore MSME credit market, with rising formalisation and private bank lending boosting enterprise growth.

Women Take the Lead in Tamil Nadu’s Industrial Heartland

Chennai:

When Raadhika, a Punjabi entrepreneur from Delhi, set up a shoe manufacturing unit in Guindy in 1990, she wasn’t looking to make a statement. But in an industry dominated by men, her decision to launch an all-women production unit quietly broke new ground. “I had been inspecting shoe companies in Vellore and Ambur and decided to start my own,” she says. “It made sense to employ women—there was skill, interest, and commitment.”

Her company, Raadhika Shoe Craft Private Limited, began with just 50 women on the factory floor. Today, it employs over 500 workers, of which 80 per cent are women. Her story is emblematic of a broader, under-reported transformation in Tamil Nadu’s industrial landscape: women are not just participating in manufacturing—they are leading it.

Tamil Nadu now boasts the highest number of women-owned Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in southern India. According to Ministry of MSME data from January 2024, over 623,000 women-led MSMEs are registered under the Udyam Portal in the state. Together, these enterprises have drawn investments worth ₹17,206 crore and reported a collective turnover of ₹1.91 lakh crore. They employ more than 4.2 million people, the highest workforce count among southern states.

This change is not accidental. It has been driven by second-generation industrialists, targeted state policies, and a social push towards economic independence for women.

The daughters step up

Seethalakshmi, an engineer by training, now leads IPL Products, a manufacturer of transformers and pillar boxes in Thirumudivakkam and Kakkalur industrial estates near Chennai. “My father motivated me to take up the business,” she says. “After completing my BE in Computer Science, my husband and I decided to grow the company.” Under her leadership, the group’s turnover has tripled from ₹50 crore to ₹150 crore, and now supports 200 jobs.

Her father, Shanmugha Velayudham, received the first draft of Tamil Nadu’s MSME policy from then Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi during his tenure in the sector—an event she credits as pivotal in shaping her own entrepreneurial ambition. “It showed me that industrial policy wasn’t abstract. It was something we could be part of,” she says.

Karthika, director of Arun Plastomers, which manufactures plastic components for FMCG clients, inherited her responsibilities from the Saro Group’s first-generation leadership. But she faced hurdles her male peers rarely encounter. “There were questions about whether I could manage business travel, negotiations, or factory operations,” says the 36-year-old, who balances her role with raising two young daughters. “Proving I belonged was the first challenge.”

Policy meets ambition

Tamil Nadu has introduced a suite of initiatives to support women entrepreneurs. The Udyogini Scheme, administered by the Tamil Nadu Corporation for Development of Women, provides subsidised loans, training, and marketing assistance for women setting up microenterprises.

The Tamil Nadu Industrial Investment Corporation (TIIC) extends financial and technical support under its Women Entrepreneur Scheme, offering term loans and working capital for ventures in manufacturing, services and agribusiness.

Schemes like Mahalir Thittam, which supports self-help groups, and NEEDS (New Entrepreneur-cum-Enterprise Development Scheme), which targets first-generation founders, reflect a shift toward ecosystem building. There are also targeted programmes under the Adi Dravidar and Tribal Women's Development Corporation to reach historically marginalised communities.

But state officials admit that bridging the formal-informal divide remains a challenge. While women account for 23.5% of registered MSMEs in Tamil Nadu, their share of turnover is just 10.22% nationally, and they command only 11.15% of total MSME investment.

However, women dominate in the informal segment. On the new Udyam Assist Platform (UAP), launched in November 2023 to register Informal Micro Enterprises (IMEs), women-owned units represent over 70% of registrations and employment.

Structural challenges remain

Despite these gains, women-led enterprises continue to face financing constraints and social expectations. Access to collateral-free loans is limited, and women often remain the default caregivers, affecting their ability to scale operations. “It’s not that we lack ideas or drive,” says Karthika. “It’s time that family and institutional systems evolve with us.”

Raadhika, now preparing the next generation to take over, is more pragmatic. “Women are not just looking for empowerment—they want financial independence,” she says. “Give them a fair shot, and they’ll build companies that last.”

Tamil Nadu and Singapore unveil blueprint forTN's first net-zero industrial park

C Shivakumar @ CHENNAI: (Pix available)
Tamil Nadu and Singapore on Wednesday launched a framework to develop what could become the first net-zero industrial park of the state in Thiruvalluvar district, as the state seeks to align its manufacturing ambitions with global climate targets.

The “Net Zero Industrial Park (NZIP) Framework”, released herei by Tamil Nadu Industries Minister T.R.B. Rajaa and Singapore’s Consul-General Edgar Pang, aims to embed sustainability principles into the design and operation of future industrial hubs.

Jointly developed by the State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu (SIPCOT) and Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry, the framework offers a roadmap for governments and businesses to reduce carbon emissions across the industrial value chain. The Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) led the technical drafting, supported by inputs from Enterprise Singapore, the Centre for Liveable Cities, and other national agencies.

Targeted at developing countries, with a specific focus on Tamil Nadu, the NZIP Framework is designed for light industries and manufacturing sectors.  The Framework offers a pathway by integrating renewable energy sources, advanced technologies for resource efficiency, and innovative waste management solutions.However, it does not yet fully address the complex decarbonisation challenges of heavy industries such as metals, minerals, and petrochemicals.  
It is learnt that future iterations of the framework may expand its guidance to include these sectors, which are among the largest contributors to industrial emissions globally.

At its core, the NZIP Framework draws on case studies from both countries and practical insights from Singaporean companies operating in Asia. It sets targets consistent with the Paris Agreement—halving emissions by 2030 and reaching net-zero by 2050.

Industries Minister Dr TRB Rajaa said in a social media post that , "We are reimagining the industrial parks of the future, where sustainable design and decarbonisation are embedded right from inception. This new initiative will help industries reduce emissions by 50% by 2030 and aim to reach net-zero by 2050, thus aligning us with the world’s most forward-looking climate goals.

The detailed blueprint will guide every aspect of running the park including emissions accounting standards, infrastructure planning, and financing model,  Managing Director of SIPCOT, Dr K Senthil Raj said the park will be developed in Thiruvallur district. However, he did not divulge on how many acres the park will be developed.

According to the Framework, site selection will determine a large percentage of an industrial park’s emissions, even before the park is designed, by determining land use change, access to low carbon transport, and access to renewable energy.

Senthil Raj said the initiative builds on a memorandum of understanding signed in May 2023 during Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s visit to Singapore. It also reflects Singapore’s broader strategic interest in exporting its urban sustainability expertise to rapidly growing economies in Asia.

Pang added: “As both economies deepen trade and investment ties, sustainable industrialisation is a shared priority. This is a model of what our partnership can deliver.”

writingonblog uncensored: Tiny Chips, Big Ambitions: Chennai Bets on Low-Cos...

writingonblog uncensored: Tiny Chips, Big Ambitions: Chennai Bets on Low-Cos...: C Shivakumar @ CHENNAI: As artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly moves away from centralised cloud models, Chennai is carving out a quie...

Tiny Chips, Big Ambitions: Chennai Bets on Low-Cost Edge AI for the Next Generation of Devices

C Shivakumar @ CHENNAI:
As artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly moves away from centralised cloud models, Chennai is carving out a quiet but consequential role in the global shift toward “edge AI.” 

This emerging paradigm brings intelligence directly onto devices—where data is processed locally, reducing reliance on cloud infrastructure. At the heart of this movement is embedUR Systems, a embedded software company with a growing influence in edge computing. 

Headquartered in Silicon Valley, embedUR has operated in Chennai for over 16 years and is now expanding its footprint as demand grows for energy-efficient AI software that can run on inexpensive, low-power chips.

“We’re in the business of making software for low-cost chipsets,” said Rajesh C. Subramaniam, founder and CEO of embedUR. “We don’t build chips—we help make them intelligent.”

embedUR’s edge AI models allow devices such as routers, door locks, and even printed posters to operate without relying on the cloud. Its facial recognition software, for example, can identify up to 1,000 faces offline, using only the processing power embedded in common consumer devices.

The company’s partnerships span major semiconductor firms including STMicroelectronics, Infineon Technologies, and Synaptics. These collaborations aim to embed AI functionality in microcontrollers—turning low-cost hardware into smart, responsive systems for both consumer and industrial markets.

Edge computing is not new, but its importance has grown amid rising concerns about data privacy, latency, and internet dependency. AI at the edge reduces the need to send sensitive data to remote servers, enabling real-time decision-making with improved security and responsiveness.

Chennai has emerged as a critical development hub in this evolution. Known for its embedded systems talent and engineering universities, the city is central to embedUR’s future growth. The company plans to expand to over 2,000 employees in Chennai by 2029.

“Chennai has the expertise and cost advantages we need,” said Subramaniam. “It’s becoming our engine for innovation.”

The affordability of embedUR’s solutions is also attracting attention. While cloud-based AI chips can cost up to $10,000, embedUR’s models run on hardware priced at just $5–$10. This price point is particularly attractive to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), opening up new markets previously priced out of AI adoption.

Analysts see this trend as part of a broader industrial pivot. “Software is becoming the key differentiator for chipmakers as performance and efficiency converge,” said technology analyst MSV Janakiram. “Chennai’s role is rising thanks to firms like embedUR and strategic investments from companies like Applied Materials, which is setting up a semiconductor Centre of Excellence here.”

embedUR’s experimental projects hint at the broader possibilities of edge AI. In one case, it is building models that can recognise printed posters, turning static public images into live data points for safety and marketing.

As the global AI landscape shifts from centralised cloud to decentralised edge, Chennai is positioning itself as a vital player—enabling a quiet revolution, one microchip at a time.

writingonblog uncensored: Human Error' resulted in Chennai Metro Girder Coll...

writingonblog uncensored: Human Error' resulted in Chennai Metro Girder Coll...: CHENNAI: A deadly lapse in routine construction safeguards — attributed to human error — has cost Indian engineering giant Larsen & Toub...

Human Error' resulted in Chennai Metro Girder Collapse; Four officials sacked

CHENNAI:
A deadly lapse in routine construction safeguards — attributed to human error — has cost Indian engineering giant Larsen & Toubro (L&T) a ₹1 crore penalty after a pair of steel I-girders came crashing down at a Chennai Metro site last week, killing a motorcyclist.

The accident occurred near L&T’s own headquarters in Manapakkam, where metro construction was underway for Corridor 5 of the Phase II expansion. According to the internal  inquiry by Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), the tragedy was preventable and stemmed from a failure to follow basic structural bracing protocols.

At the heart of the collapse was a missed engineering step: workers had failed to insert additional lateral bracing in the centre of the I-girders. This omission placed undue stress on the fastening buckles — metal clamps designed to anchor the girders to temporary A-frame supports. Without the bracing, the girders shifted, and the buckles gave way, leading to the catastrophic collapse.

“These are not complex failures,” said a CMRL official involved in the probe. “This was a standard procedure that was simply not followed.”

The A-frames and fastening buckles are part of the temporary staging used in elevated metro construction, intended to stabilise heavy girders until they are permanently fixed. While the equipment itself was not faulty, the absence of mid-span support — a task usually verified by multiple safety checks — turned the assembly into a fatal risk.

L&T, which is the main contractor for this section, has sacked two senior safety officials: the Chief Safety Manager and the Senior ESHS (Environmental, Social, Health, and Safety) Manager. The General Consultant, responsible for independent oversight, has also removed two of its supervisory engineers for failing to detect the error during inspections, said T. Archunan, Director (Projects) and Board Member of Chennai Metro Rail Limited.

The incident has led to a full safety audit across all under-construction elevated corridors, CMRL said. So far, 700 of the 2,500 girders needed for Corridor 5 — a 47-km stretch connecting Madhavaram and Sholinganallur — have been installed.

Archunan said that the fine of ₹1 crore was levied based on the agreement CMRL had with its contractors.

More importantly, it underscores how construction risks often arise not from equipment failure or engineering miscalculation, but from lapses in human judgement and supervision. However, the incident has sparked renewed calls for tighter contractor accountability and better safety enforcement in large-scale infrastructure works.

writingonblog uncensored: Second Laser Attack on Emirates Flight Raises Fres...

writingonblog uncensored: Second Laser Attack on Emirates Flight Raises Fres...: Chernnai: An Emirates flight from Dubai with more than 300 passengers on board was struck by a green laser beam while descending into Chenna...

Second Laser Attack on Emirates Flight Raises Fresh Alarm Over Chennai Airspace Safety

Chernnai:

An Emirates flight from Dubai with more than 300 passengers on board was struck by a green laser beam while descending into Chennai airport on Thursday night—the second such incident involving the airline in under three weeks.

According to officials familiar with the matter, the laser was directed at the aircraft around 13 nautical miles (24km) from the runway, as it flew at low altitude over the St Thomas Mount area during its final approach. The pilot immediately reported the incident to air traffic control, prompting airport authorities to refer the matter to local police.

The latest episode echoes a similar incident last month and has renewed concerns over aviation safety in Chennai’s airspace. In response to the earlier strike, Greater Chennai Police had issued an advisory warning the public against using high-intensity light-emitting devices—such as laser pointers, hot air balloons, and tethered kites—near flight paths.

However, Thursday’s breach indicates that enforcement remains patchy. Aviation officials warn that laser strikes can temporarily impair pilots’ vision and concentration during critical phases of flight, particularly during landing, posing serious risks to passengers and crew.

“Direct exposure to laser beams can cause momentary blindness and disorientation in the cockpit,” a airport source said. Authorities have reiterated that such acts violate aviation safety norms.

Madras High Court orders refund in TNHB GST dispute

C Shivakumar @ CHENNAI:

In a judgment with potential implications in public housing sector, the Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu Housing Board (TNHB) to refund additional Goods and Services Tax (GST) it demanded from flat buyers after advertising prices as tax-inclusive.

The ruling, delivered by Justice D. Bharatha Chakravarthy on Monday, came in response to a batch of writ petitions filed by homebuyers in two residential projects developed by TNHB in Nandanam and Anna Nagar. 

The buyers had challenged the post-sale demand for 5% additional GST, arguing that TNHB had expressly advertised the flat prices as inclusive of all taxes, and that the subsequent demand violated the promise it made to the home buyers.

TNHB justified the additional charge by citing a revised tax interpretation issued by the GST authorities after the sale. The housing agency contended that it faced a retrospective tax liability and was therefore entitled to recover the shortfall from buyers. The High Court rejected this argument, holding that a public agency cannot retroactively alter a commercial representation made to the public, especially in a context where buyers had no bargaining power and no opportunity to renegotiate terms.

The court found that TNHB’s advertisements had explicitly stated per-square-foot pricing as inclusive of GST, and the final sale agreements did not contain any clause allowing for additional tax collection. As such, the court ruled that the housing board, being the drafter of the agreement and in a dominant contractual position, must bear any ambiguity or financial consequence. The principle of contra proferentem—where ambiguities in contracts are interpreted against the drafter—was applied to reject TNHB’s stance.

Further, the court noted that TNHB had already budgeted for a 12% GST component on construction services, and had embedded it in the overall pricing. With a profit margin of 9% also built in, the court observed that there was sufficient scope within the original pricing for TNHB to absorb any miscalculation in its tax planning. It added that under Rule 35 of the Central GST Rules, when pricing is advertised as “inclusive,” the tax element must be treated as included in the gross amount, and cannot be recovered separately.

Accordingly, the court ordered TNHB to refund the additional 5% GST to those buyers who had paid under protest. For buyers who had refused to pay the extra amount, the board was directed to proceed with registration and execute sale deeds without delay. All eligible buyers who had paid the full advertised price were entitled to have their sale deeds executed within eight weeks.

Claims related to project delays and rental compensation were not adjudicated, with the court noting that such matters fell under the purview of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act and must be pursued through the appropriate forum.

writingonblog uncensored: OTA Partners with SRM University to Launch Cyberse...

writingonblog uncensored: OTA Partners with SRM University to Launch Cyberse...: EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @ CHENNAI: In a strategic move to bolster the digital capabilities of India’s future military leaders, the Officers Tra...

OTA Partners with SRM University to Launch Cybersecurity Training for Cadets

EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @ CHENNAI:
In a strategic move to bolster the digital capabilities of India’s future military leaders, the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRM IST) to introduce a diploma programme in Information Technology and Cyber Security.

The agreement, formalised at a signing ceremony on Monday, aims to equip OTA cadets with essential technical competencies in cybersecurity, data protection, and foundational IT skills — areas increasingly seen as critical in contemporary and future combat scenarios, according to a release.

The MoU was signed by Lieutenant General Michael A.J. Fernandez, Commandant of OTA Chennai, and Dr C. Muthamizh Selvan, Vice Chancellor of SRM IST, at the OTA campus.

Speaking at the event, Lt Gen Fernandez underscored the irreversible integration of emerging technologies into modern warfare. “Gone are the days when warfare could be imagined without the use of technology,” he said, adding that the diploma would help cadets build digital resilience and remain operationally relevant in an era of hybrid threats and cyber-enabled conflict. “This course will ensure our future officers are not just tactically sound, but technologically fluent.”

Dr Selvan said that SRM IST’s laboratories would be accessible to OTA cadets for hands-on learning and project work, further integrating military training with cutting-edge academic resources.

writingonblog uncensored: Exclusive: Tamil Nadu PSUs Face Legal Scrutiny Ami...

writingonblog uncensored: Exclusive: Tamil Nadu PSUs Face Legal Scrutiny Ami...: C Shivakumar @ CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu’s state-owned enterprises have come under sharp scrutiny after the judiciary voiced alarm over persiste...

Exclusive: Tamil Nadu PSUs Face Legal Scrutiny Amid Judicial Backlash on Non-Compliance

C Shivakumar @ CHENNAI:

Tamil Nadu’s state-owned enterprises have come under sharp scrutiny after the judiciary voiced alarm over persistent non-compliance with court orders—prompting the state’s finance department to issue a sweeping directive aimed at tightening legal oversight across the public sector.

In a letter circulated last month, S. Nagarajan, the state’s finance secretary (expenditure), instructed all public sector undertakings (PSUs) to proactively manage litigation, especially in cases involving state functionaries or departments as respondents. The letter underscores the urgent need for timely filings of deletion petitions, counter-affidavits, and appeals to avoid spiralling into contempt proceedings—an increasingly common occurrence in recent months.

The directive follows mounting criticism from the Madras High Court, where judges have repeatedly expressed frustration at what they describe as "systematic lapses" in implementing judicial orders. In particular, Justices G.K. Ilanthiryan and N. Anand Venkatesh, presiding over a contempt bench in March, pointed to a noticeable uptick in petitions filed for wilful disobedience, calling it symptomatic of “deeper institutional failures” in the state’s administrative apparatus.

“The increasing number of contempt petitions is a serious issue, as it undermines the authority of the judiciary and erodes public trust in the rule of law,” the bench observed during a March 18 hearing, laying bare the widening trust deficit between the courts and the executive arm of the state.

Concerns from the judiciary were formally conveyed to the government via a letter from J. Ravindran, the state’s additional advocate general (Coordination), addressed to Chief Secretary. In it, Ravindran urged the creation of a cross-departmental legal compliance mechanism that would ensure all court directions are adhered to within specified timelines. His letter also advocated for institutionalising legal vigilance across statutory boards and public corporations, with built-in accountability and escalation processes.

Reacting swiftly, the finance department has now asked PSUs to institute internal tracking systems to monitor litigation, maintain meticulous records for review by government auditors, and coordinate more effectively with legal counsel. Perhaps most notably, the directive includes provisions to hold errant officials personally liable for legal or financial losses incurred due to delays or negligence—marking a departure from the typically opaque and diffused responsibility structures within public administration.

The push from the state comes amid a broader national backdrop in which India’s apex court has also signalled a tougher stance. The Supreme Court has recently cautioned states against filing appeals with undue delay and has directed governments to streamline legal processes. In particular, it has asked states to clearly assign accountability in instances of procedural lapses and to impose financial penalties on officials found responsible for legal setbacks.

 This also cones in the wake of Tamil Nadu cadre IAS officer Anshul Mishra has been held in contempt by Madras High Court and directed to undergo simple imprisonment for a month. 

Tamil Nadu PSUs Face Legal Scrutiny Amid Judicial Backlash on Non-Compliance

C Shivakumar @ CHENNAI:

Tamil Nadu’s state-owned enterprises have come under sharp scrutiny after the judiciary voiced alarm over persistent non-compliance with court orders—prompting the state’s finance department to issue a sweeping directive aimed at tightening legal oversight across the public sector.

In a letter circulated last month, S. Nagarajan, the state’s finance secretary (expenditure), instructed all public sector undertakings (PSUs) to proactively manage litigation, especially in cases involving state functionaries or departments as respondents. The letter underscores the urgent need for timely filings of deletion petitions, counter-affidavits, and appeals to avoid spiralling into contempt proceedings—an increasingly common occurrence in recent months.

The directive follows mounting criticism from the Madras High Court, where judges have repeatedly expressed frustration at what they describe as "systematic lapses" in implementing judicial orders. In particular, Justices G.K. Ilanthiryan and N. Anand Venkatesh, presiding over a contempt bench in March, pointed to a noticeable uptick in petitions filed for wilful disobedience, calling it symptomatic of “deeper institutional failures” in the state’s administrative apparatus.

“The increasing number of contempt petitions is a serious issue, as it undermines the authority of the judiciary and erodes public trust in the rule of law,” the bench observed during a March 18 hearing, laying bare the widening trust deficit between the courts and the executive arm of the state.

Concerns from the judiciary were formally conveyed to the government via a letter from J. Ravindran, the state’s additional advocate general (Coordination), addressed to Chief Secretary. In it, Ravindran urged the creation of a cross-departmental legal compliance mechanism that would ensure all court directions are adhered to within specified timelines. His letter also advocated for institutionalising legal vigilance across statutory boards and public corporations, with built-in accountability and escalation processes.

Reacting swiftly, the finance department has now asked PSUs to institute internal tracking systems to monitor litigation, maintain meticulous records for review by government auditors, and coordinate more effectively with legal counsel. Perhaps most notably, the directive includes provisions to hold errant officials personally liable for legal or financial losses incurred due to delays or negligence—marking a departure from the typically opaque and diffused responsibility structures within public administration.

The push from the state comes amid a broader national backdrop in which India’s apex court has also signalled a tougher stance. The Supreme Court has recently cautioned states against filing appeals with undue delay and has directed governments to streamline legal processes. In particular, it has asked states to clearly assign accountability in instances of procedural lapses and to impose financial penalties on officials found responsible for legal setbacks.

As Tamil Nadu navigates a complex legal and political landscape, the latest move signals a renewed focus on governance discipline—one that may prove to be a litmus test for the state’s broader institutional resilience.

writingonblog uncensored: AVNL Pushes for Western Defence Partnership For Li...

writingonblog uncensored: AVNL Pushes for Western Defence Partnership For Li...: C Shivakumar @ CHENNAI: Amid speculation of a joint venture with Russia, state-owned Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL) is quietly chart...

AVNL Pushes for Western Defence Partnership For Light Tank Project

C Shivakumar @ CHENNAI:
Amid speculation of a joint venture with Russia, state-owned Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL) is quietly charting a different course for the development of a new generation of light tanks, with growing interest in Western technology partners.

Reports have earlier surfaced suggesting that AVNL, headquartered in Avadi, had finalized an agreement with Russian defence export agency Rosoboronexport (ROE) to locally manufacture a variant of the 2S25 Sprut-SD tank platform. The vehicle, originally designed for Russia’s airborne troops, has been cited as a potential fit for India’s high-altitude warfare needs.

However, AVNL sources familiar with internal deliberations say no such agreement has been finalized. Instead, they point to a broader evaluation process involving both Russian and Western light tank platforms. The company, which emerged as a Defence Public Sector Undertaking following the restructuring of the Ordnance Factory Board, is understood to be leaning toward Western designs that emphasize Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) integration, modularity, and lightweight firepower, including 105mm and low-recoil 120mm main guns.

Western light tanks also offer enhanced survivability through composite and modular armour—characteristics that AVNL considers essential for India’s future battlefield environment, particularly in rugged, high-altitude terrain.

While AVNL has issued no official statement, its procurement activity offers insight into its strategic direction. Over the past several months, the firm has issued tenders seeking domestic and international partners to supply subsystems such as anti-drone systems, auxiliary power units (APUs), turret weapons, and power packs. Industry insiders say AVNL is in exploratory talks with leading global defence players, including Belgium’s John Cockerill and Israel’s Elbit Systems.

The Indian Army’s renewed interest in light tanks was sparked by China’s deployment of the Type 15 light tank near the Line of Actual Control during the 2020 standoff in Eastern Ladakh. India’s heavier platforms—such as the T-90 and the domestically developed Arjun—were found to be ill-suited for the high-altitude operational environment, prompting a strategic reassessment.

Project Zorawar, named after the 19th-century Dogra general Zorawar Singh, was launched in response. Spearheaded by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro (L&T), the initiative aims to develop a 25-tonne class light tank tailored for mountain warfare. An initial order of 59 tanks has already been placed with L&T, but a further 295 units are up for grabs in what is shaping up to be a high-stakes defence procurement race.

Not content with merely competing in the open tender, AVNL has approached DRDO to be designated as an additional Development-cum-Production Partner (DcPP) alongside L&T. The company is reportedly seeking transfer of technology and manufacturing rights for the Indian Light Tank (ILT), aiming to create a parallel production line and reduce the risk of single-vendor dependency.

With a legacy of producing over 4,400 battle tanks and variants since 1966, AVNL has the industrial footprint and technical capability to support full-cycle armoured fighting vehicle development, including lifetime sustainment. The firm is also in the process of investing more than Rs 2,000 crore (approx. $240 million) to modernize its facilities—a move designed to boost manufacturing efficiency and reduce turnaround time for critical defence platforms.

With AVNL's overtures to Western firms gaining momentum and the Project Zorawar tender entering a critical phase, India’s approach to light tank acquisition may ultimately reflect a broader realignment in defence partnerships. Whether the country will continue to lean on its longstanding defence ties with Russia, or pivot more decisively toward Western industrial partners, remains a question of both strategic calculus and industrial capacity.

writingonblog uncensored: Sify bets on pay-per-use AI cloud model to lower e...

writingonblog uncensored: Sify bets on pay-per-use AI cloud model to lower e...: CHENNAI: Digital infrastructure firm Sify Technologies has launched a new pay-per-use pricing model for artificial intelligence  cloud servi...

Sify bets on pay-per-use AI cloud model to lower entry barriers in data centre market

CHENNAI:

Digital infrastructure firm Sify Technologies has launched a new pay-per-use pricing model for artificial intelligence  cloud services, in a move it says will help lower the cost of entry for businesses looking to deploy artificial intelligence workloads in the country.

The hourly billing model—covering hosting, power, and infrastructure—will be offered at three of Sify’s hyperscale data centre campuses in Chennai, Noida and Navi Mumbai. All three sites have been certified under NVIDIA’s DGX-Ready Data Center programme, supporting up to 130 kilowatts per rack. Sify’s Navi Mumbai facility secured certification in 2024, while Chennai and Noida received approvals more recently.

The initiative marks an effort by the Nasdaq-listed company to capitalise on India's growing role in global AI development, and to position itself as a leading infrastructure partner for GPU-intensive workloads.

“By introducing colocation pricing on an hourly basis, we aim to make it faster and easier to deploy these platforms in India,” said Sharad Agarwal, chief executive of Sify Infinit Spaces, the company’s data centre subsidiary. “Our partners can bring the latest NVIDIA GPUs to India, while Sify manages all the infrastructure support for this rapidly evolving market.”

Sify will initially support NVIDIA’s H100, H200, B200, GB200 NVL72, and GB300 NVL72 platforms—including liquid-cooled configurations—through its certified facilities. The company will also offer additional services such as global connectivity, white-glove IT infrastructure support, and managed services through its converged ICT ecosystem.

Sify’s strategy, built around flexible pricing and technical certification, could appeal to a new generation of AI startups as well as established cloud players seeking to expand their regional presence.

Still, competition remains intense. Global hyperscalers such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud continue to expand aggressively in India, with their own data centre infrastructure and AI platforms.