writingonblog uncensored: Tamil Nadu braces for US tariff shock

writingonblog uncensored: Tamil Nadu braces for US tariff shock: CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu is prepared to absorb the impact of new US tariffs, State Industries Minister Dr TRB Rajaa said on Thursday, after US Pr...

Tamil Nadu braces for US tariff shock

CHENNAI:

Tamil Nadu is prepared to absorb the impact of new US tariffs, State Industries Minister Dr TRB Rajaa said on Thursday, after US President Donald Trump announced a 25% duty on goods imported from India, escalating trade tensions between the two countries.

Speaking on the sidelines of the second edition of Passenger Vehicle Expo, Dr Rajaa said India’s most industrialised state had already laid contingency plans to shield key sectors such as manufacturing, textiles, and footwear from sudden trade shocks. “We’ve seen the Covid impact, we’ve seen global disruptions,” he said. “If there’s one state that’s resilient enough to weather this, it’s Tamil Nadu.”

Dr Rajaa said he was “unhappy” with Trump’s rhetoric. “As an Indian, and as a representative of Tamil Nadu, I found the language disturbing. But we will stand by the Union government and hope the Prime Minister and his Cabinet respond with wisdom, balancing the interests of our farmers, the primary sector, and industry.”

Dr Rajaa warned against overinterpreting the tariff move based on a single post. “This is diplomacy in trade between two of the world’s largest economies,” he said. “It’s unfortunate the US President chose such a platform for such a major announcement. But I trust Prime Minister Narendra Modi will respond in the appropriate format.”

He added that President Trump “doesn’t seem to understand the Indian economy too well” and underestimated the resilience of large industrial states. “States like Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra are robust enough to take the hit. But I do worry about states that haven’t balanced services and manufacturing,” Rajaa said.

Anticipating shifts in global trade policy, Tamil Nadu had already begun building buffers, including diversified export strategies and new market linkages. “We’ve moved from leather to non-leather in footwear. Today we command 38% of India’s non-leather footwear exports — and it’s growing,” he said. “We’re not a state that puts all its eggs in one basket.”

The minister said Tamil Nadu was actively exploring new opportunities in technical textiles and had forged new trade ties with countries in East Asia and Europe. “Tamil Nadu is not reactive. We anticipate disruptions. That’s why we are India’s number one industrial state,” he said.

On August 4, Vietnamese EV major VinFast will unveil its integrated manufacturing plant in Thoothukudi — a cornerstone in Tamil Nadu’s electric mobility ambitions. The event will also mark the launch of TN Rising, a mini-investors’ conclave modelled on the Global Investors Meet, this time with a focus on the state’s southern districts.

“We want to showcase the full industrial potential of Tamil Nadu beyond Chennai,” Rajaa said, adding that a number of MoUs are expected to be signed at the event.

Despite the external volatility, the minister remained upbeat: “To our industries, I say this — don’t worry, we’ve got your back. The threat of tariffs will only strengthen our resolve to expand faster.”

writingonblog uncensored: CMRL to Enforce Fines on Use of Chewable Tobacco P...

writingonblog uncensored: CMRL to Enforce Fines on Use of Chewable Tobacco P...: CHENNAI: In response to mounting complaints about spitting and littering across its network, Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) will begin is...

writingonblog uncensored: Tamil Nadu moves to commercialise deep tech at ina...

writingonblog uncensored: Tamil Nadu moves to commercialise deep tech at ina...: CHENNAI:  Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin inaugurated Tamil Nadu’s first Innovate in Tamil Nadu (IN²TN) Intellectual Property Concl...

CMRL to Enforce Fines on Use of Chewable Tobacco Products in Metro Trains, Stations

CHENNAI:
In response to mounting complaints about spitting and littering across its network, Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) will begin issuing fines to passengers caught consuming chewable tobacco products or spitting within the metro network.

Under provisions of the Metro Railways (Operation and Maintenance) Act, 2002, and the Metro Railways Carriage and Ticket Rules, 2014, violators face monetary penalties for flouting cleanliness and behavioural norms, a CMRL release stated.

Although tobacco consumption is already banned across the metro system, CMRL has admitted that enforcement has been challenging, particularly as chewable forms such as gutkha and pan masala cannot be detected by metal detectors. These products are often consumed discreetly and result in unsightly spitting, triggering both health concerns and widespread public criticism.

To tackle the issue, CMRL has instructed security personnel to conduct random physical checks during non-peak hours and step up platform-level vigilance. Officials at the Central Security Surveillance Room in Koyambedu have also been asked to monitor CCTV footage more proactively and coordinate with on-ground teams when violations are detected.

Tamil Nadu moves to commercialise deep tech at inaugural IN2TN IP Conclave

CHENNAI: 

Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin inaugurated Tamil Nadu’s first Innovate in Tamil Nadu (IN²TN) Intellectual Property Conclave on Wednesday, emphasising the state’s ambition to transform into an innovation capital and intellectual powerhouse.

“This conclave will help researchers, startups, industries, and policymakers enhance intellectual property awareness. It will build a culture where IP is seen as both a creative and economic asset,” Stalin said. He highlighted Tamil Nadu’s emergence as a leader in building a structured, statewide innovation ecosystem.

The event, held at the Anna Centenary Library in Chennai, attracted over 1,500 participants from academia, industry, and government, featuring a showcase of 16 deep-tech inventions developed by researchers across the state.

Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, Minister for Information Technology and Digital Services, noted that Tamil Nadu accounts for nearly 17% of India’s patent filings, demonstrating how the state balances growth with social justice.

The conclave marked a shift from policy announcements to implementation, unveiling multiple technology transfers, funding support, and industry-academia partnerships.

Four patented innovations—including a gesture-controlled UAV, a medical drone, and a pregnancy monitoring device—were licensed to private firms through the newly launched Tamil Nadu Technology Transfer Facilitation Centre (TNTTFC) at the iTNT Hub.

Five startups in AI, robotics, space tech, and cleantech received grants totaling ₹53 lakh under the iTNT Foundation Fund, supporting ventures such as eco-friendly aluminium batteries and robotic surgical tools.

To scale up its deep-tech commercialisation efforts, the state also announced strategic partnerships with national and international organisations, including the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) India, the National Research Development Corporation (NRDC), Bosch India, Mahindra & Mahindra, C-DAC Bengaluru, and I-STEM. These tie-ups are expected to bolster Tamil Nadu’s innovation infrastructure and connect its start-ups to global technology ecosystems. Legal partners also handed over Letters of Intent to support IP filing, awareness and commercialisation efforts across Tamil Nadu, including in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.

The conclave also celebrated the graduation of 53 innovators from the BEACON idea-validation programme and welcomed 43 startups into new incubation cohorts.

Organised by the iTNT Hub under the Department of Information Technology and Digital Services, the event positioned Tamil Nadu as a national leader in technology commercialisation. With operational technology transfer systems and new partnerships in place, Tamil Nadu aims to become a hub for deep-tech entrepreneurship by connecting research with markets through a structured, collaborative approach.

Chennai's long-delayed MRTS merger with metro rail gains traction, but timeline remains elusive

Railways completes key infrastructure upgrade; committee finalises framework, but transfer awaits political and operational consensus

Chennai:

The long-pending merger of Chennai’s Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) with the city’s expanding metro rail network has moved a step closer to reality, following the completion of a critical infrastructure project and the finalisation of a broad framework for asset transfer. 

Official sources revealed that Railway Board in principle agreed to the proposal for handing over a formal decision is awaited.

In a written response to questions raised in Parliament by DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that while the Indian Railways and the Tamil Nadu government have jointly prepared the principles for a formal memorandum of understanding (MoU), the operational merger would be contingent on resolving challenges related to train operations, asset maintenance, and safety.

The proposal to transfer MRTS operations to Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) — first studied by a consultant appointed by CMRL in 2018 — had been on hold pending completion of the fourth railway line between Chennai Beach and Chennai Egmore, a 4-km stretch seen as critical for ensuring adequate rail capacity following the transfer.

That project, sanctioned in March 2022 at a cost of ₹279.8 crore, was commissioned earlier this year. A special committee comprising officials from Indian Railways and the state’s Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA) has since prepared the broad contours of the MoU, according to the Minister.

Yet despite these developments, the merger still awaits in-principle approval from the Railway Board, and no formal MoU has been signed.

In Parliament, Kanimozhi pressed the Ministry for transparency on the financial and operational models being considered and flagged the need for clarity on possible objections to the handover of MRTS infrastructure. “This merger has the potential to significantly improve commuter experience in Chennai through integrated services and unified ticketing systems,” she said, while underscoring the bureaucratic inertia that has delayed the project.

First conceived as a suburban rail line but plagued by low ridership and inadequate connectivity, the MRTS has long been seen as a candidate for integration with the metro system to improve last-mile access and urban mobility. But questions over asset ownership, funding liabilities, and regulatory oversight have slowed progress.

While officials agree that the handover would improve synergy between transport modes, particularly for multimodal commuting across Chennai, a formal agreement and timeline remain on hold — a reminder of the political and procedural friction that often attends large-scale urban transport reforms in India.

Chennai Port Plans Strategic Truck Yard Near Elevated Corridor to Ease Cargo Congestion

C Shivakumar @ Chennai:
In a bid to ease chronic congestion around Chennai Port and streamline cargo movement, port authorities are working closely with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Tamil Nadu government to set up a strategically located truck parking yard at the entry point of the upcoming Chennai Port–Maduravoyal elevated corridor.

The four-lane double-decker expressway, being developed by NHAI, aims to provide seamless connectivity between the port and the city’s western outskirts, bypassing congested arterial roads that have long hindered freight traffic. The 20.6-km corridor is considered a critical infrastructure project that could transform the logistics landscape of the city.

To support this effort, Chennai Port has proposed a dedicated truck holding area near the entry ramp of the corridor, enabling vehicles to wait for customs and terminal clearances without blocking port gates or spilling onto city roads. A formal request for a 10-acre plot was submitted during a Network Planning Group (NPG) meeting chaired by TIDCO’s Managing Director in May 2024, a port official confirmed.

Following a site review in July involving the Highways and Minor Ports Department, a parcel in Adayalampattu revenue village was identified. Joint inspections by port and NHAI officials in May 2025 found two adjoining plots—measuring 8.5 and 3.5 acres—suitable for the facility.

However, progress could be delayed by encroachments. A port official said two-thirds of the identified NHAI land is encroached, and assistance from the state government has been sought to clear the area. Construction is contingent on the resolution of this issue, and further action is now awaited from the state to clear the encroachments.

The proposed parking yard is expected to act as a vital logistics buffer, reducing vehicle idle time, improving turnaround, and contributing to smoother cargo flow at India’s second-busiest container port.

The site is part of a broader plan to develop extended port gates at two locations, aimed at decongesting access points and integrating more efficiently with the elevated corridor. In addition to the Adayalampattu site, Chennai Port has also requested the allocation of a TAMIN-owned land parcel near the MFL junction for a second extended gate. The proposals form part of the City Logistics Plan for the Chennai Metropolitan Area.

Renewables widen cost advantage over fossil fuels despite supply chain and grid hurdles: IRENA

Abu Dhabi:

The global cost advantage of renewables over fossil fuels continued to grow in 2024, with solar and wind projects significantly undercutting conventional energy sources, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). However, the agency warned that geopolitical tensions and infrastructure bottlenecks risk slowing the pace of the energy transition.

In its latest Renewable Power Generation Costs report, IRENA found that onshore wind and solar photovoltaic (PV) remained the most cost-effective sources of new electricity generation. On average, onshore wind projects commissioned in 2024 were 53% cheaper than the lowest-cost fossil fuel options, delivering electricity at $0.034 per kilowatt-hour. Solar PV followed at $0.043/kWh, making it 41% cheaper than its fossil fuel counterparts.

The addition of 582 gigawatts of renewable capacity last year avoided an estimated $57 billion in fossil fuel expenditure, with 91% of new renewable projects costing less than any new fossil fuel alternative. “The cost-competitiveness of renewables is today’s reality,” said IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera, who estimated the total avoided fossil fuel costs from all operational renewables in 2024 at $467 billion.

Beyond economic appeal, renewables are increasingly seen as a hedge against volatile global fuel markets. UN Secretary-General António Guterres said the world was “following the money,” calling on governments to remove policy and financing barriers to clean energy deployment. “Renewables are lighting the way to a world of affordable, abundant and secure power for all,” he said.

Yet the report highlighted emerging headwinds that could undermine recent cost gains. Trade restrictions, rising input prices, and concentration of manufacturing—particularly in China—have begun to push up equipment costs. In advanced markets such as Europe and North America, structural challenges including permitting delays, limited grid capacity, and higher balance-of-system costs are expected to keep prices elevated.

In contrast, regions with strong renewable potential and faster learning curves—such as parts of Asia, Africa and South America—are likely to benefit from continued cost reductions, provided that enabling conditions are met.

Financing remains a key constraint, particularly in the Global South. High capital costs—driven by macroeconomic instability and perceived investment risks—have inflated the levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) in many developing economies. While the LCOE for onshore wind projects was roughly comparable in Europe and Africa at around $0.052/kWh in 2024, IRENA noted that African projects faced financing costs more than triple those in Europe, reflecting a wider disparity in risk perceptions.

The report called for stable revenue frameworks to de-risk investments, emphasising the importance of instruments such as power purchase agreements (PPAs) and transparent procurement processes. Without these, investor confidence remains fragile.

Grid integration is emerging as another critical challenge. In both G20 and emerging markets, wind and solar projects are increasingly delayed by permitting backlogs, grid congestion and local content requirements. The report warns that without parallel investment in transmission infrastructure and digital grid management, deployment targets could fall short.

Meanwhile, energy storage is helping to mitigate intermittency concerns. The cost of utility-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) fell 93% since 2010, reaching $192/kWh in 2024. Technological gains—along with digital optimisation tools and artificial intelligence—are enhancing the efficiency of hybrid systems that combine solar, wind and storage.

Still, IRENA cautioned that digital and grid infrastructure in many emerging markets is underdeveloped. “The transition to renewables is irreversible,” said La Camera, “but its pace and fairness depend on the choices we make today.”

Chennai Metro notches longest Phase-2 tunnel breakthrough amid complex urban conditions

CHENNAI: (pix available)

Chennai Metro Rail Ltd (CMRL) crossed a major engineering milestone on Wednesday with the successful retrieval of tunnel boring machine (TBM) “Peacock” at the Kodambakkam Ramp near Meenakshi College — completing the longest underground drive of its Phase 2 expansion without public disruption.

The 2.047-km bored tunnel is part of Corridor 4, a 26.8 km stretch that will eventually link Light House to Poonamallee Bypass. The TBM, designated DL-1074, was launched in May 2024 from Panagal Park Crossover and has since traversed densely built residential areas, passing under more than 190 buildings — including over 50 ageing structures — and two churches, while boring parallel to an active railway line before cutting across multiple tracks.

Despite the engineering complexity and urban sensitivities, CMRL officials confirmed that no damage or disturbance was reported during the entire excavation. The breakthrough marks the completion of the single longest tunnel in Phase 2, and highlights CMRL’s ability to execute underground infrastructure in live, high-density city zones.

CMRL Director (Projects) T Archunan, alongside senior officials from contractor ITD Cementation India Ltd and project consultants, attended the retrieval event at Arcot Road. Corridor 4 comprises both underground and elevated sections, including 12 underground stations and 18 elevated ones, and is being funded through multilateral development banks, a release stated.

ITD Cementation is executing the 10.03-km underground stretch from Light House to Kodambakkam Flyover using four tunnel boring machines. The Peacock TBM’s breakthrough comes at a time when CMRL is accelerating work across multiple corridors of its 118.9-km Phase 2 network.

writingonblog uncensored: Chennai to host first ‘Innovate in Tamil Nadu’ sum...

writingonblog uncensored: Chennai to host first ‘Innovate in Tamil Nadu’ sum...: CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu is making a high-stakes push to become India’s intellectual property (IP) capital with the launch of its first “Innovate...

Chennai to host first ‘Innovate in Tamil Nadu’ summit aimed at positioning state as India’s innovation capital

CHENNAI:
Tamil Nadu is making a high-stakes push to become India’s intellectual property (IP) capital with the launch of its first “Innovate in Tamil Nadu (IN²TN) IP Conclave”, set to take place here on July 30. The initiative is a key part of the state’s strategy to anchor its innovation-led economic ambitions in the fast-evolving deep-tech and emerging technologies sector.

Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin will inaugurate the event, which will convene startups, researchers, academia, policymakers, and investors at the Anna Centenary Library. The conclave is being organised by the Tamil Nadu Technology (iTNT) Hub and carries the theme “Intellectual Powerhouse: Transforming Tamil Nadu into the Innovation Capital of India”.

The event builds on an announcement by IT and Digital Services Minister Palanivel Thiaga Rajan in the state Assembly last year, aimed at nurturing IP creation and commercialisation by facilitating closer ties between academia and industry.

“Tamil Nadu has led India in patent filings over the past three years, with more than 20,000 applications—largely from deep-tech innovators,” the minister said ahead of the event. “This conclave is about moving beyond IP awareness to enabling real-world tech transfer and commercialisation.”

The IN²TN platform features a full-day masterclass series designed for researchers and founders, covering practical themes such as patent basics, licensing strategies, copyright law, and the IP dimensions of AI innovation. A host of national and international institutions—including the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the Indian Patent Office, NASSCOM, and major corporates such as Bosch and Mahindra—are slated to participate.

Tamil Nadu Makes Strong Gains in Rural Housing, But Land Hurdles Persist

EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @ CHENNAI:
Tamil Nadu has completed 6.44 lakh homes under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G), out of 7.43 lakh sanctioned, against a target of 9.57 lakh units. Over the past three years, the state sanctioned 59,121 new homes, backed by ₹2,158 crore in central funds — placing it among the better-performing states in the national housing push.

The figures were shared by Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Minister of State for Rural Development, in Parliament in response to a question from DMK Kallakurichi MP D Malaiyarasan. The scheme, launched in 2016, has been extended to 2029 with a revised goal of 4.95 crore homes across rural India.

Despite Tamil Nadu’s progress, challenges remain. Key issues include delays in releasing central and state funds, unwillingness of beneficiaries, legal succession disputes, and most notably, the lack of land for landless families.

Land being a state subject, the Centre has urged states to allocate public or community land and ensure supporting infrastructure. A digital dashboard and AwaasSoft module are being used to monitor progress and landless cases.

However, Tamil Nadu has not yet conducted the Awaas 2024 survey, which is critical to identifying new beneficiaries.

The ministry has asked states to form Chief Secretary-led task forces to resolve land bottlenecks. While Tamil Nadu leads in completion, national targets depend on overcoming last-mile administrative hurdles.

Tamil Nadu Moves Ahead on Ropeway Link to Mahabalipuram Shore Temple, Eyes Hill Town Projects Next

C Shivakumar @ CHENNAI: 

Tamil Nadu has kicked off plans to introduce ropeway-based transport in key tourist regions,including a proposed 2-km aerial link in Mahabalipuram between the new bus terminal and the iconic Shore Temple, aimed at easing access to the UNESCO World Heritage site.

The project is part of a broader initiative by the state government to explore high-altitude cable-propelled transport systems in  tourist destinations.

Following a recent budget announcement, the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has invited expressions of interest (EOIs) from consultants to conduct detailed feasibility studies for ropeway projects not only in Mahabalipuram but also in the hill stations of Udhagamandalam (Ooty) and Kodaikanal, sources said.

In addition to the Mahabalipuram link, there are also proposals for two ropeway segments in Chennai’s IT and coastal corridor: a 1.7-km stretch connecting Taramanai MRTS station to Kandanchavadi Metro, and a further 1.0-km extension from Kandanchavadi to Palavakkam along East Coast Road (ECR).,  However, there are no details on when these projects would be taken up, sources said.

CMRL is seeking firms with demonstrable expertise in preparing Detailed Feasibility Reports (DFRs) and Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for ropeways. 

The proposed Mahabalipuram ropeway would link major transit nodes with heritage attractions, offering tourists an elevated view of the coastal town while potentially decongesting local roads. In the hill towns of Kodaikanal and Ooty—where winding roads, seasonal congestion, and environmental concerns pose persistent challenges—cable-based transport is being explored as a lower-impact alternative to conventional road infrastructure, sources said.

The expression of interest is open via the state’s e-procurement portal. Officials say the feasibility studies will examine technical and financial viability, route alignment, environmental safeguards, and last-mile connectivity.

Tamil Nadu’s move follows similar initiatives in other Indian states such as Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Gujarat, where ropeways are being seen not only as green mobility solutions but also as tourism boosters.

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.