Teacher jailed for sexually harassing girl students during exam in Tirupur

Tamil Nadus economic milestones & challenges: Analysing the 2025 Economic survey

For the first time ever, Tamil Nadu has released its Economic Survey, a commendable initiative by the finance minister and finance secretary. Though not mandatory, the government has taken this step to provide citizens with a clear understanding of the states economic strengths and challenges. This effort enhances transparency in public policy, allowing people to appreciate the progress made while acknowledging areas that need improvement. Growth Amid Global Uncertainty Tamil Nadus 2024-25 Economic Survey is more than just a financial report it is a testament to the states resilience, progress, and vision for the future. In an era marked by global economic volatility, Tamil Nadu has defied odds, charting a path of inclusive growth while navigating complex external challenges. This analysis unpacks the key highlights, strengths, risks, and political narratives emerging from the report, offering a compelling insight into the states economic trajectory. A State That Punches Above Its Weight Tamil Nadu, with just 4% of Indias land area and 6% of its population, has outperformed expectations by contributing 9.21% to the national GDP in 2023-24. The states Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) at current prices soared to Rs 27.22 lakh crore, achieving a real growth rate of 8.33%. This growth rate surpasses the national average, reinforcing Tamil Nadus position as one of Indias most dynamic economies. Economic resilience is a recurring theme in the survey, with the state maintaining a growth rate of over 8% since 2021-22. Tamil Nadu has successfully balanced industrial expansion, export-oriented growth, and a strong focus on social welfare an economic model that many states aspire to replicate. Strengths That Drive The Economy Diverse Industrial and Export Base Tamil Nadu is a manufacturing powerhouse, contributing 12.11% to Indias industrial GDP. It leads in automobile production, textiles, and leather exports, ensuring a steady flow of foreign exchange. High Per Capita Income The per capita income reached Rs 2.78 lakh in 2022-23, 1.6 times the national average, ranking Tamil Nadu among Indias most prosperous states. Balanced Urban-Rural Growth Unlike states, where economic activity is concentrated in one metropolis (Mumbai, Bengaluru, or Kolkata), Tamil Nadus development, is spread across Coimbatore, Madurai, Tirupur, Tiruchirappalli, and Salem, reducing regional disparities. Robust Infrastructure and Human Capital The states focus on infrastructure, education, and healthcare has created a skilled workforce, making it an attractive destination for investments. The Storm Clouds On The Horizon Despite these achievements, the survey does not shy away from highlighting risks and vulnerabilities. Global Market Dependence: Being an export-driven economy, Tamil Nadu is highly sensitive to global fluctuations. Any downturn in key markets can disrupt industrial growth. Environmental Risks: Climate change is an urgent challenge, with increasing cyclones, floods, and erratic monsoons affecting agriculture and infrastructure. Inflationary Pressures: While Tamil Nadu has managed inflation better than most states, the rural inflation rate remains a concern, driven by fluctuations in food prices. Fiscal Constraints: The states ability to borrow and invest in development is restricted by fiscal limits imposed by the central government, affecting long-term growth planning. Political Narratives: The Battle Of Perceptions As Tamil Nadu gears up for political discourse around economic management, both the ruling DMK and opposition parties will leverage the Economic Survey to build their respective narratives. DMKs Narrative: A Model Of Inclusive Growth The ruling government will rightfully highlight Tamil Nadus impressive growth figures, its high per capita income, and its commitment to social justice. Progressive policies like the Kalaignar Mahalir Urimai Thittam (Rs 1,000 per month for female heads of families) and free electricity for domestic consumers will be projected as measures that empower citizens while stabilising inflation. The states consistent performance in industrial growth and skill development initiatives will be positioned as evidence of long-term economic planning. Oppositions Critique: Vulnerabilities And Gaps The opposition will focus on economic risks and shortcomings. They are likely to question the sustainability of Tamil Nadus debt levels, highlight the states dependence on global markets, and critique the governments handling of environmental challenges. Climate vulnerabilities, water management concerns, and fiscal constraints will be used to argue that the state needs a more cautious economic strategy. The Road Ahead: A Call for Vigilance and Vision Tamil Nadus 2025 Economic Survey is a story of triumph, but also a reminder of the challenges ahead. The state stands at a critical juncture poised for even greater heights if it can manage global risks, adapt to environmental realities, and maintain its commitment to inclusive growth. The people of Tamil Nadu can take pride in their states achievements, but they must also stay vigilant. Economic prosperity is not a given it requires foresight, policy innovation, and a proactive approach to challenges. With the right strategies, Tamil Nadu is well on its way to becoming Indias first trillion-dollar economy. But the journey will require a fine balance of ambition and caution.

Powerloom weavers in Coimbatore and Tirupur to go on indefinite strike

Tirupur triple murder case yet to be solved

Industrial bodies in Coimbatore, Tirupur welcome budget announcements

Elderly couple murdered by neighbour near Tirupur

Merchant from Tirupur dies in road accident in Tirunelveli district

Three from Tirupur killed in hit-and-run

Anita Katyal | Fuss over edited Amit Shah clip; how Priyanka got her Bangla bag

Irrespective of who is to blame for last weeks scuffle between MPs of the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress on the Parliament House premises, the fact is that the Narendra Modi government was rattled by the campaign launched by a united Opposition against home minister Amit Shah for what it described as derogatory references to Babasaheb Ambedkar in his Rajya Sabha speech. The Congress circulated a clip of Mr Shahs speech to prove its point. Here, the Congress appears to have learnt from the BJPs IT cell which has edited innumerable speeches of Rahul Gandhi and other Congress leaders to show them in poor light. Coming at a time when all political parties are seeking to appropriate Ambedkars legacy with an eye on the dalit vote, Prime Minister Narendra Modi defended Mr Shah in a series of tweets in which he also attacked the Congress with the use of extreme terms like its rotten ecosystem. This was followed the next day with the BJP amassing its MPs outside Parliament as a counter to the Opposition protests. A nervous Congress rushed into damage control mode last week when Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra stirred a controversy by carrying a tote bag to Parliament with Palestine written on it. The BJP lost no time in accusing her of minority appeasement, stating that while she was sympathetic to the Palestine cause, Priyanka had not spoken about the attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh. Finding itself on the backfoot, the Congress went on an overdrive to procure a fresh set of bags with Bangladesh emblazoned on them. A batch of hundred cloth bags were ordered from Tirupur in Tamil Nadu. These were stitched overnight so they could reach before the Parliament session commenced the next day so that Priyanka could carry this bag. The bags were said to have been procured with the help of Kanyakumari MP Vijay Vasanth who has contacts with several vendors in Tirupur. He had also helped organise cloth bags and T-shirts during Congress leader Rahul Gandhis Bharat Jodo Yatra. Army chief Upendra Dwivedi s recent actions have raised quite a few eyebrows within the service and invited open criticism from veterans for bending backwards to please the political establishment. According to the buzz in Army circles, this could be because Gen. Dwivedis elevation as Army chief was not a smooth affair. Apparently, the Modi government was not too pleased because his stint as Northern Army commander witnessed a spike in terror strikes in the Jammu region. It was speculated that this was the reason the government delayed announcing his name as Army chief, giving his predecessor an extension. Gen. Dwivedi recently courted controversy when the painting showing the ceremonial surrender of Pakistani soldiers to the Indian Army following the 1971 war removed from his South Block office and replaced with a garish painting with mythological images from the Mahabharata , a portrait of Chanakya along with tanks, planes and submarines. Dismayed veterans said this was an insult to those who fought and died in the 1971 war and blamed the Army chief for bringing religion into the armed forces. Gen. Dwivedi was also in the news when he went to Prayagraj on the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition and spoke appreciatively of the collaboration between the Army and local civil administration in the redevelopment of the historic Patalpuri Temple and other religious places. It was a book launch on Bollywood actresses but Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor made political capital out of it by using the occasion to pay homage to both soldiers who laid down their lives in the 1971 war and Indira Gandhi for her able leadership because of which India registered a historic victory. Participating in a discussion on retired diplomat Surendra Kumars book, Unforgettable Divas of Bollywood , Mr Tharoor first spoke at length about the contribution of women in Indian cinema, how they have put the spotlight on gender and social issues through their roles while many have taken up causes outside their work and still others made a mark in public life. Since the programme was held on December 16, celebrated as Vijay Diwas to commemorate Indias victory in the 1971 war, Mr Tharoor took full advantage of this and ended his talk with a tribute to Indira Gandhi and the soldiers who died in the war. While his cousins are constantly in the news, Varun Gandhi is neither seen nor heard these days. For starters, hes no longer an MP as he was denied a ticket by the Bharatiya Janata Party in the last Lok Sabha election. Currently at a loose end, Varun is spending most of his time at his Delhi farmhouse or travelling abroad. However, he is also said to be exploring other options. According to the Delhi political grapevine, Varun is in touch with a leader of a regional party and is not averse to switching sides if he gets the right offer. Though Varun and the regional party leader are on friendly terms, the latter is learnt to have remarked jokingly that a A Mercedes part would not fit into a Fiat. But then politics is the art of possible.

GRPF busted trafficking of minor girls for employment

Visakhapatnam: A human trafficking ring was uncovered at Visakhapatnam railway station, resulting in the rescue of 11 individuals, including nine minors. The operation was conducted by the Government Railway Police (GRP) during a routine check on the Visakhapatnam Kirandul Express, where they intercepted young girls. The primary suspect, Ravi Bisoy, the contractor of Handloom Company, was arrested and is alleged to have trafficked over 100 girls using fake Aadhaar cards to place them in employment at a private company. The rescued individuals were identified as coming from Navrangpur, Odisha, with others originating from various villages in Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Nepal. According to GRP Circle Inspector (CI), the minor girls were reportedly en route to Tirupur to work in a handloom factory. These girls came from impoverished families, highlighting the vulnerability of such communities to trafficking schemes. Following their rescue, the minor girls were sent home, and authorities obtained an undertaking letter from Ravi Bisoy. The case has since been transferred to Navrangpur for further investigation.