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Time of India
6 hours ago
- Time of India
Will urge Centre to ban single use plastic lighters: EPS
Tuticorin: AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Friday promised matchbox manufacturers that he along with BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran will appeal to the central govt to impose a complete ban on single-use plastic lighters, which is a threat to the industry. EPS held a meeting with matchbox manufacturers and Kovilpatti Kadalai Mittai manufacturers in Kovilpatti in Tuticorin. He recalled that it was the AIADMK that ensured that GST on matchboxes was reduced from 18% to 12%. "As per the demand made by a lot of matchbox manufacturers, we will definitely raise the issue with the Centre and ensure a complete ban on single-use plastic lighters. AIADMK will always fully support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and bring policies for their growth," he said. Addressing his 'Makkalai Kappom, Thamizhagathai Meetpom' campaign later in the evening at Kovilpatti, Ottapidaram, and Tuticorin, EPS reiterated that AIADMK and BJP will work like a double-barrelled gun for the benefit of the people. "DMK is clearly afraid of the BJP-AIADMK alliance. We are two separate parties with separate principles/ideologies, but still we can be in an alliance. DMK says all parties in their alliance have one principle. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like How Much Does a Bali Vacation Really Cost? Liseer Learn More Undo If so, then why not become one single large party?" he asked. In Kovilpatti, EPS was joined by Nainar Nagenthran, and the two briefly walked together, accompanied by their respective party flags. Addressing the campaign, Nagenthran referred to EPS as 'former and future chief minister of Tamil Nadu'. He added that the alliance of BJP and AIADMK was natural, and emphasised that, as Union home minister Amit Shah said, the NDA in Tamil Nadu will be under the leadership of EPS.
NDTV
11 hours ago
- NDTV
'Donald Trump's Tariff To Have 'Negligibe Impact... 0.2% GDP Hit': Sources
New Delhi: The 25 per cent tariff announced by Donald Trump on Indian exports to the United States will have a 'negligible' impact on the economy, government sources told NDTV Friday afternoon. The GDP loss is not likely to exceed 0.2 per cent, sources said, echoing what an India-based economist told Bloomberg (article behind paywall) - that GDP would likely slow by 0.3 per cent only. A 0.2 per cent hit to GDP - Rs 330.68 lakh crore nominal in FY 2024/25 - is 'manageable'. Sources also stressed the government will not bow to American pressure to open price-sensitive agriculture and dairy markets, or allow the import of beef or 'non-veg milk', i.e., milk from cows fed animal-based products like bonemeal. These may offend religious sentiments, sources said. The government will also act to 'secure national interest' and remains committed to the welfare of farmers, entrepreneurs, and MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises), sources said. Farmers merited a separate mention. NDTV was told the government would not compromise their interests, and would not, therefore, allow the import of GM, or genetically modified, crops. The 25 per cent tariff was announced against the backdrop of stalled trade deal talks. Those talks stalled because the US wanted its farmers and dairy producers to be able to sell in India. India has repeatedly said it cannot open these markets. Agriculture and allied sectors contribute less than 20 per cent to India's GDP. However, nearly half the country's 144 crore population is either directly or indirectly employed in those sectors. NDTV Explains | How Trump's 25% Tariff Will Impact Indian Markets That makes it a massive vote bank no government can risk upsetting, a fact underlined by the ruling BJP being forced into rolling back three farm laws in 2021 after violent protests. A stand-off over this topic reportedly angered Trump. Hours before the 25 per cent was announced, he told US reporters, "India has been a good friend... but has charged basically more tariffs than almost any other country... you just can't do that." Overall, the US is India's largest trading partner and has been so for four years now. Bilateral trade in 2024/25 was valued at $132 billion. In the last fiscal exports to the US rose by 11.6 per cent to $86.51 billion as against $77.52 billion in the preceding year. Imports, meanwhile, were up to $45.33 billion as against $42.2 billion in 2023-24. Meanwhile, sources also said negotiations for the bilateral trade deal with the US - which has been in the works since November last year - are on track and 'moving in the right direction'. A review of the 25 per cent tariff, and talks to reduce this, will be taken up after that deal is finalised, sources said. Last week NDTV was told India is close to finalising an interim deal. An announcement is expected by September or October. There was hope such this could be worked out before the 25 per cent tariff takes effect - on August 7 - but now appears unlikely.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
How Tamil Nadu's MSMEs are powering inclusive growth and global competitiveness
The MSME sector contributes 30 per cent to Tamil Nadu's industrial output and 15 per cent to India's overall GDP. With more than 30 lakh registered MSMEs employing over 2.5 crore people, the state's MSME ecosystem is marked by maturity, resilience, and adaptability. A blend of regional specialisations, modern practices, and global market orientation underpins this success. Policy framework anchored in innovation Thiru. T M Anbarasan, Hon'ble Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Department, Government of Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu Minister for MSMEs, T M Anbarasan, attributes the state's progress to its forward-thinking policy ecosystem. The MSME Policy of 2021 focuses on innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity, while a range of initiatives,from capital subsidies and interest subventions to patent facilitation and cluster development, create a nurturing environment for entrepreneurs. Digital reforms, including a single-window clearance system and an e-governance portal, continue to streamline business processes and enhance transparency. According to the minister, Tamil Nadu is not just scaling up its industrial capacity; it is reimagining what inclusive and innovation-led MSME growth can look like. By blending infrastructure with dignity-based financial support, rural entrepreneurship with industrial clusters, and innovation with inclusion, the state offers a replicable model for MSME-led transformation in India. He says the state is heavily invested in MSME infrastructure to suit the requirements of industries. The minister lists out some of the major initiatives- Dr Atul Anand IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Department, Government of Tamil Nadu. New-age infrastructure for MSMEs A pharmaceutical industrial cluster is being established in Tindivanam (Villupuram district) with INR 71.56 crore investment. 46 industrial plots are already in the development phase. Near Chennai's industrial hubs at Guindy and Ambattur, a three-storey complex comprising 366 MSME units is being built with 183.91 lakh in private investment. Affordable worker housing has been created in Chennai and Coimbatore, with facilities for 1,698 MSME workers now operational. These were built at a cost of INR 61.82 crore and offer minimal rent options. A new industrial facility in Kanchipuram district, combining INR 33.33 crore in government support with INR 47.62 crore in private investment, is underway. The first phase, worth INR18.18 crore, began in November. Listing out a few programmes, he points out that Tamil Nadu's startup ecosystem has been receiving a quiet but consistent push. INR 18.79 crore has been invested in 169 early-stage companies INR 51.20 crore has gone to 36 SC/ST-founded startups Over four years, a total of INR 69.99 crore has been invested across 205 startups He says that even at the school level, INR 21.86 lakh was allocated in 2022 under the School Innovation Development Scheme to encourage early innovation among students. Building industrial ecosystems In a major boost to sectoral growth, Tamil Nadu has invested INR 365 crore to develop 13 industrial parks comprising 2,513 plots, aimed at expanding manufacturing capacity and supporting MSME clusters. Additionally, six new industrial estates are being established under an INR 239.54 crore outlay, with INR 209.39 crore already deployed. At the Global Investors Meet held in January, the state signed a record 5,608 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) for MSME establishments, an unprecedented leap that is expected to significantly drive investment, infrastructure development, and employment generation across key industrial regions. Global outlook for local startups The launch of the Global Startup Conclave signals Tamil Nadu's intention to position itself as a hub for international entrepreneurship. Cross-border partnerships, technology exchanges, and market access programmes are helping local startups tap into global markets and attract investment, reinforcing the state's commitment to a future-ready innovation economy. Women entrepreneurs lead the way Atul Anand, additional chief secretary of the MSME department, highlights Tamil Nadu's leadership in women-led enterprises. Nearly 10 lakh women entrepreneurs now make up one-third of the state's MSMEs. The decentralised nature of the industrial landscape, spanning sectors from Tiruppur's knitwear and Ambur–Vaniyambadi's leather to Coimbatore's engineering and Chennai's automotive tooling, enables diverse participation and regional economic development. Institutional initiatives strengthen sectoral growth Flagship programmes spearheaded by the MSME Department include vendor development initiatives that connect local enterprises with government buyers, and reverse buyer-seller meets that facilitate global exposure, resulting in over 130 MoUs and direct benefits to more than 1,000 MSMEs. The newly launched artisan scheme, unveiled by the chief minister, focuses on upskilling traditional craftspeople. Meanwhile, support for 55 MSME clusters and common facility centres is backed by a 272 crore allocation this year. 'At the core of Tamil Nadu's MSME success lies policy consistency, institutional strength, and robust implementation,' says Atul Anand. 'With an eye on green energy, high-tech innovation, and digital transformation, MSMEs are not peripheral but foundational to the state's economic aspirations.' Industry perspectives from the ground M Ramesh, Managing Director, Alphacraft Pvt Ltd M Ramesh, managing director of Alphacraft Pvt Ltd, observes that the Indian MSME manufacturing sector is at a significant moment. He believes the next five to seven years will determine whether it can transition from low-value operations to high-value global manufacturing. With improved infrastructure and targeted incentives, Tamil Nadu's MSMEs are poised to lead. Innovation reaches the last mile K. Veluswami, Chairman - The Institute of Indian Foundrymen (IIF), Coimbatore Zone and Managing Director, Mark Engineering. K Veluswami, chairman of the Institute of Indian Foundrymen (Coimbatore chapter) and managing director of Mark Engineering, notes that the accessibility of advanced tools, once the preserve of large manufacturers, is now transforming small enterprises. This levelling of the innovation field is reconfiguring the industrial fabric of Tamil Nadu, enabling smaller units to compete on quality, precision, and agility. Associations bridge the policy–A reality gap M. Karthikeyan is the President of CODISSIA and Managing Director of Sukshma Dynamics Pvt. Ltd M Karthikeyan, president of CODISSIA and managing director of Sukshma Dynamics Pvt Ltd, emphasises the critical role of industry associations in shaping and delivering outcomes. CODISSIA serves as a conduit between government schemes and grassroots enterprises, ensuring that policy decisions translate into actionable support. He underlines the need for sustained handholding of micro and small units to achieve Tamil Nadu's $1 trillion economy target by 2030. Tech enablement drives the next phase The government's partnership with institutions like IIT-Madras is catalysing AI-based productivity solutions for MSMEs. Awareness programmes are being run across industrial estates through initiatives like FAME-TN, aimed at driving the adoption of ERP, AI, and IoT tools. These collaborations are positioning MSMEs to scale up with technological confidence. The MSME success story The success of Tamil Nadu's MSME sector is anchored in a forward-looking policy framework, notably the MSME Policy of 2021, which places strong emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity. The state has fostered a supportive ecosystem for startups, offering a range of incentives such as capital subsidies, interest subventions, patent reimbursements, and cluster-based development programmes aimed at enhancing competitiveness and upskilling the workforce. In addition, digital initiatives like the e-governance portal and single-window clearance system have significantly improved the ease of doing business, enabling faster clearances and greater transparency. The Global Startup Conclave, launched by the Tamil Nadu MSME Department, is a further reflection of the state's vision to internationalise its entrepreneurial ecosystem. Through cross-border partnerships, market access programmes, and technology exchanges, Tamil Nadu is paving the way for local startups to scale globally and attract foreign investment. Flagship initiatives Vendor development programmes that connect MSMEs with prospective government buyers Reverse buyer-seller meets, facilitating global market access and resulting in over 130 MoUs and benefits to 1,000+ MSMEs A new artisan-centric scheme, launched by the Chief Minister, aimed at upskilling traditional artisans Support for 55 MSME clusters and common facility centres, with 272 crore allocated this year alone Key trends The China+1 strategy is prompting global firms to diversify sourcing, with sectors like electronics, auto components, and textiles showing strong potential Production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes are fuelling demand in key manufacturing areas Gradual adoption of digital tools, such as CNC machines, ERP platforms, IoT devices, and AI-driven solutions, is beginning to reshape MSME workflows. Disclaimer - The above content is non-editorial, and TIL hereby disclaims any and all warranties, expressed or implied, relating to it, and does not guarantee, vouch for or necessarily endorse any of the content. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . Discover stories of India's leading eco-innovators at Ecopreneur Honours 2025
