ArdorComm Media Group

Contact Us
Wednesday, April 15, 2026 10:26 PM
logo
Menu
logo

Tamil Nadu

India Set to Become World’s 3rd Largest Economy by 2028: Morgan Stanley

/ Governance Community

India is on course to become the third-largest economy in the world by 2028 and is expected to more than double its GDP to $10.6 trillion by 2035, according to a new report by Morgan Stanley released on Wednesday. The report highlights that several Indian states — notably Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka — could individually near the $1 trillion GDP mark, placing them among the globe’s top 20 economies by the next decade. “Currently, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Telangana lead the economic race among states,” the report noted, adding that states like Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh have climbed significantly in economic rankings over the past five years. India to Drive Global Growth Morgan Stanley projects that India will account for roughly 20% of global economic growth over the next ten years. As a result, the country is positioned to become a major growth engine for global corporations and investors. The report underscores the pivotal role of India’s federal structure — with 28 states and eight Union Territories — in propelling economic progress. It points out that each state manages its fiscal policies independently and competes to attract business and investment through favourable industrial policies and ease-of-doing-business reforms. “Every investment decision, factory setup, or enterprise ultimately lands in a particular state,” the report explains. Competitive Federalism as a Growth Catalyst The study places strong emphasis on “competitive federalism” — a model in which states innovate and vie with one another for economic advancement. This approach, Morgan Stanley argues, will be critical for India to become a global manufacturing powerhouse, significantly raise per capita income, and maintain a robust capital market performance over the coming years. As India moves toward its projected $10.6 trillion economic size, the role of states will become even more vital. Their ability to legislate independently and shape business environments allows them to create conducive ecosystems for growth. Infrastructure Boom Underway The report also points to a decade of strong infrastructure development. Central government capital expenditure has surged, growing from 1.6% of GDP in FY15 to 3.2% in FY25. This investment has led to a 60% increase in national highway length, a doubling of airports, and a fourfold expansion of metro rail systems. National-level programs such as PM Gati Shakti, the National Infrastructure Pipeline, Bharatmala, Sagarmala, and UDAN have all complemented state-led initiatives in infrastructure, energy, water, and urban development. For India to realize its long-term economic aspirations, the report concludes, continuous collaboration between the central and state governments will be essential. Source: IANS

India Set to Become World’s 3rd Largest Economy by 2028: Morgan Stanley Read More »

India Sees Uptick in COVID-19 Cases: Active Infections Near 4,000, Deaths Reported Across Key States

/ Health & Wellness Community
Ardorcomm news

India is witnessing a steady rise in COVID-19 infections, with active cases reaching 3,961 as of Monday, June 2—a jump of 566 cases from the previous day, according to data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). The recent surge is driven primarily by states like Kerala, Maharashtra, and Delhi, which are reporting the highest case numbers. Since the start of the year, the country has registered 32 COVID-related deaths, including four in the last 24 hours. One fatality each was reported from Delhi, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. The deceased include a 22-year-old woman from Delhi with a history of post-tuberculosis complications and a 44-year-old man from Maharashtra suffering from acute respiratory distress and aortic valve problems. While Kerala confirmed another death, specific details are awaited. Delhi Records Steepest Daily Spike; Tamil Nadu, Karnataka Also Report Fatalities Delhi saw the most significant daily rise in active infections among major states, adding 47 new cases and logging one death. Tamil Nadu, with 189 active cases, reported the passing of a 25-year-old man with underlying bronchial asthma and acute kidney complications. Karnataka, currently reporting 253 active cases, recorded a fresh fatality, while Uttar Pradesh reported two deaths and has 157 active cases. In total, 16 states and Union Territories have recorded COVID-related deaths in 2025. However, the majority of cases remain mild, with limited hospital admissions. Kerala Leads in Caseload; Maharashtra, West Bengal Also on High Alert Kerala continues to report the highest number of active COVID-19 cases at 1,435, rising from 1,336 the previous day. Maharashtra follows with 506 active cases, and Delhi with 483. West Bengal has also seen a surge, reporting 331 active infections. Other notable figures include: Gujarat: 338 Karnataka: 253 Tamil Nadu: 189 Uttar Pradesh: 157 Rajasthan: 69 States like Madhya Pradesh (23), Haryana (28), and Odisha (12) have recorded smaller increases. In the last 24 hours, 203 patients have recovered, pushing the total number of recoveries and migrations this year to 2,188. Authorities Urge Caution, Not Panic Health experts and officials maintain that the situation is under control, emphasizing that most new cases are mild and manageable at home. Dr. Rajiv Behl, Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), reassured the public that while increased vigilance is necessary, there’s no immediate cause for alarm. The rise in cases coincides with the detection of new Omicron sub-variants—LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and NB.1.8.1—identified in genome sequencing studies from western and southern India. These have been classified by the World Health Organization as “Variants Under Monitoring,” indicating they don’t currently pose a significant global threat. Preparedness Measures in Place as Precaution In response, state health departments—particularly in Delhi, Maharashtra, and Kerala—are ramping up hospital readiness and reviewing medical supply logistics. Citizens, especially vulnerable groups such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health issues, are being encouraged to wear masks in crowded or poorly ventilated settings. Experts stress that while the virus is spreading faster due to more contagious but less severe sub-variants, preventive strategies such as timely testing, vaccination, and community awareness remain key to containing its impact. Though the overall caseload is still far lower than during peak waves, the recent tenfold increase over two weeks underscores the need for continued monitoring, public cooperation, and proactive measures to avoid another significant outbreak. Source: Economic Times Photo Credit: iStock   

India Sees Uptick in COVID-19 Cases: Active Infections Near 4,000, Deaths Reported Across Key States Read More »

New COVID-19 Subvariants NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 Detected in India: INSACOG Report

/ Health & Wellness Community

India has recorded the presence of two newly emerging COVID-19 subvariants—NB.1.8.1 and LF.7—according to recent data released by the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG). While these variants are currently categorized as Variants Under Monitoring by the World Health Organization (WHO), they have been linked to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases across China and parts of Asia. As per the INSACOG data, a single case of NB.1.8.1 was identified in Tamil Nadu in April, while four cases of LF.7 were reported from Gujarat in May 2025. Despite these new detections, the dominant strain circulating in India remains JN.1, accounting for approximately 53% of the tested samples. It is followed by BA.2 (26%) and other Omicron-related variants (20%). Preliminary assessments by WHO suggest that NB.1.8.1 poses a low global public health risk, but the subvariant carries spike protein mutations—A435S, V445H, and T478I—that may enhance both transmissibility and the ability to evade immune responses. As of May 19, India reported 257 active COVID-19 cases. A high-level review meeting was recently convened, chaired by the Director General of Health Services, with participation from the ICMR, National Centre for Disease Control, and other leading health agencies to monitor the evolving situation. Meanwhile, certain states have shown localized spikes. Delhi reported 23 new cases, Andhra Pradesh had four, Telangana confirmed one, and Bengaluru recorded a positive case in a nine-month-old infant, reflecting a steady rise over the last 20 days. Kerala, in particular, reported 273 cases in May alone. Source: PTI

New COVID-19 Subvariants NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 Detected in India: INSACOG Report Read More »

61.6% of India’s Schools Follow Three-Language Policy; Gujarat & Punjab Lead, TN & Arunachal Lag

/ Education Community

The Union Education Ministry has revealed that 61.6% of schools in India follow the three-language formula, covering 74.7% of students nationwide. Gujarat and Punjab lead in implementation, while Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Tamil Nadu rank among the lowest. The data, presented in Parliament on Monday in response to DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi’s query, highlights the ongoing conflict between Tamil Nadu and the Centre over the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Tamil Nadu’s DMK-led government opposes the three-language policy, calling it a move toward “Hindi imposition.” Key Insights from the Report: Schools Offering Three Languages: 906,225 (61.6%) Schools Offering Two Languages: 416,601 (28.3%) Schools Offering One Language: 149,065 (10.1%) Students Studying Three Languages: 185.3M (74.7%) Students Studying Two Languages: 41.6M Students Studying One Language: 21M Union Minister of State Jayant Chaudhary emphasized that no language would be imposed on any state, and flexibility would be provided to choose languages. However, analysis shows that Hindi-speaking states predominantly offer Sanskrit as the third language, while non-Hindi states often include Hindi. Meanwhile, private schools are increasingly offering foreign languages due to rising demand. The debate over language education remains heated, particularly in states like Tamil Nadu, where linguistic identity plays a central role in politics. The data highlights the diverse linguistic landscape of India’s education system and the ongoing policy challenges in balancing national and regional priorities.

61.6% of India’s Schools Follow Three-Language Policy; Gujarat & Punjab Lead, TN & Arunachal Lag Read More »

Tamil Nadu-Centre Tussle Over NEP and Education Funds Escalates

/ Education Community

The debate over the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has intensified, with Tamil Nadu strongly opposing the Centre’s insistence on implementing the policy in its entirety. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan recently stated that unless Tamil Nadu fully accepts the NEP, funds under the Samagra Shiksha scheme—amounting to over ₹2,158 crore—will not be released. This remark, made at the Kashi Tamil Sangamam in Varanasi, has triggered sharp reactions from Tamil Nadu’s political leadership. Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Anbil Poyyamozhi responded by accusing the BJP-led central government of “paving the way for another language war.” He questioned why Tamil Nadu, which has successfully followed a two-language policy for decades, should be forced to adopt the three-language formula. Citing former Chief Minister CN Annadurai, he asserted that the demand for Tamil Nadu’s rightful share of funds was not a request for alms but a constitutional entitlement. The state government highlighted that over 4 million students and 32,000 teachers rely on these funds, with Tamil Nadu itself spending ₹76 crore per month on teacher salaries and ₹400 crore annually on the Right to Education (RTE) scheme. Several schemes for girl child education have also been affected due to funding delays. The Tamil Nadu government has argued that withholding funds to push NEP implementation suppresses dissent and reignites the decades-old language debate in India. Chief Minister MK Stalin strongly criticized the Centre, calling Pradhan’s stance “rash blackmail” and warning that Delhi must be prepared to face Tamil Nadu’s resistance. Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu also questioned the conditional nature of central funds, pointing out that Tamil Nadu contributes 9% to India’s GDP without any such stipulations. Anbumani Ramadoss, president of the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), took a more balanced approach, stating that the Centre is duty-bound to disburse these funds irrespective of NEP compliance. He emphasized that NEP implementation and financial allocations should remain separate matters. The Centre’s rigid stance on enforcing NEP, particularly through financial coercion, has been widely criticized as an overreach that disregards federal principles. The debate is now at the heart of a larger battle over education policy, language rights, and state autonomy in India. Source: Hindustan

Tamil Nadu-Centre Tussle Over NEP and Education Funds Escalates Read More »

Centre Postpones Good Governance Index 2023, Next Release Scheduled for 2025

/ Governance Community

The release of the Good Governance Index (GGI) 2023, originally planned during Good Governance Week from December 19 to 25, has been deferred to 2025. The decision, as confirmed by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), reflects the need for updated data to ensure accurate and relevant governance assessments. The GGI, launched in December 2019 on the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, evaluates states and Union Territories (UTs) across over 50 indicators in sectors such as agriculture, economic governance, public health, and citizen-centric governance. In the 2019 and 2021 editions, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat emerged as top-performing states, respectively. The last index, unveiled on December 25, 2021, by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, assessed states on 58 indicators spanning 10 sectors. Gujarat secured the highest ranking, with 20 states showing improved composite scores compared to the inaugural 2019 index. DARPG Secretary V. Srinivas clarified the rationale behind the deferment: “Using data collected earlier in 2023 for a release at the end of 2024 would render the findings outdated. The GGI is a biennial publication, and the next edition will be published in December 2025.” In the interim, the DARPG has released District Good Governance Indices for states like Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Arunachal Pradesh, showcasing its ongoing commitment to governance reforms. The Centre’s decision underscores the importance of aligning governance indices with current data to enhance their utility in shaping effective policy decisions. Source: Financial Express Photo Credit: Financial Express

Centre Postpones Good Governance Index 2023, Next Release Scheduled for 2025 Read More »

Tamil Nadu’s Opposition to the Centre’s New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 Explained

/ Education Community

The conflict between Tamil Nadu and the Centre over the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has escalated, with state Chief Minister MK Stalin and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan engaging in a series of public exchanges. The immediate flashpoint is the Centre’s delay in releasing funds for the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), a school education program that provides essential services to students in government schools. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting the release of overdue SSA funds. He pointed out that Rs 573 crore due for FY 2024-25, along with Rs 249 crore from the previous year, are still pending. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan responded that all installments for the previous year have been disbursed. However, the root issue lies in the state’s opposition to certain elements of the NEP. At the core of the disagreement is the NEP’s three-language formula, which Tamil Nadu has resisted. The state follows a two-language policy—Tamil and English—and has consistently opposed the inclusion of Hindi or Sanskrit, viewing it as an imposition on its linguistic identity. Both the previous AIADMK and the current DMK governments have opposed the NEP on these grounds, with Tamil Nadu’s Education Minister, Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, affirming the state’s commitment to preserving its linguistic heritage. Adding to the tension is the Centre’s linkage of SSA funds with the PM-SHRI scheme, which promotes NEP-compliant schools. While Tamil Nadu signed an MoU for the scheme, it omitted a paragraph regarding full NEP implementation, citing concerns over state autonomy in education. The DMK government argues that a uniform national policy does not account for regional differences and infringes on the state’s constitutional authority in education, which falls under the concurrent list. The controversy underscores long-standing tensions between Tamil Nadu and the Centre over language and education policy, with the state advocating for greater autonomy in implementing education programs that align with its socio-cultural and linguistic context. Source: Business Standard

Tamil Nadu’s Opposition to the Centre’s New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 Explained Read More »

Punjab Labour Department Rescues 99 Child Labourers in Statewide Raids

/ Governance Community

The Punjab labour department announced on Wednesday the rescue of 99 child labourers following raids conducted across the state. These raids were part of the Child Labour Eradication Week campaign, launched by labour minister Anmol Gagan Maan, which will run from June 11-21. District-level teams, comprising officials from various departments, have targeted industrial units and workplaces in Ludhiana and Bathinda. In Ludhiana, 95 child labourers were rescued from various industrial units, while in Bathinda, four child labourers were rescued from a hotel, an eatery, and a pagari (turban) shop. The minister directed officials to eradicate child labour in the state and conduct further raids to enforce strict action against violators. On the occasion of World Day Against Child Labour 2024, child rights activists from Tamil Nadu, including TNCRW and CACL-TN, have urged newly elected MPs to take definitive steps to end child labour.

Punjab Labour Department Rescues 99 Child Labourers in Statewide Raids Read More »

Dr. P. Krishnakumar, CEO & Secretary, Nehru Group of Institutions emphasized on the future progress on Nehru Group of Institution

/ Interviews

“We strongly believe in molding true citizens, which means not only giving an opportunity to complete graduation but also upskilling their abilities to meet industry requirements.” Said Dr. P. Krishnakumar Could you tell us more about your group of institutions? We have completed our 50 years of existence, starting in 1968 in Coimbatore. We have a presence in the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala with over 24 institutions, ranging from schools to a medical college. How do you ensure sustainability in education within your diverse group of institutions? We strongly believe in molding true citizens, which means not only giving an opportunity to complete graduation but also upskilling their abilities to meet industry requirements. We emphasize training and employability. For example, we have Technology Business Incubation (TBI) funded by DST (central government) to create startups, and we also have the NewGen IEDC initiative, which central government funds up to 2.5 lakhs for students’ projects to help them move from prototype to commercialization. Could you elaborate on the skill development and teacher training programs in your institution? We believe in training our faculty frequently. We have quarterly training sessions where we invite trainers from different industries and academia. We also encourage our faculty to upskill through various online certification programs as we evolve from traditional education to digitalization. Are there any new initiatives in technology within your institution? We are one of the few institutions in Kattur with multiple multiplex theaters on campus. This allows students and teachers developing e-content to see their work in a theater setting, enhancing the learning experience by creating an entertaining yet educational environment. What about global collaborations and exposure to international universities? As an affiliated institution, our ability to collaborate with foreign universities is limited due to state and central government policies. Universities have more freedom to engage in student exchange programs and faculty development programs abroad, but affiliated institutions must follow strict guidelines. What are your thoughts on employment versus employability? Employability is more important because it’s not just about getting a qualification but about ensuring that students are absorbed by the best industries. This is crucial for an educational institution’s survival. Top institutions maintain their status by ensuring high employability for their graduates. We focus on incubation and entrepreneurship, promoting a startup culture that allows students to understand entrepreneurship and take risks while still studying. What does the term ‘New Normal’ mean to you? New Normal means introducing new changes and ways of thinking and executing programs. It involves changing the traditional system to adapt to new methods and ideas, reflecting a fresh approach to education and leadership. Any message for ArdorComm Media Group? ArdorComm Media is doing an excellent job of connecting educational institutions and stakeholders. Networking and sharing knowledge are crucial in today’s world. Your role in connecting people from different age groups, experiences, and industries is invaluable. I’ve had the opportunity to meet many people from top institutions today, which is beneficial for information and networking. This positively impacts the education sector and brings about new changes. Keep up the good work. Any final thoughts? Thank you so much for inviting me to this event. It was impressive talking with you, and I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of this forum. Thank you.  

Dr. P. Krishnakumar, CEO & Secretary, Nehru Group of Institutions emphasized on the future progress on Nehru Group of Institution Read More »

Tamil Nadu Government Set to Release Draft of State Education Policy After Model Code of Conduct is Lifted

/ Education Community

The Tamil Nadu government is poised to release the draft of the State Education Policy after the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is lifted, according to sources. The MCC is expected to be lifted after the announcement of Lok Sabha election results on June 4. In 2021, the Tamil Nadu government announced its intention to introduce an exclusive State Education Policy during the Assembly session. A panel, headed by retired High Court judge Justice D Murugesan, was constituted in May 2022 to oversee this initiative, comprising educationists and experts from various fields. Sources within the Tamil Nadu Education Department revealed that the draft of the State Education Policy was already prepared in November 2023. However, the process faced delays due to unforeseen circumstances, including the resignation of the state minister for higher education, K Ponmudi, following a conviction in a legal case. Although the minister was reinstated following a favorable court order, the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct ahead of Lok Sabha polls halted the release of the draft. Officials from the school education department indicated that after the release of the draft policy, the final document would take over three months to be finalized and implemented. Dr. Mohammed Rashid, a retired professor from Madras University, emphasized the urgency of releasing the State Education Policy, particularly after the announcement of the National Education Policy. Educational institutions’ management has been anticipating the new policy for some time, he noted, underlining the importance of expediting its release to address evolving educational needs effectively.  

Tamil Nadu Government Set to Release Draft of State Education Policy After Model Code of Conduct is Lifted Read More »