Latest news with #Deepavali
The Hindu
14 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
‘Control skyrocketing prices of construction materials'
Urging the Tamil Nadu Government to control the skyrocketing prices of construction materials, the Tamil Nadu Construction Workers Welfare Association staged a demonstration here on Monday. The protestors said the spiralling prices of materials such as cement, M Sand, brick, steel and blue metal had badly affected construction activities and the drastically diminishing number of construction works had left thousands of labourers jobless. Hence, the State Government should take effective steps for controlling the prices of construction materials. The pension being given to construction workers should be increased from ₹1,200 to ₹3,000 and the family pension from ₹500 to ₹1,000. The government should give ₹10,000 for performing the last rites of pensioners and increase the assistance for natural death of Tamil Nadu Unorganised Sector workers to ₹2 lakh. The educational assistance to children of construction workers should be given from Class 1, and marriage assistance of ₹50,000 should be given for their marriage. The qualifying age for getting pension should be reduced from 60 to 55 and for bonus of ₹5,000 given to construction workers during festivals such as Ramzan, Deepavali and Christmas. Free travel facility in government buses should be extended to all construction workers, they said. Association State president S. Mahalingam presided over the demonstration held near Government Siddha Medical College in Palayamkottai.
Time of India
21 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Lucrative deals, changing preferences: What Aadi fest entails in 2025
This Aadi season, popular marketplaces in Tamil Nadu are buzzing with activity. Shoppers, too, are seizing massive discounts across textiles, jewellery, electronics, and home appliances fronts in the fourth month of the Tamil calendar. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Traditionally observed as a sacred time for rituals and divine offerings, Aadi has undeniably evolved into a high-octane shopping season over time, with retailers offering lucrative deals to keep consumer demand at a steady high during the month. Retailers across Chennai, from T Nagar and Pondy Bazaar to Parry's Corner and Sowcarpet, tell us that they are expecting a 20– 30% surge in footfall compared to last year, driven by attractive offers, EMI options, and festivalexclusive combo deals. 'People may cut costs elsewhere, but not on gold' 'Lightweight and antique-style jewellery are in demand and popular, especially among young brides. This year, we've also introduced virtual try-ons and doorstep delivery for elderly customers. Sales are 18% higher than last year so far. The craze for gold during Aadi is emotional as much as financial — it's seen as an auspicious investment,' informs Akbar Ali, owner of a jewellery store in Parry's Corner. 'Aadi is like Deepavali for the home appliances business' "Aadi is no longer just a cultural event; it's a full-fledged consumer festival. For us, it's like Deepavali. People wait for this season to upgrade or replace home appliances. This year, discounts have gone up to 40%, and smart kitchen gadgets are trending big," states N Karthikeyan, sales manager at a home appliances store in T Nagar. 'We expect a 35% growth in sales this Aadi season' "Aadi always brings in a wave of shoppers, but this year, we are expecting at least 35% more sales than in 2024. The season has begun well with strong demand for bridal saris, everyday cottons, and men's festive shirts. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now There's been a clear uptick in young shoppers, especially working women who prefer readymade options. Even NRIs visiting India for July-August weddings are stopping by," says Ranendran Pillai, co-owner of a textile store in Sowcarpet. What's hot this Aadi festive: Electronics and appliances: Air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, mixer grinders, robot vacuum cleaners and Android TVs are trending Textiles: Sarees, cotton kurtis , wedding silks, and readymade wear continue to dominate Jewellery: Lightweight gold, bridal sets, and festive bangles remain customer favourites Consumer behaviour: Customers, especially young couples and homemakers, are increasingly opting for no-cost EMIs, exchange offers, and combo packs
India.com
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Karuppu Teaser: Suriya delights fans with massy action on his 50th birthday under RJ Balaji's direction- watch
Karuppu Teaser: On the 50th birthday of South film industry superstar Suriya, the makers have released the explosive teaser of his much-awaited film 'Karuppu'. Suriya is seen doing fierce fighting in the teaser of the upcoming film. The action thriller film, produced under the banner of Dream Warrior Pictures, is directed by RJ Balaji. The production house shared the teaser on the social media platform X account and wrote in the caption that on this special day of Suriya sir, we are very excited to present the spectacular teaser of Karuppu. What is Suriya's character in Karuppu? At the beginning of the teaser. It is shown in the teaser that the Karuppu deity is being worshipped with chillies. Also, a voice is heard saying, This is not a peaceful deity who should be worshipped peacefully. If you offer chilies with true devotion, then this is a fierce deity who gives immediate justice. Watch Karuppu Teaser: Suriya treats fans with a new look in the Karuppu teaser After this, the audience is introduced to Suriya's character 'Saravanan', also known as 'Karuppu'. He plays the role of a lawyer in the film. There are many action scenes in the teaser, which present it as an entertaining film. Suriya is seen speaking many powerful dialogues, such as, Blast! Brother, this is our time; we have to teach everyone a lesson. Suriya to romance this actress in Karuppu? Actress Trisha Krishnan is in the lead role with Suriya in the film. Trisha has previously worked with Suriya in the 2005 film 'Aaru'. Apart from Suriya and Trisha, the film also stars Malayalam actors Indras, Sivada, Swasika, and Tamil actors Yogi Babu, Natarajan Subramaniam in important roles. The music of the film has been composed by young musician Sai Abhyankar. Cinematography is done by GK Vishnu, editing is done by R. Kalaivanan, and stunt choreography is done by Vikram More, while art direction is by Arun Venjaramoodu. The film is expected to release on Deepavali.
New Indian Express
6 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Ideology permanent, alliances poll-driven: AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami
THANJAVUR: AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami said his party's ideology is different from that of its allies. 'Alliance is formed during elections to consolidate votes for the victory of the candidates, whereas ideology is permanent. We would not compromise our ideology,' he said. Campaigning at Papanasam, an Assembly constituency with a considerable population of minority community on Tuesday, Palaniswami said AIADMK is a party beyond caste and religious considerations, and its cadre are from all castes and religions. They are also united, he added. Addressing weavers at a hotel in Kumbakonam, the opposition leader assured that if AIADMK comes to power, a handloom silk saree will be given under the 'gold for thaali' scheme. Meanwhile at Tiruvaiyaru, he said if the party forms the government, a saree will be given to women on the occasion of Deepavali from 2026 onwards. Speaking at Thanjavur, the opposition leader said Chief Minister M K Stalin, his ministers, DMK office-bearers and its allies are creating a narrative as if parliamentary election will be held next year. 'They are criticising BJP as there is nothing for them to point out against AIADMK', he added. Justifying AIADMK's alliance with BJP, EPS asked what's wrong with aligning with BJP. 'We can form alliance with any party of our choice,' he said, adding their aim is to dislodge the DMK government.
New Straits Times
7 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
MICCI backs Penang's festive trade fair policy to protect local Indian traders
GEORGE TOWN: The Malaysian Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI), Penang branch, has thrown its support behind the state government's policy of regulating the participation of outstation traders at Indian festive trade fairs in the state. MICCI Penang president Datuk S. Parthiban said the measure was necessary to protect the livelihood of local Indian traders, many of whom depended heavily on festive events like Deepavali sales to sustain their annual operations. "We commend the Penang government for its careful consideration of the challenges faced by local entrepreneurs. "Many of them shoulder year-round obligations such as rent, staff wages and taxes, and deserve the opportunity to thrive during the festive season," he said in a statement today. The policy, introduced five years ago, restricted the participation of festive sale carnivals to local traders only. However, it still allowed for the inclusion of non-Penang traders during non-peak periods, specifically from April 1 to June 30. "This is not a blanket ban. It is a structured, fair approach that balances the need to preserve market viability for Penang-based traders while allowing for healthy competition and diversity at other times of the year," Parthiban added. The statement follows recent public discourse surrounding enforcement action by the Seberang Prai City Council (MBSP) at an Indian trade fair in Bukit Mertajam. The incident sparked social media attention after several traders were issued summonses, prompting clarification from Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. Yesterday, Chow reaffirmed that the state's policy only applied during peak festive seasons and aimed at ensuring local traders were not undercut by outstation or foreign vendors offering products at lower prices. In its own statement, MBSP reiterated that it did not ban cultural trade fairs, but was enforcing specific participation guidelines to protect the economic interests of local Indian traders. The city council further confirmed that it had received complaints from local business groups over the dominance of external organisers and vendors during such carnivals. MICCI Penang said the policy was aligned with its long-standing advocacy for a level playing field and welcomed continued collaboration with the state government to strengthen local business resilience. "We thank the Penang government for taking a responsible, balanced and sustainable stance that benefits the wider business community," Parthiban said.
