Latest news with #Deepavali
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Andhra Pradesh government fast-tracks TIDCO housing for poor people
ONGOLE: The State government is prioritising the completion of TIDCO housing units across the State, aiming to deliver 365 and 430 sq. ft. houses to beneficiaries by this Deepavali festival, announced Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MAUD), P Narayana, on Friday. In a district-level review meeting at the Collectorate, the Minister confirmed that the long-delayed construction works had resumed, with L&T scheduled to begin work in Prakasam district within the next 15 days. MAUD Minister clarified that the TIDCO houses were categorised into 300 sq. ft., 365 sq. ft., and 430 sq. ft. units, and that the previous YSRCP government had left the scheme stalled. 'Despite bank loans being raised, many beneficiary accounts had turned into Non-Performing Assets (NPAs). Upon taking office, our alliance government paid Rs 140 crore to the bankers and got the scheme back on track,' he said. Narayana also revealed that the State is addressing the massive waste issue, with 85 lakh metric tons of garbage accumulated during the previous government's tenure. The government has already recycled 40 lakh tons and aims to clear the remaining waste by October 2. 'We are committed to providing safe drinking water, better sanitation, roads, and drainage facilities for urban citizens,' he said. The Minister also stated that the government is focusing on road expansion projects in Ongole, compensating affected families through TDR bonds. Despite the state's financial challenges, Narayana confirmed that under the leadership of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, the government has been able to secure central funds to drive its welfare and development agenda. 'We remain focused on fulfilling our promises, with plans to launch Anna Canteens in rural areas soon and generate 20 lakh job opportunities for the youth by attracting industrial giants to the state,' Narayana added.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- The Hindu
Gurugram Police to hit brakes on road stunts
GURUGRAM A 28-second video of a young man dangerously driving a yellow sports car in a zigzag pattern inside an underpass on Gurugram's Golf Course Road recently went viral. The man, yet to be identified, was seen hanging out of the speeding vehicle, making gestures and shouting at other motorists. Notably, the car did not carry a registration number plate. This incident followed closely on the heels of another video showing four undergraduates in a luxury car performing stunts in broad daylight on the Dwarka Expressway. Two of the men were seated atop the moving vehicle, blaring loud music. Such videos, especially during festive occasions like Deepavali, have increasingly surfaced on social media, showing young men bursting crackers atop moving cars or indulging in reckless driving, endangering not just themselves but also others on the road. While FIRs have been registered and some of the accused arrested, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Rajesh Mohan admits the trend is catching on in the Millennium City, likely inspired by social media content from Western countries. 'Double-edged sword' Mr. Mohan said that improved road infrastructure in Gurugram has become a double-edged sword, facilitating stunts on stretches like Golf Course Road and Dwarka Expressway. 'These incidents often happen at night when both traffic and police presence are minimal. The perpetrators believe they can get away with it,' he noted. The police are now going beyond fines to file criminal cases toclamp down on the growing menace. 'Most offenders come from affluent backgrounds and drive high-end vehicles. The fines for speeding or lane violations, ranging from ₹1,500 to ₹5,000, don't deter them. So, we register cases under Sections 281 (rash driving), 285 (obstructing public way), and 125 (endangering human life) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which allow for up to six months' imprisonment,' said Mr. Mohan. He also pointed out that in most cases, complaints are filed by police themselves after monitoring viral videos, as citizens rarely come forward. The police are focusing on stricter speed enforcement and have set up speed limit signage across key roads. and challans are now issued based on CCTV camera surveillance. According to data, 34,896 challans were issued for speeding till May 31 this year, almost double the 18,444 issued during the same period last year. Additionally, 19,887 challans were issued for lane violations and 1,738 for dangerous driving this year, compared to 61,780 and 3,891 respectively last year. While many of these stunts are performed to gain social media attention, others stem from a desire for thrill or to flaunt social status. To promote behavioural change, Gurugram police have adopted a two-pronged strategy: enforcement coupled with appreciation. 'Our campaign 'Drive Right, Shine Bright,' launched last month, rewards motorists who follow rules,' said Dr. Mohan. In May, five rule-abiding motorists were identified using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and felicitated. A mobile van has also been deployed for public awareness, and special drives are being conducted for app-based cab drivers, he added.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Director Durai Senthilkumar's film featuring Legend Saravanan to hit screens for Deepavali
Well known businessman-turned-actor Saravanan on Thursday disclosed that his next film, a suspense thriller that is being directed by director R S Durai Senthilkumar, would hit screens for Deepavali this year. Saravanan, who has taken the screen name Legend Saravanan, disclosed this information while talking to reporters at a wedding he had had come to attend. Legend Saravanan, who was seen at his relative's wedding, said: "The shooting for my next film is going on in full swing. The film has has reached its final stage. Shooting and post-production work will be completed soon. We are planning to release the film in theaters all over the world for Deepavali." The actor further said that the film would be a mass action, suspense thriller, in line with today's trend. The title of the film and the film itself will appeal to everyone in a new genre, he added. Ravi Teja's 'Ravanasura' gets release date Produced by The Legend New Saravana Stores Productions, the yet-to-be-titled film is a grand-budget venture directed by R S Durai Senthilkumar, best known for his blockbusters like 'Kakki Sattai,' 'Kodi,' and the recent success 'Garudan.' This movie will feature a captivating storyline designed to engage audiences across various sections. Bollywood star Payal Rajput plays the female lead in this film, which will also feature actors Shaam, Andrea Jeremiah, Baahubali Prabhakar, Santhosh Prathap, and Baby Iyal in pivotal roles. Music for the film has been composed by Gibran, with cinematography by S. Venkatesh and editing by Pradeep. Art direction for the film has been done by Durairaj, while Ambikapathi is the film's executive producer. Costume design is by Deepthi and Suresh is in charge of stills. Poster design for the film has been done by Dinesh, and action sequences have been choreographed by Matthew Mahesh.
Hans India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Director Durai Senthilkumar's film featuring Legend Saravanan to hit screens for Deepavali
Chennai: Well known businessman-turned-actor Saravanan on Thursday disclosed that his next film, a suspense thriller that is being directed by director R S Durai Senthilkumar, would hit screens for Deepavali this year. Saravanan, who has taken the screen name Legend Saravanan, disclosed this information while talking to reporters at a wedding he had had come to attend. Legend Saravanan, who was seen at his relative's wedding, said: "The shooting for my next film is going on in full swing. The film has has reached its final stage. Shooting and post-production work will be completed soon. We are planning to release the film in theaters all over the world for Deepavali." The actor further said that the film would be a mass action, suspense thriller, in line with today's trend. The title of the film and the film itself will appeal to everyone in a new genre, he added. Produced by The Legend New Saravana Stores Productions, the yet-to-be-titled film is a grand-budget venture directed by R S Durai Senthilkumar, best known for his blockbusters like 'Kakki Sattai,' 'Kodi,' and the recent success 'Garudan.' This movie will feature a captivating storyline designed to engage audiences across various sections. Bollywood star Payal Rajput plays the female lead in this film, which will also feature actors Shaam, Andrea Jeremiah, Baahubali Prabhakar, Santhosh Prathap, and Baby Iyal in pivotal roles. Music for the film has been composed by Gibran, with cinematography by S. Venkatesh and editing by Pradeep. Art direction for the film has been done by Durairaj, while Ambikapathi is the film's executive producer. Costume design is by Deepthi and Suresh is in charge of stills. Poster design for the film has been done by Dinesh, and action sequences have been choreographed by Matthew Mahesh.
Time Out
16-06-2025
- Business
- Time Out
This just in: Singapore's public holidays for 2026 are announced, with total of 6 long weekends
There's still half the year left to go – but we're only left with three public holidays for the rest of 2025. Sounds like a long road ahead, but here's some news to cheer you up a lil': Singapore's public holiday dates for 2026 have just been officially announced by the Ministry of Manpower, and turns out, we're getting a total of six long weekends out of the 11 gazetted public holidays. That's not a bad deal at all, even though we'll be getting one less public holiday than we did this year – because of Polling Day 2025 giving us an additional 'free' rest day. Here's the full list of public holidays in Singapore for 2026, with long weekends marked by an asterisk: As per MOM's Employment Act, whenever a public holiday falls on a Sunday, your next working day will be a public holiday in lieu. In other words, if you're on a standard five-day working schedule from Monday to Friday, then your off days for the three consecutive public holidays that fall on Sundays will be on the following Mondays instead: June 1 for Vesak Day, August 10 for National Day, and November 9 for Deepavali. Moreover, Hari Raya Puasa falls on a Saturday this year. If that's a non-working day for you, then you should be getting time off in lieu as well – or salary in lieu, if you're asked to work. Some companies may standardise this off in lieu date for the following Monday (March 23), while others may credit it to your overall leave balance for you to use whenever you like, within a certain period of time. If the latter, we suggest taking this extra day off on a Friday or Monday so as to create another long weekend for yourself. If you're made to work on a public holiday that falls on a rest day or non-working day, bear in mind that you're legally entitled to one extra day's salary at your gross rate of pay or even overtime pay, depending on your work scenario. Singapore's MOM website has a clear table of entitlements as well as a handy calculator so you can easily find out what sort of compensation you should be given – take note of this and don't let your company shortchange you! Now that these public holiday dates for 2026 are official, it's never too early to start planning your long weekend getaways out of Singapore. Need some ideas? Check out our lists of travel destinations less than five hours from Singapore, beach vacation spots near Singapore, and best mountain hikes near Singapore. If you're one of many Korea-loving Singaporeans, you'll be glad to hear of T'way Air's new direct flights to Jeju under $350. Else, venture further by hopping onto a Singapore-Vancouver direct flight or explore Europe's City of Music with direct low-cost flights to Vienna.
