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Revenues of organised <keyword id="21758362" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="gold-jewellery-retailers" source="keywords">gold jewellery retailers</keyword> are expected to surge by 22-25% this fiscal year, driven by the sharp reduction in import duties on <keyword id="18712" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="gold" source="Orion">gold</keyword> in the July Budget, according to a <keyword id="20874793" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="CRISIL-report" source="keywords">CRISIL report</keyword>. A recent analysis by CRISIL Ratings, which examined 58 gold jewellery retailers representing a third of the <keyword id="21165181" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="organised-sector" source="keywords">organised sector</keyword>'s revenues, indicates that the sector will benefit from improved <keyword id="19900859" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="working-capital" source="keywords">working capital</keyword> management. Although many retailers plan significant store expansions--estimated at 12-14% of existing stores--lower gold prices will reduce inventory costs, providing working capital relief. The organised jewellery sector, which accounts for just over a third of the overall market, is poised for a stronger financial performance compared to its unorganised counterpart. The steep reduction in <keyword id="20069572" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="import-duty" source="keywords">import duty</keyword> has come at a crucial time for the industry, as retailers prepare for the festive and marriage seasons. Following the price decline, volumes are expected to grow by 3-5% this fiscal year, reversing earlier projections of stagnant demand. Gold prices had been steadily rising since February 2024, which had subdued consumer demand and led to revenue growth driven solely by higher realisations rather than increased sales volumes. Himank Sharma, Director at CRISIL Ratings, highlighted the timely impact of the duty cut and said, "The duty cuts to their decadal lows have come at an opportune time for the gold jewellery retailers as they start stocking for the festive and marriage seasons from the latter half of August." He added, "However, the inventory losses on the existing stock due to the price cuts will be partially mitigated by the reduced spends on marketing and discounts, as demand revives. All said <keyword id="19957745" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="profitability" source="keywords">profitability</keyword> will see a marginal dip on-year to 7.1-7.2%." Despite the pressure on profitability, retailers' cash flows will improve due to higher revenues, enabling them to pursue expansion plans. Store expansions, expected to increase by 12-14%, will require higher inventory levels. However, the lower input costs resulting from reduced gold prices will balance out the additional working capital requirements. Gaurav Arora, Associate Director at CRISIL Ratings, added, "Gold jewellery retailers will maintain comfortable financial metrics this fiscal, with total outside liabilities to tangible net worth (TOL/TNW) and interest coverage ratios remaining around 1.0 and 9 times, respectively. These will be moderately better than our earlier expectations, keeping credit profiles stable." As the festive season approaches, gold prices remain around 17% higher than last year's average, which is expected to sustain demand and further drive revenues in the second half of the fiscal year. However, potential volatility in gold prices, changes in government regulations, and shifts in consumer sentiment will need to be closely monitored. The combination of reduced prices, increased demand, and improved working capital management is expected to keep the financial outlook for gold jewellery retailers positive, despite the slight dip in profitability. The reduced duty has caused retail gold prices to fall by Rs 4,500-5,000 per 10 grams, leading to increased demand for gold jewellery. The growth projection, 500-600 basis points higher than earlier estimates of 17-19%, is fuelled by higher volumes as more consumers are enticed by the lower prices.

Budget import duty cut will boost gold jewellery retailers' revenues by 22-25% this fiscal, notes CRISIL report

<ul><li>This year’s initial <keyword id="19894908" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="festive-season" source="keywords">festive season</keyword> has been good for smartphone makers, with an 11% increase in sales.</li><li><keyword id="19897758" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Samsung" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Samsung" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Samsung">Samsung</keyword> has emerged as the biggest smartphone maker in the first phase, followed by <keyword id="19894961" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Apple" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Apple" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Apple">Apple</keyword>.</li><li>Samsung recorded a 20% market share in the first phase, followed by Apple with a 16% market share.</li></ul>The festive season is here and e-commerce platforms Amazon, Flipkart and others have started their festive sales, offering devices such as smartphones at a discounted price. According to a report by Tech Insights, <keyword id="21017681" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="smartphone-sales" source="keywords">smartphone sales</keyword> recorded an 11% growth in the first wave of the festive season sales in India between September 26 to October 6. Among the smartphone makers, Samsung topped the chart with a 20% market share in volume terms during the first phase. "Samsung led the smartphone sales volume with a 20% market share followed by Apple in the first wave of the festive season," Tech Insight said in a blog. Apple is also gaining speed in the Indian market, with over 10 lakh iPhones being sold during the 11-day sale period. The top-selling models for Samsung include the Samsung Galaxy M35, Galaxy S23, Galaxy A14, Galaxy S23 FE and more. "Samsung was also the main sponsor for sales events on Flipkart and Amazon which also gave it an additional push. Samsung sales in unit terms grew 17% year-on-year in 2024's first wave compared to 2023's first wave," the blog said. The platform estimates that online sales volume accounted for 78% of the total sales during the phase 1 period. It was driven by online sales festivals like Big Billion Days on Flipkart and The Great Indian Festival on Amazon India while offline sales started to pick momentum with the start of Navratri. Apple was a surprising second with a 16% market share driven by strong sales of the iPhone 15 which crossed a million mark in 11 days of sales. iPhone 13 followed but the sales gap between iPhone 15 and 13 was significant. Oppo, OnePlus, Xiaomi, and Realme were also among the top vendors in the first wave of the festive season by volume. "North region sales were less compared to other region sales due to the importance of Shradh in this region. Also, states like West Bengal and Gujrat experienced better sales compared to other regions given the preparation for the popular Durga Pooja festival in these states," the blog said. With inputs from agencies. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/byd-emax-7-electric-mpv-launched-in-india-starting-at-26-9-lakh/slidelist/114046121.cms">BYD eMax 7 electric MPV launched in India starting at ₹26.9 lakh</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/personal-finance/news/heres-how-a-reddit-user-was-able-to-get-an-iphone-16-at-under-27000/articleshow/114035179.cms">Here’s how a Reddit user was able to get an iPhone 16 at under ₹27,000</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/hyundai-swiggy-ather-upcoming-large-ipos-in-india/slidelist/114014140.cms">Hyundai To Swiggy: Everyone wants to cash in on the IPO bonanza</a>

Samsung leads the first phase of festive sales with a 20% market share

From Holi to Christmas  – Important festival dates in 2024

Diwali, the festival of lights, is just around the corner, and it's time to start thinking about the perfect gifts for your loved ones. One of the best gifts to give is something that is used frequently and makes life easier. It might be a good idea to go with something like a smartwatch or a Bluetooth headphone as they offer a lot of features without burning a hole in your pocket. Here's a list of some of the best <keyword id="22647823" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tech-gifts" source="keywords">tech gifts</keyword> you can consider for this festive season for your friends and family. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 5G If you are in the market for a powerful and reliable Android smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 5G is an excellent option. It features a 6.8-inch Quad HD+ Dynamic AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy chipset coupled with 12GB RAM and up to 1TB of internal storage. It features a quad camera setup at the back and comes with a 12MP front camera. It is powered by a 5,000mAh battery and comes with 45W charging support. <keyword id="20052997" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="OnePlus-12" source="keywords">OnePlus 12</keyword> The OnePlus 12 is a good option if you are looking for a flagship device without burning a hole in your pocket. It features a 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. The device offers up to 16GB RAM and 512GB of internal storage. It features a triple camera setup at the back and comes with a 32MP selfie camera. Powering the OnePlus 12 is a 5,400mAh battery with 100W fast charging support. iQOO 12 The iQOO 12 is another value-for-money flagship device that is aimed at users looking for a camera-centric device. The iQOO 12 features a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and offers up to 16GB RAM and 512GB of internal storage. The device comes with a triple camera setup at the back and features a 16MP selfie camera. It is powered by a 5,000mAh battery with 120W fast charging support. Apple iPhone 13 If you are looking to purchase an iPhone without burning a hole in your pocket, the iPhone 13 is currently available at a discounted price. The iPhone 13 features a large 6.1-inch Super Retina display and is powered by the powerful A15 Bionic chipset. The device features a dual camera setup at the back consisting of a 48MP primary camera and is equipped with a 12MP selfie camera. OnePlus Watch 2R Keeping track of your health and wellness is important and these is where smartwatches come in. The OnePlus Watch 2R is a good option that offers good fitness tracking while providing a decent battery life. The Watch 2R runs on runs on WearOS 4 and RTOS. It offers sensors such as an Acceleration sensor, Gyroscope sensor, Optical heart rate sensor, Ratio Optical pulse oximeter sensor, Barometer and more. Noise Twist Go If you are looking for a more affordable option, the Noise Twist Go is worth considering. It features a 1.39-inch circular display. The watch comes with over 100 sport modes and offers continuous heart rate tracking and sleep tracking. The watch is available in several strap options, including metal, silicone and more. OnePlus Buds 3 The OnePlus Buds 3 is a good option if you are looking for reliable TWS earphones at an affordable price. The earphone comes with a 10.4mm + 6mm dynamic driver that delivers powerful bass. It comes with a low latency mode and offers a battery life of up to 44 hours. It offers quick pairing for easy pairing and allows you to quickly switch between devices. Sony WF-C500 Sony is another popular name when it comes to audio products. The Sony WF-C500 is a good option if you are looking for reliable true wireless earbuds. It comes with a compact form factor and fits snugly in your ear. The earbuds come with IPX4 water resistance support, allowing you to use them outdoors and during workouts. It offers a 20-hour battery life and a 10-minute charge offers an hour of playback.

Diwali gifting made easy – best tech gifts to give this festive season

Domestic <keyword id="19910265" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="gold-prices" source="keywords">gold prices</keyword> have risen by 10% on a year-to-date basis on the back of the strength in global gold prices, which have surged by 18% year-to-date, driven by robust <keyword id="19894998" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="central-bank" source="keywords">central bank</keyword> purchases, heightened geopolitical risks, and growing expectations of a monetary policy pivot from the <keyword id="19901377" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="us-federal-reserve" source="keywords">US Federal Reserve</keyword>, according to the <keyword id="20195223" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="World-Gold-Council" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="World Gold Council" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="World Gold Council">World Gold Council</keyword>. The reduction in <keyword id="20069572" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="import-duty" source="keywords">import duty</keyword> has ignited a resurgence in gold demand across <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword>. Reports from the recently concluded India International Jewellery Show indicate a substantial increase in order bookings from retailers, particularly in preparation for the upcoming festive and wedding season. Manufacturers have noted that in some cases, orders have reached levels not seen in several years, underscoring the strong buying interest among <keyword id="21595593" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="jewellery-retailers" source="keywords">jewellery retailers</keyword> and consumers alike. The trend of bar and coin buying has also remained robust, with both consumers and jewellers capitalizing on the more attractive prices to stock up for future manufacturing needs. Historical analysis suggests that Indian consumer demand, encompassing jewellery and bar and coin demand, could see an additional 50 tonnes or more in the second half of 2024. This potential increase is fueled by a combination of an initial boost in consumer appetite due to the more attractive prices and a longer-term alignment of local prices with international rates. In a notable shift, domestic gold prices, which had been trading at a discount to international prices for five consecutive months, have now started trading at a premium following the <keyword id="19908389" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Union-Budget" source="keywords">Union Budget</keyword> announcement. The discount had widened significantly in July, reaching a peak of around $80 per ounce in the third week of the month, driven by subdued demand and an increased supply of gold through various preferential trade agreements and unofficial channels. However, wholesalers who had inventory purchased under the old customs duty regime began selling gold at a premium to the landed cost to mitigate their losses, further supported by increased consumer demand. While the premiums have moderated recently, from $28 per ounce to around USD 5 per ounce, this shift highlights the changing market sentiment and the impact of rising international gold prices and potential inventory valuation adjustments. The changes introduced in the Union Budget, including a reduction in the long-term investment holding period and a lower tax rate, have made gold ETFs a more attractive investment option. Data from the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) reveals that net inflows into gold ETFs in July amounted to Rs 13.4 billion (approximately USD 160 million), marking the highest monthly inflows since February 2020 and an 84% increase compared to June 2024. Despite these inflows, the total assets under management (AUM) for Indian gold ETFs grew marginally by 0.3% from the previous month, reaching Rs 345 billion ($4.1 billion). This modest increase can be attributed to the 8 % fall in domestic gold prices following the import duty reduction. Year-to-date, net inflows into Indian gold ETFs have totalled Rs 45 billion ($543 million), with total AUMs rising by 48 % from a year ago. The <keyword id="19899810" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Reserve-Bank-of-India" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Reserve Bank of India" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="Reserve Bank of India">Reserve Bank of India</keyword> (RBI) has continued its gold purchasing trend, although at a slower pace following a significant increase in June, when purchases reached 9.3 tonnes--the highest monthly total in nearly two years. Year-to-date, the RBI's gold acquisitions have totaled 44.3 tonnes, surpassing the total purchases of the past two years combined. The RBI's gold reserves have now reached a record 849 tonnes, representing 8.8% of total foreign reserves, compared to 7.5 % a year ago. In July, gold imports remained steady at $3.1 billion, maintaining the stable trend observed over the previous three months. Between April and July, imports averaged $3.2 billion, with volumes ranging between 43 and 47 tonnes during this period. The gold import bill for July 2024 was 11 % lower than the previous year, with an estimated 26% decrease in volume terms, around 47 tonnes. Despite a surge in international gold prices, domestic gold prices in India have experienced a notable decline, primarily due to the 9 % reduction in import duty announced in the Union Budget 2024-25. This policy change has led to a 6% decrease in the landed cost of gold, marking a shift in the domestic gold market dynamics.

Domestic gold prices surge 10% amid global price rally, central bank buying: World Gold Council

In response to requests from multiple political parties, the <keyword id="19895782" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="election-commission" source="keywords">Election Commission</keyword> (EC) has decided to postpone upcoming by-elections in <keyword id="19894922" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="uttar-pradesh" source="keywords">Uttar Pradesh</keyword>, Kerala, and Punjab. Originally scheduled for November 13, the polls will now take place on November 20. This rescheduling aims to accommodate local festivities and boost voter turnout. The EC’s decision follows appeals from parties like the <keyword id="19895371" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="congress" source="keywords">Congress</keyword> (INC), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), and <keyword id="19984283" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rashtriya-lok-dal" source="keywords">Rashtriya Lok Dal</keyword> (RLD), which expressed concerns over potential low turnout due to regional celebrations during the original polling date. The Congress highlighted that in Kerala's 56-Palakkad Assembly Constituency, many residents will participate in the Kalpathi Ratholsavam festival, a major event set to run from November 13 to 15. Similarly, representatives from the BJP, BSP, and RLD raised concerns in Uttar Pradesh, where people begin travelling several days in advance for <keyword id="22124352" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="kartik-purnima" source="keywords">Kartik Purnima</keyword>, an important festival observed in the state. In Punjab, the Congress pointed out that celebrations for the 555th Prakash Parv of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji are scheduled for November 15, with religious observances starting on November 13. These festivals are expected to draw significant portions of the electorate, particularly in rural areas. The EC has previously demonstrated flexibility to prioritise voter participation by adjusting poll dates to avoid clashes with religious or cultural events. In recent years, polling dates were modified for various elections, including the <keyword id="23790298" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="punjab-state-elections" source="keywords">Punjab State Elections</keyword> 2022 during the Shri Guru Ravidas Jayanti, and the <keyword id="23790297" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="uttar-pradesh-assembly-elections" source="keywords">Uttar Pradesh Assembly Elections</keyword> 2012 for <keyword id="23790296" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="barawafat" source="keywords">Barawafat</keyword>. Similar changes were made in Manipur, Mizoram, and Rajasthan to respect community schedules and increase voter convenience. With this adjustment, one assembly constituency in Kerala, four in Punjab, and nine in Uttar Pradesh will now hold their by-polls on November 20, while the dates for vote counting and final poll completion remain set for November 23 and 25, respectively. (With inputs from agencies)

By-polls in Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, and Punjab rescheduled due to clash with religious festivals — check new dates here

<ul><li><keyword id="23134822" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Amazon-Great-Indian-Festival" source="keywords">Amazon Great Indian Festival</keyword> begins on September 27 for all</li><li>Prime users get early access to the sale</li><li>Apple's <keyword id="21240170" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="MacBook-Air-M1" source="keywords">MacBook Air M1</keyword> will be available at a special discount</li></ul> Amazon's Great Indian Festival begins this Friday and as we get closer to the shopping fiesta, people are eager to know about the deals that will be available. For Prime members, the sale begins a day early, on September 26. Several gadgets including smartphones, laptops, TWS earbuds etc will be available at attractive prices during the deal. If you are thinking of buying a laptop during the <keyword id="20586627" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Amazon-sale" source="keywords">Amazon sale</keyword>, here's some good news. The website recently teased a deal on the MacBook Air M1. <h2>MacBook Air 1 to get discounted during Amazon Great Indian Festival</h2>The MacBook Air M1 will be available at a huge discount during the Amazon sale. The laptop, which originally launched in India at a price of ₹92,990, is set to become much more affordable during the upcoming festive sales. Currently listed on Amazon at ₹62,990, the laptop will see a significant price drop to ₹55,990 during the sale period. Moreover, shoppers using select bank cards will benefit from an instant discount of ₹3,000, bringing the price further down. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113214171" title="iPhone 16 Pro with A18 Pro chip launched: Should you upgrade if you own an iPhone 15 Pro?" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> For those who are Amazon Prime members, there's an additional perk. Prime members who act quickly during the first few hours of the sale can enjoy an extra ₹3,000 off as part of an early bird offer. This means the price of the MacBook Air M1 could drop as low as ₹49,990 for some customers, making it one of the most enticing offers in the market for a high-end <keyword id="23291511" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Apple-laptop" source="keywords">Apple laptop</keyword>. <h2>Reasons to buy the MacBook Air M1 in 2024</h2>The MacBook Air M1 may not be Apple's latest model, but it remains a popular choice for both students and professionals due to its solid performance and long-lasting support from Apple. Powered by Apple's M1 chipset, the laptop features an 8-core CPU, with four performance cores and four efficiency cores. This combination allows the device to handle daily tasks with ease, while using far less power than traditional laptops, making it energy-efficient as well. The MacBook Air M1 has a 13.3-inch Retina display, boasting a 2560x1600 resolution. This crisp display makes it ideal for watching videos, editing photos, or simply browsing the web. Despite being launched a few years ago, it still packs enough power to meet the demands of everyday tasks, whether that’s work, study, or entertainment. One of the standout features of this laptop is its battery life. Apple claims that the MacBook Air M1 can last up to 18 hours on a single charge, which is more than enough for a full day of use without needing to reach for the charger. This makes it an excellent choice for people on the go, as it offers portability alongside top-tier performance. In terms of its build, the MacBook Air M1 has a sleek, minimalistic design, in line with Apple’s aesthetic standards. It features an aluminium finish that gives it a premium look and feel, while remaining lightweight at just under 1.3kg. This makes it easy to carry, whether you’re heading to the office, travelling, or attending classes. Apple is known for offering long-term support for its devices, and the MacBook Air M1 is no exception. This means that buyers can expect software updates and security patches for several years, extending the usability and lifespan of the laptop. For anyone considering investing in a laptop, this is an important factor, as it ensures that the device will not become obsolete anytime soon. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/article/from-firewire-in-macs-to-type-c-in-iphones-the-apple-connect/articleshow/112734982.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">From FireWire in Macs to Type-C in iPhones - the Apple Connect</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/article/elon-musk-to-tim-cook-a-morning-in-the-lives-of-big-tech-ceos/articleshow/113599807.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Elon Musk to Tim Cook: A morning in the lives of big tech CEOs</a>

Apple MacBook Air M1 to be available under ₹50,000 on Amazon, how to get the deal

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The music festival All Things Go took place on Saturday and Sunday in Maryland and New York.</li><li>Chappell Roan, a major draw, dropped out at the last minute — but other performers made up for it.</li></ul>On Sunday evening, MUNA welcomed the crowd at Maryland's Merriweather Post Pavilion to All Things Go Music Festival, which the group lovingly dubbed "<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://x.com/wheremunais/status/1840759953323151440">Lesbopalooza</a>."When the word flashed onto the big screen, the crowd's ear-splitting reaction spoke for itself. The three queer bandmates, Katie Gavin, Naomi McPherson, and Josette Maskin, went on to deliver a triumphant hourlong set that toed the line between horny and silly. There was grinding during the sex-fantasy anthem "<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://youtu.be/O38S8D2O1oA?si=HCgR6G-F2cC-38Ud">No Idea;</a>" they threw a bunch of inflatable ponies into the pit during "<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://youtu.be/olo9MCKosAI?si=gYLeAn9A6QrAU5nY">Anything But Me</a>," a song that begins, "You're gonna say that I'm on a high horse / I think that my horse is regular-sized."Many bands dream of being met with this kind of rabid enthusiasm someday. But the remarkable thing was that MUNA wasn't even the artist the festival crowd had bought tickets to see.The original performer intended for that slot, Chappell Roan, pulled out of the festival the day before it began, leaving organizers to work "<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://x.com/AllThingsGo/status/1840047611731993047">around the clock</a>" to fill the gap in their schedule.Luckily, MUNA was already set to perform at the inaugural New York installment of the festival on Saturday, so the band agreed to double up. (Roan's performance slot at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens was replaced instead by a troupe of local drag queens.)<div type="image" title="Fans hold a lesbian pride flag at All Things Go in New York." height="2794" width="4200" msid="113829823" hostid="261" sizebytes="1176382"></div>Roan's decision was met with equal parts support and disappointment by festivalgoers. Many said they'd been convinced to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/streaming/how-to-buy-all-things-go-tickets-festival-2024">buy tickets</a> (ranging from $119 to $199, or even more at resale prices) off the strength of Roan's now-famous stage presence, not to mention the extraordinary pace of her career trajectory. Though Roan was not billed as a headliner, by the time the festival rolled around, her monthly listeners on Spotify had swelled to over 45 million, far surpassing the majority of her fellow performers (and second only to Sunday headliner Hozier).Even in her absence, Roan's aesthetic was everywhere. The festival was dotted with her "Midwest Princess" merchandise and <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/chappell-roan-pink-pony-club-song-history-success-2024-9">"Pink Pony Club"-style cowboy hats</a>. At least one person was in full Lady Liberty drag, emulating <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://people.com/chappell-roan-dresses-as-statue-of-liberty-governors-ball-statement-about-freedom-8660637">Roan's onstage look at Governors Ball</a> in June.On social media, there were fewer examples of solidarity. Roan was <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://nypost.com/2024/09/27/entertainment/chappell-roan-faces-backlash-for-canceling-festival-appearance-unprofessional/">widely criticized</a> for withdrawing from the festival on such short notice; her decision came after a week of backlash, sparked by poorly phrased political statements that Roan shared on TikTok. On Friday, when she announced her mini hiatus, Roan told fans the noise had gotten "overwhelming."Still, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://x.com/AllThingsGo/status/1840263082225865096">festival organizers</a> and performers were united in Roan's corner. In a statement, All Things Go said it "strongly supports artists prioritizing their well-being." MUNA even <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://x.com/wheremunais/status/1840415256310411332">added a cover</a> of Roan's breakout hit "<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RKqOmSkGgM">Good Luck Babe!</a>" to their setlist, describing it as a "group exercise" in showing her love and support.This position makes sense, as All Things Go has long been committed to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/all-things-go-music-festival-review-recap-2023-10">booking and uplifting both women and queer artists</a>.MUNA has demonstrated the same commitment, particularly over the past few years while they've toured to support their 2022 self-titled album. The band regularly recruits friends — usually women and artists from the LGBTQ+ community — to join the stage for their finale song, "<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhyk9rchC2c">Silk Chiffon</a>," including the likes of Phoebe Bridgers (who's featured on the studio version), Lorde, Gracie Abrams, Arlo Parks, Julien Baker, and most recently, Lucy Dacus."Silk Chiffon" may be MUNA's biggest song to date, the indie hit that ushered in <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/muna-taylor-swift-group-chat-songs-queer-joy-interview-2023-10">their self-described "queer joy" era</a>, but it's only one of many gems on their setlist. Indeed, for fans who ventured to All Things Go for Roan and got MUNA instead, it's hard to imagine how they could walk away unsatisfied. Their two catalogs share many of the same themes: rebellion, transformation, self-determination, sapphic lust, and, most importantly, hope and resilience in the face of judgment and bigotry.<div type="image" title="Reneé Rapp and Towa Bird kiss onstage at All Things Go in Maryland." height="2000" width="3000" msid="113829826" hostid="261" sizebytes="268778"></div>Roan's fans were understandably let down by her absence, but if All Things Go showed us anything, it's that there's a deep well of queer musicians working today who are equally deserving of attention and admiration.Put another way: Roan is not the only member of the LGBTQ+ community making escapist-yet-intimate pop music right now, although the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/pop-stars-criticizing-fans-chappell-roan-taylor-swift-doja-cat-2024-8">parasocial behavior she's inspired</a> might make you believe that she is.The backlash Roan received this week was at least partially warranted — she failed to effectively communicate her <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://time.com/7023308/chappell-roan-kamala-harris-endorse-trump-problems-both-sides-reactions/">criticism of the Democratic party</a>, causing her to fall into the familiar trap of "<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/wordplay/bothsidesing-bothsidesism-new-words-were-watching">bothsidesing</a>," and then failed to effectively address that constructive criticism — but it's also true that her rise to stardom has led to vicious harassment and unreasonably high expectations for her life, her personality, and her career. Much of the obsession with Roan seems to spring from the notion that she is representing the queer community in a way that doesn't exist elsewhere (and therefore must represent the community perfectly), which is simply false.It's true that Roan has managed to uplift pockets of queer culture that are often overlooked or unjustly vilified, especially drag performers and trans people. She has also been celebrated for speaking out for social justice initiatives. But she's certainly not alone in these pursuits. Onstage at All Things Go, MUNA made a point to dedicate "<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://youtu.be/JDOiWGAaT8E?si=0KvgsEwOV5SHKj_X">Kind of Girl</a>" to the trans people in the audience, and to introduce their performance of "<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-t5gGm3NWU4">I Know a Place</a>" — an optimistic rallying cry for queer kids who feel unsafe or unloved, kind of like their very own "Pink Pony Club" — with <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/muna-chappell-roan-cover-all-things-go-1235787997/">an impassioned speech against fascism</a>.<div type="image" title="Janelle Monáe performs at All Things Go in Maryland." height="1996" width="3000" msid="113829821" hostid="261" sizebytes="900740"></div>And MUNA was hardly the only queer act at the festival. Their performance was followed by <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/renee-rapp-too-well-sex-lives-mean-girls-interview-2023-4">Reneé Rapp</a>, the shamelessly <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/renee-rapp-mean-girls-press-tour-media-training-2024-1">unfiltered</a> vocal powerhouse who came out as a lesbian earlier this year. Other standouts included Towa Bird, who delivered her own guitar-fueled set before joining her girlfriend Rapp onstage for "<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGeLt9pMDgU">Tummy Hurts</a>;" Amber Bain of The Japanese House, whose stunning indie-pop jewels like ":)" and "<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/top-songs-this-year-ranked-best-tracks-2023-12">Boyhood</a>" explore her journeys with queerness and gender; Maren Morris of "The Middle" fame, who recently came out as bisexual; acclaimed singer-songwriter Ethel Cain, who is trans; <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/conan-gray-coachella-merch-new-album-superache-interview-2022-4">Conan Gray</a>, beloved for his poignant portrayals of gay yearning; and Janelle Monáe, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/9-celebrities-who-identify-as-gender-non-binary-2019-6">a self-identified "free-ass motherfucker"</a> who dazzled the festival crowd with campy costume changes, gay anthems, and show-stopping vocals.None of these artists have reached the same level of mainstream success as Roan, but that's kind of the problem — and the point. When there's only one person forced upon a pedestal, she's almost destined to let you down. There's no reason why Roan should be saddled with the hopes and expectations of an entire community when she has plenty of peers who can (and should) be sharing the spotlight.

Chappell Roan dropping out of a music festival had an unexpected upside for fans of queer pop

New Delhi: <keyword id="22930355" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Janmashtami-festivities" source="keywords">Janmashtami festivities</keyword> across the country led to a <keyword id="22930356" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="business-surge" source="keywords">business surge</keyword>, with transactions exceeding Rs 25,000 crore, according to the Confederation of All India Traders (<keyword id="20143308" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="CAIT" source="keywords">CAIT</keyword>). These figure highlight the robust consumer spending during the festival driven by the vibrant celebrations of <keyword id="20126824" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="janmashtami" source="keywords">Janmashtami</keyword>, marking one of the most commercially active periods of the year. CAIT's National General Secretary and Member of Parliament from Chandni Chowk, Praveen Khandelwal, stated that during this significant festival, large-scale sales were observed, particularly in flowers, fruits, sweets, deity costumes, decorative items, fasting sweets, milk, curd, butter, and dry fruits. Khandelwal said that festivals like Janmashtami are an important part of the Sanatan economy, which strengthens the nation's economy. CAIT's National President, BC Bhartia said that Janmashtami was celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country, especially in North and West India, where the festival was celebrated with much joy. <keyword id="20187217" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Krishna-Janmashtami" source="keywords">Krishna Janmashtami</keyword> was celebrated on August 26 this year across the country. Devotees traditionally fast and decorate temples and homes with flowers, diyas, and lights. Temples were decorated attractively, and there were large crowds of people visiting them. He highlighted that the special attractions of the Janmashtami festival included digital tableaux, selfie points with Lord Krishna, and many other delightful scenes. In cities, there were numerous bhajans, religious dances, and discourses by saints and sages. Various social organizations also organized large-scale Janmashtami celebrations. According to scriptures, Janmashtami is celebrated on the eighth day of the dark fortnight of the month of Bhadrapada. It is the day Lord Krishna was born. Earlier this month, the CAIT anticipated a festive trade of over Rs 12,000 crore across the country during the Rakhi festival. In 2022, the business during the Rakhi festival stood at around Rs 7,000 crore, in 2021 it was Rs 6,000 crore, in 2020 it was Rs 5,000 crore, in 2019 it was Rs 3,500 crore, and in 2018 it was Rs 3,000 crore, as per Khandelwal. The trade body said that the markets are witnessing a massive rush for shopping, and people are very enthusiastic about the festival.

Janmashtami festivities drive business across India, sales exceed Rs 25,000 crore: CAIT

Mumbai filmmaker <keyword id="4410429" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="payal-kapadia" source="Orion">Payal Kapadia</keyword> has recently graced our news after winning the ‘Grand Prix’ — the second-most prestigious award at the 77th <keyword id="6366702" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="cannes" source="Orion">Cannes</keyword> International <keyword id="1666" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="film-festival" source="Orion">Film Festival</keyword>. This award was won by an international co-produced film called ‘All We Imagine As Light’, a 115-minute-long drama written and directed by Kapadia herself. While the win has directed much discourse towards the current state of Indian cinema, it also spurred another surprising detour towards a controversial avenue after the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) decided to congratulate Kapadia on her well-deserved win. Here’s the entire tea. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="How did it start?" comment="subhead" text="How did it start?">How did it start?</cmsannotation> The story goes back all the way to 2015, while Kapadia was still a student at FTII — India’s oldest and most premiere film board that is also under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. With a legacy of appointing many prestigious filmmakers as its president, such as the legendary Mrinal Sen and Shyam Benegal, the institute settled on the decision to appoint Gajendra Chauhan as its next chairman. Many FTII students protested the move as felt betrayed by this appointment. They claimed that Chauhan had not played any significant part in Indian entertainment industry, with him acting as Yudhishthira in the 1980s Mahabharat being his most prominent role. They claimed that Chauhan lacked the expertise and credentials to assume such a pivotal role at the esteemed institution, with some even even painting the move as a political ploy to saffronise yet another of India’s major institutions. The students feared that this appointment would hinder the artistic freedom and creative liberty that was erstwhile celebrated at the campus. In response to the nomination, a Kapadia-led group of students allegedly organised a 139-day mass protest that involved boycotting classes, even trapping the then-Director Prashant Pathrabe in his office until more clarification was provided. To say that this revolt was not taken lightly would be an understatement. After the office confrontation, the police were called to stifle the protest and 35 students were charged with various crimes, of which Kapadia and few other students faced the strictest charges. Academic “disciplinary action” was carried out after the arrests of Kapadia and four other protesters – a case still unresolved by the Indian courts. This involved depriving Kapadia and several other students of a scholarship and the chance to participate in foreign exchange programs, in addition to vacating them from their hostels. Many of these students were also demonised by Chauhan supporters, branding them as ‘anti-nationals’ and the like. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="FTII softens stance" comment="subhead" text="FTII softens stance">FTII softens stance</cmsannotation> While the charges still remain unwavered, Payal Kapadia refused to allow these harrowing circumstances to hinder her artistic productivity. Channelling the dissent around her, Kapadia made a documentary titled ‘A Night of Knowing Nothing’, a 2021 documentary about a university student writing letters to her estranged lover in the backdrop of the FTII student protests. This film premiered at Cannes, the Toronto International Film Festival and the Busan International Film Festival the same year. The docu-film was subsequently awarded prestigious awards at many of these events. However, this was hardly Kapadia’s first brush with international fame. In 2017, ‘Afternoon Clouds’, a 13-minute-long film about a 60-year-old Mumbai widow and her Nepali domestic help, was selected for screening at the Cannes International Festival. Recognising this, FTII issued a letter of support, offering to cover Kapadia’s travel expenses to the prestigious film festival. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="FTII faces backlash for congratulating Payal" comment="subhead" text="FTII faces backlash for congratulating Payal">FTII faces backlash for congratulating Payal</cmsannotation> After Kapadia’s historic win at Cannes this year — an award that made her the first Indian filmmaker to win the Grand Prix — the FTII congratulated the alumna on X, a move criticised by many. The post read: “It is a moment of pride for FTII as its Alumni create history at Cannes. As we witness a phenomenal year for Indian Cinema at 77th <keyword id="6362016" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="cannes-film-festival" source="Orion">Cannes Film Festival</keyword>, FTII cherishes the glorious achievements of its Alumni at this Mega International Stage of Cinema.” <div type="twitter" handle="FTIIOfficial" handlename="FTIIOfficial" favoritecount="0" retweetcount="0" id="1794623468195270913"></div> Since their official statement, many prominent celebrities have called the FTII out on their hypocrisy. These personalities deemed that the institute was trying to claim credit for Kapadia’s international success, despite its behaviour towards her and other dissenters in the past. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Ali Fazal, other personalities react to FTII celebration" comment="subhead" text="Ali Fazal, other personalities react to FTII celebration"><keyword id="486750" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ali-fazal" source="Orion">Ali Fazal</keyword>, other personalities react to FTII celebration</cmsannotation> Ali Fazal, known for his role in 3 Idiots, also criticised FTII for celebrating Payal Kapadia's Cannes win. The actor responded to the FTII congratulatory post with the caption ‘Uhhh… please don’t. Just don’t’. <div type="twitter" handle="alifazal9" handlename="alifazal9" favoritecount="0" retweetcount="0" id="1794659194446172374"></div> In addition, sound designer Resul Pookutty, who won an <keyword id="21112" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="oscar" source="Orion">Oscar</keyword> for Slumdog Millionaire, also called out the FTII for celebrating Payal's win. On Facebook, the personality explained that Kapadia's win at Cannes highlighted a significant gap in the Indian film industry's support for independent filmmakers. While the Government of India's annual delegations to Cannes predominantly feature familiar faces from the mainstream industry, Kapadia's success underscores the importance of recognising and supporting passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds, Pookutty asserted. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="PM Modi congratulates Payal, Shashi Tharoor reacts" comment="subhead" text="PM Modi congratulates Payal, Shashi Tharoor reacts"><keyword id="2238662" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="pm-modi" source="Orion">PM Modi</keyword> congratulates Payal, <keyword id="42749" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="shashi-tharoor" source="Orion">Shashi Tharoor</keyword> reacts</cmsannotation> Soon after Kapadia’s win, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took to X to congratulate the filmmaker. He writes: “India is proud of Payal Kapadia for her historic feat of winning the Grand Prix at the 77th Cannes Film Festival for her work ‘All We Imagine as Light’.” <div type="twitter" handle="narendramodi" handlename="narendramodi" favoritecount="0" retweetcount="0" id="1794670131009790207"></div> The PM also highlighted Kapadia’s background as an alumnus of FTII, explaining that her new prestigious accolade will continue to inspire a new generation of Indian filmmakers. However, many have pointed out that Kapadiy’s earlier four-month-long institutional struggles arose from the Government’s decision to appoint Chauhan as the FTII chairman. Chauhan is also a noted BJP leader, belonging to the same ruling party as PM Modi. Some netizens also responded to the post urging that the party make Chauhan apologise to the filmmaker. In a separate post, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi withdraw all cases against Kapadia and the other FTII students who protested the appointment of the institute’s chairperson in 2015. Sharing a post from Resul Pookutty, which alleged that Payal would have to attend a court hearing regarding the FTII incident soon after returning from Cannes, Tharoor reprimanded the Prime Minister for his hypocrisy in applauding her success. <div type="twitter" handle="ShashiTharoor" handlename="ShashiTharoor" favoritecount="0" retweetcount="0" id="1795284408532103215"></div> We’ve all dealt with terrible authority figures. Unfortunately for the newest pride of Indian cinema, her adversary ended up being the institution and government itself. However, Payal’s ardent ferocity helped the filmmaker overcome systemic obstacles that would topple most. While Kapadia has expressed gratitude towards FTII for helping fund earlier movies, it remains to be seen how court hearing will unfold further for the talented director.

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