The power loom sector occupies a pivotal position in the Indian textile industry. Though current growth of this sector has been restricted by technological obsolescence, fragmented structure, low productivity and low-end quality products, in future Technology would play a lead role in this sector and will improve quality and productivity levels.

Perfumes have been spreading the essence of aroma ever since the human civilization came into existence when oils and raw flowers were used to invocate the quintessence of smell. The Egyptians use to anoint their bodies using scents of cinnamon and honey. From the remains of Edfu temple, researchers are making depiction of the art of floral extraction as perfume is distilled from the flowers of the white Madonna lily.

India is fast becoming the retail destination of the world. According to the international management consultant AT Kearney, India has emerged as the leader in terms of retail opportunities. The retail market in India is anticipated to grow to 427 billion USD by the year 2010.

Technical textile industry is new and growing sector in India. It generates good revenue for the country. This industry is rich with many natural and synthetic fibres. All these fibres are useful in different ways. Synthetic fibres are made from doing some special chemical processes on natural fibres or obtained directly from chemicals. These fibres have greater qualities than simple man made fibres so it is widely used in the industry not only for the apparel use but is used in other various applications also. Some synthetic fibres are Acetate, Rayon, Nylon, Polyester, Acrylic, Olefin, PLA and Modacrylic and some fibres with special properties are Saran, Vinalon, Vinyon, Spandex, Modal, Sulphar, Twaron, Kevlar, Nomex, PBI, Loycell, M5, Zylon, Dyneema/Spectra, Vectran, Glass fibre, Metalic fibre and Acrolynite. In this article we are covering the major five fibres used in the technical textile industry. The properties, applications and leading manufacturers of these fibres are also covered.

Think of South India and silk sarees invariably come to mind. The South Indian bride still prefers to wear the traditional silk saree on the occasion of her wedding. With changing times, trends in sarees are also changing. Retailers in South India are well known for their innovations in sarees. This article attempts to throw light on the latest innovations in sarees in the silk and temple area of South India.