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Oracle lays off 12,000 employees in India

US tech giant Oracle has laid off around 12,000 employees in India, delivering shocking early morning emails to staff. The cuts affect roles across levels, from mid-level professionals to senior executives, and are part of a global restructuring plan as Oracle shifts focus to cloud computing and AI services.

Reports indicate more layoffs may follow as the company realigns teams and priorities. Employees are now exploring opportunities in India’s IT sector, while analysts note the move reflects broader challenges in adapting to market changes and competition from firms like Microsoft and Amazon Web Services.

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UAE fuel prices surge sharply, diesel jumps over 70%

Fuel prices in the UAE have gone up sharply in April as tensions in the Middle East push global oil prices higher. Petrol prices have increased by around 30%, while diesel has risen by more than 70%, making transport more expensive.

This has created concern about possible price increases in daily goods. However, supermarket retailers say they will not raise prices immediately. They are working to manage the extra cost through better planning, efficient deliveries, and improved supply systems.

Experts say if fuel prices stay high for a long time, businesses may have no choice but to pass on the added costs to customers.

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India tightens CCTV rules, edges out Chinese firms

From April 1, India will restrict Chinese CCTV manufacturers from operating in its market under new security regulations. The government now mandates certification for all internet-connected cameras, including detailed checks on hardware and software components. This effectively sidelines major Chinese brands and even products built with Chinese parts. Authorities cite national security risks such as potential data breaches and remote access vulnerabilities.

Indian firms have already expanded rapidly and dominate the sector, and the policy is expected to accelerate this trend. While prices of surveillance equipment may rise in the near term, the move is likely to boost domestic production and reduce reliance on foreign technology.

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Air Canada CEO apologises over language row

Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau has apologised after his English-only condolence message following a deadly crash at New York’s LaGuardia Airport sparked criticism. The accident claimed the lives of two pilots and left several injured.

In Canada, where both English and French are official languages, many found the absence of French in his message insensitive. Political leaders also voiced concern over the issue.

Responding to the backlash, Rousseau said he deeply regrets the situation and acknowledged that his language limitation took attention away from the victims and their families during a difficult time.

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UK Court rejects Nirav Modi’s bid to reopen extradition case

Fugitive businessman Nirav Modi suffered a major setback after the UK High Court rejected his plea to reopen his extradition case. He had argued that new legal grounds, including concerns over prison conditions, justified reconsideration.

However, the court ruled that there were no exceptional circumstances to revisit the case. Modi, wanted in India for his alleged role in the ₹13,000-crore Punjab National Bank fraud, has been in a UK jail since 2019. Earlier courts had already approved his extradition.

With this decision, his options to delay extradition have narrowed, bringing him closer to being sent back to India for trial.

 

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Airlines cancel flights due to Middle East conflict

Escalating conflict in the Middle East has forced airlines worldwide to cancel or suspend flights to destinations including Dubai, Riyadh, Doha, Tel Aviv, and Beirut. Carriers such as Air France-KLM, Lufthansa, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, and Indian airlines have scaled back services or rerouted aircraft, citing safety and airspace restrictions.

Thousands of passengers face disruptions, prompting airlines to advise checking flight status before travel. Airspace closures linked to the Iran‑related conflict have complicated international travel and repatriation, with further cancellations possible as geopolitical tensions persist.

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Fuel panic affects cities due to temporary shortages

Long queues formed at petrol pumps in Gujarat and Hyderabad on Tuesday as several outlets ran out of regular petrol, forcing motorists to buy premium fuel priced about ₹10 higher per litre. The rush was triggered by rumours of shortages on social media, not by actual supply issues.

Authorities, including the Gujarat government and oil companies, assured that fuel stocks at depots and terminals are sufficient. Officials blamed panic buying, delivery delays, and new payment rules for retailers for temporary gaps. Police monitored stations to manage crowds and urged motorists to avoid hoarding.

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Global energy supply at risk, IEA issues stark warning

The International Energy Agency (IEA) warns the world could face its worst energy crisis in decades. Fatih Birol, IEA chief, said conflicts in the Middle East, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, have disrupted oil and gas shipments, raising prices sharply.

Damaged infrastructure and blocked exports threaten long-term supply. IEA countries released 400 million barrels from strategic reserves, but this is temporary.

Oil prices near $100 per barrel, and markets are volatile. Birol urged global cooperation to restore trade and stabilize energy security.

 

 

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SC flags ‘reluctance’ in Anil Ambani probe

The Supreme Court has raised concerns over the “reluctance” of the CBI and ED in investigating alleged bank fraud involving Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (ADAG) companies. Hearing a PIL, the court stressed that the probe must be fair, transparent and time-bound to ensure public confidence.

The bench noted hesitation in the agencies’ approach and called for a more comprehensive investigation, as current probes cover only parts of the case. It also directed better coordination among agencies and cooperation from financial institutions.

The case involves large-scale loan irregularities, and the court has sought status updates to monitor progress.

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PM Modi highlights India’s West Asia concerns

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday told the Lok Sabha that the ongoing West Asia conflict poses serious challenges for India. He highlighted risks to energy security, trade routes, and the safety of millions of Indians in the region.

PM Modi emphasized measures such as 24×7 helplines, control rooms, and advisories to protect citizens abroad. The Strait of Hormuz was flagged as a critical route, with any disruption potentially affecting India’s fuel supplies.

Domestically, strategic reserves of LPG, crude, coal, and fertilizers are being monitored. Modi urged unity, resilience, and proactive diplomacy amid global uncertainty.