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Meta lays off 8,000 employees after WFH notice

Meta has started laying off around 8,000 employees globally, about 10% of its workforce, as part of a major restructuring focused on artificial intelligence.

Reports say employees were first told to work from home before termination emails were sent, with the earliest notices arriving around 4 AM in some regions. The cuts affect multiple teams, including engineering and product roles.

The move is part of Meta’s shift toward leaner AI-driven operations under CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who has prioritised heavy investment in AI infrastructure and development. Further restructuring is expected in the coming months.

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Standard Chartered to cut 7,000 jobs in AI push

Standard Chartered has announced plans to cut over 7,000 jobs globally over the next four years as it increases the use of artificial intelligence and automation across its operations. The London-based bank said most cuts will impact back-office roles, including compliance, risk, and administrative functions.

The restructuring is aimed at improving efficiency and long-term profitability rather than just reducing costs. The bank said AI will take over several routine tasks, while some employees may be redeployed or retrained. The move reflects a wider trend in global banking as firms adopt technology to streamline operations.

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HDFC AMC reports cybersecurity incident

HDFC Asset Management Company (HDFC AMC) has reported a cybersecurity incident involving its IT systems and said it has activated containment measures. The company stated that it immediately responded after detecting potential unauthorised access and initiated internal security protocols along with external expert support.

HDFC AMC said preliminary findings suggest the incident is contained and is unlikely to affect its operations or investor services. Core functions, including fund management, continue to run normally.

The company is conducting a detailed investigation to assess the impact and has not confirmed any data breach so far. Further updates are expected after the review is completed.

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Swatch stores shut after Royal Pop watch launch

Swatch has temporarily closed several stores worldwide after the launch of its “Royal Pop” watch led to huge crowds and chaotic scenes. The limited-edition collaboration with Audemars Piguet saw demand far exceed supply, with customers lining up for hours across major cities.

In places including New York, London, Paris and Milan, overcrowding forced stores to shut for safety reasons. Some locations also reported disorder and police intervention as crowds surged.

Swatch urged customers to avoid rushing stores and said the collection would remain available. The watch is already being resold online at significantly higher prices due to strong demand.

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Innovaccer lays off 340 employees during AI shift

Healthtech unicorn Innovaccer has laid off around 340 employees across India and the US as it restructures its business to focus more on artificial intelligence. The company said the move is part of its shift toward becoming an AI-first organisation and improving efficiency.

The job cuts span multiple teams, though exact details were not shared. This is one of several rounds of layoffs at the company in recent years, reflecting ongoing changes in its structure and strategy.

Despite the reductions, Innovaccer says it will continue investing in its AI healthcare platform and core services.

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CEA proposes higher fixed power charges

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has proposed increasing fixed monthly electricity charges across India, a move that could lead to higher power bills for consumers. The proposal aims to help power distribution companies recover rising infrastructure and operational costs.

Under the plan, fixed charges would form a larger share of electricity bills over time. For households and farmers, recovery could rise to around 25% of fixed costs, while industrial and commercial users may eventually bear up to 100%.

The CEA said falling grid dependence due to rooftop solar adoption has reduced revenues, prompting the need for tariff restructuring. The proposal is under review.

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Delhi CNG price crosses ₹80 after fresh hike

Delhi-NCR residents will now pay more for CNG after Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) increased prices by ₹1 per kg, marking the second hike in 48 hours.

With the latest revision, CNG in Delhi now costs ₹80.09 per kg, while rates in Noida and Ghaziabad stand at ₹88.70 per kg. Overall, prices have risen by ₹3 per kg in two days.

The increase is expected to affect auto-rickshaw drivers, cab operators and daily commuters, with concerns that transport fares could rise if higher fuel costs are passed on to passengers.

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Indian ice creams enter the TasteAtlas Global list

India’s rich and diverse dessert culture has found a place on the global stage, with five Indian ice cream varieties making it to TasteAtlas’ list of the world’s top 100 iconic ice creams.

The list features favourites that have won hearts over the years, including Mango Ice Cream Sandwich, Gadbad Ice Cream, Tender Coconut Ice Cream, Guava Ice Cream, and Death by Chocolate. These desserts, known for their unique flavours and loyal fan following, come from popular Indian brands and outlets.

The recognition highlights how local favourites are increasingly gaining appreciation among food lovers worldwide.

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Roche introduces 7-minute lung cancer shot in India

Roche has launched a new injection-based lung cancer treatment in India that can be given in just seven minutes. The therapy, called Tecentriq SC, is used for certain patients with non-small cell lung cancer and is administered under the skin instead of through a long IV drip.

Doctors said the shorter treatment time could reduce hospital waiting hours and make cancer care more comfortable for patients. The treatment is mainly suitable for patients with high PD-L1 levels. Roche said patient support programmes will help improve access, as the therapy remains expensive.

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LinkedIn to cut 5% of workforce in latest restructuring

LinkedIn, owned by Microsoft, is set to lay off about 5% of its global workforce as part of a new restructuring plan.

The cuts are expected to affect several hundred employees across different teams as the company reshapes its operations to focus on priority areas and future growth.

Even with the job reductions, LinkedIn has reported revenue growth in its recent performance, showing continued demand for its services.

The company said the decision is part of regular organisational changes and not solely driven by automation or artificial intelligence.

The decision comes amid ongoing job cuts across the global tech industry.