Category: Beyond

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Dubai flight cap hits Indian airlines

Dubai’s decision to limit foreign airlines to just one flight a day is set to disrupt travel plans and hit Indian airlines hard. The temporary restriction, in place until May 31, comes at a time when passenger demand is usually high.

The move follows rising tensions in the Middle East, which have already affected flight routes and schedules across the region. Under the new rule, airlines that earlier operated multiple daily flights to Dubai will now have to scale back sharply.

Indian carriers are expected to be among the worst affected. Routes between India and Dubai are some of the busiest, with airlines like Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet running several flights daily. Cutting these down to one flight per airline means fewer seats and potential revenue losses.

Airline officials say the timing is especially difficult, as the summer travel season typically sees a surge in passengers, including families, workers and tourists heading to the Gulf. With fewer flights available, ticket prices could rise, making travel more expensive.

The Federation of Indian Airlines has raised concerns over the decision and urged the government to step in. It has also suggested that India consider similar restrictions on UAE carriers if the issue is not resolved soon.

This adds to the challenges already faced by Indian airlines. Many flights are taking longer routes due to restrictions over Pakistani airspace, leading to higher fuel costs and operational strain.

Also Read: Reliance caps fuel sales at ₹1,000 per pump

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World Bank raises India growth forecast to 6.6%

The World Bank has increased India’s growth forecast to 6.6% for the current financial year, up from its earlier estimate of 6.3%.

The revision shows confidence in India’s economy, which continues to perform well compared to other major countries. The growth is mainly being driven by strong demand within the country, including higher spending by consumers and continued government investment.

India remains one of the fastest-growing large economies in the world. Better business activity, stable policies, and ongoing infrastructure development are helping support this growth.

However, the World Bank has also warned about possible risks. Global tensions, especially in West Asia, could affect oil prices. Since India imports a large amount of oil, higher prices may increase costs and put pressure on the economy.

Inflation is another concern, as rising food and energy prices could impact household spending. Global uncertainty may also affect trade and investment.

Despite these challenges, India is in a relatively strong position. A stable banking system, good foreign exchange reserves, and steady policies are expected to help the country handle external pressures.

Also Read: Bengaluru airport tests ‘face as passport’ travel system

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Bengaluru airport tests ‘face as passport’ travel system

Air travel could soon become much easier, as Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport has tested a new system where passengers can use their face instead of showing documents.

In this trial, travellers moved through different airport checkpoints using facial recognition. Instead of showing a passport or boarding pass again and again, their identity was verified digitally. This made the process quicker and more convenient.

The system was tested across the entire journey, from check-in to boarding. Passengers could enter the airport, pass through security, and board their flight without needing physical documents at each step.

The project is being developed with support from airlines and global aviation bodies, and builds on India’s existing Digi Yatra system. While Digi Yatra is currently used for domestic flights, this new trial aims to bring similar convenience to international travel.

One of the key features of the system is data security. Passengers have control over their personal information, and it is only shared when needed. The process is designed to be safe as well as fast.

The biggest benefit of this technology is saving time. It can help reduce long queues at airports and make the travel experience smoother, especially during busy hours.

If rolled out widely, this system could change how people travel, making the entire process almost paperless.

Also Read: Amazon CEO says chip business crosses $20 bn

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Rupee rises to 92.41, gains 10 paise vs dollar

The Indian rupee strengthened slightly on April 10, rising by 10 paise to trade at 92.41 against the US dollar in early market hours.

The currency had closed at 92.51 in the previous session and opened on a firmer note, supported by some positive domestic factors. Market participants said recent steps taken by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), along with improved liquidity conditions, helped the rupee gain ground at the start of the day.

However, despite this early rise, experts remain cautious about the rupee’s outlook. Global factors continue to weigh on the currency, especially rising geopolitical tensions and uncertainty in international markets. These issues are making investors more careful and limiting strong movements in the rupee.

Another key factor affecting the rupee is crude oil prices. Since India imports a large portion of its oil needs, higher crude prices can increase demand for dollars, putting pressure on the rupee. This continues to remain a concern for traders.

In addition, recent regulatory measures by the RBI, including steps related to banks’ dollar positions, have influenced short-term movements in the currency.

Also Read: Anand Rathi Wealth announces bonus shares, ₹7 dividend

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Gold slips ₹10 to ₹1.51 lakh, silver falls ₹2,000

Gold and silver prices fell on Friday, April 10, 2026, due to weak global signals and cautious mood in the market.

Gold prices saw a small drop of about ₹10, trading near ₹1,51,470 per 10 grams in India. Silver prices, however, fell more sharply by around ₹2,000 per kilogram, trading close to ₹2.54–2.55 lakh per kg.

The fall in prices is mainly due to uncertainty in global markets. Ongoing geopolitical tensions and mixed economic signals have made investors cautious. This has reduced demand for precious metals in the short term.

On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), both gold and silver opened lower, reflecting weak sentiment. Experts say that while gold is usually considered a safe investment during uncertain times, its price can still move up or down based on global factors like the US dollar, crude oil prices, and overall investor mood.

In Indian cities, prices of 24K, 22K, and 18K gold also saw slight declines. Silver prices followed the same trend across markets, giving some relief to buyers.

Analysts believe that the recent fall is also due to profit booking, as prices had risen earlier. Investors are now booking gains, which is adding pressure on prices.

Even though prices have fallen, experts say gold may remain strong in the long term because global risks and inflation concerns still exist. However, in the short term, prices may continue to fluctuate depending on international developments.

Also Read: Sensex jumps 820 points, Nifty above 24,050

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Vietnam joins emerging market ranks

Vietnam is set for a major milestone in its financial journey. Starting September 21, 2026, the country’s stock market will be upgraded from a frontier to a secondary emerging market by FTSE Russell, a leading global index provider. The decision follows recent reforms that make it easier for foreign investors to buy and sell Vietnamese stocks.

The upgrade will gradually include Vietnamese companies in FTSE’s global equity indices over the next year, ensuring the market can absorb new capital without sudden shocks. Analysts expect this change to bring billions of dollars in investment, boosting liquidity and strengthening the overall market.

Key reforms behind the upgrade include a global broker model allowing international investors to trade without local accounts, and the removal of a prefunding requirement, which previously made foreign investment cumbersome. About 32 large companies are likely to be included first, offering global investors exposure to Vietnam’s top industrial and financial firms.

Vietnam’s elevation puts it alongside larger Asian markets like India, China, and Indonesia, increasing its visibility and credibility on the global stage.

Also Read: Google AI overviews face accuracy concerns

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Disney plans 1,000 job cuts

The Walt Disney Company is planning to cut up to 1,000 jobs in the coming weeks as part of efforts to reduce costs and improve efficiency. The move comes under its new CEO, Josh D’Amaro, who took charge in March 2026.

The layoffs will affect less than 1% of Disney’s global workforce, which has over 230,000 employees. Most of the job cuts are expected to happen in the company’s marketing teams. Disney has recently combined several marketing functions, leading to some overlapping roles.

Although the layoffs are happening during D’Amaro’s leadership, reports suggest the plan was already in progress before he became CEO. Still, this is one of the first major steps under his leadership as he focuses on making the company more streamlined.

Disney is currently facing several challenges. Its streaming business is growing but is not as profitable as traditional TV. At the same time, the company is dealing with weaker box office performance and strong competition from digital platforms.

To manage these issues, Disney is restructuring its operations and cutting costs. A key part of this plan is to simplify its marketing structure and improve coordination across its film, television, and streaming businesses.

This is not the first time Disney has reduced its workforce. The company has made similar cuts in recent years as it adapts to changes in how people consume entertainment.

Also Read: Canva buys two AI startups in expansion push

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RBI keeps Repo rate at 5.25%

The Reserve Bank of India has decided to keep its key policy rate, the repo rate, unchanged at 5.25%, signalling a cautious approach as it navigates a complex global and domestic environment.

The decision was announced after the latest meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), which voted to maintain the current rate while continuing with a “neutral” stance. This means the central bank is keeping its options open, depending on how inflation and growth trends evolve in the coming months.

Alongside the rate decision, the RBI projected India’s economic growth at 6.9% for the financial year 2026–27. While the outlook remains positive, it reflects a slightly moderated pace amid global uncertainties. Inflation is expected to average 4.6%, staying within the RBI’s comfort range but still requiring close monitoring.

The central bank highlighted that risks from global developments remain a concern. Ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly in West Asia, and fluctuations in crude oil prices could impact both inflation and economic activity. Any sharp rise in oil prices may increase input costs and put pressure on household budgets.

Despite these risks, the RBI expressed confidence in the strength of the domestic economy. It pointed to steady consumption, improving investment activity, and stable financial conditions as key supporting factors.

For borrowers, the unchanged repo rate means lending rates on home, auto and other loans are likely to remain stable for now. This provides some relief to households and businesses that have been adjusting to higher interest rates over the past few years.

Also Read: Gold at ₹1.53 lakh, Silver near ₹2.60 lakh

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Gold at ₹1.53 lakh, Silver near ₹2.60 lakh

Gold and silver prices remained steady with slight gains in the domestic market today. Gold prices rose marginally by ₹10 to ₹1,53,830 per 10 grams, holding firmly above the ₹1.5 lakh level. Silver also moved higher, gaining ₹100 to trade at ₹2,60,100 per kilogram, reflecting stable demand and supportive international cues.

The rise in bullion prices comes at a time when safe-haven demand has slightly weakened following a temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran. The development has reduced immediate global uncertainty, limiting sharp upward movement in gold, which is typically seen as a safe investment during crises.

However, prices have not fallen significantly. Analysts say this is because investors remain cautious amid ongoing global uncertainties. Factors such as currency movements, inflation concerns, and central bank policies continue to support gold at elevated levels.

Silver prices, meanwhile, are being supported not only by investment demand but also by industrial usage. Demand from sectors such as manufacturing and electronics has helped keep silver prices resilient, even when broader market sentiment shifts.

In major Indian cities, bullion prices remained largely uniform, with only minor differences due to local taxes and demand conditions. Jewellers reported steady retail demand, which has also helped stabilise prices in the domestic market.

Also Read: Sensex rises to 3000 points, Nifty hovers near 24,000

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Gautam Adani gets US Court hearing

A US federal court has agreed to hear a plea filed by Indian billionaire Gautam Adani seeking dismissal of a fraud case brought by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The move marks an important step in the ongoing legal proceedings involving the Adani Group.

The SEC has accused Adani and his nephew, Sagar Adani, of being part of an alleged bribery scheme connected to business deals involving Adani Green Energy. According to the regulator, the alleged misconduct was not disclosed to investors during a bond issuance in 2021, potentially misleading those who invested in the offering.

During a recent hearing in New York, the court permitted Adani’s legal team to move forward with a pre-motion process. This allows them to formally argue why the case should be dismissed before it proceeds further in court. While this does not mean the case has been dropped, it gives the defence an opportunity to challenge the SEC’s claims at an early stage.

Adani’s lawyers have denied all allegations, stating there is no reliable evidence of wrongdoing. They have also argued that the SEC lacks jurisdiction, claiming the events in question occurred outside the United States and do not fall under US securities laws. Additionally, the defence maintains that neither Gautam Adani nor Sagar Adani played a direct role in the bond issuance tied to the case.

The lawsuit is part of a wider scrutiny of the Adani Group’s financial practices, which has drawn international attention over the past few years. The SEC alleges that critical information related to the alleged scheme was withheld from global investors.

Legal observers note that the court’s willingness to hear the dismissal plea is a routine but significant procedural step. The final outcome will depend on how convincingly Adani’s legal team can challenge both the allegations and the SEC’s jurisdiction.

Also Read: Jubilant shares drop 10% on weak Q4 growth