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			<title>The Weekend Leader</title>
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			<lastBuildDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 07:50:01 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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<title><![CDATA[Workers Cannot Be Treated As Expendable: Lok Sabha MP On Oracle Layoffs]]></title>
<pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000]]></pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[CPI-MLL MP Raja Ram Singh on Thursday condemned the reported mass layoffs by Oracle Corporation, asserting that ?workers cannot be treated as expendable? and urging the government to take immediate action to protect employees? rights and ensure accountability in the IT sector. 

In his letter addressed to Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Singh, who represents Bihar's Karakat seat in the Lok Sabha, expressed "deep concern and outrage" over reports that the multinational technology firm has laid off nearly 12,000 employees in the country.

He described the move as a serious threat to job security and questioned both corporate accountability and the government?s response to such developments.

The MP argued that companies like Oracle benefit significantly from India?s policy ecosystem, including tax concessions, public infrastructure, and a supportive business environment.

These benefits, he emphasised, are extended with the expectation that corporations will contribute to employment generation and economic stability.

"Terminating thousands of employees, with little to no notice, is a violation of the basic principles of job security and human dignity," he stated.

"After being terminated without warning, who will take responsibility for their livelihoods and the survival of the thousands of families left behind?" Singh asked.

He further added that the large-scale layoffs, especially without adequate notice, undermine this implicit social contract and weaken the foundation of secure and dignified employment.

In his communication, Singh called on the ministry to seek a detailed explanation from Oracle regarding the scale and process of the layoffs.

"Take necessary steps to prevent arbitrary mass layoffs and ensure accountability for any violations of labour laws," he urged.

"The dignity of labour cannot be compromised. The government must take a firm stand to ensure that workers in India are not treated as expendable," Singh stressed.&nbsp;--IANS]]></description>
<link>https://www.theweekendleader.com/Headlines/80951/workers-cannot-be-treated-as-expendable-lok-sabha-mp-on-oracle-layoffs.html</link>
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<title><![CDATA[Vijay?s Debut Election Poses New Challenge in Tamil Nadu Politics]]></title>
<pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000]]></pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[With Tamil Nadu heading for Assembly elections on April 23 and counting scheduled for May 4, the state is set to witness a multi-cornered contest across all 234 constituencies. 
The main fight is expected between the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led alliance and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK)-led bloc, with actor-turned-politician Vijay?s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), expected to give a tough fight to the two grand old Dravidian parties? led alliances.  
TVK is contesting all 234 seats independently. Vijay has chosen to contest from two constituencies ? Perambur in Chennai and Tiruchi (East). He filed his nomination from Tiruchi (East) on Thursday marking his formal electoral debut from the constituency.
Both the constituencies are considered strongholds of the DMK. Perambur is currently represented by sitting MLA R.D. Sekar, while Tiruchi (East) is held by Inigo S. Irudayaraj. 
The ruling party has a well-established grassroots presence in these seats, making Vijay?s contest a high-profile and challenging battle.
Leaders of the DMK have largely downplayed Vijay?s chances, stating that electoral victories are determined by organisational strength and governance rather than celebrity appeal. Party functionaries have expressed confidence in defeating ?star candidates?, especially in their stronghold constituencies.
The AIADMK has adopted a cautious stance, welcoming new entrants in principle but indicating that Vijay?s entry could split anti-incumbency votes. Leaders noted that popularity from cinema does not necessarily translate into electoral success.
Meanwhile, Seeman of the Naam Tamilar Katchi holds the view that politics must be rooted in ideology and consistent public engagement. He has taken a critical view of film stars entering politics.
Leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have generally welcomed Vijay?s entry, calling it a positive development for democracy and stating that new players could reshape the state?s political landscape.
Political observers say Vijay?s decision to contest from two DMK strongholds reflects a high-risk, high-visibility strategy aimed at positioning himself as a serious contender in Tamil Nadu politics. - TWL Burau&nbsp;]]></description>
<link>https://www.theweekendleader.com/Headlines/80950/vijays-debut-election-poses-new-challenge-in-tamil-nadu-politics.html</link>
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<title><![CDATA[Chandrababu Naidu Calls For Celebrations Over Passing Of Amaravati Bill In Parliament]]></title>
<pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000]]></pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, N. Chandrababu Naidu, on Thursday called upon people to organise celebrations in all villages in Amaravati region to celebrate the passing of a Bill in Parliament to give statutory status to Amaravati as the sole and permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh. 

During a tele-conference with NDA leaders, he said festive events should be organized in every village on Thursday evening after the Bill is passed in Rajya Sabha.

?This is a time for everyone to celebrate our capital in whatever manner they deem fit. Everyone should express their gratitude to the Central Government for the approval of the Amaravati Bill today,? he said.

The Chief Minister announced that he would be heading to Uddandarayunipalem, the place where the foundation stone for the capital city was laid, to participate in the celebrations.

Uddandarayunipalem is a sacred site where soil and water collected from various holy pilgrimage centres across the country have been preserved, he said.

The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026 was passed by the Lok Sabha on Wednesday and it is likely to be passed by Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

Once the Bill receives approval in the Rajya Sabha, the legislative process in Parliament will be considered complete, he said

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for their cooperation in ensuring stability for the capital city. He also thanked all the parties who extended their support to the Bill.

He criticised former Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party President, Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, saying for five years he left the state without a capital.

He also came down heavily on his predecessor for mooting a new proposal of 'Mavigun' and said this reflect the peak of their animosity towards Amaravati.

?Jagan does not even like to utter the name Amaravati. That is precisely why he has coined this bizarre name, Mavigun,? he said.

Jagan stated on Wednesday that YSRCP had also given a plan B to develop the Machilipatnam-Vijayawada-Guntur (Mavigun) corridor as the capital region, but it was also not considered by the coalition government.

Naidu recalled that in the past, when an institution was named "SRM Amaravati," Jagan had the name changed simply to "SRM."

?The mere mention of the name Amaravati fills Jagan with disgust, and he constantly spews venom against it. Yesterday?s events made it abundantly clear that Jagan?s hostile attitude toward Amaravati is unlikely to change in the future,? he said.

The Chief Minister called up on every citizen to cultivate "Amaravati is our capital" sentiment.

?Everyone should pray that the development we envision proceeds smoothly and successfully,? he said.

?Over the past five years, critics mocked us, asking derisively, do you really intend to have three capital cities. The day has finally arrived when we can proudly declare, with honour, that Amaravati is our sole and singular capital city,? he said.

He reiterated that the government will ensure the establishment of a High Court Bench in Kurnool as soon as possible.

Minister Nadendla Manohar of Jana Sena Party and BJP State President Madhav participated in the teleconference and hailed the passing of the Bill.

They announced that both the Jana Sena and the BJP would participate in the programs scheduled for this evening.&nbsp;--IANS]]></description>
<link>https://www.theweekendleader.com/Headlines/80949/chandrababu-naidu-calls-for-celebrations-over-passing-of-amaravati-bill-in-parliament.html</link>
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<title><![CDATA[Gold Slips Below Rs 1.51 Lakh, Silver Tumbles Over 5 Pc After Trump's Iran Warning]]></title>
<pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000]]></pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Gold and silver prices on Thursday fell up to 5.6 per cent after US President Donald Trump's prime-time address on the Middle East conflict failed to deliver fresh signals of an imminent resolution, disappointing bullion bulls who hoped for a ceasefire announcement. 

On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold futures (June 5) fell as much as 2.31 per cent, or Rs 3,563, to hit an intraday low of Rs 1,50,145 till 10:30 am. On the intraday high, the yellow metal traded 0.79 per cent, or Rs 1,218 lower, at Rs 1,52,490.

Silver futures (May 5) declined as much as 5.59 per cent, or Rs 13,613, to hit an intraday low of Rs 2,29,888 on the MCX.

The white metal touched an intraday high of Rs 2,42,800, up 0.28 per cent from the previous session's close.

In international markets, spot gold fell as much as 2.26 per cent to an intraday low of $4,650.30. Spot silver declined 4.7 per cent to $71.50.

Meanwhile, COMEX gold traded at $4,813, down 2.73 per cent, while COMEX silver slumped around 6 per cent to $71

Analysts said the price structure for both metals remains weak, with geopolitical tensions in the Middle East offering only limited safe-haven support.

"The near-term bias remains cautious, with macro uncertainty and geopolitical developments expected to continue driving momentum," analysts said.

The precious metals gave up their earlier gains after Trump said the month-long conflict was close to ending but warned that the United States could strike Iran "extremely hard" within two to three weeks.

He added that the military mission was nearing its objectives and urged allies dependent on Middle Eastern oil to help address the near-shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz.

Moreover, oil prices traded higher, with Brent crude futures increasing as much as 5.24 per cent to $106.47 per barrel and US WTI futures climbing 4.5 per cent to $104.64.&nbsp;--IANS]]></description>
<link>https://www.theweekendleader.com/Headlines/80948/gold-slips-below-rs-151-lakh-silver-tumbles-over-5-pc-after-trumps-iran-warning.html</link>
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<title><![CDATA[India?s Defence Exports Surge 62.6 Pc To Rs 38,424 Crore In FY26, Reach Over 80 Countries]]></title>
<pubDate><![CDATA[Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000]]></pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[In a significant development, defence exports surged to an all-time high of Rs 38,424 crore in the financial year 2025-26, marking a 62.66 per cent rise from previous fiscal?s Rs 23,622 crore exports figures, the government said on Thursday. 

Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and the private sector contributed 54.84 per cent and 45.16 per cent, respectively. 

This accomplishment of the Indian defence industry is in line with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi?s vision to position India among the world?s top defence exporters, said Defence Ministry in a statement.

DPSUs? exports surged by 151 per cent compared to the previous year, with private firms showcasing their robust presence by recording an increase of 14 per cent. 

?In terms of value of contribution, the private sector accounted for Rs 17,353 crore worth of defence exports, while DPSUs contributed Rs 21,071 crore. Their respective figures in the previous financial year stood at Rs 15,233 crore and Rs 8,389 crore,? said the official statement.

Apart from being a successful global partner for systems/sub-systems, India is exporting defence equipment to more than 80 countries as of FY 2025-26. The number of exporters underwent a surge to 145 from 128, a 13.3 per cent rise from the previous fiscal.

This highlights the increasing global acceptance of Indian made defence products and the sector?s growing integration into the international supply chains. 

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded this exemplary performance of the Department of Defence Production, Indian defence exporters and all other stakeholders, asserting that India is marching ahead towards becoming a global manufacturing hub for defence equipment. 

In a post on X, he stated that under the inspiring leadership of PM Modi, India is scripting an impressive defence exports success story.

The continuous endeavours towards ease of doing business and facilitation of defence exporters have paved the way for a performance oriented and globally competitive defence industry.&nbsp;?IANS]]></description>
<link>https://www.theweekendleader.com/Headlines/80947/indias-defence-exports-surge-626-pc-to-rs-38424-crore-in-fy26-reach-over-80-countries.html</link>
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