India's crude oil import bill jumped 26% to $49 billion in Q1 2026-27, despite an 18% decrease in volumes. Rising global oil prices, driven by conflicts, have significantly impacted costs. Russia remains India's top supplier, providing over 40% of imports, while refiners face high war-risk premiums to secure energy supplies.
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Air India pilots are set to receive pay hikes of up to 15%, addressing fleet shortages and enhancing career growth. Commanders will see the largest increases, while first officers will benefit from command upgrades at Air India Express. The airline also plans to resume international flights next month, signaling a return to normal operations.
The US has sanctioned Dubai-based crypto exchange Shelbit for allegedly funding Iran's IRGC. This action aims to combat sanctions evasion via cryptocurrency networks. Shelbit reportedly processed millions for Iran's state entities, including the central bank, but denies all allegations and claims operations ceased in January 2026. Additionally, Dubai's regulatory body found Shelbit in violation of anti-money laundering rules.
Rippling has introduced the AI Spend Console to monitor employee AI spending effectively. This innovative tool aims to optimize ROI by analyzing individual and team expenditures on AI technologies. Following a significant investment in AI, Rippling seeks to enhance financial accountability and improve resource allocation for businesses leveraging AI solutions.
UPI remains free for consumers and small merchants, ensuring accessibility in India's digital payments landscape. The Payments Council emphasizes UPI's role as a vital national digital infrastructure, supporting economic growth and financial inclusion. This decision reinforces the commitment to keep digital transactions affordable and user-friendly.