Tragic Drone Attack in Oman and Market Turmoil Amid Global Tensions
Drone Attack in Oman Claims Lives
In a tragic incident, two Indian nationals lost their lives, and ten others sustained injuries due to a drone strike in Sohar province, Oman. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs reported that five of the injured individuals have been released from the hospital, while the others continue to receive medical care. Additionally, one non-Indian was also among the injured.
Market Decline Linked to Global Oil Prices
The stock market experienced a significant downturn, driven by escalating tensions in West Asia and rising global oil prices. On Friday, both the Sensex and Nifty indices dropped nearly 2%, marking the worst week for the markets in four years, resulting in a staggering loss of approximately Rs 20 lakh crore in investor wealth.
The Indian rupee fell to an unprecedented low of 92.4 against the US dollar, reflecting a 1.5% depreciation since the onset of the conflict. Meanwhile, Brent crude oil prices surged past the $100 per barrel threshold, a stark contrast to the $72.8 per barrel price recorded just before the conflict began.
Government Addresses LPG Supply Concerns
The Union government has acknowledged concerns regarding the supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in the country, although it assured that no distributor has reported stock shortages. Sujata Sharma, joint secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, urged the public to avoid panic buying and misinformation.
She encouraged consumers who can transition from LPG to piped natural gas to do so promptly, emphasizing that the government is committed to ensuring a steady supply to households, hospitals, and educational institutions. Sharma also confirmed that petrol and diesel supplies remain adequate at all fuel stations.
Supreme Court Discusses Menstrual Leave Policy
The Supreme Court has expressed concerns that a government mandate for monthly menstrual leave could deter employers from hiring women. However, the court has directed the Union government to develop a menstrual leave policy in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
This ruling came as the court dismissed a petition from a man advocating for paid menstrual leave across all workplaces, questioning the rationale behind the petition since no woman had approached the court.
Fatal Crash of US Aerial Refueling Aircraft
In a tragic aviation incident, four crew members aboard a US aerial refueling aircraft were killed when the plane crashed in western Iraq. The US military confirmed that two aircraft were involved in the incident, with one landing safely.
According to the US Central Command, the crash was not caused by hostile or friendly fire.