Business
Royal Mail delivery delays grow ahead of controversial changes
Royal Mail has disclosed that fewer than three-quarters of first-class letters were delivered on time over recent months, as it prepares to overhaul its delivery services.
Between 20 June and 28 September, a mere 73.4 per cent of first-class post reached its intended recipient the next working day.
Second-class mail fared marginally better, with 90.4 per cent delivered within three working days.
This latest report highlights a declining trend since its annual results, following a £21 million fine from regulator Ofcom for missing its 2024-25 targets.
In that year, 77 per cent of first-class and 92.5 per cent of second-class mail were on time, short of the 93 per cent and 98.5 per cent targets.
Royal Mail said it was taking action to improve the reliability of its services, including by hiring more staff and supporting its delivery offices.
It is also preparing to introduce changes that will see it scrap second-class deliveries on Saturdays and switch the service to every other weekday.
It has been running pilots for the new delivery model and is aiming to continue rolling it out from early next year.
Royal Mail’s chief operating officer Jamie Stephenson said: “Reliable deliveries really matter to our customers, and they matter to us too.
“We’re taking targeted action to improve performance – recruiting more frontline staff, simplifying operations and investing in a new delivery model, with early pilots already showing measurable results.”
He added that its team was “working hard to make sure every item arrives on time and with care”.
Royal Mail is hiring about 20,000 extra workers to help transport, sort and deliver mail over the busy festive season.
Business
TCS layoffs 2025: Pune Labour Commissioner Summons IT Company Over Illegal Termination Complaints
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The Labour Commissioner Office in Pune has summoned Tata Consultancy Services over NITES complaints of illegal termination and layoffs, with a hearing set for 18 November 2025.
TCS layoffs: Unfair Practices Alleged; Labour Commissioner Issues Summons
TCS Layoffs 2025: The Labour Commissioner Office in Pune has issued summons to Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in several cases filed by the Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES) ranging from ‘illegal termination of employment’ and ‘unlawful layoffs’. The hearing is scheduled for 18 November 2025.
What Led To The Summons?
NITES in the X post informed that it has received a large number of complaints from TCS employees across various locations regarding abrupt terminations, forced resignations, denial of statutory dues, and coercive employment practices.
“After reviewing the grievances and supporting documents, NITES assisted the affected employees in filing formal complaints before the competent authority,” NITES added in the post.
NITES Urges Affected Employees To Come Forward
The organization also pleaded employees who have faced similar issues to come forward and asset their rights. “If you have experienced wrongful termination, forced resignation, non-payment of dues, or any form of pressure or unfair treatment, you have legal protections available,” it added in the X post.
NITES said that it is committed to supporting IT and ITES employees who require guidance or assistance in filing complaints or understanding available legal remedies.
The Labour Commissioner Office, Pune has issued summons to Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in multiple matters filed by NITES concerning illegal termination of employment and unlawful layoffs. The hearing has been scheduled for 18 November 2025.Over the past several months,… pic.twitter.com/Ygq826e0b8— Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (@NITESenate) November 15, 2025
TCS Announces 2% Layoff
Earlier, TCS announced that it would layoff 2 per cent of its employees in this financial year 2025-26 globally, roughly 12,000 employees.
TCS headcount dropped 19,755 in the second quarter of FY26. With the latest reduction, TCS’ total headcount stands at 6,13,069, the company said in its earnings release on October 9. This comes after the company added 5,090 employees sequentially in the previous June quarter.
This marks the second straight year of workforce contraction for TCS, following its first-ever headcount decline in FY24 since listing in 2004. In contrast, the company added 22,600 employees in FY23 and a record 1.03 lakh employees in FY22, reflecting the scale of its earlier expansion.
Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst…Read More
Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst… Read More
November 16, 2025, 08:54 IST
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On November 16, 2025, OMCs updated petrol and diesel prices across cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, etc.
Petrol, Diesel Prices On November 16
Petrol and Diesel Prices on November 16, 2025: OMCs update petrol and diesel prices daily at 6 AM, aligning them with fluctuations in global crude oil prices and currency exchange rates. This daily revision promotes transparency and ensures consumers have access to the most up-to-date and accurate fuel prices.
Petrol Diesel Price Today In India
Check city-wise petrol and diesel prices on November 16:
| City | Petrol (₹/L) | Diesel (₹/L) |
|---|---|---|
| New Delhi | 94.72 | 87.62 |
| Mumbai | 104.21 | 92.15 |
| Kolkata | 103.94 | 90.76 |
| Chennai | 100.75 | 92.34 |
| Ahmedabad | 94.49 | 90.17 |
| Bengaluru | 102.92 | 89.02 |
| Hyderabad | 107.46 | 95.70 |
| Jaipur | 104.72 | 90.21 |
| Lucknow | 94.69 | 87.80 |
| Pune | 104.04 | 90.57 |
| Chandigarh | 94.30 | 82.45 |
| Indore | 106.48 | 91.88 |
| Patna | 105.58 | 93.80 |
| Surat | 95.00 | 89.00 |
| Nashik | 95.50 | 89.50 |
Key Factors Behind Petrol and Diesel Rates
Petrol and diesel prices in India have remained unchanged since May 2022, following tax reductions by the central and several state governments.
Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) update fuel prices daily at 6 am, adjusting for fluctuations in global crude oil markets. While these rates are technically market-linked, they are also influenced by regulatory measures such as excise duties, base pricing frameworks, and informal price caps.
Key Factors Influencing Fuel Prices in India
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Crude Oil Prices: Global crude oil prices are a primary driver of fuel prices, as crude is the main input in petrol and diesel production.
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Exchange Rate: Since India relies heavily on crude oil imports, the value of the Indian rupee against the US dollar significantly affects fuel costs. A weaker rupee typically translates to higher prices.
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Taxes: Central and state-level taxes constitute a major portion of retail fuel prices. Tax rates vary across states, leading to regional price differences.
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Refining Costs: The cost of processing crude oil into usable fuel impacts retail prices. These costs can fluctuate depending on crude quality and refinery efficiency.
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Demand-Supply Dynamics: Market demand also influences fuel pricing. Higher demand can push prices up as supply adjusts to consumption trends.
How to Check Petrol and Diesel Prices via SMS
You can easily check the latest petrol and diesel prices in your city through SMS. For Indian Oil customers, text the city code followed by “RSP” to 9224992249. BPCL customers can send “RSP” to 9223112222, and HPCL customers can text “HP Price” to 9222201122 to receive the current fuel prices.
A team of writers and reporters decodes vast terms of personal finance and making money matters simpler for you. From latest initial public offerings (IPOs) in the market to best investment options, we cover al…Read More
A team of writers and reporters decodes vast terms of personal finance and making money matters simpler for you. From latest initial public offerings (IPOs) in the market to best investment options, we cover al… Read More
November 16, 2025, 08:30 IST
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Business
Energy standoff: US tells Serbia to remove Russian ownership from NIS entirely; Belgrade warns of ‘historic’ decisions ahead – The Times of India
The United States has told Serbia it will not lift sanctions on the country’s largest oil company, NIS, unless Belgrade ensures a complete withdrawal of Russian ownership, Serbian Energy Minister Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic said on Saturday, calling the weeks ahead “some of the most difficult decisions in our history”.NIS — the Petroleum Industry of Serbia — has been under US sanctions since 2022, imposed as part of Washington’s crackdown on Russia’s energy sector following the invasion of Ukraine, AFP reported. The measures have dealt a severe blow to Serbia, leaving the country perilously close to a winter energy crisis, with its only refinery at risk of shutting down.Handanovic said Belgrade had asked the Trump administration to lift sanctions in exchange for a management restructuring, but US officials insisted on full Russian divestment. “For the first time, the US administration has clearly and unequivocally said it wants a complete change of Russian shareholders,” she told reporters.Washington has given Serbia until February 13 to negotiate a solution.NIS is 45% owned by Gazprom Neft, already sanctioned by Washington. Gazprom transferred its additional 11.3% stake to another Russian entity, Intelligence, in September. The Serbian state holds nearly 30%, with the remainder dispersed among minority shareholders.Despite several postponements, the US Treasury began enforcing sanctions on NIS on October 9, intensifying pressure on Belgrade.The Serbian government is now examining whether it may need to take control of NIS to keep the energy system from collapsing. A special cabinet meeting is scheduled for Sunday.Handanovic acknowledged internal resistance, saying “I know President (Aleksandar) Vucic is against nationalisation, as are many of us in the government,” she said. “We will not let our country be put in danger, but we may face some of the most difficult decisions in our history in the coming days.”She urged Moscow to recognise the seriousness of the moment. “I hope our Russian friends will understand the gravity of the situation and help us overcome it,” she said.Serbia, which relies heavily on Russian natural gas, remains one of the few European nations that has not imposed sanctions on Moscow since the Ukraine war began.
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TCS layoffs 2025: Pune Labour Commissioner Summons IT Company Over Illegal Termination Complaints
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