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US–India trade talks have hit a wall. President Donald Trump has doubled tariffs on Indian imports from 25% to 50%, tying the hike to India's continued purchases of Russian oil. His message was blunt — “No, not until we get it resolved” — making clear that negotiations won't resume until the tariff dispute ends. For India, a key US export market is now at risk, but New Delhi insists its oil imports are about economic stability, not geopolitics. Amid the tension, NSA Ajit Doval met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Talks with Russian Security Council chief Sergey Shoigu focused on defence and energy cooperation, and may pave the way for Putin's India visit. While Doval was in Moscow, Trump's tariff hike landed. The Kremlin blasted Washington's move as “illegitimate,” vowing to keep trading with partners like India. China also joined the pushback. Its envoy to India, Xu Feihong, called the US a “bully,” warning that tariffs violate global trade rules. Trump hinted Beijing could be next for penalties, despite China buying nearly half of Russia's crude exports. In another twist, Russia's deputy UN envoy confirmed a possible Putin–Trump summit next week — the first US–Russia leaders' meeting since 2021 — as part of a push to end the Ukraine war. Trump campaigned on ending the conflict in 24 hours, but the promise remains unmet seven months into his second term. Meanwhile, Brazil's President Lula phoned PM Modi to discuss the 50% tariffs on both nations. They agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, energy, defence, and technology, expand the India–MERCOSUR pact, and link digital payment systems PIX and UPI. Lula will visit India early next year, with his vice-president leading a trade delegation in October. Both leaders condemned Washington's move, signalling a united Global South stance without announcing retaliatory tariffs — yet. From Delhi to Brasília, Moscow to Beijing, the week saw a flurry of moves: alliances tightening, rhetoric hardening, and the US turning tariffs into a high-stakes geopolitical weapon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I'm Nelson John and here are today's top stories. Geopolitical Flashpoint: Russia Ditches INF Treaty In a move that could redraw the global nuclear map, Russia has officially abandoned the last remaining limits under the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. The Kremlin confirmed it no longer feels bound by its self-imposed restrictions—opening the door to the redeployment of nuclear-capable missiles across Europe and Asia. The trigger? A sharp escalation with the U.S., including Trump's warning to Vladimir Putin to agree to a Ukraine ceasefire by August 8, or face severe consequences. Add to that America's positioning of nuclear submarines in undisclosed zones, and Russia claims it's simply responding in kind. Who's at risk? NATO countries and U.S. allies in the Asia-Pacific. What's next? A likely return to Cold War-style brinkmanship—with no treaty left to keep things in check. Indian Skies on Red Alert: BCAS Issues Maximum Security Warning From September 22 to October 2, all Indian airports and aviation hubs will be on maximum security alert. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has issued an urgent directive following intelligence inputs warning of potential terror threats. Airports, helipads, flying schools, and cargo facilities must ramp up surveillance, conduct thorough ID checks, and maintain constant coordination with CISF, IB, and local police. Passenger queues may lengthen—but so will vigilance. Every parcel, every vehicle, every perimeter—under the scanner. Trade War Escalates: Trump Threatens India Over Russian Oil Just a day after slapping a 25% tariff on Indian goods, Donald Trump has threatened to raise it “substantially”—within 24 hours. His reason? India's growing imports of Russian oil and defense products. Calling India a “bad trading partner,” Trump claims America buys more than it sells—and blames India for “fueling Russia's war machine.” India's response was swift: the MEA slammed the move as “unjustified and unreasonable”, calling out Western hypocrisy for continuing to trade with Russia while targeting others. With Russia, India, and China drawing closer—and BRICS gaining momentum—the battle lines in global trade are shifting fast. Tariffs on Pills and Chips: Trump Targets Pharma Next In a separate trade blow, Trump announced plans to impose a “small” tariff on pharmaceutical imports—but warned it could rise to 250% within 18 months. His goal? Bring drug manufacturing back to U.S. soil. He also teased upcoming tariffs on semiconductors and chips, likely aimed at reducing America's reliance on Asian suppliers. If implemented, the move could reshape global supply chains, raise prices, and escalate trade tensions in tech and healthcare—two sectors critical to global stability. Moon Reactor by 2030: NASA Joins the Space Race NASA is going nuclear—literally. In his first big policy push, interim NASA chief Sean Duffy is launching plans to build the first nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030. The 100-kilowatt reactor would power future lunar bases, rovers, and science missions. But behind the tech lies strategy: the directive warns that whoever gets there first could claim a ‘keep-out zone', shutting rivals out. With China and Russia planning a joint lunar base, the space race is now a territorial race. Meanwhile, NASA also plans to replace the aging International Space Station with commercial successors—before China's Tiangong becomes the sole station in orbit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I'm Nelson John and here are today's top stories. Indian Tech in Russian Drones? Ukraine has formally raised concerns with India and the EU after finding Indian-assembled components inside Shahed-136 drones—Iranian UCAVs now used extensively by Russian forces. Investigations revealed a bridge rectifier by Vishay and a signal chip by Aura Semiconductor, both allegedly made or assembled in India. Ukraine flagged the issue in diplomatic cables and even during EU sanctions envoy David O'Sullivan's visit to New Delhi. India's foreign ministry insists all dual-use exports comply with global norms, and no domestic laws were broken. Aura said it was “deeply disturbed” and suspects unauthorised third-party diversion via West Asia. The challenge? These are plug-and-play parts—nearly impossible to trace once exported. With drones reshaping warfare, India's electronics exports face new global scrutiny—raising a key question: how do you ensure compliance without stifling trade? Visa to America? Now Comes with a Price Tag In a move that's sparked global concern, the U.S. State Department will soon demand up to $15,000 as a refundable bond from business and tourist visa applicants from countries with high overstay rates or weak documentation systems. A leaked cable suggests most adults will be charged $10,000, while children may need to pay $5,000. The Treasury will hold the funds and refund them if travelers exit on time and via specified ports. The policy is part of the Trump administration's tougher immigration strategy, alongside new in-person interviews and tighter Diversity Visa Lottery norms. While Visa Waiver countries are exempt, millions elsewhere may now find U.S. travel financially out of reach. Trump Targets India Again—This Time Over Oil In a fiery Truth Social post, Donald Trump accused India of profiting from discounted Russian oil while ignoring the war in Ukraine. He threatened to “substantially raise” tariffs on Indian goods, just days after a fresh 25% duty was imposed. India responded swiftly, calling the claims “unjustified and unreasonable.” Officials clarified that India imports and refines oil—it doesn't resell crude. They also pointed to continued Western trade with Russia, including LNG, fertilizers, and nuclear fuel. Interestingly, Indian refiners are not backing off. In fact, they've recently booked Russian spot deals with $3-per-barrel discounts. At the same time, Indian companies are in talks with U.S. LPG suppliers—proving that while rhetoric may rise, trade ties are still complex. Alibaba's Final Goodbye to Paytm After a decade of investing, Alibaba has fully exited Paytm. Its affiliate, Antfin Netherlands, sold its remaining 5.84% stake in One97 Communications via a ₹3,803 crore block deal at a slight discount to market price. At its peak, Chinese investors held nearly 35% of Paytm's pre-IPO equity—a figure that sparked regulatory scrutiny. This final exit follows gradual offloading, including a 4% stake sold in May and a 10.3% transfer to Paytm CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma in 2023. The exit comes as Paytm posts its first-ever quarterly profit—₹123 crore in Q1 FY26. With Chinese ownership concerns now behind it, regulatory hurdles may ease, especially around its pending payment aggregator license. Airtel Launches India's Own Sovereign Cloud Bharti Airtel has entered the sovereign cloud race, launching a telco-grade, India-hosted platform under its digital arm, Xtelify. The platform stores and processes sensitive data entirely within India—key for regulated sectors like banking and government. By bundling its network with the cloud, Airtel claims it can cut enterprise cloud costs by up to 40%. The offering is powered by its data center unit, Nxtra, and aims to rival global players like AWS, Microsoft, and Google. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I'm Nelson John and here are today's top stories.

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I'm Nelson John and here are today's top stories. Trump's Oil Deal with Pakistan, Tariff Shock for India “Who knows, maybe they'll be selling oil to India someday.” That was Donald Trump's surprise message on Truth Social as he unveiled a new U.S.–Pakistan energy partnership to develop Pakistan's “massive oil reserves.” While no U.S. oil giant has been named yet, Trump signaled a selection is on the way. But the kicker? Just hours earlier, India was hit with a 25% tariff on exports to the U.S., along with vague threats of penalties over its oil trade with Russia. Trump also took aim at India's place in BRICS, calling the 11-member bloc “anti-United States” and accusing it of attacking the dollar. Meanwhile, the U.S. struck a trade deal with South Korea, placing a 15% import tariff on Korean goods—while exempting American exports. Talks with India continue, with Trump suggesting more clarity “by the end of this week.” Markets React, Investors Watch Closely India's stock markets felt the heat after the tariff news. Export-heavy sectors—textiles, pharma, and auto components—are expected to take a hit. Markets had anticipated a 20% tariff, but the extra 5% and mention of penalties jolted investor sentiment. Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) pulled out ₹32,000 crore in July, spooked by the weakening rupee and high valuations. In contrast, domestic institutional investors have pumped in ₹4.12 trillion this year, helping cushion the blow. While the Nifty saw a small recovery to 24,855, experts warn of a short-term dip. Bank of Baroda's Madan Sabnavis expects markets to stabilize quickly, but economists like ICRA's Aditi Nayar caution the tariff could trim India's GDP growth below 6.2% for FY26.  NASA–ISRO's NISAR Takes Off: Earth's New Watchdog “A scientific handshake with the world.” That's how Union Minister Jitendra Singh described the successful launch of NISAR, the world's most advanced Earth-observing satellite, co-developed by NASA and ISRO. Launched aboard ISRO's GSLV-F16 from Sriharikota, the $1.5 billion, SUV-sized satellite will track Earth's surface changes—down to just 1 cm—from 743 km above. Over five years, it will scan the planet twice every 12 days, monitoring melting glaciers, earthquakes, groundwater levels, and carbon emissions from wetlands. And Finally: UPI Gets a Power Boost Let's wrap up with a domestic update that affects nearly every Indian with a smartphone. Starting today, August 1, your favourite UPI apps—Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm—are operating under new NPCI rules aimed at boosting performance and curbing fraud. Here's a quick rundown: Balance checks? Now limited to 50 per day, and you'll see your balance automatically after each transaction. Auto-payments? Will only go through during non-peak hours—before 10 am, between 1–5 pm, and after 9:30 pm. Bank details? Visible only 25 times daily, after selecting the issuing bank. Pending transactions? You can check the status only three times, spaced by 90 seconds. Recipient names? Will be shown before every transfer—reducing fraud risk. And yes, non-compliance by payment service providers could mean API restrictions or onboarding bans. Bottom line? India's digital payments system—already among the most advanced—is getting tighter, faster, and more secure Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I'm Nelson John and here are today's top stories. Trump's Oil Deal with Pakistan, Tariff Shock for India “Who knows, maybe they'll be selling oil to India someday.” That was Donald Trump's surprise message on Truth Social as he unveiled a new U.S.–Pakistan energy partnership to develop Pakistan's “massive oil reserves.” While no U.S. oil giant has been named yet, Trump signaled a selection is on the way. But the kicker? Just hours earlier, India was hit with a 25% tariff on exports to the U.S., along with vague threats of penalties over its oil trade with Russia. Trump also took aim at India's place in BRICS, calling the 11-member bloc “anti-United States” and accusing it of attacking the dollar. Meanwhile, the U.S. struck a trade deal with South Korea, placing a 15% import tariff on Korean goods—while exempting American exports. Talks with India continue, with Trump suggesting more clarity “by the end of this week.” Markets React, Investors Watch Closely India's stock markets felt the heat after the tariff news. Export-heavy sectors—textiles, pharma, and auto components—are expected to take a hit. Markets had anticipated a 20% tariff, but the extra 5% and mention of penalties jolted investor sentiment. Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) pulled out ₹32,000 crore in July, spooked by the weakening rupee and high valuations. In contrast, domestic institutional investors have pumped in ₹4.12 trillion this year, helping cushion the blow. While the Nifty saw a small recovery to 24,855, experts warn of a short-term dip. Bank of Baroda's Madan Sabnavis expects markets to stabilize quickly, but economists like ICRA's Aditi Nayar caution the tariff could trim India's GDP growth below 6.2% for FY26.  NASA–ISRO's NISAR Takes Off: Earth's New Watchdog “A scientific handshake with the world.” That's how Union Minister Jitendra Singh described the successful launch of NISAR, the world's most advanced Earth-observing satellite, co-developed by NASA and ISRO. Launched aboard ISRO's GSLV-F16 from Sriharikota, the $1.5 billion, SUV-sized satellite will track Earth's surface changes—down to just 1 cm—from 743 km above. Over five years, it will scan the planet twice every 12 days, monitoring melting glaciers, earthquakes, groundwater levels, and carbon emissions from wetlands. Its powerful dual-radar system (L-band from NASA, S-band from ISRO) allows it to peer through clouds, fog, and even ice layers, aiding everything from climate science to disaster response and aviation safety. Operations begin by October-end, with data distributed via Alaska's ASF and India's Bhoonidhi platform.  U.S. Sanctions Six Indian Firms Over Iran Oil Trade Adding more pressure to bilateral ties, the U.S. has sanctioned 33 global entities—including six Indian companies—for dealing in Iranian-origin petrochemicals. Those hit include: Alchemical Solutions Pvt Ltd – $84M in imports Jupiter Dye Chem – $49M worth of toluene Global Industrial Chemicals Ltd – $51M in methanol Ramniklal S. Gosalia & Co – $22M in mixed chemicals Persistent Petrochem – $14M in petrochemical shipments Kanchan Polymers – smaller but notable deals All were designated under Executive Order 13846 for “knowingly” engaging in prohibited trade. The sanctions, which also include 10 blocked vessels, extend to firms in China, UAE, Turkiye, and Indonesia. Though not market-moving yet, they further strain India's trade talks with the U.S. While TCS Cuts 12,000 Jobs, Infosys Hires 20,000 As India's IT sector reels from TCS's record 12,000 layoffs, Infosys is making a contrarian move. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I'm Nelson John and here are today's top stories. Operation Sindoor: Modi's No-Holds-Barred Warning to Pakistan In a fiery 97-minute address in Parliament, PM Narendra Modi revealed India's retaliatory strikes after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. “In 22 minutes, we responded to April 22,” he said, confirming that India bombed nine terror camps in PoK and Pakistan, followed by air raids on 13 military bases. Modi claimed Pakistan's nuclear threats were ignored and over 1,000 missiles and drones fired on May 9 were neutralized by Indian air defence. “No one in the world asked us to stop,” he stressed, countering opposition allegations of U.S. pressure. “Operation Sindoor is still on,” he warned, promising continued force against terrorism and accusing the Congress of echoing Pakistan's narrative. Trump's Trade Threat: 25% Tariffs on India? President Trump has warned that India could face tariffs up to 25% on its exports to the U.S. “India's been a good friend, but they charge more tariffs than almost any other country,” he said aboard Air Force One. The threat comes as a temporary tariff truce is set to expire on August 1, with no deal yet in place between the two nations. While countries like the UK, EU, and Japan have sealed trade pacts with the U.S., India has held back on fresh concessions. Instead, it will resume comprehensive trade talks mid-August. U.S. officials say India must open its markets further or risk losing access. Mayday at 5,000 Feet: United Airlines 787 Scare On July 25, United Airlines flight UA108 to Munich suffered a left engine failure shortly after take-off from Washington Dulles Airport. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner issued a Mayday alert at 5,000 feet and circled for 2 hours and 38 minutes to safely dump fuel before returning to Dulles. All passengers were safe. The incident came just a month after the Air India Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad that killed 260 people. Days earlier, an American Airlines 737 MAX 8 also faced an emergency in Denver due to cabin smoke and a tyre-related landing gear issue. Multiple incidents now put Boeing's aircraft safety back in the spotlight. Air India Audit Uncovers 100 Safety Violations Just weeks after the fatal Flight 171 crash, the DGCA flagged 100 safety-related lapses at Air India following a detailed July audit. Among them: pilot fatigue breaches, simulator shortcomings, and inadequate route checks for high-risk airports. One major violation involved a Milan–Delhi 787 flight exceeding duty hours by over 2 hours. Auditors also found flights operating with insufficient crew and no chief pilots for the A320 and A350 fleets—signaling poor oversight. Air India has until July 30 to explain its corrective actions. With multiple show-cause notices issued, the airline's post-Tata revival now faces a credibility test amid mounting passenger concerns. Rupee Nears 87 as Dollar Demand, Trade Uncertainty Weigh The Indian rupee slid to 86.9150 per dollar, its lowest since March, before closing at 86.8150. It's now one of Asia's worst-performing currencies this year—down over 1%, alongside the Indonesian rupiah. Traders blame rising dollar demand from importers, weak foreign portfolio flows, and uncertainty around U.S.-India trade talks. Exporters who stepped in at 86.50 may only return near 87.10 levels. RBI is expected to hold rates steady at its upcoming policy meet, monitoring transmission of past measures. Globally, the dollar index neared 99 after a pro-U.S. EU trade deal. Investors now await the Fed's decision and Powell's tone for rate-cut cues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I'm Nelson John and here are today's top stories. 1. “No Fences, Just Food” – Trump's Gaza Pledge With emotion in his voice, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the setup of “food centres” across Gaza—open, unfenced zones where civilians can access aid freely. Speaking from Scotland after meeting UK PM Keir Starmer, Trump said, “You can't fake starvation… They have to get food and safety right now.”Starmer echoed the urgency, calling the situation “an absolute catastrophe.” Despite daily Israeli pauses for aid delivery, relief efforts remain insufficient. Only 60 trucks entered Gaza recently, well below the World Food Programme's target of 100 per day. Trump also issued a direct message to Israeli PM Netanyahu: “You have to end it.” Global pressure is rising—from London to Paris—as the focus shifts from geopolitics to humanitarian survival. 2. “₹12,000 Trillion & Counting” – India's Digital Payments Boom India's digital payment ecosystem has logged over 65,000 crore transactions worth ₹12,000 trillion between FY19 and FY25. From remote villages to roadside kirana stores, adoption is widespread.Minister Pankaj Chaudhary said the Payments Infrastructure Development Fund has enabled 4.77 crore touchpoints, boosting financial inclusion across Northeast India and J&K.The RBI Digital Payments Index has risen to 465.33 (Sept 2024), up from the base of 100 in 2018, signaling how deeply embedded digital payments are today.With UPI, BHIM incentives, TReDS for MSMEs, and alternative credit data, India is not just going cashless—it's unlocking formal credit access for millions. 3. “Dollar Dents Euro as Trade Tensions Cool” After months of anxiety, the dollar is back in form. A fresh U.S.-EU trade agreement—brokered by President Trump and EU's Ursula von der Leyen—halved proposed tariffs on EU goods to 15%, easing global fears of a trade war.The dollar rose 1.25% against the euro, 0.59% against the yen, and 1% against the Swiss franc. The pound too dipped 0.67% to $1.335.Investor sentiment improved further with U.S.–Japan and U.S.–China dialogues also in progress. U.S. stocks held steady, and eyes now turn to upcoming Fed and BOJ meetings, with both expected to hold rates steady.Meanwhile, Bitcoin dipped to $118,205, and Ethereum fell just below $3,801. 4. “Tremors Trigger Readiness Drills” – Quake Near Andamans A 6.3 magnitude earthquake shook the Bay of Bengal near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands at 12:11 am on July 29. The quake struck at a depth of 10 km; no damage or casualties were reported.This follows a 3.2 magnitude quake in Faridabad on July 22, felt across Delhi-NCR.In response, Delhi, Haryana, and UP have kicked off large-scale disaster drills—running from July 29 to August 1—focusing on earthquakes and industrial hazards.Coordinated by the NDMA and Indian Army, the drills aim to tighten disaster preparedness across the capital region. 5. “Musk's $16.5B Chip Bet” – Samsung's Foundry Lifeline Tesla CEO Elon Musk has signed a $16.5 billion chip deal with Samsung Electronics, reviving hopes for the company's struggling fab in Taylor, Texas.Tesla's next-gen AI6 chips will be produced there, and Musk says he'll “personally walk the line” to speed up progress. The deal runs through 2033 and could vastly exceed the initial commitment.Samsung, which already supplies Tesla's A14 chips, had struggled to find customers for the Texas fab. This order sent Samsung shares soaring nearly 7%, their highest since Sept 2023.While AI6 chip production is expected around 2027–28, this tie-up offers Samsung a much-needed lifeline—especially as it trails TSMC in the foundry race and posted a $3.6B loss in the past six months. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I'm Nelson John and here are today's top stories. 1. TCS Cuts Jobs to “Realign the Future” India's largest IT firm, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), is laying off 12,261 employees—roughly 2% of its global workforce—in FY26. The move, largely targeting mid-to-senior management, is part of TCS's shift toward becoming a “Future-Ready”, AI-driven organisation. Despite a fresh 5,000 hires in Q1, the company's attrition ticked up to 13.8%, prompting tighter policies on bench strength and billing mandates. CFO Samir Seksaria's earlier assurance of wage hikes is now shadowed by cost cuts. CEO K. Krithivasan remains cautious, citing macro headwinds and a low likelihood of double-digit growth. TCS joins Microsoft and other tech majors who are navigating the AI disruption with painful workforce realignments. 2. Trump's EU Tariff Countdown Just days before an August 1 tariff deadline, Donald Trump is pushing hard for a new US-EU trade deal, demanding “fairness” on cars and agriculture. Meeting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Scotland, Trump said there's a “good chance” of a breakthrough, while von der Leyen pegged the odds at 50-50. If talks collapse, EU exports could face up to 30% tariffs on top of existing duties. With $1.9 trillion in annual trade on the line, this is a critical test for transatlantic ties—and a volatile moment for global markets. 3. Rudra & Bhairav: India's New Strike Force In a bold military reorganisation, the Indian Army has launched ‘Rudra' all-arms brigades and ‘Bhairav' light commando battalions to enhance border readiness against China and Pakistan. Unveiled on Kargil Vijay Diwas, these new formations blend infantry, tanks, artillery, UAVs, and special forces into agile, tech-powered units. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi said this realignment—without adding new troops—will “multiply operational capabilities manifold.” Over 250 brigades will be converted into all-arms formations, marking a major pivot toward future-ready warfare. 4. Coforge Rises to #7 in Indian IT Coforge, formerly NIIT Technologies, has overtaken Mphasis to become India's seventh-largest IT services provider. Clocking $442 million in revenue for the June quarter, Coforge is riding high on a $1.56 billion deal with Sabre and its acquisition of Cigniti Technologies. With operating margins flat at 13.1% and negative free cash flow, challenges remain—but analysts expect Coforge to hit a $2 billion run-rate by June 2026, potentially cracking the top 6 alongside Tech Mahindra and LTIMindtree. CEO Sudhir Singh is confident: “H2 should also be robust.” The mid-cap IT race is heating up, even as the top four remain unchanged. 5. UK Faces Vote on Palestinian Statehood Following France's bold UN pledge to recognise Palestine, Britain is now under pressure to act. The Scottish National Party (SNP) has vowed to introduce a Palestine Recognition Bill when Parliament resumes in September. Leader Stephen Flynn says if PM Keir Starmer stalls, the SNP will force a full parliamentary vote. Over 220 MPs, including many from Labour, back recognition, citing the escalating crisis in Gaza. While Starmer, Italy, and Germany prefer a peace-first approach, critics warn that waiting might mean never acting at all. With 142 nations already recognising Palestine, the UK's next move will be closely watched. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I'm Nelson John and here are today's top stories. Whisky, Work Visas & Win-Win Trade After three years of negotiation, India and the UK have inked a landmark Free Trade Agreement, boosting bilateral trade by an estimated $34 billion annually. Signed during PM Modi's London visit, the deal grants duty-free access to 99% of Indian exports, benefiting key sectors like textiles, pharma, and jewellery. Indian consumers gain too—expect cheaper British cars, scotch, chocolates, soft drinks, and medical devices. Beyond goods, the deal opens 35 UK service sectors to Indian professionals for up to 24 months, eliminates social security payments for 3 years, and skips the UK's Economic Needs Test in 36 categories. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal hailed it as a $23 billion opportunity for India's labour-intensive sectors, and a step toward inclusive growth. From ‘India Out' to ‘India's In' PM Modi landed in Malé for the second leg of his two-nation tour, becoming the chief guest at the Maldives' 60th Independence Day celebrations. This marks a diplomatic reset with President Mohamed Muizzu, whose early tenure saw a tilt towards China and ‘India Out' rhetoric. Key agenda items: maritime security, trade, and inaugurating India-funded infrastructure projects. Several MoUs will be signed, reinforcing the India-Maldives Joint Vision. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri called it a “significant reset”—a move aimed at rebalancing regional influence. Rubio to Macron: You're Helping Hamas US Secretary of State Marco Rubio lashed out at France for its decision to recognize Palestine at the UN. Calling it “reckless” and “a slap in the face to the victims of October 7,” Rubio claimed the move boosts Hamas propaganda and damages peace efforts. France joins a growing bloc of EU nations supporting Palestinian statehood, while the US maintains that only direct Israel-Palestine talks can lead to a viable two-state solution. The diplomatic divide in the West over Gaza is getting sharper—and more public. Missiles, Fighter Jets & A UN Cry for Help A dangerous escalation between Thailand and Cambodia has left nine civilians dead after Cambodia reportedly launched rocket attacks into Thai territory. In response, Thailand deployed six F-16s, with at least one conducting airstrikes inside Cambodia. Both sides are now trading barbs and expelling diplomats. Cambodia is calling for an emergency UN Security Council meeting, while China has urged restraint. Thailand has sealed borders, begun civilian evacuations, and accused Cambodia of using human shields and targeting hospitals. The baht slipped 0.3% amid rising market anxiety. This conflict could spiral fast. MSME Stress Clouds ₹4,765 Cr Profit Bajaj Finance posted a solid 22% jump in Q1 profit to ₹4,765 crore, but beneath the numbers is a growing concern: stress in unsecured MSME loans. Vice Chairman Rajeev Jain flagged over-leverage as a “single univariate pain point.” Loan loss provisions rose 26%, and restructured loans surged to ₹219 crore—five times the usual. 13 out of 17 MSME sectors are slowing or contracting, with even doctors under strain. Gross NPAs rose to 1.03% (from 0.86% last year), and credit costs may hover near 2% for FY26. While AUM may grow 15%, disbursements will likely remain flat or decline. Recovery, Jain warned, may take “another quarter or more.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I'm Nelson John and here are today's top stories. Modi's London Mission: Trade Meets Royalty It was a warm welcome from the Indian diaspora—and a pivotal handshake in British countryside diplomacy. PM Narendra Modi landed in London for a two-day visit focused on formalizing the India-UK Free Trade Agreement, a deal three years in the making. Hosted by newly elected UK PM Keir Starmer at Chequers, the two leaders are expected to finalize an FTA that could eliminate tariffs on 99% of Indian exports, while opening India to more British whisky, cars, and luxury goods. Commerce ministers Piyush Goyal and Jonathan Reynolds are likely to sign the deal in their presence. With $55 billion in bilateral trade and nearly 1,000 Indian companies in the UK, the partnership runs deep. India is also a major investor, with $20 billion in British ventures. Later, Modi is set to meet King Charles III, blending hard talks with soft diplomacy. Next stop: the Maldives, in a potential diplomatic reset after recent strain. Mayday in Ahmedabad: IndiGo's Engine Scare It was a nerve-wracking moment on the tarmac. IndiGo flight 6E 7966, heading from Ahmedabad to Diu, aborted takeoff after one engine caught fire during its takeoff roll on July 23. The ATR-76 aircraft carried 60 passengers. Pilots issued a “Mayday” and returned to the bay safely. All passengers were evacuated without injury. IndiGo cited a technical snag and promised thorough checks. This scare comes just a day after another IndiGo flight from Goa to Indore also reported a technical fault before landing. No casualties were reported, but the back-to-back incidents have raised concerns over aircraft maintenance during India's busy monsoon season. Visa Thaw: India Reopens Doors to Chinese Tourists After four tense years post-Galwan, India has officially resumed tourist visas for Chinese nationals, in what's being seen as a significant diplomatic thaw. The announcement was made quietly via WeChat by the Indian Embassy in Beijing. Chinese travelers can now begin applying online starting July 24. This follows the recent restart of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and months of border de-escalation, including the Modi-Xi meeting in Kazan and a flurry of bilateral talks. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently met his counterpart Wang Yi, urging the end of restrictive trade measures like China's rare earth export curbs—key for India's EV and agri sectors. From 200,000 visas in 2019 to just 2,000 last year, this move aims to reboot people-to-people ties. Trump Sends More Weapons to Ukraine—$322M Worth Amid escalating Russian attacks, the U.S. has cleared a $322 million arms package for Ukraine. The deal includes $150 million for U.S. armored vehicle support and $172 million for surface-to-air missile systems. The announcement comes just weeks after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth paused other aid to assess U.S. stockpiles—surprising the White House. President Donald Trump, under rising pressure from isolationists, has since pivoted, declaring: “They have to be able to defend themselves.” Trump's new workaround? Let European allies buy U.S. arms and transfer them to Kyiv. Since 2022, the U.S. has sent over $67 billion in military support. Still, NATO countries in Eastern Europe are reluctant to part with their own advanced defense systems, despite mounting urgency. Chanda Kochhar Found Guilty in ₹64 Cr Bribery Case A stunning fall for one of India's most celebrated bankers. Former ICICI Bank CEO Chanda Kochhar has been found guilty of accepting a ₹64 crore bribe in return for sanctioning a ₹300 crore loan to Videocon Group. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I'm Nelson John and here are today's top stories. Flight Frights: Safety Under the Scanner It's been a tense 48 hours in Indian aviation, with three back-to-back incidents raising concerns over safety and monsoon preparedness. On Tuesday, Air India Flight AI 315 from Hong Kong landed safely in Delhi, only for a fire to break out in the aircraft's auxiliary power unit (APU) just after parking. Luckily, passengers had started disembarking and no injuries were reported. The aircraft has been grounded for checks. This followed two other incidents on Monday: one Kolkata-bound flight aborted takeoff in Delhi due to a technical snag, and another Air India aircraft skidded off the runway in rain-hit Mumbai while arriving from Kochi. In both cases, passengers were unharmed. Adding to the list, an IndiGo flight from Goa to Indore made an emergency landing after a mid-air landing gear warning. All 140 passengers are safe, but the spate of issues has raised tough questions about maintenance protocols and weather-readiness. H1-B Overhaul: Skill May Trump Luck Donald Trump is moving to restructure the U.S. H1-B visa lottery. On July 17, the Department of Homeland Security filed a proposal to introduce a “weighted and wage-linked selection system.” If approved, higher-paid and more skilled applicants will be prioritized over the current random lottery system. This could mark a seismic shift for Indian professionals, who make up over 70% of all approved H1-B visas annually. In FY24, 77% of the 320,000 slots went to Indian nationals. Elon Musk supported the move with a one-word post on X: “Great.” Musk has previously called the system “broken,” and this change could reflect a “merit-first” model, especially appealing to the tech sector. Still, it's a divisive move within Trump's own MAGA base, which often pushes for stricter immigration. The proposal is under regulatory review, with final details yet to be confirmed. Akasa on Ascent: Fastest-Growing Indian Airline Akasa Air is flying high. In just two years, the airline has built a fleet of 30 Boeing 737 MAX jets and placed orders for 226 aircraft to be delivered by 2032. The numbers are impressive: revenue grew 49% year-on-year, Available Seat Kilometres (ASK) rose 48%, and EBITDA margins improved by 50% over FY24. Akasa's RASK (revenue per seat) now stands at 13%, while CASK (cost per seat) remains below 10%. The airline plans to expand international operations from 16% to 25%, targeting Middle East and Southeast Asia routes. CFO Ankur Goel says Akasa is on track to grow its fleet by 25–30% annually, and the upcoming Navi Mumbai and Noida airports could offer strong domestic growth levers. From startup to serious contender, Akasa is becoming India's most ambitious young airline. Modi–Starmer FTA: A Landmark Trade Handshake As PM Narendra Modi heads to the UK for his first visit since Keir Starmer took office, the two leaders are set to sign a long-awaited Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Cleared by India's Cabinet, the FTA promises to cut tariffs on 90% of British goods, making 85% of them duty-free over 10 years. In return, the UK will remove tariffs on 99% of Indian exports, boosting industries like textiles, gems, auto parts, marine goods, and chemicals. This is a big win for Indian exporters, especially in apparel and home textiles, which currently face 8–12% UK duties. The deal also aims to unlock India-UK trade, which currently makes up just 2% of India's global trade—a surprisingly low figure given their historic ties. Once signed, the FTA will go to the British Parliament for ratification. If passed, this could become Britain's biggest trade deal post-Brexit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I'm Nelson John and here are today's top stories. VP Dhankhar Resigns, Citing Health In a surprising political turn, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned from office on Monday, citing medical reasons and the need to prioritize health. The resignation—submitted under Article 67(a)—was effective immediately. In an emotional letter to President Droupadi Murmu, Dhankhar expressed gratitude for her support and recalled their “wonderful working relationship.” He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Members of Parliament, and the Council of Ministers, calling his tenure “a privilege” during a transformative phase of India's rise. Known for his sharp legal acumen and parliamentary presence, Dhankhar's exit comes at a politically sensitive time, raising immediate questions over his successor. Turbulent Monday for Indian Aviation Monday saw a series of aviation scares across India. IndiGo flight 6E 813 from Goa to Indore reported a technical snag just before landing, but landed safely with all 140 passengers. At Mumbai airport, an Air India flight from Kochi veered off the runway in heavy rain, bursting three tyres and possibly damaging an engine. In Delhi, another Air India flight aborted take-off due to a technical glitch, leaving 160 passengers grounded. All incidents ended safely, but they've reignited concerns around monsoon preparedness, runway resilience, and aircraft reliability amid growing air traffic. China's Giant Dam Raises Red Flags China has begun building the world's largest hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo river in Tibet—just upstream from India and Bangladesh. The $167 billion Motuo Dam is projected to generate 3x the output of the Three Gorges Dam. But India's not celebrating. Arunachal CM Pema Khandu called it an “existential threat,” warning the dam could act as a “water bomb” if water is suddenly released. India's foreign ministry has urged Beijing to respect downstream interests. China, not party to any water-sharing treaty, has promised “no negative impact.” Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma offered a cautious view, saying the river's flow comes from multiple sources and more study is needed. Meanwhile, India is moving ahead with its own buffer dam project on the Siang river. Jane Street Cleared to Trade Again After being barred from Indian markets for alleged ₹43,000 crore index manipulation, US-based hedge fund Jane Street is now back on the NSE and BSE—under tight SEBI conditions. The firm deposited ₹4,843.5 crore into an escrow account, a key requirement from SEBI's 3 July interim order. Jane Street denies any wrongdoing, claiming its trades were simple arbitrage. The return doesn't mean the probe is over. SEBI will continue monitoring Jane Street's trades under heightened surveillance, with a final verdict expected in the coming months. Meanwhile, BSE shares jumped nearly 3%, and unlisted NSE stock saw a surge in demand. Afcons Rides Global Rail Boom Infrastructure major Afcons just clinched a ₹6,800 crore railway project in Croatia, its second big win in a week. The project involves reconstructing a railway line between Dugo Selo and Novska, including electrification and signaling. This follows two Croatian road project wins worth ₹4,535 crore, a ₹700 crore Reliance contract in Gujarat, and a ₹463 crore rural water project in Rajasthan. Despite strong order momentum, Afcons' stock has underperformed since listing in November at ₹426. It now trades around ₹418, down over 10% from IPO and nearly 27% off its high of ₹570. Still, analysts remain bullish, citing the company's execution record and robust pipeline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I'm Nelson John and here are today's top stories. Earnings Tsunami Incoming The Q1 FY26 earnings season has officially begun, with Reliance Industries and HDFC Bank leading the charge. Over 95 major companies are set to report their numbers this week, covering sectors like tech, pharma, infra, and finance. “Markets will first react to Reliance, HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank,” said Ajit Mishra, SVP, Religare Broking. Key dates to watch: July 22: Colgate-Palmolive, Dixon, IRFC, JSW Infra, Paytm July 23: Infosys, Dr. Reddy's, Tata Consumer, Coforge July 24: Bajaj Finance, Canara Bank, Nestle, Mphasis, SBI Life July 25: Cipla, Bajaj Finserv, Bank of Baroda July 26: Kotak Bank, IDFC First, Balkrishna Industries Markets are closely tracking profitability trends, rural demand, and input cost pressures. With large and midcaps on center stage, investor sentiment could shift fast. $44M Crypto Hack Hits CoinDCX India's leading crypto exchange CoinDCX has confirmed a $44 million security breach, after hackers compromised an internal liquidity account over the weekend. Co-founder Sumit Gupta said customer wallets remain safe and losses will be fully covered by treasury reserves. Trading was briefly paused but services are now live. The company is also launching a bug bounty program and working with cybersecurity partners to trace the stolen assets. This breach follows last year's WazirX hack worth $230M, adding urgency ahead of India's first crypto policy paper, expected this month. EU Sanctions Nayara Refinery, Rosneft Hits Back The European Union has sanctioned Nayara Energy's refinery in Vadinar, Gujarat, drawing sharp condemnation from Rosneft, which owns a 49% stake. Rosneft called the move “unjustified and illegal,” warning it could undermine India's energy security and hurt the economy. It emphasized that Nayara is a locally governed and taxed Indian entity, with profits reinvested in the country. India's Ministry of External Affairs responded firmly: “We do not recognize unilateral sanctions. There should be no double standards, especially in energy trade,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. The EU also slashed the Russian oil price cap to $47.6/barrel and clamped down on “shadow fleet” ships—efforts to reduce Moscow's wartime revenue. Iran-EU Nuclear Talks Back On In a diplomatic shift, Iran has agreed to restart nuclear talks with the UK, France, and Germany—collectively known as the E3. Deputy foreign ministers will meet Friday, separate from any talks with the US. These nations were part of the original 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA), which the US exited in 2018. Talks have remained frozen since an Israeli airstrike in June disrupted a round of Oman-mediated negotiations. Iran is demanding security guarantees after joint US-Israel strikes targeted its nuclear infrastructure. While expectations are low, any movement is seen as a sign of thaw in an otherwise tense region. Honda Hits the Brakes on ABS Deadline With a January 2026 deadline approaching for mandatory ABS (anti-lock braking systems) on all two-wheelers, Honda Motorcycles has joined Hero MotoCorp in raising red flags. “Cost is one issue. But the real concern is supply chain readiness,” said Yogesh Mathur of Honda. Currently, only bikes above 125cc require ABS. The new norms would impact 84% of the two-wheeler market, adding ₹3,000–₹5,000 per unit in cost. 70% of key ABS parts—like ECUs and sensors—are still imported, mostly from China and ASEAN nations. Industry body SIAM has asked the government to push the deadline, but the Ministry remains firm, citing India's high road fatality rate. Analysts say the domestic ABS market could grow 5X to ₹80,000 crore, though full localization may take up to 18 months. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I'm Nelson John and here are today's top stories.  Trade Tensions Explode: Lula vs Trump It's no longer just a tariff—it's personal. After Donald Trump imposed a sweeping 50% duty on all Brazilian imports, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva fired back, declaring: “No gringo is going to give orders to this president.” The tariff, effective April 1, was justified by Trump as retaliation for Brazil's treatment of former President Jair Bolsonaro—calling his trial a “witch hunt”. Trump's letter also accused Brazil of censorship and undermining free speech. Lula stood firm, defending Brazil's right to regulate U.S. tech giants, whom he blames for spreading misinformation. While Lula is open to talks, no meeting has been scheduled yet. In the meantime, Brazil is consulting industries and weighing retaliatory tariffs. It's not just a trade spat anymore—it's about sovereignty, censorship, and global pride.

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I'm Nelson John and here are today's top stories.PAN-PAN in the Sky: IndiGo's Emergency Landing It started with a “PAN PAN PAN”—the aviation distress call for urgent but non-life-threatening situations. That's what the captain of IndiGo flight 6E 6271 declared mid-air on Wednesday, after detecting an engine snag. The Airbus A320neo, carrying 191 people from Delhi to Goa, made an emergency diversion to Mumbai, landing safely at 9:53 pm with emergency teams on standby. All passengers were safe. This incident adds to a growing list of technical issues for IndiGo: a bird strike on a Patna-Delhi flight and a technical snag on an Indore-Raipur route earlier this week. With monsoon weather disrupting flights across Delhi, India's busiest airport is under pressure—and so is IndiGo's reputation. “This is not a drill.” That was the warning after a 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Alaska near Sand Point, triggering a tsunami alert for parts of the Alaska Peninsula. The quake hit at 12:37 pm local time, just 20 km below the ocean floor—shallow enough to generate tsunami waves. The National Weather Service issued alerts from Kennedy Entrance to Unimak Pass, covering towns like Cold Bay and Kodiak. Alaska lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world's most seismically active zones. Though no major damage has been reported, the tremors are a stark reminder of the region's vulnerability, echoing the devastating 1964 quake that killed over 250 people. After months of turbulence, Ola Electric's stock surged 20% this week—but it wasn't driven by earnings. The company's revenues halved, and losses widened in the latest quarter. What changed? Ola's auto business turned Ebitda-positive in June for the first time, thanks to stronger sales of its premium Gen-3 scooters and tighter cost controls. But serious headwinds remain: market share has dipped below 20%, regulatory hurdles continue, and customer complaints persist. While Ola has scaled back its ambitious battery manufacturing targets, it's betting big on a leaner, profitability-first strategy. The road ahead? Still bumpy—but at least the wheels are turning in a new direction. India's biggest lender is raising big money. State Bank of India (SBI) is planning to raise ₹45,000 crore in FY26 via bonds and equity. Its board just cleared ₹20,000 crore worth of Basel III bonds, and it launched its first QIP since 2018, setting a floor price of ₹811.05 per share. Though its capital adequacy stands strong at 14.25%, SBI wants dry powder to support future growth and match peers like HDFC Bank (19.6%). Experts say overall bond activity may slow this year amid weak credit growth and investor wariness around AT1 bonds post-Yes Bank. Public sector banks, including SBI, are increasingly leaning into QIPs—not just to raise capital, but also to meet government disinvestment goals. India has just beaten a major climate target—five years ahead of time. Over 50% of the country's power capacity now comes from non-fossil fuel sources, fulfilling a key Paris Agreement commitment well before the 2030 deadline. Renewable energy now makes up 48.3% of total capacity, with nuclear taking the figure over the 50% mark. To further this momentum, the Cabinet has greenlit massive investments: NTPC can invest up to ₹20,000 crore via its green arm, while NLC India can invest ₹7,000 crore through its renewables unit. Experts caution that while capacity is growing fast, actual generation from renewables—especially solar and wind—still lags at just 13%. The next frontier? Turning that potential into real, round-the-clock clean energy output. Tsunami Alert After 7.3 Quake Shakes AlaskaOla's Stock Jumps—but Is the Turnaround Real?SBI's ₹45,000 Cr Capital PlayIndia Crosses Climate Milestone—5 Years Early Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I'm Nelson John and here are today's top stories. 1. NATO's 100% Sanctions Warning to India, China & Brazil NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, with backing from U.S. President Donald Trump, issued a stark ultimatum: any country still trading oil and gas with Russia will face “100% secondary sanctions.” Targeting China, India, and Brazil directly, Rutte urged their leaders to pressure Putin into serious peace talks within 50 days—echoing Trump's threat of “biting” trade penalties if no progress is made. For India, which has ramped up imports of discounted Russian oil since the Ukraine war began, the message signals growing Western impatience and raises the economic cost of neutrality. 2. Vedanta Faces Fire from Short Seller Viceroy Viceroy Research has reignited scrutiny on Vedanta Ltd, accusing its promoters of secretly holding a 1.91% stake via a trust-controlled entity, PTC Cables Pvt Ltd. The report claims this vehicle was used to funnel ₹1,500 crore in dividends to promoter-linked entities. Vedanta dismissed the allegations as “baseless,” stating full regulatory compliance. Yet public records show links to the Agarwal family and longtime associates. While JP Morgan backed Vedanta with an Overweight rating, the shadow of opaque trust structures and governance concerns continues to hover. 3. Tesla Finally Enters India—With a Luxury SUV, Not Scale Tesla has launched its long-awaited India operations with a flagship showroom in Mumbai's BKC and the Model Y SUV priced between ₹61–68 lakh. While not aimed at mass adoption, Tesla's appeal lies in its battery range, tech branding, and cargo space. However, its full self-driving features remain off-limits due to legal and regulatory barriers. India recently eased EV import duties for companies promising local manufacturing within three years, but Elon Musk skipped a planned visit and hasn't committed to building in India yet. For now, Tesla rides on novelty rather than numbers. 4. Nvidia's China Chip Move Raises Eyebrows in Washington Nvidia is seeking U.S. approval to resume sales of its H20 AI chips to China—part of a broader deal involving rare earth shipments to U.S. firms. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed the chip sale is linked to this “magnet” trade agreement. While the H20 chips are legally exportable, they remain powerful due to Nvidia's software ecosystem. Lawmakers, however, are alarmed. Bipartisan critics argue the move undermines national security and could accelerate China's AI ambitions, especially for companies like DeepSeek. With China generating $17B in revenue for Nvidia last year, CEO Jensen Huang's balancing act could carry geopolitical consequences. 5. Trump Says US-India Trade Deal “Within Reach”—But Dairy Is a Dealbreaker Former President Donald Trump signaled progress on a long-pending trade pact with India, declaring, “We're going to have access into India.” He cited a finalized deal with Indonesia as precedent, where U.S. exports face zero tariffs. But talks with India remain stuck—particularly over dairy imports. India has drawn a firm line, refusing U.S. dairy unless it's certified free of animal byproducts, protecting its cultural norms and small farmers. With bilateral trade hovering around $200 billion and a $500 billion target by 2030, both nations are engaged in a complex tariff tug-of-war. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I'm Nelson John and here are today's top stories. Air India Crash Sparks Urgent Jet Checks After the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171 that claimed 260 lives, India's aviation watchdog DGCA has ordered urgent inspections of fuel switch locking systems on all Boeing 737 and 787 aircraft in the country. A preliminary probe revealed that fuel supply to both engines was cut off within a second after takeoff, with cockpit recordings capturing confusion among the pilots. The incident has cast a spotlight on a 2018 FAA advisory that was not acted upon by Air India as it was non-mandatory. Over 150 aircraft are now being inspected, with DGCA setting a July 21 deadline. The crash has reignited debate on long-ignored safety warnings in Indian aviation. Jaishankar to China: Peace First, Progress Next In his first visit to China since the 2020 Galwan clash, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar told his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi that resolving border tensions is key to rebuilding trust. “Differences must not become disputes,” he said, urging both nations to maintain momentum in de-escalation and avoid restrictive trade practices—an indirect reference to China's export curbs on critical minerals. The talks follow the October 2024 Modi-Xi meeting in Kazan and come ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation conclave. Jaishankar underlined that stable India-China ties are vital for global stability, calling for mutual respect and far-sighted diplomacy. MRP Reform on the Cards: No More Fake Discounts? Why does a product tagged ₹5,000 regularly sell at ₹2,500? The government wants to know. The Centre is considering a major revamp of the MRP (Maximum Retail Price) system, with plans to link prices to actual production and marketing costs. The aim is to prevent “price illusions” and deceptive discounts. A recent meeting led by the Consumer Affairs Department explored guidelines that could ensure more transparency in retail pricing. While officials insist it's not about price control, industry players warn that cost-plus pricing may hurt flexibility and product variety. It's early days yet—but the move could change how India shops. Trump's 50-Day Threat to Russia Donald Trump has issued a 50-day deadline to Russia: broker peace with Ukraine or face 100% tariffs and secondary sanctions on oil buyers. In a high-stakes policy shift, the former president said countries purchasing Russian oil—including China and India—could also face penalties. The announcement was made during his meeting with NATO Secretary General and caused a brief rally in Russian markets, as investors welcomed the grace period. Trump also revealed a new U.S. weapons package for Ukraine, with NATO nations footing the bill. With the ceasefire deadline looming, global eyes are now on Moscow—and its oil partners. Maglev Mania: China's 600 kmph Train In just seven seconds, it rockets to 600 kmph. China's latest Maglev train is faster than a plane, covering the Beijing-Shanghai 1,200 km route in just 150 minutes. Unveiled at the 17th Modern Railways Expo, the train levitates using magnetic fields to eliminate friction—offering a silent, ultra-fast ride. A vacuum-tube test in Hubei Province clocked the train at 404 mph in under 7 seconds. Built by state-run CRRC, it boasts a futuristic interior and aerodynamic design. The full high-speed track is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. China isn't just advancing rail tech—it's reimagining time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I'm Nelson John and here are today's top stories.Fireball Grounds Flights at Southend Airport A small aircraft crash sparked chaos at London Southend Airport on Sunday, halting all flight operations. Eyewitnesses captured a dramatic fireball and thick smoke, with unconfirmed reports pointing to a Beech B200 Super King Air. Authorities are investigating, but details remain scarce. Essex Police confirmed the 12-metre aircraft went down around 4 p.m., prompting evacuations of nearby golf and rugby clubs. Emergency crews, including four ambulances and air rescue teams, remain on high alert. The airport, 35 miles from London, is closed until further notice. It was a tough Friday for Indian markets. TCS's weak Q1 results and fresh tariff threats from Donald Trump against Mexico and the EU sent shockwaves through Dalal Street. The Sensex fell 690 points, and the Nifty slipped 205, both ending at weekly lows. Ajit Mishra of Religare says, “Volatility is here to stay.” Still, Bajaj Broking believes the dip may be temporary, expecting a bounce if Nifty holds above 24,900. Also in the mix: FPIs pulled out over ₹5,000 crore, oil prices surged, and over 50 Q1 earnings are due this week. That viral WhatsApp forward claiming ₹500 notes will disappear from ATMs by September 2025? Totally false. The PIB Fact Check team debunked the claim, saying RBI has issued no such order. ₹500 notes remain legal tender. The misleading message also claimed 90% of ATMs would stop dispensing the denomination by March 2026—again, untrue. On a real currency note, the RBI will soon release new ₹20 notes signed by new Governor Sanjay Malhotra. Old ₹20 notes remain valid. Big change at VIP Industries. Promoters Dilip Piramal and family have sold 32% stake to a group led by Multiples PE and investor Mithun Sancheti, handing over control of the ₹6,400-crore company. The deal—reportedly worth ₹1,764 crore—was struck at a 15% discount to market price and triggers an open offer. VIP, which commands 44% of India's organized luggage market, faces rising heat from startups like Mokobara and Nasher Miles. This could mark a fresh direction for a legacy brand known for Skybags, Carlton, and more. It's a dividend-heavy week ahead! Market leaders like TCS, Bharti Airtel, Kotak Bank, Dabur, and IDBI Bank will trade ex-dividend starting Monday, July 14. Over 50 companies, including Bajaj Electricals, Blue Star, Cummins, and Happiest Minds, are on the list. Some are also announcing bonus or rights issues, creating opportunities for dividend-focused investors. If you're chasing payouts, timing is key—own the shares before their ex-date to be eligible. TCS Miss, Trump Tariffs Rattle MarketsFake ₹500 Note Ban Claim BustedVIP Industries Gets a New CrewDividend Week: 50+ Stocks Go Ex-Dividend Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I'm Nelson John and here are today's top stories.Jet-Lagged in Kerala, may finally leave for home Jet-Lagged in Kerala, may finally leave for home A $115 million British F-35B stealth jet has been grounded at Thiruvananthapuram airport since June 14 after bad weather forced it to divert from the HMS Prince of Wales. While engineers work on repairs, the jet has turned into a social media sensation. Kerala Tourism joined the fun with a viral post: “Kerala is such an amazing place, I don't want to leave.” Cartoons have popped up showing the jet enjoying chai and snacks under palm trees. The UK Defence Ministry has dismissed rumors about dismantling and flying it back via cargo. The aircraft is expected to take off again as early as next week. Nipah Returns: Kerala on Guard Kerala is back on high alert after two confirmed cases of the deadly Nipah virus—one fatal. An 18-year-old girl from Malappuram died, while a 38-year-old woman from Palakkad is undergoing treatment. Nearly 500 people are on the contact list, with 29 in the highest-risk category. Despite this, no new cases have been reported, and containment zones in Malappuram have been lifted. A central health team is on the ground coordinating efforts. Nipah is a zoonotic virus with no vaccine, but Kerala's public health system has managed past outbreaks with early detection and isolation. Vedanta Called a ‘Parasite' in Explosive Report In a scathing 87-page report, US-based Viceroy Research accused Vedanta Resources Ltd (VRL) of draining its Indian arm, Vedanta Ltd (VEDL), through aggressive dividend extraction, shady internal loans, and dubious brand fees. The report calls VRL a “parasite” with no meaningful operations of its own, relying on the Mumbai-listed company to survive. It highlights over $8 billion in dividends paid by VEDL despite falling cash flows, unexplained interest costs, and $1 billion in suspect loans. Viceroy also flagged flashy project announcements with little follow-through, a revolving door of senior execs, and 107 legal disclosures since 2022—far more than peers like Tata Steel. The takeaway? A pattern of poor governance and financial engineering. Tax Relief for Green Investors The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) just received a big push from the finance ministry. Its bonds are now classified as ‘long-term specified assets' under Section 54EC of the Income Tax Act. Translation: investors can save capital gains tax by investing up to ₹50 lakh annually in these bonds. The proceeds will be used exclusively for revenue-generating renewable energy projects. IREDA chairman Pradip Kumar Das hailed the move as a “pivotal moment” for green finance. The company posted a strong Q4 profit rise but saw a dip in Q1 earnings. Nonetheless, its stock ended 2.26% higher. Glenmark's $700 Million Global Leap Glenmark Pharmaceuticals has struck gold with the biggest outlicensing deal in Indian pharma history. Its US-based unit, Ichnos Glenmark Innovation (IGI), has licensed a breakthrough blood cancer drug to AbbVie for $700 million upfront, with total potential payouts of $1.93 billion. The drug, ISB 2001, is a trispecific antibody targeting multiple myeloma—an aggressive blood cancer that resists conventional treatments. The therapy is still in early trials but has already received orphan and fast track designations from the FDA. Glenmark will retain rights in India and emerging markets, while AbbVie takes it global. “This puts India on the world map,” said Glenmark MD Glenn Saldanha. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I'm Nelson John and here are today's top stories. Trump Hits Brazil With 50% Tariff In a fiery escalation, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 50% tariff on all Brazilian imports starting August 1. The move follows a diplomatic spat with Brazil's President Lula da Silva, who called Trump an “unwanted emperor.” Trump fired back with a sharply worded letter defending ex-President Jair Bolsonaro, calling his trial “a witch hunt” and accusing Brazil of censorship and unfair trade. “Brazil has treated Bolsonaro disgracefully,” Trump wrote, adding that the tariffs are just the beginning. A Section 301 investigation into Brazil's digital trade practices is also underway. Trump hinted at possible revisions if Brazil reforms, but warned of further hikes otherwise. #USBrazilTensions #TrumpTariffs #Geopolitics #JairBolsonaro #TradeWar Trump Threatens 200% Pharma Tariff, India Alarmed Trump is now eyeing a 200% tariff on pharmaceutical imports, a move that could hit India's $30 billion pharma exports hard. The threat follows a Section 232 probe launched in April into whether pharma imports pose a national security risk. The U.S. accounts for 31% of Indian pharma exports and sources nearly 40% of its generics from India. Indian manufacturers warn this could worsen drug shortages in the U.S. and disrupt patient care. “Adding tariffs will hurt patients and delay our investments in the U.S.,” said Kathleen Jaeger of the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance. The final decision is expected soon, and Indian pharma companies are already weighing exit strategies. #PharmaTariffs #IndianPharma #GenericDrugs #TrumpTrade #DrugShortage New US Visa Fee Raises Travel Costs Planning a U.S. trip? Brace for a higher bill. Under Trump's “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” a new $250 Visa Integrity Fee is in effect for most non-immigrant visas including B1/B2 (tourist/business), F and M (student), H-1B (work), and J (exchange). The fee, described as a refundable “good behavior bond”, is meant to enforce compliance with visa terms—no overstaying or unauthorized work. Starting in 2026, the fee will rise annually with inflation. For Indian travelers, it means the cost of a U.S. tourist visa jumps from $185 to $472 (~₹40,500). Refunds are rare and only apply to those who strictly follow the rules. #USVisaFee #ImmigrationPolicy #H1B #TravelCosts #VisaNews Vedanta Under Fire: “Ponzi Scheme” Allegation Viceroy Research, the short-seller that exposed Wirecard, is now targeting Anil Agarwal's Vedanta Resources. In a damning report, Viceroy labeled the Indian conglomerate a “Ponzi scheme,” citing mismanagement and unsustainable debt. Vedanta has denied the charges, calling them “malicious and baseless.” But co-founder Fraser Perring warned more reports are coming. Viceroy, known for its multi-report takedowns, has a track record of triggering steep stock declines—80% of its targets have suffered. Perring also disclosed that he and his team shorted Vedanta bonds in April. With more revelations likely, investor anxiety is growing. #Vedanta #ViceroyResearch #ShortSelling #FraserPerring #MarketWatch India Scrambles After China Cuts Fertiliser Exports Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has warned of the risks of overdependence on China for fertiliser supplies, following Beijing's export curbs on Di-ammonium phosphate (DAP)—India's second-most used fertiliser. India imported over 2.5 million tonnes of DAP in FY25, much of it from China. The restrictions have spiked global prices and sparked fears of shortages during the kharif sowing season. Goyal called for diversified sourcing, domestic production boosts, and long-term mineral partnerships. He also projected India's agri-exports could grow from ₹4.5 trillion to ₹20 trillion with better processing and branding. But the short-term focus remains: ensuring farmers have what they need to plant. #FertiliserCrisis #ChinaCurbs #PiyushGoyal #AgriExports #DAPShortage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I'm Nelson John and here are today's top stories. “We Want a Deal, Not a Steal” — India Holds Firm on Trade India and the US have pushed their trade deal deadline from July 9 to mid-July, even as President Trump enforces steep retaliatory tariffs on 14 other nations. India, however, isn't on that list yet. The deal is awaiting Trump's final sign-off, but Indian negotiators are in no rush. “Vietnam signed too quickly—we're drawing red lines,” said a senior official, referring to contentious issues like agriculture, dairy, GM seeds, and digital trade. India currently faces a 26% tariff, and with Trump's August 1 tariff trigger looming, the stakes are high. Trade experts warn these deals reflect pressure, not parity. Apple's New Ops Boss is India-Born Sabih Khan After nearly 30 years behind the scenes, Apple veteran Sabih Khan has been named Chief Operating Officer, taking over from Jeff Williams. Born in Moradabad, Khan moved from Singapore to the US, earning degrees in economics and mechanical engineering. Joining Apple in 1995, he's been instrumental in shaping its global supply chain, driving sustainability, and expanding US manufacturing. CEO Tim Cook praised Khan's values-driven leadership, calling him “a brilliant strategist” and “central architect of Apple's supply chain.” Khan officially steps into the role later this month. India's Warship Surge to Counter China India is arming up at sea. Over the next year, the Navy will induct six homegrown stealth frigates—Udaygiri, Taragiri, Mahendragiri, Himgiri, Dunagiri, and Vindhyagiri—under Project 17A. These 6,670-tonne vessels, with 75% indigenous content, are armed with BrahMos missiles and cutting-edge tech. The ₹45,000-crore project marks a significant upgrade over earlier Shivalik-class ships. INS Udaygiri has already been delivered, and the rest will follow by August 2026. PM Modi, at a rare tri-commissioning earlier this year, called it a step toward a self-reliant Navy. By 2047, the Navy aims to be fully ‘atmanirbhar' with 60 warships under construction. Modi Bags Brazil's Top Civilian Honour In Brazil, PM Modi was awarded the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross—the country's highest civilian honour—for deepening India-Brazil ties and advancing global cooperation. “This is a moment of immense pride for 140 crore Indians,” Modi said, calling President Lula the “architect” of the strategic partnership. This is Modi's 26th international award since 2014. Just days earlier, he received Trinidad and Tobago's top honour—the Order of the Republic—making him the first foreign leader to earn it. Trump Targets BRICS with 10% Tariff Threat Donald Trump has launched a fresh broadside against BRICS. Calling the bloc an attempt to “destroy the dollar,” Trump warned that all BRICS nations—including India—will face a 10% tariff if he returns to office. “If they want to play games, I can play too,” he said. Trump claimed BRICS is not a “serious threat,” but accused it of trying to dethrone the dollar as the world's standard. He slammed President Biden's handling of the dollar's global status, saying losing it would be like “losing a world war.” Trump added, “The dollar is king. We're going to keep it that way.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I'm Nelson John and here are today's top stories. 25 Crore Workers Strike: Bharat Bandh Takes Centre Stage India is witnessing one of its biggest labour uprisings. On Wednesday, over 25 crore workers across banking, insurance, coal, postal, and transport sectors are expected to join a nationwide strike—Bharat Bandh—led by 10 central trade unions. The unions are protesting what they call the Modi government's “anti-worker, anti-farmer, pro-corporate” policies. The flashpoint? The four new labour codes, which unions say erode workers' rights, extend working hours, weaken collective bargaining, and decriminalize violations by employers. Farmers' unions, including the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, are also backing the strike. “This isn't just about wages,” said Harbhajan Singh Sidhu of Hind Mazdoor Sabha. “It's a fight for the soul of India's workforce.” China Fumes Over Modi's Dalai Lama Wish A SEBI study has revealed a brutal truth—91% of retail traders in equity derivatives lost money in FY2025, with net losses ballooning to ₹1.05 lakh crore, up 41% from the previous year. Retail participation in F&O also dropped 20% year-on-year, reflecting rising disillusionment. Despite some pullback in volumes, India still sees intense activity in index options. The data comes as SEBI tightens its oversight of the derivatives market, with new risk-monitoring and transparency norms introduced this year. “The house still wins,” the study suggests, “and most traders are paying—not playing—the market.” Trump Tariff Tsunami Hits Asia—India Spared, For Now China has issued a formal protest to India after PM Narendra Modi wished the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday and Union ministers attended celebrations in Dharamshala. Beijing labelled the Tibetan leader a “separatist” and accused India of violating past commitments on Tibet, which it refers to as “Xizang.” Chinese officials also reignited the reincarnation debate, asserting that the centuries-old process is under Chinese jurisdiction—not the Dalai Lama's. India maintained that it doesn't comment on religious matters and supports freedom of belief. The Dalai Lama, meanwhile, declared his reincarnation will be decided outside China, reinforcing the deep spiritual-political divide between the neighbours. Trump Nominated for Nobel After Iran Strikes President Donald Trump has announced steep new tariffs—up to 40%—on imports from 15 countries, including key Asian economies like Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, and South Korea. But India is notably exempt, amid pending talks on a bilateral trade agreement. Trump says the move is part of his Reciprocal Tariff Policy to counter “unfair trade barriers.” Laos and Myanmar face the steepest duties (40%), while Japan and South Korea are hit with 25%. India's absence from the list gives it a temporary export edge in sectors like textiles, toys, and electronics. “Indian products may gain a pricing edge,” said FIEO's Ajay Sahai. But with a July 9 deadline for the tariff pause and the trade deal still unsigned, India's free pass may not last long. In a high-stakes moment of international optics, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu nominated Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize—just two weeks after the U.S. bombed Iranian nuclear sites. Netanyahu called it a “historic victory” and praised Trump's Middle East strategy. Trump, meanwhile, revealed Iran has approached the U.S. for talks and compared the bombings to the atomic strikes on Japan in World War II. Trump also claimed Hamas is now seeking a ceasefire in Gaza and floated the idea of Palestinian relocation. He sidestepped a two-state solution question, deferring to Netanyahu, who said peace is possible only with Palestinian neighbours who “don't want to destroy Israel.” With Assad gone in Syria, Netanyahu believes new alliances can be forged in the region. Peace talk, power plays, and posturing—it's diplomacy, Trump-style. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I'm Nelson John and here are today's top stories. Markets on Edge: Five Triggers to Watch India's stock markets cooled off last week, snapping a two-week rally. Both the Sensex and Nifty 50 fell 0.7%, amid global trade tension and FPI outflows (₹5,773 crore in July so far). Mid and small caps stayed resilient. What's Next? Five key signals will shape this week: India-US Trade Deal: With the July 9 deadline looming and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal standing firm, uncertainty lingers. Q1 Earnings Kick Off: TCS and Tata Elxsi report July 10. Monsoon Progress: Above-normal rains = boost for kharif sowing. FPI Flows: Still in withdrawal mode, eyes on earnings and trade talks. US Fed Minutes: Could hint at when rate cuts might come. Modi in Rio: Trade, Terror & Teamwork At the BRICS Summit in Brazil, PM Modi met Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel to push ties in Ayurveda, biotech, pharma, and digital payments. The leaders agreed on strengthening cooperation on global issues like pandemics and climate change. Modi also took a hard line on terror, calling for sanctions after the Pahalgam attack. “Backing terrorists for political gain should never be acceptable,” he said. UAE's Golden Gateway for Indians A lifetime UAE Golden Visa is now within reach for Indians—without needing to buy property. What's new? Nomination-based entry. One-time fee: AED 1,00,000 (~₹23.3 lakh). No Dubai visit needed for pre-approval. Includes family, business, and job rights. Launched under UAE's CEPA strategy, this pilot includes India and Bangladesh first, with China and others to follow. Applicants will undergo intense vetting—criminal checks, social media scrutiny, and potential economic value to the UAE. Yes Bank CEO Search Paused Amid Japan Deal Yes Bank has paused its CEO search as it awaits RBI's green light on a ₹13,482 crore investment from Japan's SMBC Group, which plans to acquire a 20% stake—the largest cross-border banking deal in India. The board felt it prudent to wait for SMBC's input before appointing a new chief. Current CEO Prashant Kumar has been given a six-month extension, and the search firm has been told to stand down. Fitch calls the SMBC deal a potential game-changer for foreign investment in Indian banks—if RBI opens the door. Bengaluru Startup's 12-Hour Days Spark Debate Work from 10 to 10. Six days a week. Sometimes Sundays too. That's the reality at mobile gaming startup Matiks, where founder Mohan Kumar says it's not a job, it's a mission. His post on X set off a firestorm—some admired the grind, others slammed it as burnout in disguise. Critics questioned equity sharing, mental health, and the ethics of glorifying extreme hours. Kumar insists no one is forced. “We're not here for paychecks—we're chasing a dream,” he said, calling his all-under-25 team co-builders, not employees. Beds in the office, dinners at desks—is this startup grit or toxic hustle? What do you think? Driven dreamers or burnout in disguise? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I'm Nelson John and here are today's top stories.  “30 Seconds to Doomsday”: Pakistan's Nuclear Scare In a startling disclosure, Rana Sanaullah, aide to Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif, revealed that during Operation Sindoor, Pakistan had just 30–45 seconds to assess whether an incoming Indian BrahMos missile was nuclear-armed. The missile had struck Pakistan's Nur Khan airbase following a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians. India's swift tri-service retaliation targeted JeM and LeT camps in Pakistan and PoK. The near-crisis, which ended with Pakistan requesting a ceasefire, underscores how close the region came to nuclear conflict. Sanaullah also questioned former U.S. President Donald Trump's role in the standoff, hinting at vague international mediation. The episode highlights the razor-thin margins on which Indo-Pak ties rest. 2. Markets Calm, But Tariff Tempest Ahead? With the Nifty 50 up 4% this month and India's VIX sliding to 12.44, investor nerves seem soothed—for now. But volatility could return swiftly as Trump's 90-day tariff pause ends on July 9. Shrikant Chouhan of Kotak Securities warns the VIX could spike to 19–20 if tariffs return. Globally, too, fear gauges have cooled—the Cboe VIX has dropped from 51 to under 17. While over 50 IPOs, including HDB Financial's ₹12,500 crore listing, are riding this wave of calm, events like TCS's July 10 earnings and the FOMC meet on July 29-30 could shake things up again. Russia has become the first country to officially recognize the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, ending nearly four years of diplomatic isolation for the group. In Kabul, Russian Ambassador Dmitry Zhirnov handed over formal recognition papers to Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, who called it a “courageous step.” 3. Russia Recognizes Taliban Government Russia's move follows its decision in April to remove the Taliban from its terror list, and it now views the group as an ally against ISIS-K. Economic motives also drive this pivot—Russia sees Afghanistan as a transit hub for energy routes into Southeast Asia. Western nations remain cautious. The U.S. condemned the move as dangerous legitimization, and others like Germany, France, and Britain continue to demand progress on women's rights before engaging further. The Taliban, now backed by Russia, is eyeing a UN seat—but that path remains fraught. 4. Tata's Grocery Ambitions Get Serious Noel Tata believes Star—Trent Ltd's grocery venture—could soon outshine fashion brands Zudio and Westside. Why? “The food market is just so much bigger than clothing,” he said at Trent's AGM. Led by Neville Tata, Star posted a record revenue of ₹8,854 crore in FY25, growing 25% YoY, now contributing over 15% of Trent's revenue. Despite past losses of ₹1,000 crore, the group is investing ₹2,000 crore this year alone—nearly 3x the total invested in the past two decades. The secret sauce? Private labels—72% of Q4 sales came from in-house brands. But challenges remain, including competition from Blinkit, Zepto, and Instamart. For now, the Tatas are betting big on your grocery basket. 5. SBI's Mission: Lead Every District As it celebrates 70 years, State Bank of India has a bold new target—become the market leader in all 787 Indian districts. Currently, it holds 22.5% in deposits and 19.3% in advances. Chairman C.S. Setty outlined a three-pronged strategy: defend dominance in strong markets, expand aggressively in metros, and close “white spaces” where SBI has no presence. Specialized branches will be rolled out in areas with deposit strength but low loan penetration. SBI is also pursuing strategic tie-ups with fintech, agrotech, and digital platforms while rolling out a massive 104-zone outreach to align its workforce. The message is clear: from a 1955 legacy to a digital-first future, SBI wants to own the next decade of Indian banking. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I'm Nelson John and here are today's top stories. SpiceJet Scare Mid-Air A SpiceJet Goa-to-Pune flight sparked safety concerns after an interior window frame came loose mid-air. A passenger posted a video of the dislodged panel on social media, questioning the aircraft's airworthiness. SpiceJet clarified it was a cosmetic issue, not impacting cabin pressure or safety. The aircraft, a Bombardier Q400, continued its journey to Jaipur after landing in Pune. However, the incident has reignited scrutiny over SpiceJet's maintenance standards, especially with visuals now circulating online. The DGCA has yet to comment. China's Fertiliser Curbs Hit India China's clampdown on fertiliser exports is squeezing global supplies—and India's feeling it hard. Imports of DAP, a key crop nutrient, have slowed significantly just as farmers begin sowing summer crops. Prices have shot up from $630 to over $800 per tonne, with importers now leaning on countries like Jordan. While government reports claim “adequate” stocks, June levels were 42% lower than last year. Farmers are shifting to alternative mixes, but the pressure on food security is real—and growing.  Microsoft's Biggest Layoff Since 2023 Microsoft is cutting over 9,100 jobs, about 4% of its workforce, in its biggest layoff round in two years. This follows 6,000 job cuts in May and comes as the company pushes deeper into AI and automation. The layoffs coincide with CCO Judson Althoff's two-month sabbatical, stirring speculation of deeper restructuring. Reports also hint at upcoming cuts in the Xbox division. Microsoft's stock slipped slightly on the news, reflecting market nerves over the tech giant's ongoing reset. Quad Counters China's Mineral Might In a direct challenge to China's dominance in critical minerals, Quad members—the US, India, Japan, and Australia—have launched the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative. The goal: build secure, diversified supply chains for essential materials used in EVs, defense, and tech. “Reliance on any one country exposes us to coercion,” the group said, clearly referencing Beijing. India is stepping up with mineral talks during PM Modi's five-nation tour and its National Critical Mineral Mission. Experts say this is a bold geopolitical signal—but execution is key. Nykaa's Early Backers Exit Again Harindarpal and Indra Banga are selling a ₹1,200 crore stake in Nykaa via a block deal, offloading 2.1% at a 5.5% discount to the market price. The couple, among Nykaa's earliest investors, have been steadily reducing their holdings since last year. Despite the exit, Nykaa's stock is up nearly 29% this year. The company has delivered strong growth, tripling profits and expanding aggressively through physical stores and influencer partnerships. With plans to double its store count and boost delivery infrastructure, Nykaa's next phase looks ambitious—even as early investors quietly bow out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I'm Nelson John and here are today's top stories.  Paint Wars: Asian Paints Under CCI Lens India's Competition Commission has launched a formal probe into Asian Paints over alleged abuse of market dominance. The complaint, filed by Grasim Industries—makers of Birla Opus—claims Asian Paints pressured dealers with exclusivity deals, including perks like foreign trips, to block out new players. CCI's initial findings suggest anti-competitive behavior, prompting a 90-day investigation. With the decorative paint market heating up and Grasim eyeing ₹10,000 crore in 3 years, this could be a defining moment for how competition plays out in India's ₹14.4 billion paint sector. Bike Taxis Cleared, But It's a State-By-State Ride The Centre has issued fresh guidelines allowing private two-wheelers to be used for passenger services via aggregators like Rapido, Ola, and Uber. It's a long-awaited move toward legitimizing bike taxis, which have largely operated in a legal grey zone. States can now regulate, charge fees, and enforce safety compliance—but adoption is optional. While Maharashtra is on board (for EVs only), Karnataka's recent ban shows the battle is far from over. For Rapido, where bike rides account for half its revenue, it's a potential game-changer—if states come onboard. Trump Pushes for Gaza Ceasefire Deal Donald Trump has claimed a breakthrough in the Gaza conflict, announcing that Israel has agreed to a 60-day ceasefire—pending Hamas' approval. The deal, brokered with support from Qatar and Egypt, aims to stop the 20-month war that has claimed over 56,000 lives in Gaza and 1,200 in Israel. Trump, who recently mediated a separate Israel-Iran truce, urged Hamas to accept the deal, warning that “it will not get better.” The announcement comes just days before Israeli PM Netanyahu's visit to the US, adding diplomatic weight to the offer. Trump's Big Bill Squeaks Through Senate In a midnight drama, the US Senate passed Trump's massive tax and spending bill—The One Big Beautiful Bill Act—thanks to a tie-breaking vote from VP JD Vance. The bill locks in permanent tax cuts from Trump's first term, adds new breaks for seniors and tipped workers, and allocates $350 billion for border enforcement. But it slashes $1.2 trillion from Medicaid and food aid, and could balloon the deficit by $3.3 trillion. With only a narrow GOP majority in the House, the final vote—expected this week—could be Trump's biggest domestic policy test yet. India's ₹2 Trillion Policy Push: Jobs, Innovation & Sports The Union Cabinet has cleared three landmark initiatives: ₹1 Trillion ELI Scheme to generate 35 million jobs, targeting first-time employees and incentivizing employers up to ₹3,000 per hire. ₹1 Trillion RDI Scheme to supercharge private-sector research in strategic sectors with long-term, low-cost funding. National Sports Policy 2025, with a bold goal: get India into the Top 5 sporting nations, promote leagues, and attract global events. Bonus: Tamil Nadu also gets a ₹1,853 crore greenlight for a major highway project to boost southern connectivity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I'm Nelson John and here are today's top stories. 1. Tata vs Tower: The Chip Fab Face-Off India's semiconductor revival just got serious. Tata Semiconductor and Israel's Tower Semiconductor have been shortlisted to modernize the government-run Semi-Conductor Laboratory (SCL) in Mohali, under a ₹4,000 crore project. While it won't chase bleeding-edge tech, the revamp will upgrade SCL's 180nm line—crucial for defence, space, and medical tech. Production is set to triple from 500 to 1,500 wafers per month, and this upgrade could lay the groundwork for more advanced nodes like 65nm and 28nm. Tower, notably, is already a tech partner at SCL, giving it an inside track. According to IESA President Ashok Chandak, this isn't just about chips—it's about strategic autonomy, deep-tech R&D, and skilling India's semiconductor workforce for the future. With India's chip demand projected to touch $103 billion by 2030, this throwback node may be the start of a futuristic leap. 2. Reliance Defence's Big MRO Bet Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence is gunning for India's ₹20,000 crore defence MRO (maintenance, repair, overhaul) market—and it's bringing in American reinforcements. In a joint venture with US-based Coastal Mechanics Inc., the company will set up a facility in Mihan, Maharashtra to upgrade over 200 military assets, including Jaguars, MiG-29s, Apaches, and L-70 guns. The plan is to shift from buying new to extending the lifecycle of existing gear—more efficient, more economical. Analysts say this tie-up opens doors to US defence contracts and puts Reliance on the path to becoming one of India's top three defence exporters. With exports already hitting ₹24,000 crore and the geopolitical heat rising post Operation Sindoor, MRO might just become India's next defence growth engine. 3. RBI Flags Debt Storm Ahead The Reserve Bank of India is waving a red flag. In its June Financial Stability Report, it warns of three key risks: soaring public debt, overvalued assets, and rising geopolitical tensions. India's public debt is set to exceed ₹196 lakh crore by March 2026. Meanwhile, NBFCs are being scrutinized for risky lending behavior. While India's economy remains resilient—with growth and cooling inflation offering a cushion—external shocks and diverging global monetary policies could spill into emerging markets. The RBI says it's stepping up reforms to tackle digital lending risks, curb fraud, and protect retail investors—aiming to future-proof the financial system before the next big tremor hits. 4. Trump-Modi Pact Nears the Finish Line India and the US are on the brink of sealing a major trade deal. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that final touches are underway, calling India a “strategic ally” and highlighting President Trump's “very good relationship” with Prime Minister Modi. The announcement comes as EAM Jaishankar visits Washington for the QUAD meet, and just weeks before the US enforces new tariffs on Indian goods. Negotiators are aiming for an “early harvest” pact to defuse tensions and pave the way for a full-scale Free Trade Agreement by year-end. With Trump accepting Modi's invite to the next QUAD Summit in Delhi, the Indo-US alliance may soon move from handshake to hard numbers—$500 billion in trade, to be exact. 5. Agni Goes Underground: India's Bunker Buster Era India's missile arsenal is getting a powerful upgrade—literally underground. DRDO is developing new Agni-5 variants designed to penetrate fortified bunkers, much like the US did in its June 22 strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Unlike the American model, which relies on massive bombers, India's missile-based approach offers flexibility and speed. Two versions are in development: an airburst warhead for surface targets and a bunker-buster variant with an 8-tonne payload capable of piercing up to 100 meters underground. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I'm Nelson John and here are today's top stories. Torrent's ₹11,917 Cr Pharma Power Play India's pharma space just witnessed a bold move. Torrent Pharmaceuticals is acquiring a 46.39% stake in JB Chemicals from KKR for ₹11,917 crore, valuing the company at ₹25,689 crore. The deal includes an open offer and a future merger. The strategy? Gain control of JB's chronic care brands like Cilacar and Nicardia and break into the CDMO (contract development and manufacturing) market. JB's presence in 40+ countries, and expertise in medicated lozenges, brings global heft. Torrent's chairman Samir Mehta calls it a “long-term growth runway.” Meanwhile, KKR exits with a 5X return and a 36% IRR—making it one of India's top private equity wins.  Russia's Most Brutal Barrage Yet In its deadliest aerial assault since the Ukraine war began, Russia launched 537 drones and missiles overnight. Ukraine shot down nearly half, but many penetrated defenses—killing at least 10 civilians and igniting major infrastructure damage, including a blaze in Lviv. A Ukrainian F-16 crashed during defense ops, killing its pilot. The strikes reached near Poland's border, triggering NATO alerts. All this, ironically, followed Putin's latest peace-talk proposal, which Ukraine dismissed. On the ground, Russia claimed a minor gain in Donetsk, while Ukraine controversially withdrew from the landmine ban. Analysts warn this could be the start of a summer offensive before Western F-16s arrive. Anant Ambani Joins Reliance Board with ₹20 Cr Role It's official—Anant Ambani has stepped into executive leadership at Reliance Industries. The 29-year-old has been appointed Full-Time Director for five years, with an annual compensation package ranging from ₹10–20 crore. Perks include housing, utilities, medical, and even reimbursed travel for his wife and attendant. He'll also receive performance-linked profit shares. This solidifies Anant's growing role in Reliance's energy and petrochemicals business and marks a major step in Mukesh Ambani's well-scripted succession plan. Sabotage Angle in Air India Crash Being Probed Authorities are now investigating sabotage in the deadly Air India Dreamliner crash on June 12 in Ahmedabad. Flight AI 171 plunged seconds after takeoff, killing 241 people, including nine students and their families on the ground. Only one person survived. A “Mayday” call was issued by the pilot moments before impact. Minister Murlidhar Mohol confirmed the black boxes are being decoded in Delhi and denied reports of sending them abroad. All 33 Air India Dreamliners have since cleared safety checks. With CCTV footage under review and multiple agencies involved, the investigation is taking no chances. Tata Steel Faces ₹1,007 Cr Tax Notice Tata Steel is under the tax scanner for alleged irregularities in input tax credit (ITC) between FY2018-19 and 2022-23. The GST department has raised a ₹1,007 crore demand. Tata Steel counters that it has already paid ₹514 crore in GST and disputes the remaining ₹493 crore under review. The company called the notice baseless and is preparing to respond within the 30-day window. Financially, the company insists there's no operational impact. Investors agree—shares closed higher at ₹161.40 and are up nearly 18% YTD. Over five years, Tata Steel has delivered a massive 388% return. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I'm Nelson John and here are today's top stories. Ceasefire Cheers, Markets Rally Wall Street bounced and gold slumped as President Donald Trump brokered a surprise ceasefire between Israel and Iran—bringing an end to what he called the “12-Day War.” Investors cheered the cooling conflict, triggering a selloff in safe-haven assets. On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold futures dropped sharply by ₹2,606 per 10 grams, while global gold prices echoed the dip. But the peace proved shaky—new explosions were reported in Tehran, adding fresh uncertainty. Analysts now expect continued volatility in bullion, with technical indicators flashing a bearish outlook. Trump Nominated for Nobel Peace Prize In a bold political twist, US Congressman Buddy Carter nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for his “extraordinary and historic” efforts in ending the Israel-Iran standoff. Carter praised Trump's “courage and clarity” in averting a broader war and halting Iran's nuclear momentum. While the prize remains far from guaranteed, the nomination adds a headline-grabbing chapter to Trump's presidency—and could influence the global political narrative. DGCA Flags Grim Safety Lapses India's skies are under scrutiny. In the wake of the June 12 Air India crash, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) launched a nationwide audit—and found alarming lapses. From repeated aircraft defects to worn-out tyres and faded runway markings, the audit revealed deep cracks in aviation safety protocols. Ground equipment was unserviceable, simulators didn't match actual aircraft, and obstruction data hadn't been updated in three years—despite ongoing construction near airports. The DGCA has ordered urgent fixes within a week and vowed continuous monitoring. With air traffic surging, the need for a full-scale aviation safety overhaul is more urgent than ever. Wegovy Enters India's Obesity Fight Novo Nordisk has officially launched Wegovy in India—a once-a-week injectable weight loss drug targeting adults battling obesity and cardiovascular risks. Priced between ₹17,345 and ₹26,050, Wegovy enters a space already heating up with Eli Lilly's Mounjaro, launched earlier this year. Unlike diabetes drug Ozempic, Wegovy is FDA-approved specifically for weight loss. The drug mimics appetite-suppressing hormones and boosts insulin sensitivity. Novo Nordisk says it's focusing on awareness and accessibility rather than immediate sales numbers. As India's obesity challenge deepens, a pharma face-off is brewing—one pen injection at a time. Hindalco Buys Into High-Tech Alumina Hindalco is going deeper into advanced materials. The Aditya Birla Group's metals major has announced a $125 million acquisition of U.S.-based AluChem Companies Inc., adding 60,000 tonnes of specialty alumina capacity. AluChem's products power EVs, semiconductors, and precision ceramics—critical segments in a fast-changing global supply chain. This marks Hindalco's third U.S. metals acquisition after Novelis and Aleris. MD Satish Pai says the deal is part of a long-term plan to double Hindalco's specialty alumina output to 1 million tonnes by FY30. “As clean-tech demand rises, AluChem's chemistry will help us lead,” he said. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I'm Nelson John and here are today's top stories. Kim Goes Coastal From missiles to mini-golf, North Korea's Kim Jong Un just flipped the script. The Wonsan Kalma resort, seven years in the making, is finally open—with 54 hotels, waterparks, arcades, pubs, and even a ski extension. Ditching his usual military garb for a sharp suit, Kim attended the launch with his wife and daughter, showcasing a softer image. While domestic tourism kicks off July 1, a select group of Russians are set to test the beach vibes on July 7. This isn't just a tourism play—it's a carefully curated global image reset. Trump Teases ‘Very Big' India Deal Just after shaking hands with China on a trade pact, US President Donald Trump is turning east again—this time towards India. Hinting at a “very big” trade deal, Trump said, “We're going to open up India.” While no details were given, momentum is building. US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick recently confirmed that both sides are closing in on a mutually beneficial agreement. If signed, it could redefine trade ties between the world's two biggest democracies. Rajnath Singh Says No Deal India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh made headlines by refusing to sign the SCO joint statement. Why? The document failed to address cross-border terrorism. At the summit in Qingdao, Singh didn't mince words: “There can be no double standards.” He cited the April Pahalgam terror attack, blamed on Pakistan-backed groups, and India's military response under Operation Sindoor. The message: India is done tiptoeing around terror. Acme Solar's Big Battery Win Acme Solar is powering up for the future. On June 26, it won NHPC's battery storage tender in Andhra Pradesh to build a 275 MW / 550 MWh system across Kuppam and Ghani. The project includes significant viability gap funding and adds a clean spark to India's renewable push. Acme's stock, while only slightly up, could see brighter days ahead. With a ₹14,954 crore market cap and clean energy tailwinds, Acme is becoming a major storage player. Apollo HealthCo Eyes DMart Dreams “I want a valuation like DMart. Why not?” said Shobana Kamineni, chairperson of Apollo HealthCo. With eyes on a ₹30,000 crore business in the next 5–6 years, Apollo is blending its retail pharmacy strength with digital power via Apollo 24|7. After raising ₹2,475 crore last year and merging with Keimed, the company hit ₹9,093 crore in revenue in FY25, with three straight profitable quarters. A digital GMV of ₹3,000 crore and disciplined growth put it on track for Q4 FY26 profitability. Apollo isn't just growing—it's redefining healthcare retail. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I'm Nelson John and here are today's top stories. India's Return to Space: Shukla Makes History At 12:01 PM IST on Wednesday, India reached a milestone in its space journey. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla became the second Indian to travel to space—and the first to reach the International Space Station. Launching aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 from Kennedy Space Center, Shukla's flight symbolizes a new era of commercial space collaboration for India. His mission, Axiom-4, includes 60 scientific experiments from 31 countries, reflecting India's expanding space ambitions. As his voice crackled over radio—“Kya kamaal ki ride thi”—cheers erupted back home. “This is not just my journey, it's the start of India's human space program,” Shukla said. With Gaganyaan and a homegrown space station on the horizon, India isn't just returning to space—it's preparing to lead. Gaza Truce ‘Very Close,' Says Trump Fresh off brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, US President Donald Trump says progress is being made on a Gaza ceasefire as well. “Gaza is very close,” he told reporters, crediting his envoy Steve Witkoff. Qatar and Egypt have intensified mediation efforts, while Hamas confirmed the talks but said no concrete proposal is on the table yet. Meanwhile, Israel remains firm on its goals: dismantle Hamas, recover hostages, and control Gaza. The war, triggered by Hamas' October 7, 2023 attack, has led to over 56,000 Palestinian deaths. With famine worsening and diplomacy heating up, all eyes are on Trump's next move in the Middle East. India Expands Oil Reserves Amid Global Volatility India is adding six new Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPRs) to bolster energy security. With 85% of its crude oil imported, and threats like the Strait of Hormuz blockade looming, the government aims to raise reserve capacity to match IEA's 90-day import standard. Current strategic reserves only cover 9.5 days. Proposed sites include Mangalore SEZ and Bikaner's salt caverns, with Engineers India Ltd conducting feasibility studies. The goal? Build resilience against price shocks and supply disruptions, especially as demand for petrol and diesel is expected to rise for at least 15 more years. The investment is high—₹2,500 crore per million tonnes—but so is the payoff: national energy safety.  FASTag ₹3,000 Pass: Relief for Commuters, Risk for Toll Operators From August 15, private vehicle owners can buy an annual ₹3,000 FASTag pass covering 200 highway trips—a game-changer for frequent drivers. Crisil Ratings estimates the pass could cut per-trip costs by 80%. But there's a catch: a 4–8% dip in toll revenues is expected, and toll operators will need timely compensation under their agreements. Crisil says 40 rated projects can absorb short-term cash flow impacts thanks to strong liquidity and NHAI's payment track record. Still, the move tests how India balances commuter convenience with private investor confidence in infrastructure. Nvidia Tops the World—Again Chipmaker Nvidia has officially reclaimed the title of the world's most valuable company. Its shares surged 4.33% to $154.31, pushing its market cap to $3.77 trillion—ahead of Microsoft ($3.66T) and Apple ($3.01T). CEO Jensen Huang's AI-focused keynote at the shareholder meeting fueled the rally, calling this “just the beginning” of the AI infrastructure boom. Loop Capital hiked Nvidia's price target to $250, citing its leading role in what it calls the “Golden Wave” of AI. The stock is up 17% in 2025, following a 170% rise in 2024 and 240% in 2023. Despite the meteoric rise, its forward P/E remains relatively modest at 30—proof that the AI boom is feeding real earnings, not just hype. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I'm Nelson John and here are today's top stories. Trump Declares Ceasefire: “12-Day War Ends” In a dramatic twist, US President Donald Trump announced a “Complete and Total CEASEFIRE” between Israel and Iran via Truth Social, calling time on what he dubbed the “12-Day War.” The phased truce begins with Iran halting fire, followed by Israel 12 hours later, and full peace declared at the 24-hour mark. Trump credited both nations for their “Stamina, Courage, and Intelligence,” while downplaying Iran's earlier missile strike on a US base in Qatar as a “very weak response.” With no casualties reported, analysts believe Iran's restraint signals a desire to de-escalate—but the question remains: is this peace or just a pause? Air India's CEO Gets ₹27 Cr—Days Before Crash Two weeks before India's deadliest air tragedy in decades, Air India handed its CEO Campbell Wilson a 46% pay hike, raising his package to ₹27.75 crore. The board approved the raise on May 27; on June 12, an Air India flight crashed, killing over 240 people. The optics have stirred quiet outrage—even as some defend the hike, citing Air India's 61% revenue growth and halved losses in FY24. The airline now faces regulatory inspections, shaken passenger trust, and social media backlash. Wilson's biggest challenge? Not growth—but rebuilding public confidence. India's Economy Hits 14-Month High India's growth story just added a new chapter. HSBC's Flash PMI for June surged to 61—the highest in 14 months—signalling strong expansion in both manufacturing and services. Fueled by rising demand, export orders, and tech investments, manufacturing PMI rose to 58.4, while services hit 60.7. “Hiring is up, inflation's softening, and backlogs are building,” said HSBC's Pranjul Bhandari. While business confidence dipped slightly, the economy's overall momentum remains strong. Final numbers drop next month—but for now, it's full throttle ahead. Aditya Birla Lifestyle Bets Big on Fashion Fresh off its market debut, Aditya Birla Lifestyle Brands Ltd (ABLBL) is swinging for the fences—aiming to double revenue and triple profits by FY30. Backed by a ₹300 crore annual investment plan, the company will expand to 4,500 stores and chase billion-dollar valuations for brands like Van Heusen, Allen Solly, and Peter England. More than 70% of stores already follow an asset-light, franchise-led model. But the road ahead is crowded—Reliance Retail and Tata's Zudio are fierce competitors. Still, with India's $2 trillion retail market on the horizon, ABLBL is betting big on fashion—and youth. Flying for ₹694: Electric Jet Makes History Beta Technologies just redefined short-haul flying. Its all-electric Alia CX300 successfully flew four passengers from East Hampton to JFK—130 km—for just ₹694 ($8). Quiet, clean, and cost-efficient, the 30-minute flight offered a near-silent ride with zero emissions. “Charging this thing cost $8,” said Beta's CEO Kyle Clark. With a 463 km range and FAA certification expected by year-end, the CX300 is a game-changer. Beta's also working on a vertical takeoff model for city travel. With competitors like Archer Aviation prepping for the 2028 LA Olympics, the electric air taxi race is officially airborne. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I'm Nelson John and here are today's top stories. Markets Resilient, But Oil's the Wildcard Despite the chaos, Indian markets are holding their ground. Since the Israel-Iran conflict flared up, Nifty and Sensex have climbed 1.59%, even as Brent crude rose 2.19% to $76.57/barrel. But the calm may not last. Alok Agarwal of Alchemy Capital warns of a crude spike beyond $100/barrel — a red flag for India, which imports over 80% of its oil. Aniruddha Sarkar of Quest adds that sectors like paints, aviation, and OMCs could feel the squeeze if oil keeps climbing. However, a non-escalatory response from Iran could trigger a market rally, says IIFL's Nirmal Jain. Strait of Hormuz: The Oil Chokepoint Iran's top security council may close the Strait of Hormuz — a move that would threaten 20% of the world's oil flow. Revolutionary Guards commander Esmail Kosari has confirmed it's “on the agenda.” Since June 13, when Israel struck Iran, Brent has already surged over 10%. Maersk says its ships still sail, but they're monitoring risk closely. Flashbacks to the 1980s “Tanker Wars” and fears of a new US naval buildup are surfacing. If Hormuz shuts down, prices could jump to $120–130 — or even $400 in a worst-case scenario. India's Oil Strategy Shift Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri says India has significantly reduced its dependence on Hormuz. In June 2025, India's Russian oil imports are expected to hit a two-year high of 2–2.2 million barrels/day — more than from Saudi or Iraq. US oil imports are also up nearly 57%. With reserves in place and alternative shipping routes via the Suez, Cape of Good Hope, and Pacific, India is positioning itself to weather supply shocks. Still, if Iran closes Hormuz, freight costs and volatility could rise fast. Trump's Big Strike — and the Fallout Trump called Iran's nuclear program “completely obliterated” after US strikes on Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. But Pentagon officials are backpedaling, confirming only “severe damage.” Satellite images show Fordow took direct hits, but not total destruction. Worse, Israeli intel reveals Iran removed 400 kg of uranium days before the attack. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi confirmed the fuel is now unaccounted for — a worrying development. The world waits for Iran's next move. Mayday Over Bengaluru Just days after a deadly Air India crash, an IndiGo flight from Guwahati to Chennai issued a Mayday call over low fuel. The pilot aborted landing in Chennai and diverted to Bengaluru, where the plane landed safely. No injuries were reported, but the scare — coupled with the earlier Air India tragedy — has sparked renewed scrutiny over aviation safety. IndiGo has grounded both pilots. Markets Hold Steady as Oil Threat Looms Amid US-Iran Escalation Nifty's immediate support lies at 24,850; resistance around 25,250, says SBI's Sudeep Shah. The India VIX is down 9% since June 13, suggesting subdued volatility — for now. Experts advise staggered investments as markets remain sensitive to geopolitical headlines. Experts say India is better placed than ever to absorb shocks. “We're in a stronger position than previous crises,” said Kenneth Andrade of Old Bridge Capital. Asian markets closed strong on Friday, signaling hope — but all eyes remain on Iran's response. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I'm Nelson John and here are today's top stories. Fed Hits Pause—Again For the fourth time this year, the US Federal Reserve kept interest rates steady at 4.25%–4.5%, citing “diminished but elevated” economic uncertainty. Fed Chair Jerome Powell pointed to the lingering effects of Trump-era tariffs, noting that while uncertainty peaked in April, it hasn't fully cleared. FASTag Freedom: ₹3K Toll Pass from Aug 15 India's road warriors, rejoice! Starting August 15, a ₹3,000 FASTag-based annual toll pass will be available for private vehicles. It covers 200 trips or a full year—whichever comes first. The aim? Reduce travel costs, cut long waits at toll booths, and simplify payments. Announced by Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, the pass is part of a bigger push toward seamless highway travel. The pass will be available via the Rajmarg Yatra App and NHAI's website. It comes amid rising toll charges—up over 3% in FY25 and expected to rise further. To complement the effort, a GNSS-based tolling system is also on the way, allowing for distance-based tolling without physical toll plazas. The government will absorb any revenue shortfall to keep concessionaires whole. Trump Thanks Pakistan's Army Chief for Restraint In an unusual diplomatic move, US President Donald Trump hosted Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir at the White House, thanking him for “not going into the war” with India. The lunch meeting was notable for its absence of senior civilian officials. Trump called it “a win” that two nuclear powers—India and Pakistan—chose peace. He also revealed they discussed Iran, adding, “They know Iran very well… and he agreed with me.” Back home, Pakistan's leadership is walking a tightrope. PM Shehbaz Sharif has publicly supported Iran amid its escalating conflict with Israel, and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Iran is open to talks—if Israeli strikes stop. Want a US Student Visa? Hand Over Your Social Media The US has resumed student visa processing—but there's a catch. All applicants must now make their social media profiles public for review. Posts that appear hostile to the US, its institutions, or culture could be grounds for rejection. The State Department warns that refusing to comply may be seen as “an attempt to hide behavior.” Critics say the move chills free speech and brings back Cold War-era ideological vetting. “This turns consular officers into censors,” said Columbia's Jameel Jaffer. With academic sessions around the corner, international students are scrambling to comply, while legal experts raise red flags over digital privacy and First Amendment concerns. SEBI's Market Makeover: Esops, PSUs & AIFs Get a Lift SEBI is on reform overdrive. In just his second meeting as chair, Tuhin Kanta Pandey cleared a raft of changes aimed at boosting market efficiency, startup incentives, and investor participation. Founders of listed startups can now retain Esops—a game changer that aligns long-term incentives. For public sector undertakings, a new framework for voluntary delisting could fast-track strategic disinvestments. Alternative Investment Funds got more room to maneuver, with greenlights for co-investment vehicles and broader advisory services. Foreign investors in Indian sovereign debt will also benefit from simplified compliance norms. Meanwhile, the long-pending NSEL broker case may be resolved through a new settlement scheme. In short, SEBI is opening the doors wider, and smarter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I'm Nelson John and here are today's top stories.1. Trump Flexes Muscle in Middle East The Iran-Israel conflict has entered a dangerous sixth day, and the U.S. is rapidly reinforcing its military posture. President Donald Trump warned Iran that America's “patience is wearing thin,” claiming full control of the skies over Iran—signaling potential U.S. strikes on Iran's underground Fordow nuclear site. B-2 stealth bombers carrying GBU-57 bunker-busters remain on standby, while destroyers and carrier groups are repositioned across the Red Sea, Mediterranean, and Arabian Sea. Fighter jets and refueling tankers are active across the Middle East and Europe. U.S. forces intercepted multiple Iranian missile strikes targeting Israel, while Israel pounded oil depots near Tehran. Death tolls are rising—224 civilians in Iran and 24 in Israel. Trump has demanded Iran's “unconditional surrender” but stopped short of targeting the Iranian leader “for now.” After years of tension, PM Modi and newly elected Canadian PM Mark Carney hit the reset button in Kananaskis, Canada, during the G7 Summit. This was their first meeting since Carney took office and follows the diplomatic fallout over the 2023 killing of separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Both leaders emphasized shared values of democracy and cooperation on AI, energy, and counterterrorism. They also agreed to restore full diplomatic representation, signaling a thaw in bilateral ties. Modi called Canada an important partner and highlighted growing investments on both sides. MakeMyTrip is raising up to $3 billion to buy back shares from Chinese backer Trip.com, aiming to slash its voting power from 45.34% to below 20%. The Indian travel platform will raise funds via equity and convertible senior notes—14 million shares are on offer, possibly rising to 16.1 million. In a world increasingly wary of Chinese stakes in Indian tech, MMT's move is both strategic and symbolic—asserting independence while positioning itself as an investor-diversified digital travel leader. Israeli data analytics startup Coralogix is doubling down on India, deploying most of its $115M Series E funding to scale R&D, cybersecurity, and AI operations in the country. India now ranks among Coralogix's top three global markets. The company is expanding its Gurgaon HQ, planning a new Bengaluru office, and staffing aggressively in BFSI, edtech, and fintech sectors. Its cybersecurity unit, SnowBit, already has its global HQ in India. With a projected $3.3B cybersecurity market in 2025, Coralogix is betting on India as both a tech talent hub and a revenue engine. Hindustan Zinc Ltd (HZL) is investing ₹12,000 crore to add 250 ktpa of zinc production in the first phase of its plan to double output to 2 million tonnes. The expansion includes a new smelter in Debari, mine upgrades, and a sharp focus on cutting production costs to below $950/tonne in three years. Beyond zinc, HZL is eyeing India's rare earth opportunity, seeking permission to tap monazite reserves. With global supply chains shifting, HZL is positioning itself at the heart of India's critical mineral strategy. 2. India, Canada Reset Ties at G73. MakeMyTrip Cuts Chinese Stake4. Coralogix Goes All-In on India5. Hindustan Zinc's Mega Expansion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

G7 Fractures Over Israel-Iran Conflict As missiles fly between Israel and Iran, G7 leaders are pushing for calm—but unity is cracking. A draft joint statement calls for deescalation and backs Israel's right to defend itself, while vowing to safeguard energy market stability. But former U.S. President Donald Trump is yet to sign off. “They should talk and they should talk immediately,” Trump said, urging dialogue. UK PM Keir Starmer warned of global consequences if tensions spiral. Germany is drafting a communique demanding Iran be barred from acquiring nuclear weapons-capable materials. Trump, meanwhile, reignited debate over Russia's expulsion from the G7, blaming it for today's wars and even floated adding China to the bloc. “Putin speaks to me,” Trump said. “He doesn't want to talk to anybody else.” Netanyahu: Kill Khamenei to End War Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu made his boldest claim yet: assassinating Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would end the war—not escalate it. “The regime is very weak,” he said, calling Iran the architect of a “forever war.” Meanwhile, the battlefield widened. Israeli airstrikes hit Iran's state-run TV building in Tehran during a live broadcast, disrupting coverage. Israel says it has destroyed nearly a third of Iran's missile launchers and gained “full aerial superiority” over Tehran. Iran responded with another barrage of 100 missiles. The death tolls are climbing—224 in Iran, 24 in Israel—and hundreds more injured. With diplomacy frozen, fears of a wider regional war are intensifying. Boeing Faces the Heat After Air India Tragedy Four days after the deadliest air crash in India in over a decade, Boeing's leadership flew into crisis mode. Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, met with Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran in Gurugram. Executives from GE Aerospace, maker of the aircraft's engines, also joined. The London-bound Dreamliner crashed seconds after takeoff in Ahmedabad, killing 241 of 242 people onboard. “This is the most heartbreaking crisis of my career,” Chandrasekaran told Air India staff, vowing to build a safer airline.With 33 Dreamliners already in its fleet and over 200 Boeing aircraft on order, Air India is at the epicenter of a global aviation reckoning. Insurance Shock: ₹39,400 Cr Claim Rocks Industry India's biggest aviation disaster is also one of its costliest insurance events. A $475 million (₹39,400 crore) claim is expected—$125 million for aircraft damage and $350 million in liability. “This could be one of the biggest aviation claims India has ever seen,” said Ramaswamy Narayanan of GIC Re, which insured Air India. Most of the financial burden, however, will fall on global reinsurers—since Indian firms offload 95% of aviation risk. Analysts warn the reinsurance market will harden, pushing premiums up across the industry. IFC Backs India's Mid-Market Rise India's mid-cap dreams just got a $60 million boost. The World Bank's investment arm, IFC, is investing in Motilal Oswal Alternates' fifth fund—its largest bet yet on the PE firm—with an equal amount set aside for co-investments. The India Business Excellence Fund V G aims to raise $750 million and focus on growth-stage companies in financial services, consumer, manufacturing, and life sciences—including in tier-2 and tier-3 towns. “This is a strong signal to institutional investors,” said MO Alternates CEO Vishal Tulsyan. MO Alternates has delivered a 26.8% IRR on its first fund and backed notable names like Kreditbee, SK Finance, and Niva Bupa. IFC's backing could supercharge both credibility and capital. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I'm Nelson John and here are today's top stories. Markets, Modi, Gold & Grief: A Week That Shook India Markets on Edge It was a volatile week for Indian equities. With Israel-Iran tensions escalating and Brent crude spiking over 12%, investors dumped risky assets. The Nifty 50 closed down 1.14% at 24,718, while the Sensex slipped 1.30%. Market heavyweights like HDFC Bank, Reliance, and SBI led the decline. Vinod Nair of Geojit said early optimism from US–China trade talks faded quickly. “Global risk-off sentiment took over. Safe havens like gold and US bonds rallied.”  5 Big Market Triggers This Week: Israel-Iran conflict – with US and UK now militarily involved. US Fed Meet (June 17–18) – No rate cut expected, but Powell's tone will matter. Crude Oil Surge – Could reignite inflation, hurt margins. FPI Outflows – ₹4,812 crore pulled out in June so far. Macro Data Watch – WPI, trade numbers, Eurozone CPI, and US jobless claims on radar. Throw in the G7 summit in Canada and it's a headline-heavy week ahead. Air India Crash: A Nation Mourns A high-level probe begins into the devastating Air India Flight AI-171 crash that killed 270 people, including former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani. The Boeing 787 crashed just after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12. Only one passenger, Vishwashkumar Ramesh, survived. A committee led by the Union Home Secretary has three months to recommend new aviation safety protocols. The second black box has been recovered, and DNA identification of victims is underway. Authorities praised the swift rescue response, but the nation now waits for answers. Gold's Glimmer Grows Gold is closing in on the ₹1 lakh mark. On June 13, 24K gold hit ₹99,058 per 10g, buoyed by geopolitical fears, a soft dollar, and a weakening rupee. Experts say don't sit this out. Naveen Mathur of Anand Rathi recommends gold ETFs via SIPs as a smart hedge. Devang Shah from Axis MF says more upside is possible. Meanwhile, central banks are hoarding gold amid what some call “global de-dollarization”. Gold ETF assets are up 88% year-on-year, now near ₹59,000 crore. Modi's Global Pitch: India Means Business At the India–Cyprus CEO Forum, PM Modi showcased India's digital and economic might. “Fifty percent of the world's digital transactions happen through India's UPI,” he said, adding Cyprus may soon join India's UPI network. Fresh off a rare third-term win, Modi underlined India's path to becoming the world's third-largest economy, with over $100 billion in annual infrastructure investment. The new Manufacturing Mission aims to turn India into a hub for electronics, semiconductors, biotech, and green tech. Maritime development, civil aviation, and startups are also key pillars. “Our 100,000+ startups sell solutions, not dreams,” Modi declared. Savings Shrink, But Capex Soars India's gross domestic savings dropped to 30.7% of GDP in FY24, down from 32.2% in FY15. More worryingly, household savings fell to 18.1% of GDP, while household debt surged to 6.2%—almost double in a decade. But there's a silver lining: public capital expenditure is booming. FY25 capex hit ₹10.5 trillion, and FY26 is set to hit ₹15.5 trillion, a 17% jump. April alone saw 14.3% of the Centre's budgeted capex already deployed. Non-petroleum exports hit $374 billion in FY25, up 6%, led by electronics and pharma. Though FY26 may see a slight dip, rural demand looks solid—thanks to good agri prospects and rising wages. Urban sentiment, however, still lags. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I'm Nelson John and here are today's top stories.

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I'm Nelson John and here are today's top stories. Red Alert: North India in a Heatwave Grip North India is reeling under a severe heatwave, with Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan placed under a red alert. Temperatures are soaring 5°C above normal, with Delhi's heat index touching 45.5°C and Rajasthan's Ganganagar hitting a blistering 48°C, the highest in the country. The India Meteorological Department blames the heat on a lack of thunderstorms and an anti-cyclonic system parked over the region. Relief is expected only after June 14, with light rain and gusty winds likely to bring a 2–4°C dip. Meanwhile, the south is facing the opposite extreme—Karnataka and coastal Maharashtra are under red alert for heavy rains, and Kerala and Tamil Nadu are bracing for extremely heavy downpours from June 14 to 17.  India's Big Nuclear Bet: Small Reactors, Big Goals India's nuclear journey just took a strategic leap—with Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs) leading the charge. Heavyweights like Reliance, Adani, Vedanta, Indian Railways, and JSW are onboard, powering a plan to build compact 220-MWe reactors for captive industrial use. The government's pitch: private players fund it, NPCIL runs it, and post-commissioning, the plant is handed to NPCIL for ₹1—while the user keeps the power. At least five BSRs are targeted by 2033, as India aims to scale nuclear capacity from 8.78 GW to 100 GW by 2047. Why now? Rising power needs from AI, crypto, and industrial growth demand low-carbon, stable energy. Nuclear fits the bill—and India is betting big on going small. Wheat Stays Home: India Stands by Export Ban Even with a record wheat harvest of 115.4 million tonnes expected this season, India is keeping its wheat export ban in place. In a WTO submission, the government cited food security concerns for itself and neighbouring nations. Imposed in May 2022, the ban has sharply reduced exports—from 4.7 million tonnes in FY23 to just 2,749 tonnes this fiscal. Only diplomatic and humanitarian shipments have been allowed. The government says global volatility, inflation risks, and upcoming festivals and state polls demand price stability. Critics argue it disrupts supply chains, especially after the Russia-Ukraine war hurt global grain flows. But for now, India's wheat isn't going anywhere.  Adani's ₹2.5 Trillion Playbook “We only do two things—energy and logistics,” says Sagar Adani, and that's exactly where the Adani Group is putting its money. The conglomerate plans to raise ₹2.5 trillion ($30 billion) over the next five years to fund a $100-billion capex spree. Even as the group navigates US investigations and controversies, it's doubling down with ₹1.3–1.7 trillion in annual investments, largely in infrastructure and clean energy. Adani Green, copper and aluminium expansions, a planned demerger of the airports business by FY28, and a mega cement merger are all part of the game plan. With low-cost power and transport as their advantage, and 20% of India's private capex under their belt, the Adanis are clearly not slowing down—they're powering through. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I'm Nelson John and here are today's top stories. Gaganyatri Launch Delayed Again India's much-anticipated moment in space will take a bit longer. The Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission—meant to carry the first Indian Gaganyatri to the ISS—has been postponed due to a liquid oxygen (LOx) leak found during Falcon 9's booster test. SpaceX confirmed the issue via X, while ISRO announced that the launch will only proceed after thorough repairs and validation tests. This is the second delay, following an earlier weather-related rescheduling. No new launch date has been set. India-US Trade Talks Hit a Roadblock Trade talks between India and the US are entering a tense final phase. The US is demanding greater access to Indian markets in dairy, agriculture, shrimp, and digital services. But India is pushing back, citing food security and rural livelihoods. With a July 8 deadline looming, paused tariffs could soon return. Dairy remains a key sticking point, with India insisting on vegetarian feed standards for US imports. Despite the friction, Indian officials say a balanced deal is still within reach. ₹5,400 Cr Boost for Battery Storage India is ramping up its clean energy game with a fresh ₹5,400 crore push for battery energy storage systems (BESS). Announced by Power Minister Manohar Lal, the scheme aims to build 30 GWh of capacity, attracting ₹33,000 crore in investments. It builds on an earlier ₹3,700 crore initiative supporting 13.2 GWh. With peak power demand expected to hit 270 GW this summer, BESS will help stabilize the grid and support the 2070 net zero target. Undersea transmission lines to the UAE and Saudi Arabia are also in the works, with ₹90,000 crore earmarked for the project. Your AC May Soon Stop at 20°C The government plans to cap air conditioner temperatures at a minimum of 20°C as part of a national energy-saving initiative. Power Minister Manohar Lal said the new rule would apply to homes, hotels, and even cars. Air conditioners account for about 20% of peak power load. Raising the minimum temperature could save up to 3 GW during peak hours. With 100 million AC units already in use and demand rising, the move could cut ₹7.5 trillion in energy costs by 2035. RCB Sale Rumors and Parade Tragedy Just after winning their first IPL title, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) found themselves in the spotlight again—this time over rumors of a $2 billion sale. Diageo, the team's owner, denied the speculation in a filing with the BSE. But a deeper crisis unfolded on June 4, when a stampede at RCB's victory parade in Bengaluru left 11 dead and 56 injured. The tragedy has sparked criticism of event planning and crowd control. Meanwhile, India's health ministry is pushing to curb alcohol advertising in sports, putting further pressure on Diageo's branding strategies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I'm Nelson John and here are today's top stories. 1. RBI in the Spotlight: Will Growth Trump Caution? All eyes are on RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra today as the central bank gears up to announce its second bi-monthly policy decision of FY26. A 25 basis point cut is widely expected—bringing the repo rate down to 5.75%—marking the third straight rate reduction this year. With inflation easing within the 2–4% comfort zone, the focus shifts to fuelling India's growth engine. The bigger test lies in Malhotra's tone on inflation outlook, GDP expectations, and global headwinds. This policy pivot could shape the economic narrative for the rest of 2025. 2. Tesla Tanks as Trump-Musk War Escalates Tesla shares nosedived over 14%, wiping out $150 billion in value, after Elon Musk and Donald Trump clashed publicly over federal subsidies and EV policies. The tipping point? Trump's threat to cut all government contracts with Musk's firms, including NASA-linked SpaceX, following Musk's claim that Trump “owes him” for the 2016 win. Investors fear political blowback could derail Tesla's robotaxi rollout. Analyst Dan Ives warned, “If Trump hits pause on autonomy, it could delay Tesla's next big bet.” 3. Musk Calls for Trump's Impeachment In a dramatic twist, Musk endorsed a social media post calling for Trump's impeachment and backed JD Vance as a replacement. Then came another bombshell: Musk claimed Trump's name is in the unreleased Epstein files, suggesting political motives for withholding them. Responding to Trump's threat of terminating contracts, Musk declared SpaceX would begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft—NASA's key ride to the ISS. As political theatrics spiral, the tech-White House feud is now playing out on the world's biggest stage. 4. OpenAI Academy Launches in India OpenAI has chosen India for the global rollout of its first-ever OpenAI Academy in collaboration with the IndiaAI Mission. Training content will be delivered in English, Hindi, and four regional languages, alongside the IndiaAI FutureSkills portal. With India now hosting data residency for enterprise tools and 34,000 affordable GPUs available, the stage is set for inclusive AI innovation. Eleven nonprofits in India will also receive $150,000 in API credits under OpenAI's AI for Impact Accelerator, empowering AI for social good. 5. Cognizant's Billion-Dollar Win Signals Momentum Amid a tough deal-making climate, Cognizant has quietly clinched a $1 billion contract—likely with UnitedHealth Group—spanning renewal, expansion, and new AI-led work. This marks its second mega-deal in two months, with CEO Ravi Kumar's Infosys-era ties to UHG's Sandeep Dadlani possibly playing a role. With healthcare forming nearly a third of its revenue, the deal offers fresh momentum and showcases Cognizant's edge in closing deals without formal RFPs. While rivals struggle, Cognizant may be scripting a quiet comeback. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I'm Nelson John and here are today's top stories. 1. China's Magnet Freeze Jolts Indian Auto Industry India's auto sector is on edge as China stalls rare earth magnet exports to Indian firms—even while approving shipments to other countries. These magnets, essential for EV and auto component manufacturing, are now in short supply. Major players like Bosch and Mahle have seen export approvals for their German and U.S. arms, but not for their Indian subsidiaries. Industry bodies ACMA and SIAM raised the red flag in a May 29 meeting with the heavy industries ministry, warning production could halt by July. Bajaj Auto has already sounded the alarm. With no short-term fixes, automakers may be forced to import full motors from China, undermining the ‘Make in India' initiative and risking incentives under the PLI scheme. Experts warn this is not just a trade glitch—it's a geopolitical chess game that needs urgent diplomatic moves. 2. Trump Bans Harvard-Bound Foreign Students In a sweeping move, Donald Trump has barred foreign students from entering the U.S. if they're enrolled at Harvard University, citing national security concerns. This comes just weeks after a federal court blocked an earlier attempt to restrict international students. At the core of the issue is a data-sharing dispute—Washington claims Harvard failed to fully comply with requests regarding misconduct by foreign students, which the university denies. Adding fuel, an internal State Department cable has instructed embassies to scrutinize all visa applicants bound for Harvard. The message is clear: the U.S. may no longer be the academic haven it once was. 3. GST Shake-Up May Scrap 12% Slab The GST Council is eyeing a major rate revamp—eliminating the 12% tax slab and shifting to a simplified 3-tier structure: 5%, 18%, and 28%. A near consensus is forming around the idea, with officials saying the 12% slab has lost relevance. Essential goods may drop to 5%, while the rest may rise to 18%—a move that could pinch pockets if not handled carefully. Experts caution the shift must be phased, revenue-neutral, and come with clear guidance to avoid chaos. With GST collections booming—₹22 lakh crore in FY25—the timing may be ripe for reform. 4. Amul Milk Makes European Debut India's dairy pride, Amul, has officially launched fresh milk in Spain through a partnership with leading Spanish co-op COVAP. The rollout begins in Madrid and Barcelona, and will soon expand to cities across Spain and Portugal—eventually reaching Germany, Italy, and Switzerland. At the Madrid launch, Amul MD Jayen Mehta called it a landmark in PM Modi's vision to globalize Indian brands. COVAP's president hailed the deal as a win-win for farmers in both nations. As the UN marks 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives, this launch is symbolic of how Indian agri-brands are going global. 5. Musk Withholds $100M, Trump Ties Fray Elon Musk is making headlines again—but this time for holding back $100 million from a promised $300 million pledge to Donald Trump's reelection campaign, reports The Wall Street Journal. The fallout reportedly began when Musk found out Trump met privately with OpenAI's Sam Altman—Musk's tech rival. Trump's team even delayed an event to avoid Musk's ire. Inside sources also claim Trump grew tired of Musk's erratic leadership at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), appointing someone to monitor his moves. Tensions worsened after Musk publicly slammed Trump's “Big Beautiful Bill” for slashing green energy funding. With Musk's White House visits dwindling and his political capital fading, the billionaire may be quietly exiting the Trump orbit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I'm Nelson John and here are today's top stories. 1. IndiGo Goes Global with Mega Airline Pact India's largest airline IndiGo has signed a landmark agreement with Delta Air Lines, Virgin Atlantic, and Air France-KLM, building a deeper network to connect India with Europe and North America. This formalized MoU, which extends beyond passengers to cargo, loyalty, and engineering, comes as IndiGo prepares to induct its first Airbus A350s in 2027. Flights to Manchester, Amsterdam, London, and Copenhagen are in the pipeline, opening up connections to 30+ European cities and beyond. Amid criticism over its short-term Turkish Airlines lease, the move hints at a future European hub—reminiscent of Jet Airways' Amsterdam play. 2. Hyundai, Kia Exit Ola Electric Amid EV Turmoil In a major shake-up, Hyundai and Kia sold their entire stakes in Ola Electric, cashing out ₹690 crore in total. Hyundai offloaded its 2.47% stake for ₹552 crore, while Kia exited with ₹137 crore. Citigroup Global Markets picked up a 1.95% stake for ₹435 crore. The timing is critical: Ola's stock tumbled 8% this week, down 42% year-to-date. Financials aren't pretty either—Q4 losses hit ₹870 crore, with annual losses crossing ₹2,276 crore. Once a darling of India's EV sector, Ola now faces regulatory heat, slumping sales, and shaken investor confidence. 3. Carlyle Trims Yes Bank Stake as Japan's SMBC Moves In Global PE firm Carlyle sold a 2.6% stake in Yes Bank worth ₹1,775 crore, reducing its holding to 4.22%. This follows SBI and seven other banks announcing the sale of 20% of their combined stake to Japan's Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) for ₹13,483 crore. Once complete, SMBC will become Yes Bank's largest shareholder. Despite a stellar performance—Q4 profit up 63% and FY25 net profit doubling to ₹2,406 crore—Yes Bank's shares fell over 10% after Carlyle's exit. It's a turning point for a bank that was in crisis mode just five years ago. 4. India's Travel Boom Needs a Louder Global Pitch India's tourism sector is back in full swing, contributing ₹21 trillion to GDP in 2024 and supporting 46.5 million jobs. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) projects the sector will grow to ₹42 trillion and 64 million jobs by 2035. But WTTC CEO Julia Simpson warns: India must invest in marketing and infrastructure to keep up. International visitor spend hit a record ₹3.1 trillion in 2024, while domestic travel surged to ₹15.5 trillion. However, India's global marketing spend remains worryingly low at just ₹3 crore. A new WTTC-India MoU could help raise India's global visibility. 5. India to Build First Polar Research Vessel In a landmark move, India will build its first-ever Polar Research Vessel (PRV), thanks to a new partnership between GRSE and Norway's Kongsberg. The vessel, to be built in Kolkata, will support deep polar and ocean research for India's National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research. This comes alongside plans for two ₹1,000 crore deep-sea exploration vessels as part of the Deep Ocean Mission. Each vessel will be equipped for 6 km-deep explorations with cutting-edge scientific gear. Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, on a maritime diplomacy trip to Norway, pitched India as a global hub for green and resilient shipbuilding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices