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The RBI just announced 3 trillion rupees in liquidity support to stabilize banks and the rupee. Swiggy Instamart opened a physical store in Gurugram a surprising move in the quick commerce wars. Samsung revealed India is now its most critical engineering hub outside South Korea, even as it fights to regain market share. Gold and silver hit record highs, posting their strongest gains since 1979 amid Fed rate cuts and geopolitical tensions. And 3.6 million Indians are voluntarily revising their tax returns before the December 31 deadline. From monetary policy to retail experiments to precious metals here's what you need to know. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode: Italy hits Apple with a €98 million fine over App Tracking Transparency. Indian IT giants TCS, Infosys and Wipro pivot hard toward AI integration. India's 850,000 cooperatives face pressure to go digital. Smartwatches earn medical certifications for hypertension tracking. And the India Oman trade deal opens new doors amid global tariff pressures. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week: Indian Railways announces its second fare hike of the year, adding 10 to 28 rupees on long-distance trips. India's capital formation slumps to a decade low as households pour money into gold instead of productive investments. IndiaRF looks to exit Synthimed Labs at a billion-dollar valuation. Defence and aerospace startups like Skyroot are now competing with Big Tech for IIT engineers. And in St. Petersburg, 17 Indians including a former software developer are cleaning streets, earning 1.1 lakh rupees a month in a country desperate for labour. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The rupee's slide past 90 is hitting travellers beyond just US-bound trips. IndiGo's flight chaos reveals a pattern of reactive governance. TRAI proposes slashing backhaul spectrum charges. The $70 billion data centre rush runs into resource constraints. And record-low inflation might not be the good news it appears. What connects them? Systems under stress. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AI stocks now make up 30% of the S&P 500 is a bubble brewing? India's burnout crisis hits Parliament with the Right to Disconnect Bill. RBI slams the door on stablecoins and bets on the Digital Rupee. Netflix makes an $83 billion play for Warner Bros that could reshape India's streaming wars. Plus, Acko preps for a blockbuster IPO. Five stories shaping money, markets, and policy all in one episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top Of The Morning. I'm Nelson John. In this episode, we explore how India's UPI has become the world's largest real-time payment system, processing more daily transactions than Visa globally. We break down Mexico's new 50% tariffs threatening nearly $2 billion in Indian auto exports. We follow the story of how Prada turned a cultural appropriation controversy into an $800 collaboration with Indian artisans. We examine Amazon's massive $75 billion commitment to India across e-commerce, cloud, and quick commerce. And we unpack Disney's surprising $1 billion investment in OpenAI that brings Mickey Mouse to AI video generation. From street-level payments to billion-dollar boardroom deals, this episode connects the dots on how money, trade, and technology are reshaping business across the globe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Good Morning, I'm Nelson John.. In this episode, we unpack five major developments reshaping India's economic and trade landscape. We start with the government's exploration of higher ethanol blends beyond E20, including E23 and E27, and why the auto industry is pushing for flex-fuel vehicles instead. Then we examine the US-India trade negotiations happening under the shadow of a Supreme Court case that could invalidate Trump's tariffs entirely. We break down TCS's $700 million acquisition of Coastal Cloud and what it signals about the future of India's largest IT services company. Next, we look at the Trump Gold Card visa programme that's now accepting applications, offering US residency for $1 million. Finally, we analyse how India's export diversification strategy is paying off despite steep US tariffs, with China, Spain, and Russia emerging as growing markets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top of the Morning, I'm Nelson John. Peak XV's Meesho IPO success. AI's enterprise determinism problem. Adani's 15,000 crore bankruptcy play. RCB's $2 billion sale question. China's eight-month manufacturing slump. Five stories that show how money, technology, and power are being repositioned globally. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Good Morning, I'm Nelson John.. This week on Top of the Morning: SEBI delivers its biggest finfluencer crackdown, ordering Avadhut Sathe and his trading academy to return ₹546 crore in "unlawful gains." IndiGo's pilot shortage cancels 3,600+ flights and exposes years of staffing decisions. Putin visits Delhi amid US tariffs and sanctions, signing 16 agreements as India maintains its strategic balancing act. Wakefit opens its ₹1,289 crore IPO, asking public markets to validate a premium valuation. And Indian VCs bet big on consumer AI startups from Kuku FM to Dashverse. Five stories, one theme: accountability. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top Of The Morning, Im Nelson John Today, India's workplaces, industries, and digital systems are all shifting at once. Gen Alpha is rewriting the rules of work before they've even entered the workforce — expecting hybrid setups, AI partners, VR meetings, and shorter weeks. In the market, BYD's rapid rise in EV sales shows how fast global players are reshaping India's electric future. At the same time, India's new data protection law is tightening consent and compliance, forcing companies to rethink how they collect and move data. Streaming platforms are also adapting, moving from subscriber counts to watch-time and engagement as budgets tighten and ad-supported models grow. And in the corporate world, Tata Communications' move to acquire 51% of AI platform Commotion highlights how Indian firms are racing to build smarter, automated customer experiences. Together, these shifts tell the same story — technology, regulation, and consumer behaviour are rewriting how India works, watches, moves, and interacts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A JetBlue flight suddenly drops altitude. Investigation reveals: solar radiation corrupted flight control data. The result? The largest mass recall in Airbus history, with 6,000 jets grounded worldwide. Meanwhile, British Airways announces major India expansion, adding a third daily Delhi-London flight. India's DoT mandates that WhatsApp and Telegram must link to active SIM cards. And PM Modi's Mann Ki Baat celebrates 8.2% GDP growth and record 357 million tonnes of food grain production. Systems everywhere are being recalibrated. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top of The Morning, I'm Nelson John. Today, Canada's immigration dream turns into a 10 year wait. China's pharma grip tightens. Mahindra bets big on electric SUVs. Indian unions strike. The tax net widens. Five stories about systems under pressure and what happens when the rules change. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top of The Morning, I'm Nelson John.. What's something really worth? This episode explores the price of ambition from Wall Street's growing panic over a $5 trillion AI bubble, to Tesla opening its first all-in-one centre in Gurugram, India's ₹7,280 crore bet on rare earth magnets after China nearly shut down our EV industry, UPI's historic linkage with Europe's payments system, and a Haryana number plate that sold for ₹1.17 crore. Five stories, one question: Are we building the future or overpaying for it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top of the Morning, I'm Nelson John. Today America puts a price tag on citizenship, India-Canada restart trade talks, China's air got clean while India's didn't, nuclear power opens to private players, and AI transforms farming. Five stories, one theme: execution beats intention Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I'm Nelson John. Welcome to "Top of The Morning" by Mint. Five stories, one theme: strategic inflection points. India launches a comprehensive plan to combat antibiotic resistance threatening millions of lives globally. Fluence Energy bets on India as supply chains shift away from concentrated manufacturing bases. India implements its biggest labour reform since Independence, overhauling 29 colonial-era laws amid union opposition. Canadian PM Carney secures major investment deals at a Trump-boycotted G20, signaling a fundamental realignment in global partnerships. And CoinDCX, India's first crypto unicorn, faces existential challenges after spectacular boom and bust. Systems under pressure, old models breaking down, and the scramble to build what comes next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top of The Morning with me Nelson John. Today: NHAI raises ₹46,000 crore through highway InvITs attracting global investors, BIS overhauls cybersecurity and wind energy standards, ED attaches more RCom properties amid ₹40,000 crore fraud probe, Delhi's air pollution crisis kills 1.72 million Indians annually per Lancet study, and the US approves $93 million defense deal for Javelin missiles and Excalibur rounds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top Of The Morning, I'm Nelson John. Today's Top of the Morning: WhatsApp finally brings multi-account to iPhone (2 years late), Russia offers India unrestricted Su-57 tech transfer, Indian Railways heads for record ₹2.76T budget, and half of young American men are gambling. Four stories about big bets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top Of The Morning, I'm Nelson John. India launches biometric e-passports, faces pressure to extradite Bangladesh's ex-PM, debates a billionaire's 72-hour workweek proposal, explores Russian shipbuilding partnerships, and gets Google AI localized. Five stories revealing how India's rebuilding infrastructure—both physical and digital—for global competition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Monday! Welcome to Top of The Morning, I'm Nelson John. Today: Byju's gets carved up in bankruptcy court, India ditches cash for UPI, Trump's investment conflicts deepen, American voters inadvertently save Indian exporters, and India plays both superpowers while maintaining strategic autonomy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top Of The Morning, I'm your host Nelson John. In today's Top of the Morning, we dissect five major developments that illuminate the complexities of Asian economic transformation. We begin with India's latest anti-dumping duties on Vietnamese steel products, exploring how importers are already circumventing the $121.50/tonne levy by importing semi-finished products instead – highlighting the cat-and-mouse game between policymakers and market players. The arrest of Jaypee Infratech's former MD Manoj Gaur by the Enforcement Directorate brings into sharp focus the governance challenges in India's real estate sector, with ₹14,599 crore allegedly diverted from homebuyers to unrelated entities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Good Morning, I'm Nelson John New episode explores five interconnected stories reshaping global business: from H-1B policy reversals to Pakistan's governance transformation to India's infrastructure revolution. The boundaries between tech and traditional industry are dissolving faster than ever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top of the Morning, I'm your host Nelson John This episode connects five seemingly disparate stories - SoftBank selling Nvidia for OpenAI, Trump cutting India tariffs from 50% to 15%, Adani building massive battery storage, Modi strengthening Bhutan ties, and India's pharma crackdown - to reveal how India is transitioning from rule-taker to rule-maker on the global stage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top of the Morning, I'm Nelson John. From Beijing to Bengaluru: Four stories about what happens when the rules suddenly change. China eases rare earth export restrictions after Trump-Xi meeting Ather Energy overtakes Ola Electric despite being the smaller player Vodafone Idea fights for survival with ₹2 trillion debt Cognizant introduces mouse-tracking surveillance for employees Different industries, different challenges, same lesson: adaptation under pressure is everything. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top of the Morning.. I'm Nelson John. This week's stories may look unrelated a US government shutdown, a pharma firm duped by an email typo, Google Maps getting an AI brain, SEBI's digital gold warning, and a billion-dollar jet engine deal. But they all point to one thing: how fragile our systems really are. In the US, a 40-day shutdown is pushing air travel toward collapse. Air traffic controllers aren't being paid, flights are being slashed, and political gridlock is grounding families ahead of Thanksgiving. Infrastructure, it turns out, can't run on politics. Back home, Dr. Reddy's lost ₹2.16 crore to an email scam one capital letter fooled its finance team. A reminder that the weakest link in any digital system is still human. Meanwhile, Google Maps is getting a Gemini AI upgrade for India smarter routes, live alerts, even accident-prone zone warnings. It's a glimpse of AI that's genuinely useful, though it raises fresh privacy questions. SEBI, on the other hand, is warning investors about digital gold those flashy online gold products aren't regulated, meaning no safety net if things go wrong. And HAL just inked a $1 billion deal with GE Aerospace for fighter jet engines. Critical for India's defense ambitions, but also proof we still depend heavily on foreign tech. From government grids to financial systems, from AI tools to defense deals, one truth stands out: the most advanced systems fail at their simplest points trust, oversight, and human judgment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I'm Nelson John Apple is paying Google around $1 billion annually for AI to power Siri's overhaul. Meanwhile, India is pushing for bigger banks, negotiating trade deals with Peru and Chile to diversify from the US market, and dealing with a trademark battle between IndiGo and Mahindra. The common thread? Scale, strategy, and survival in an increasingly competitive world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's episode explores five major developments shaping business, politics, and society. In New York City, 34-year-old Zohran Mamdani made history as the first Muslim and Indian-origin mayor, defeating Andrew Cuomo with a progressive platform that embraced his multicultural heritage—though his criticism of PM Modi sparked fierce debate in India. Meanwhile, United Spirits announced a review of its Royal Challengers Bangalore investment, potentially valuing Virat Kohli's IPL team at $2 billion and setting a new benchmark for cricket franchises. On the global stage, the US-China trade war saw a temporary thaw as Beijing suspended most retaliatory tariffs following a Trump-Xi meeting in South Korea, offering relief to businesses caught in the crossfire. Back in India, Maharashtra became the first state to partner with Elon Musk's Starlink for satellite internet, promising to bridge the digital divide in remote regions. Finally, Titan defied conventional wisdom by posting strong earnings despite record gold prices of ₹1.33 lakh per 10 grams, as Indian consumers adapted by buying lighter jewelry ahead of the crucial wedding season. Together, these stories reveal a world marked by political disruption, evolving valuations of cultural assets, tentative diplomatic progress, technological leaps, and remarkable consumer resilience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

US HIRE Act: India's IT Under Threat IndiGo's ₹2,600 Crore Forex Loss Canada's Mass Visa Cancellation Plan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway has sold stocks for 12 consecutive quarters, building a record $382 billion cash pile as the legendary investor prepares to step down as CEO, signaling caution about market conditions. Meanwhile, Big Tech is going the opposite direction—Amazon, Microsoft, Alphabet, and Meta are collectively spending over $380 billion on AI infrastructure, though investor reactions have been mixed due to unclear ROI paths, especially for Meta. India faces a severe trade crisis as US tariffs hit 50%, causing exports to plummet 37.5% between May and September, devastating sectors from textiles to smartphones. On a positive note, ISRO successfully launched India's heaviest communication satellite (4,410kg) from Indian soil, proving growing self-reliance in space technology. Finally, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is actively improving relations with India as part of his strategy to reduce Canada's economic dependence on the United States, aiming to double non-US exports within a decade. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, I'm your host Nelson John — This is your smart, daily briefing on what matters. From big moves in business to headlines shaping India and the world, we cut through the noise so you start your day informed and ahead. Trump & Xi Strike Deal India Wins 6-Month Chabahar Exemption JioBlackRock Enters India Crypto Legally Recognized as Property in India OpenAI Eyes $1 Trillion IPO Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Air India's flying through turbulence — a ₹4,000-crore hit from Pakistan's airspace closure, route detours, and a crash have made it Tata's biggest loss-maker despite rising revenue. Meanwhile, Apple's hitting new highs in India. The iPhone 17 is smashing records, driving Apple past $10 billion in local revenue as Indians buy premium phones like never before. In telecom, Vodafone Idea finally sees hope after the Supreme Court allowed a reassessment of its ₹9,450-crore dues — a potential lifeline for India's most indebted carrier. SEBI's also shaking up the mutual fund industry, slashing brokerage costs and boosting transparency to protect retail investors. Beyond business, Japan's new prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ramping up defence spending to 2% of GDP ahead of her meeting with Trump, signalling Tokyo's growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific. And back home, India's pushing to seal a free-trade deal with New Zealand, reviving talks stalled for nearly a decade. From aviation shocks to trade talks and tech triumphs — this week's business headlines had everything. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, I'm your host Nelson John — This is your smart, daily briefing on what matters. From big moves in business to headlines shaping India and the world, we cut through the noise so you start your day informed and ahead.  It's Wednesday, October 29th. Let's get started! crushing global card networks with UPI. SEBI's slashing mutual fund fees by 83%. Your phone's about to show caller names. Blume Ventures is betting big on AI. And shrimp farmers say Trump's tariffs might be the wake-up call India needed. Five stories, one episode. 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. California Tragedy Sparks National Debate: Dashcam footage captured the terrifying moment a semi-truck slammed into stopped traffic on California's I-10 — killing three, injuring four, and igniting a firestorm over how commercial licenses are issued. The driver, 21-year-old Jashanpreet Singh, an undocumented immigrant allegedly high on drugs, had somehow obtained a California CDL. Federal officials are calling it a “systemic failure,” while Washington froze $40 million in funding over weak language standards for truckers. Singh faces manslaughter and DUI charges. Trump's High-Stakes Asia Trip: President Trump heads to Asia for his first meeting with Xi Jinping since returning to office — and it's make-or-break. After months of tariff threats and China's rare-earth export curbs, Trump's opening line to Xi will be about fentanyl. Washington blames Beijing for chemical flows fueling America's drug crisis. The outcome could reset U.S.-China trade — or reignite tensions. India's Big Defense Push: India approved ₹79,000 crore in new defense buys — missiles, warships, and AI-powered air systems — part of a wider push for self-reliance after Operation Sindoor. The move boosts combat readiness across all forces while backing Indian defense tech. Delhi Bets on Artificial Rain: Delhi may finally make it rain — literally. Using IIT Kanpur's cloud seeding tech, the city plans its first artificial rainfall by October 29 to fight smog. Five trials are planned — science versus pollution. India-Canada Thaw Begins: After a year of diplomatic frost, India and Canada are talking again. Ottawa can now send back diplomats under a “reciprocal” staffing deal — a cautious reset after Trudeau's explosive 2023 accusation over Hardeep Nijjar's death. 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 Skips ASEAN Summit as Trump Heads to Malaysia Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the ASEAN Summit virtually, skipping what's being billed as the largest gathering of world leaders in ASEAN history. The decision, officially linked to Chhath Puja, comes as US President Donald Trump lands in Kuala Lumpur in person. Over 30 leaders, including China's Li Qiang and Brazil's Lula, are attending. With India-US ties strained by Trump's steep 50% tariffs on Indian goods, Modi's absence avoids an awkward meet without a trade breakthrough. Talks to reduce tariffs to 15–16% are ongoing, but India is treading carefully amid delicate diplomacy — balancing QUAD and BRICS ties at once. Kuala Lumpur, meanwhile, is under lockdown with 16,000 officers on duty. Siddaramaiah's Son Upsets Karnataka's Succession Equation Yathindra Siddaramaiah has thrown a curveball into Karnataka politics by backing minister Satish Jarkiholi as his father's successor — sidelining Deputy CM DK Shivakumar. With the Congress government hitting its halfway mark, talk of a “November revolution” is gaining traction. For Shivakumar, once seen as next in line, the message is clear: the race is no longer his alone. Indian Army Goes Tech-First India's Army is arming up for the future — signing a ₹2,770-crore deal with Bharat Forge and Adani's PLR Systems for 4.25 lakh modern carbines. New drone platoons and elite commando battalions are rolling out, while US-made Javelin missiles are being added. The shift marks a major leap from manpower-heavy to AI-driven combat readiness. Meta Cuts 600 Jobs in AI Reality Check Meta's AI dream just hit turbulence — 600 layoffs at its AI Superintelligence Labs. Despite a $14 billion spree to hire top AI talent, several big names have already quit. CEO Alexandr Wang says “leaner is faster,” but the move reveals internal tension between expensive new hires and a thinning support base. Trump Slaps Russia with Oil Sanctions, Eyes India Next President Trump has sanctioned Russia's oil giants Rosneft and Lukoil, warning Putin to end the Ukraine war. The move also turns the heat on India, with Trump insisting Modi promised to cut Russian oil imports — claims New Delhi hasn't confirmed. The message from Washington: stop buying Russian oil or face crushing tariffs. 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. Politics and diplomacy are both running hot today — from Gandhinagar to Washington, and beyond. In Gujarat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has hit the reset button — all 16 ministers resigned, giving him a clean slate to rebuild his cabinet. BJP insiders call it a strategic reset ahead of the 2027 polls. The new team, to be sworn in at Mahatma Mandir, could nearly double in size. Amit Shah and JP Nadda are flying in, underscoring how high the stakes are for the BJP's strongest state. Across the world, Donald Trump's back in the headlines — twice over. First, he claimed PM Modi promised to stop Russian oil imports. India flatly denied it, saying its energy policy serves its own people, not foreign politics. Then, Trump revealed plans to meet Vladimir Putin in Budapest to “end the Ukraine war,” right as Zelensky lands in Washington. It's diplomacy — Trump-style — loud, unpredictable, and headline-hungry. Back in South Asia, India has clearly chosen sides in the Afghanistan–Pakistan border fight — and it's not Islamabad. Delhi slammed Pakistan for “sponsoring terrorism,” backing Kabul after deadly cross-border strikes. The timing is sharp — just as a Taliban minister visits India. And finally, a milestone worth celebrating — India's housing mission just crossed one million approvals under PM Awas Yojana 2.0, with half reserved for women. A quiet, inclusive success amid all the noise 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 global playbook just got a shake-up. First, President Trump dropped a bombshell from the Oval Office—Prime Minister Narendra Modi has agreed to stop buying Russian oil. After months of U.S. pressure and hefty 50% tariffs on Indian goods, Modi reportedly told Trump the shift will happen “within a short period.” If India follows through, it could hit Moscow's war chest hard—India's been one of Russia's biggest crude buyers since the Ukraine war began. Trump called Modi “a great man,” even as he hinted next on his list is China. Next, India pitched its homegrown Akash missile system to Brazil. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh met Brazilian leaders in New Delhi, offering co-development deals and training exchanges. The move underlines India's growing defense confidence—transitioning from an importer to a serious exporter of indigenous tech. Meanwhile, Washington was stunned when Ashley Tellis, a top U.S.-India relations expert, was arrested for allegedly leaking classified defense documents and meeting Chinese officials. Tellis, a key figure behind the landmark U.S.-India nuclear deal, now faces up to 10 years in prison. Back home, Tamil Nadu debunked viral claims of a “Hindi ban.” The government called it “completely false,” reinforcing the DMK's long-standing pro-Tamil stance amid renewed language politics. And in Delhi, the Supreme Court gave a cautious nod to Diwali celebrations—allowing only green firecrackers from Oct 18–20 under strict monitoring. It's a delicate balance between tradition and air quality. 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. First up, China's rare earth chokehold just tightened. Beijing has slapped export bans on companies linked to foreign militaries — a blow to the US, whose fighter jets and missiles rely on these critical minerals. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says allies like India and Europe are rallying to build alternative supply chains. Washington's betting on India's new Strategic Mineral Recovery plan to extract rare earths and lithium from heavy industries. The race to break China's monopoly has officially begun. In South Asia, India quietly revealed Operation Sindoor's real score — over 100 Pakistani soldiers killed during May's LoC clashes, far higher than known. Pakistan inadvertently confirmed it through its own awards list. For India, this marked a new era of “controlled yet decisive” military action that forced a quick ceasefire. Meanwhile, India and Mongolia deepened their bond with 10 new pacts covering uranium, oil refining, and defense. A $1.7 billion Indian-funded refinery will anchor Mongolia's energy security by 2028, while New Delhi eyes its vast uranium and copper reserves. Back home, Google's $15 billion bet on India made waves. Its new AI hub in Visakhapatnam will be the largest outside the US, built with Adani and Airtel. A subsea cable and mega data network aim to power India's digital future. And finally, India's exporters are on the brink of a windfall — duty-free access to Europe's $25 trillion market. With the EU free trade deal nearly done, apparel exports could more than double. India's trade game is shifting from America to Europe, one handshake at a 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. 1. Trump's “Peace Talk” Moment Gets Awkward At the Gaza Peace Summit in Egypt, Donald Trump had a classic off-script moment. While praising PM Modi, he turned around to ask Pakistan's Shehbaz Sharif if India and Pakistan will “live very nicely together.” Sharif smiled, and the cameras loved it. Trump has been claiming he stopped a war between India and Pakistan last May by threatening massive tariffs. India denies any US mediation, saying peace came through direct talks. But Sharif played along, even crediting Trump and backing his Nobel Peace Prize nomination. Modi skipped the summit but praised Trump's “sincere efforts.” What's clear is Trump's pushing his global peacemaker image—facts aside. #Trump #Modi #Sharif #IndiaPakistan #GazaPeaceSummit #USPolitics #Diplomacy 2. Tharoor Questions India's Low-Key Presence at Peace Summit Congress leader Shashi Tharoor took a jab at India's choice of sending a junior minister, Kirti Vardhan Singh, to a summit that saw 27 heads of state. He asked if it was “strategic restraint or a missed opportunity.” His point: when others send leaders, showing up with lower representation limits influence. The government says it was about maintaining strategic balance. Singh met Egypt's President and reaffirmed India's “commitment to peace.” #Tharoor #IndiaDiplomacy #GazaSummit #ForeignPolicy #MEAIndia 3. India–Canada Relations Hit Reset After two frosty years, India and Canada are thawing ties. Canadian FM Anita Anand met PM Modi and EAM Jaishankar, marking the first high-level visit since Trudeau's 2023 accusation linking India to a Khalistani activist's killing. Now, both sides unveiled a roadmap for trade, tech, clean energy, and AI. Canada's move to designate the Bishnoi gang as terrorists helped rebuild trust. Analysts call this a pragmatic reset—choosing progress over politics. #IndiaCanada #AnitaAnand #Modi #Jaishankar #TradeTalks #Diplomacy 4. ‘Fare Se Fursat': Fixed Airfares Take Off No more fare shocks. Alliance Air's new scheme offers fixed prices regardless of when you book. Valid till Dec 2025, it's part of India's plan to make flying affordable. Minister Rammohan Naidu says it fits the UDAN vision—connecting smaller towns and making travel predictable. #FareSeFursat #AllianceAir #UDAN #AffordableFlying #IndiaAviation 5. India's ₹6.4 Trillion Hydro Power Push India is going big on clean energy—tapping the Brahmaputra River to generate 76 GW by 2047. With China building dams upstream, this is as much about energy as it is about strategy. Arunachal leads with 52 GW potential. Two phases, massive spend, and a green target in sight. 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. Donald Trump just made a dramatic claim aboard Air Force One: “The war in Gaza is over.” The US President is flying to the Middle East, first stopping in Israel to address parliament, then co-hosting a peace summit in Egypt with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. His peace deal's first step — Hamas frees all Israeli hostages from the October 7 attack, while Israel releases 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and allows aid into Gaza. Netanyahu called it a “victory,” though he warned the fight isn't done. World leaders, including Modi's envoy Kirti Vardhan Singh, will join the summit, signaling a potential end to one of the deadliest modern conflicts that's killed over 67,000 in Gaza. Meanwhile, diplomacy's getting a reboot elsewhere. Canada's Foreign Minister Anita Anand landed in New Delhi to “hit reset” on strained India-Canada ties. This marks the first official visit under new PM Mark Carney. She'll meet Jaishankar, Piyush Goyal, and key business leaders in Mumbai before heading to China and Singapore — part of Canada's Indo-Pacific push to rebuild strategic partnerships. In Kabul's shadow, Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi faced tough questions from women journalists after earlier barring them. His response — it was a “technical issue” — didn't land well. The optics? A regime still struggling to convince the world it respects women's rights. And in markets, gold and silver are on fire. Silver neared $51 an ounce, gold hit $4,060, and traders are literally flying silver bars across the Atlantic. A mix of short squeezes, Fed cuts, and US-China tensions has sent precious metals soaring up to 80% this year. Hashtags: #Trump #GazaCeasefire #MiddleEastPeace #IndiaCanada #AnitaAnand #Modi #Taliban #Afghanistan #GoldPrices #SilverRally #USChinaTensions #GlobalMarkets #PeaceSummit #Netanyahu #BreakingNews 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 Fortifies Its Partnerships India and Australia signed three major defense agreements in Canberra on Thursday, covering intelligence sharing, submarine rescue cooperation, and joint military staff talks. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh met Australian Deputy PM Richard Marles as part of the inaugural Defense Ministers' Dialogue, marking five years of their comprehensive strategic partnership. Singh was blunt about Pakistan: "Terror and talks cannot go together." But the real focus is the Indo-Pacific, where both nations, alongside the US and Japan through the Quad, are countering China's expanding military footprint. Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Mumbai with a £350 million ($468 million) missile deal for India. The lightweight multirole systems, made in Belfast, will boost Indian Army air defenses. Britain also signed a £250 million deal for electric propulsion systems for Indian warships. Starmer announced Lancaster and Surrey universities received approval to open Indian campuses. With nine UK universities now operating in India, Britain has the biggest higher education footprint in the country. India needs 70 million university places by 2035 – it currently has 40 million students. Modi's Middle East Diplomacy Prime Minister Modi called Benjamin Netanyahu to congratulate him on the Gaza ceasefire deal. Netanyahu paused his security cabinet meeting to take the call. Modi welcomed the hostage release and humanitarian assistance, reaffirming that "terrorism in any form is unacceptable." Putin's Apology Ten months after Russian air defense mistakenly downed an Azerbaijani passenger plane killing 38 people, Vladimir Putin pledged compensation. Meeting Ilham Aliyev in Tajikistan, Putin explicitly acknowledged Russia's role for the first time, saying missiles detonated near the December 2024 flight after Ukrainian drones entered Russian airspace. SEO Hashtags: #GlobalNews #IndiaAustralia #UKIndia #DefenseDeals #ModiNetanyahu #GazaPeace #PutinApology #AzerbaijanPlaneCrash #QuadSecurity #IndoPacific #BritishUniversities #MissileDefense #InternationalRelations #GeopoliticalNews #WorldAffairs 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's Gaza Gamble: A Ceasefire on Paper After over a year of war, Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire — brokered by Donald Trump. Hostages will be freed, troops pulled back, and prisoners exchanged. Netanyahu called it “a great day for Israel,” while Hamas urged guarantees of compliance. Talks in Egypt, with Qatar and Turkey mediating, sealed the deal. Trump may visit Israel soon, marking his first trip since moving the US embassy to Jerusalem. For now, the guns are quiet — but whether this peace holds is anyone's guess. 2. Taliban in Delhi: India's Risky Diplomatic Bet In a first since 2021, Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is visiting India. Meetings with S Jaishankar and Ajit Doval are on the cards, along with a symbolic stop at Darul Uloom Deoband and the Taj Mahal. India hasn't recognized the Taliban regime but is opening channels anyway — focused on security, counter-terror, and trade. The visit needed a UN waiver, which New Delhi quietly secured. 3. America's New Face in Delhi The US finally has a new ambassador to India — Sergio Gor, confirmed alongside Paul Kapur for the South Asia desk. Both are Trump allies. But the relationship they inherit is tricky: tariffs, Russian energy tensions, and trade friction remain sore points. Still, for New Delhi, having a point of contact again brings relief — and clarity. 4. Mumbai's Sky Leap: The New Digital Airport PM Modi just opened Phase 1 of the ₹19,650-crore Navi Mumbai International Airport — India's first fully digital airport. AI-driven terminals, online baggage drop, and even a water taxi link make it a tech marvel. Set to handle 90 million passengers, it's Mumbai's fix for chronic air congestion. 5. Mahindra's Big Split: SUVs vs Tractors Mahindra & Mahindra may demerge its SUV, truck, and tractor divisions — and the numbers make the case. Profits have jumped sevenfold since FY21, with SUVs now driving 57% of revenue. From tractors to trailblazing SUVs, M&M's evolution could unlock major investor value. #TrumpCeasefire #GazaPeaceDeal #TalibanIndiaVisit #USIndiaRelations #NaviMumbaiAirport #MahindraSplit #IndiaNews #GlobalPolitics #TopOfTheMorning 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. Starmer's India Pitch: Eastward Bound British PM Keir Starmer touched down in Mumbai with a 125-company strong business entourage, marking his first India visit. After clinching a landmark trade deal in July, he's here to turn paperwork into partnership. “It's a launchpad for growth,” he said, ahead of talks with PM Modi. With Trump's tariffs reshaping global trade, Britain's clearly betting on India — the world's fastest-growing major economy — to anchor its post-Brexit growth story. 2. Bihar's Battle Royale: Modi vs Rahul All eyes on Bihar — India's political pressure cooker. Modi's seventh visit this year signals a “development blitz,” launching projects worth thousands of crores. Rahul Gandhi's counter? Social justice, unemployment, and inflation. It's a classic clash — Modi's record versus Rahul's promise. And Bihar's voters are right in the middle of it. 3. Canada vs Trump: Trade Chess in Washington Canadian PM Mark Carney's first White House meet with Trump had both tension and intent. Trump wants tougher auto trade terms, while Carney's dangling $1 trillion in potential investment. Tariffs are up, tempers are high — but both sides know a new deal could redefine North America's economic playbook. 4. BP Bets Big on India's Energy Future BP's pouring $4 billion into India's oil and gas sector, teaming up with Reliance and ONGC to boost local production. With India importing 85% of its energy, the move aims at fuel independence. “We need to do as much as we can,” says BP India chief Kartikeya Dube. 5. India's ₹24,634-Crore Rail Push Four mega railway projects just got the green light — adding 894 km of track across four states by 2031. Expect smoother freight flow, cleaner energy use, and better rural connectivity for 8.5 million people. A logistical and environmental win rolled into one. #KeirStarmer #IndiaUKTrade #ModiVsRahul #CanadaUSDeal #BPIndia #IndianRailways #GlobalTrade #EnergySecurity #BiharElections #MintTopOfTheMorning 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, Tariffs & Turnarounds Here's the twist: Trump and Brazil's Lula just had a surprisingly warm 30-minute call — and Bolsonaro, the man who caused their diplomatic fallout, wasn't even mentioned. Earlier this year, Trump hit Brazil with 50% tariffs after its courts refused to drop coup charges against Bolsonaro. But this week, Lula flipped the script — pitching trade relief and reminding Trump that Brazil actually runs a deficit with the US. The call ended with promises of a face-to-face meet. Lula called it “cordial.” Translation? Trump's letting go of ideology for a deal, and Lula's charm offensive just paid off. #TrumpLulaCall #BrazilTrade #Bolsonaro #Geopolitics #USBrazilRelations Courtroom Chaos in Delhi A 71-year-old lawyer hurled his shoe at Chief Justice BR Gavai during a live hearing — shouting, “India won't tolerate insult to Sanatan Dharma.” His outburst followed Gavai's viral remark telling a petitioner to “ask the deity himself” after rejecting a temple plea. Gavai stayed calm; the lawyer's been suspended. But the message is clear — India's courtrooms are now ground zero for religious rage. #SupremeCourt #SanatanDharma #Judiciary #IndiaNews #BRGavai Trump's “Tariff for Peace” Claim Trump now says he single-handedly stopped war between India and Pakistan — using tariffs. After India's Operation Sindoor in May, he claims he told both sides: no ceasefire, no trade. India calls it nonsense. But Trump's turning his economic policy into a peace narrative — one few outside MAGA circles buy. #Trump #IndiaPakistan #TariffWar #ForeignPolicy #PeaceClaim Jaishankar's Warning Shot India's foreign minister just called out the “weaponization of everything.” S Jaishankar said New Delhi won't bow to tariff pressure — especially on farm and dairy imports — and must be the crisis anchor in South Asia. His message: India plays by its own rules, even in a volatile world order. #Jaishankar #IndiaForeignPolicy #Trade #Tariffs #SouthAsia France's Political Freefall France just lost its third prime minister in under a year. Sébastien Lecornu quit after just 26 days — his cabinet picks enraged parliament, and Macron's government is paralyzed. Debt's ballooning, politics are fractured, and Marine Le Pen's shadow looms large. France's Fifth Republic is wobbling. #FranceCrisis #Macron #Lecornu #LePen #EuropePolitics 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. The week began with tragedy in the hills. Relentless rain turned Darjeeling and Kalimpong into death zones — 18 dead, thousands stranded, homes buried in landslides between 2 and 3 a.m. Roads caved in, bridges collapsed, and tourists trapped as five NDRF teams dug through debris. With NH-10 cut off and two steel bridges washed away, rescue ops stretched thin. Politics followed quickly — BJP hit out at Mamata Banerjee for staying at Kolkata's Puja carnival; TMC shot back saying she was monitoring round the clock. Meanwhile, Modi and Shah expressed condolences as the toll rose across Sikkim, Bhutan, and Nepal. Then came fire on the field — India crushed Pakistan by 88 runs at the Women's World Cup in Colombo. No handshakes. No smiles. Just fierce stares and a coin toss controversy that added fuel to the rivalry. Home Minister Amit Shah called it a “perfect strike,” while fans called it payback season. On the global front, India drew new red lines with Washington. S Jaishankar said Delhi won't open agriculture or dairy to US markets, calling current tariffs “unfair.” The message: India will trade, but on its own terms. And in defense, Delhi's doubling down on Russia — set to buy five more S-400 systems, with local manufacturing built in. It's proof India's sticking with what's battle-tested. Finally, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal heads to Doha to push a new trade pact with Qatar — a move that could reset Gulf ties and give India a stronger foothold beyond oil. #DarjeelingFloods #IndiaPakistanRivalry #WomensWorldCup #S400 #IndiaUSRelations #PiyushGoyal #IndiaQatar #Jaishankar #MamataBanerjee #BreakingIndia #GlobalTrade #IndiaNews #TopOfTheMorning Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices