Top of the Morning

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Dragon & Elephant Talk Peace In Beijing, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping struck a rare note of harmony at the SCO summit. After years of border tensions, both leaders stressed that India and China are “partners, not rivals,” agreeing to resume direct flights and even restart the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Xi said it was “vital for the dragon and elephant to walk together” in shaping a multipolar world. Macron Rekindles Two-State Push In Paris, Emmanuel Macron reignited the two-state debate by recognizing Palestine, despite protests from Israel and the US. Macron argued Gaza’s humanitarian crisis demands urgent action, while critics warned recognition could embolden militants. Several Western nations may follow France’s lead at the UN next month. India’s Next Biofuel Leap New Delhi is moving its biofuel experiment off the roads and onto construction sites. Bulldozers, cranes and heavy carriers that consume nearly 4% of India’s diesel could soon run on blended fuels. The move cuts oil imports, lowers emissions, and boosts farmer incomes by using crop-based fuels. Trump Skips India Visit US President Donald Trump may cancel his India trip and skip the Quad summit after slapping tariffs on Indian goods. Beyond trade, tensions stem from Trump’s claim that he personally brokered peace between India and Pakistan — a claim New Delhi strongly rejects. India & Japan Seal $68B Pact In Tokyo, Modi and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced a 10-year roadmap, with Japan pledging $68 billion in private investment into India. Both leaders called it a “golden chapter,” combining Japanese technology and Indian talent to drive growth, while reinforcing security ties in the Indo-Pacific. 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. F-35 Crash: Ice Brings Down $200M Jet In Alaska, a $200 million F-35 fighter jet crashed after its pilot spent nearly an hour circling mid-air on a live call with Lockheed Martin engineers. The cause? Ice in the hydraulic lines that froze the landing gear and tricked the jet into “ground mode.” The pilot ejected safely, but the crash added to a tally of 15 F-35 accidents worldwide. Earlier this year, another F-35 was grounded in Kerala and one made an emergency landing in Japan—raising questions about the reliability of America’s most advanced fighter. India’s First Made-in-India Chip Rolls Out In Sanand, Gujarat, India celebrated a milestone as IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated the country’s first packaged semiconductor chip from CG Semi’s pilot OSAT facility. The ₹600 crore G1 unit can produce half a million chips a day, with a much larger G2 plant set to follow next year. Together, they aim for 4.7 billion chips annually, serving electronics, auto, and EV sectors. Sanand is fast becoming India’s chip hub under the ₹76,000 crore Semiconductor Mission. 40% of Urban Women Feel Unsafe: NARI 2025 A new survey across 31 cities shows 40% of women in India’s urban areas feel unsafe. In 2024, 7% reported harassment—100 times higher than official crime data. Delhi, Kolkata, Ranchi, and Patna ranked least safe, while Mumbai and Kohima were rated safer. Only 22% reported incidents to authorities; over half were unsure if their workplaces had the legally mandated POSH policy. Groww Eyes $1B IPO Amid Investor Exodus Bengaluru-based Groww has SEBI’s approval to raise $800 million–$1 billion in an IPO. Backed by GIC, Tiger Global, and Satya Nadella, Groww heads to markets even as discount brokers lost nearly 2 million clients in 2025. Stricter SEBI rules on F&O trading have cooled retail participation. Still, Groww’s profits tripled to ₹1,819 crore, showing strength despite the turbulence. India to Be World’s No. 2 Economy by 2038: EY EY projects India’s GDP at $34.2 trillion by 2038 in purchasing power parity terms, overtaking most economies. PPP, which adjusts for cost-of-living differences, shows India’s consumer strength and competitiveness more accurately than volatile market exchange rates. 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. US Tightens Visas DHS plans to scrap open-ended stays for students and visitors, capping F and J visas at four years, cutting grace periods, and limiting program changes. Officials cite security and oversight as millions enter each year. India’s New War Doctrines Three doctrines unveiled—Special Forces, airborne ops, and multi-domain warfare—aim to unify the Army, Navy, and Air Force for future conflicts across land, sea, space, and cyber. Modi in Japan PM Modi begins his first solo visit to Japan in seven years. Talks with PM Ishiba will cover semiconductors, EVs, bullet trains, and Indo-Pacific security under the Quad. Next stop: China for the SCO summit. Tariff Tensions US tariffs on Indian goods now at 50%, targeting Russian oil buys. Treasury chief Bessent says ties are “complicated” but insists Modi and Trump will “come together.” India calls the move unjustified. Gangwal’s Mega Exit IndiGo co-founder Rakesh Gangwal turns a ₹15 crore bet into ₹45,000 crore, pulling off one of the most spectacular exits in Indian business history. 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 50% Tariffs on India Starting August 27, Indian exports to the US will face a steep 50% tariff. President Trump doubled duties earlier this month, punishing India for buying Russian oil—a move New Delhi calls “unfair and unreasonable.” Pharma, electronics, and key metals are exempt, but most exports will be hit. PM Modi, striking a defiant note, urged Indians to go “swadeshi” while officials brace exporters for a slowdown. US Pushes ‘Gold Card’ Visa Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick says the Trump administration is set to overhaul the H1-B and green card system. The proposed “Gold Card” would give residency to foreigners investing $5 million. Officials claim 250,000 people are already interested, potentially generating $1.25 trillion. H1-B visas, meanwhile, could shift from a lottery to a wage-based system, prioritising higher-paying jobs—tough news for Indian tech workers. Modi to Attend SCO in China PM Modi will travel to Tianjin next week for the SCO summit—his first China visit in seven years. Alongside Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, leaders from across Asia will attend what Beijing hopes is a show of Global South unity. Analysts say Modi may use the moment to reset ties with China after the 2020 border clashes, while Xi will showcase a “post-American-led world.” US-Russia Explore Energy Deals Even as India is punished for trading with Russia, Washington may be cutting its own deals with Moscow. Reports suggest talks are on to let Exxon Mobil re-enter Russia’s Sakhalin-1 project, allow sales of US equipment for LNG projects, and even buy nuclear icebreakers from Russia. The timing raises eyebrows: Trump penalises India for Russian oil but explores energy ties with Putin himself. HAL Orders 113 Jet Engines HAL is set to sign a $1 billion deal with GE Aerospace for 113 GE-404 engines to power nearly 200 LCA Mk-1A fighters. These jets will replace India’s retiring MiG-21s. Delivery delays, however, have raised doubts within the Air Force. HAL is also negotiating joint production of GE-414 engines for the upcoming LCA Mk-2, a deal with 80% tech transfer—crucial to India’s defence self-reliance push. 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. MiG-21 Retires After nearly 60 years in service, India’s iconic MiG-21 is flying into history. Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh marked the farewell with a formation flight alongside No. 23 Squadron, led by Sqn Ldr Priya. Official retirement comes on September 26, closing a legendary chapter in IAF history. Trump Targets India From the Oval Office, Donald Trump praised China while warning India. He spared Beijing but pressed ahead with a 50% tariff on Indian imports, citing New Delhi’s sharp rise in Russian oil purchases—from under 1% before the Ukraine war to 42% after. Half the tariff is already in place; the rest lands this week. MAGA vs Trump Trump also stirred his base by saying the US would welcome 600,000 Chinese students. Supporters erupted online, calling it a betrayal of “America First.” With 277,000 Chinese students already in US universities and new visa restrictions announced earlier this year, his comment struck many as contradictory. Mail to US Halted Taiwan joined India and Europe in suspending postal services to America after Washington scrapped its duty-free exemption for imports under $800. Now, every international parcel faces customs duties, leaving families, small businesses, and e-commerce players scrambling as the US mailbox effectively shuts to the world. New Tax Rules India readies its Income Tax Act, 2025. To ease transition, CBDT will issue an SOP on digital seizures, clarifying how officials can access electronic data. Ramesh Narain Parbat stressed no new powers were added, only clearer wording. The aim: consistency, transparency, and predictability for taxpayers. 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. Putin's Three Demands to End the War What does Vladimir Putin actually want to end the war in Ukraine? For the first time, we have a clear picture. Sources close to the Kremlin say Putin has three core demands, reportedly discussed during his recent summit with Donald Trump. First, Ukraine must cede the entire Donbas region. Second, it must abandon its ambition to join NATO. And third, it must remain officially neutral, with no Western troops ever stationed on its soil. 2. India's Defiant Message to the U.S. India’s top diplomat just sent a very clear message to Washington—from inside Moscow. As the U.S. slapped new tariffs on Indian goods over its energy trade with Russia, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Vladimir Putin. At a press conference, Jaishankar didn't hold back. "We are not the biggest purchasers of Russian oil—that is China... So why single out India?" he asked, calling the U.S. logic "very perplexing." 3. One Tragic Crash Halts All Foreign Trucker Visas in the U.S. A tragic crash in Florida has triggered a sweeping U.S. government response. Three people were killed after an undocumented Indian national, Harjinder Singh, attempted a reckless U-turn in a tractor-trailer. It was later discovered Singh had obtained a commercial driver's license from California. Now, Washington has slammed the brakes, freezing all new worker visas for foreign truck drivers, effective immediately. 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 flexed its defence muscle by successfully test-firing the Agni-5 ballistic missile from Odisha’s Chandipur range. With a 5,000-km range, it can strike deep into Asia—including northern China—and even parts of Europe. Developed by DRDO, an upgraded 7,500-km version is in the works. The Agni-5 family, now equipped with MIRV tech that can deliver multiple nuclear warheads, sits atop India’s deterrence strategy. PM Modi hailed it as another leap in defence modernisation. In just seven minutes, the Lok Sabha passed one of the toughest gaming laws in the world. The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, bans all money-based online games—from fantasy cricket to poker and rummy. Operators face up to three years in jail and fines of ₹1 crore; advertising carries its own penalties. With 450 million users and ₹31,000 crore in annual revenues, the industry calls it a “death knell” for 400 startups, 200,000 jobs, and ₹20,000 crore in tax revenues. Critics warn it could drive players to offshore sites, while the government insists e-Sports remain untouched. The bill now heads to the Rajya Sabha. High drama in Parliament as Amit Shah introduced three bills to disqualify the PM, CMs, or ministers if jailed for over 30 days on charges carrying a minimum five-year sentence. Pitched as an anti-corruption measure, the Opposition erupted—calling it unconstitutional, warning it undermines the principle of “innocent until proven guilty.” With memories of Kejriwal and Soren’s arrests fresh, fears of political misuse loom large. The bills are now with a Joint Parliamentary Committee, due to report back in November. Even as US tariffs pile up, Moscow assured India its oil supply is safe. “We have a very special mechanism,” said Russian officials, confirming crude flows to India’s Vadinar refinery remain unaffected by EU sanctions. India now sources nearly 40% of its crude from Russia. On defence, Moscow reminded Delhi it remains the “partner of choice,” citing BrahMos and the S-400’s “successful battle test” in May. With trade at $68.7 billion but a $60 billion imbalance, Russia pledged to ease access and hit $100 billion by 2030. Putin is expected in India later this year. Five years after walking away, India is reconsidering the world’s biggest trade bloc—RCEP. With Trump’s tariffs biting and China easing curbs on exports to India, Delhi is reassessing the costs and benefits of joining the 15-nation pact. Officials want assurances from China and ASEAN for greater market access, especially for pharma and IT. Studies highlight untapped export potential of $161 billion to China, mostly in high-tech goods. With Modi heading to Beijing for the SCO summit, the signals are clear: India is warming up to the East again, even as it faces pressure from the West. 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.Monorail Chaos in Mumbai It was a rescue straight out of a disaster drill. Heavy rain stalled two Mumbai monorails on Tuesday—one carrying 200 passengers, another with 582—leaving hundreds trapped mid-air for hours. The worst was at Mysore Colony, where rescuers smashed windows and used cranes and scissor lifts to evacuate over 500 people from a train stuck on a curve. By 9:50 pm, all were safe. Another train between Wadala and Acharya Atre was towed back after 200 passengers were rescued. Officials blamed overcrowding: the monorail overshot its 104-tonne limit, hitting 109 tonnes, which snapped power contact and jammed brakes. Deputy CM Eknath Shinde called it “a major accident averted,” while CM Devendra Fadnavis ordered an inquiry. Meanwhile, local trains—the city’s lifeline—were also hit, with 17 inches of water flooding tracks. For commuters, it was another monsoon reminder of how fragile Mumbai’s transport really is. India is preparing a sweeping ban on online games played with money, potentially shaking a sector worth billions. A draft bill reviewed by Reuters says no one can “offer, aid or engage” in real-money gaming. That would put fantasy cricket giants Dream11 ($8B) and Mobile Premier League ($2.5B) in the firing line. The government argues these apps use “addictive algorithms” that fuel compulsive behaviour and financial ruin. Offenders could face up to three years in jail. With India’s gaming market projected at $3.6B by 2029, the ban could send shockwaves through investors. Popular during IPL season, these apps allow entry for as little as 8 rupees with million-rupee prize pools, often endorsed by cricket stars. Now the government’s message is blunt: play for fun, not for money. As India pulls back, China is stepping in. Analysts say Chinese refiners bought 15 cargoes of Russian Urals crude for October–November, each up to a million barrels. Until last month, India was Russia’s biggest seaborne buyer, but shrinking discounts made state refiners pause—cutting imports by nearly 700,000 barrels/day. China, the world’s top importer, usually buys ESPO crude from Russia’s Far East, but cheaper Urals—priced $2–3 below Middle Eastern oil—sparked fresh demand. The shift could pressure Dubai crude, already softening. Yet, analysts caution Beijing won’t absorb all volumes; Urals isn’t a staple grade for its refineries. Another risk: U.S. sanctions. Donald Trump hinted penalties could hit buyers of Russian oil “in two or three weeks” if peace talks stall. For now, the balance tilts: India out, China in—with Washington watching. The Opposition’s Vice-Presidential candidate, B. Sudershan Reddy, kept his message simple: “There’s only one citizenship in this country.” He faces NDA nominee and Maharashtra governor CP Radhakrishnan in the September 9 vote. Both hail from the south—Radhakrishnan from Tamil Nadu, Reddy from Andhra Pradesh—adding a subtle regional undertone. But Reddy, a former Supreme Court judge and Goa’s first Lokayukta, stressed unity: MPs, not the public, elect the Vice President, he reminded. Born in 1946, Reddy rose from Andhra Pradesh’s High Court to Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court, and in 2007, the Supreme Court, serving until 2011. His candidacy, announced at Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence, sets up a heated Parliament battle. In a move seen as breaking the ice, India scrapped customs duty and cess on cotton imports until September 30. The exemption, cutting the 11% levy to zero, directly benefits American exporters pushing for access amid escalating tariffs. Cotton is critical for India—employing 35 million people and driving 80% of textile exports. With domestic output slipping and prices tight, the duty cut also helps local mills ahead of the festive season. 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 Pushes Biggest Ukraine Breakthrough Yet After nearly four years of war, Washington may have delivered the most concrete peace opening so far. On Monday, President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky and seven top European leaders to discuss security guarantees for Kyiv. The real headline came right after: Trump called Vladimir Putin for a 40-minute conversation and set the stage for a potential Putin–Zelensky face-to-face within two weeks. Trump later said he hopes to follow that with a trilateral summit including himself. Zelensky described his meeting with Trump as the “best conversation so far,” while NATO’s Mark Rutte hailed Trump’s offer of NATO-style guarantees as a “breakthrough.” France’s Emmanuel Macron and Germany’s Friedrich Merz called for Europe’s role in shaping long-term security and pressed for a ceasefire as a first step. Italy’s Giorgia Meloni and Britain’s Keir Starmer stressed that only ironclad safeguards can deliver lasting peace. Finland’s Alexander Stubb noted more progress in two weeks “than in three and a half years.” For the first time in years, the US, EU, and Ukraine seem aligned on a peace path. India’s Big GST Reset Before Diwali On Independence Day, the Finance Ministry announced sweeping reforms to simplify GST. Instead of four slabs—5, 12, 18 and 28 percent—the new plan proposes just three: 5, 18, and a 40 percent “sin tax” for items like tobacco and beer. Nearly all goods in the 12 percent bracket could drop to 5 percent, making groceries, medicines, footwear, and even appliances cheaper. Most 28 percent items would shift to 18 percent, cutting costs on furniture, electronics and more.  Putin Calls Modi Amid Peace Push While Trump worked the phones with Putin, Moscow also reached out to New Delhi. On Monday, Putin called Prime Minister Narendra Modi, briefing him on the Alaska talks with Trump. Modi reiterated India’s consistent line—support for dialogue and a peaceful settlement. The timing was striking: just hours before Trump’s White House meeting with Zelensky. Yet this diplomatic outreach comes with pressure.  India–China Relations Thawing For the first time since the bloody Galwan clashes of 2020, India and China are signaling a thaw. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in New Delhi, insisting that peace and de-escalation along the Line of Actual Control are essential. “Differences must not become disputes,” he said. Already, concrete steps are visible: the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has resumed after five years, India has reopened tourist visas for Chinese nationals, and talks are underway to restart direct flights. Wang Yi pointed to “shared confidence” driving progress and said both nations can offer stability to Asia and the world. The real test could come later this month, when Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping are expected to meet on the sidelines of the SCO Summit—potentially turning a painful page in bilateral ties. 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. Putin’s ‘Jelly Legs’ Steal Spotlight Forget the Alaska handshake—what went viral after Trump and Putin’s summit was the Russian president’s shaky stance. Kremlin footage showed Putin’s knee twitching and toes lifting as he chatted with Trump, sparking a flood of online theories. Ukrainians joked about hidden shoe lifts and exoskeletons, while others speculated about illness, dubbing it “jelly legs.” Some even claimed it wasn’t Putin at all, but a body double—pointing to his missing “gunslinger gait,” a hallmark of his KGB training. The Kremlin has stayed silent, but the optics of wobbly knees may have upstaged Trump’s claims of “big progress.” India-US Trade Talks Collapse A breakthrough in India-US trade is off the table for now. Washington has called off its negotiators’ trip to New Delhi, originally planned for August 25–29. That leaves little hope of avoiding Trump’s steep new tariffs—hiked to 50% on Indian goods—set to take effect August 27. Trump says the penalties are “punishment” for India’s Russian oil purchases, which he argues bankroll Moscow’s war. Five rounds of talks collapsed over two sticking points: opening India’s farm and dairy markets, and cutting oil ties with Russia. India hit back, accusing the US and Europe of hypocrisy for still buying Russian goods. For now, tariffs are locked in, and businesses brace for impact. NDA Picks CP Radhakrishnan as VP Candidate India’s ruling NDA has named Maharashtra Governor C. P. Radhakrishnan as its candidate for Vice-President. Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi made the announcement on August 17, with elections slated for September 9. A veteran BJP leader from Tamil Nadu, Radhakrishnan has served as governor in multiple states and is a two-time MP from Coimbatore. His nomination balances experience with regional representation, and the NDA’s numbers got a boost as Shiv Sena pledged unconditional support. The move is seen as another carefully placed piece in India’s political chessboard. Trump Teases ‘Big Progress’ with Russia President Trump is fanning speculation after his three-hour Alaska summit with Vladimir Putin—the first time Putin has set foot on Western soil since 2022. On Truth Social, Trump posted in all caps: “BIG PROGRESS ON RUSSIA. STAY TUNED!” His envoy later hinted at “game-changing” security guarantees for Ukraine, though reports suggest a controversial land-for-peace deal could be on the table. Alarmed, European leaders will join Zelensky in Washington for urgent talks with Trump. Macron, Starmer, Meloni, Merz, and Ursula von der Leyen are flying in, hoping to stiffen Ukraine’s position as Trump presses for a quick peace. The stage is set for a high-stakes diplomatic showdown. Apple’s ₹1,000-Crore Bengaluru Bet Apple has made a blockbuster real estate move in Bengaluru—inking a 10-year lease worth over ₹1,000 crore for nearly 2.7 lakh sq ft in Embassy Zenith, a new tower built on the old Le Meridien site. The rent—₹235 per sq ft per month—sets a city record, with Apple shelling out ₹6.3 crore every month for nine floors, plus parking for 362 cars. The lease includes a 4.5% annual hike and an option to expand further. Propstack’s Raja Seetharaman calls it a “huge vote of confidence” in India, aligning Apple’s office expansion with its booming iPhone manufacturing push. Together, it cements India’s role at the center of Apple’s global supply chain. 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. Wang Yi’s Delhi Visit: Setting the Stage for Modi’s China Trip China’s foreign minister Wang Yi will be in New Delhi on August 18 to meet NSA Ajit Doval under the Special Representatives dialogue — just ahead of PM Modi’s August 31 visit to Beijing for the SCO summit. The talks aim to rebuild ties fractured by the 2020 Galwan clash that killed 20 Indian soldiers. Recent thaw signs include meetings between EAM Jaishankar and Wang, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s China visit, and the resumption of direct Delhi-Beijing flights. Analysts say Trump’s 50% tariff hike on Indian imports has also pushed New Delhi to keep Beijing channels open. Perplexity’s $34.5B Bid for Google Chrome AI search startup Perplexity, led by Aravind Srinivas, has made an audacious $34.5B cash offer to buy Google Chrome — despite being valued at just $18B. The firm, backed by Nvidia and SoftBank, says unnamed funds are ready to finance the deal. Chrome’s 3B users could supercharge Perplexity’s AI browser, Comet. Google hasn’t put Chrome up for sale but faces monopoly rulings and interest from OpenAI, Yahoo, and Apollo. Karnataka MLC Admits to Killing 2,800 Stray Dogs JDS MLC SL Bhojegowda told the Karnataka Legislative Council he poisoned and buried 2,800 stray dogs to curb attacks on poor children. His statement came days after the Supreme Court ordered all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR removed to shelters within eight weeks. The admission has sparked outrage from animal rights groups and could lead to legal consequences. Zelensky Rejects Donbas ‘Land Swap’ Ahead of Trump-Putin Talks With Trump and Putin set to meet in Alaska to discuss ending the Ukraine war, President Volodymyr Zelensky has ruled out ceding Donbas. He insists Ukraine must be part of the talks and warns the region is key to Russia’s future offensives. Trump says he’ll try to win back some territory for Ukraine, but Putin wants Kyiv to withdraw entirely from Donetsk and Luhansk — 9,000 sq km of land Russia hasn’t fully seized in over a decade. 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. SOUTH AFRICA RUSHES TO AVOID US TARIFF HIT South Africa is racing to avert the US’s steepest sub-Saharan tariff yet — 30% on some exports. Pretoria says it’s ready to offer a “broad, generous” trade deal, including more imports of US poultry, blueberries, and pork, to save an estimated 30,000 jobs in an economy with 33.2% unemployment. Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen and Trade Minister Parks Tau argue SA exports — just 0.25% of US imports — aren’t a threat. Talks, however, are tangled with US concerns over SA’s land reform and race-based job laws, which Trump has criticised. Steenhuisen calls it a “new era” of tariffs tied to politics, while Tau brands the process “unprecedented” and outside WTO norms. INDIA–CHINA FLIGHTS SET FOR TAKE-OFF After four years, direct India–China flights could return by September. New Delhi has told carriers to be ready, with an announcement expected at the SCO summit in China. IndiGo is already preparing. Flights were halted after the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes that froze ties. Recent thaw: India resumed tourist visas for Chinese nationals and agreed to restart the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. PM Modi is due in Tianjin on Aug 31 for his first China visit in seven years. ULTRAVIOLETTE CHARGES UP WITH $21M FUNDING Bengaluru-based premium e-motorcycle maker Ultraviolette has raised $21M, led by Japan’s TDK Ventures, with continued backing from Zoho, Lingotto, and notable angel investors. Funds will scale manufacturing, R&D, and expand retail from 20 to 100 cities. CEO Narayan Subramaniam says the TDK tie-up accelerates its push for advanced batteries, intelligent systems, and global expansion. NEW TAX ERA FOR INDIA Parliament has passed the Income Tax Bill, 2025, replacing the 1961 Act from April 1, 2026. The rewrite halves the law’s size to 536 sections, swaps “assessment year” for “tax year,” reintroduces some deductions, and keeps tax rates unchanged. It enables tech-driven faceless assessments but retains search-and-seizure powers, raising privacy concerns. The Bill now awaits the President’s assent. ₹18,500 CR PUSH FOR CHIPS, POWER & METRO The Union Cabinet has cleared ₹18,500 crore for manufacturing and infrastructure. Four new semiconductor projects in Odisha, Punjab, and Andhra Pradesh — including a silicon carbide fab in Bhubaneswar — will create 2,000+ skilled jobs. Also approved: the ₹8,146 crore 700 MW Tato-II hydro project in Arunachal Pradesh and Lucknow Metro’s ₹5,801 crore Phase-1B expansion 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. 90-Day U.S.-China Trade Truce President Donald Trump has extended the tariff suspension with China for another 90 days, keeping U.S. duties capped at 30% and Beijing’s at 10%. Both sides confirmed the move after talks in Stockholm, avoiding hikes that would have kicked in on August 12. The reprieve calms markets but sets up another tense deadline before year-end. H-1B Interview Rule Returns From Sept 2, 2025, all nonimmigrant visa renewals—including H-1Bs—will require in-person interviews in applicants’ home countries. This will hit Silicon Valley hardest, where over 39,000 H-1B approvals were issued in 2024, mostly to Indian and Chinese tech workers. Experts warn of costly delays and workflow disruptions at firms like Google, Meta, and Apple, as employees and families must travel abroad for renewals. Trump Seizes Control of D.C. Police In a rare move, Trump is invoking the D.C. Home Rule Act to place the Metropolitan Police under federal control and deploy National Guard troops to tackle violent crime and homelessness. Attorney General Pam Bondi will oversee the takeover. The Guard will handle logistics and support, freeing police for arrests. D.C.’s mayor has voiced concern over Guard patrols, as federal agents from the FBI, ICE, DEA, and ATF already operate in the city. India’s 50-Market Export Pivot With U.S. tariffs on Indian goods now at 50%, Delhi is targeting 50 priority markets across the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, Europe, and Asia—covering 90% of current exports. Focus sectors include textiles, engineering goods, gems & jewellery, seafood, agriculture, and chemicals, some at risk of a 40% export drop. Plans include redirecting shipments, reviving the Interest Equalization Scheme, and using a ₹20,000 crore export promotion mission. No Pause in Defence Deals India will continue defence ties with the U.S. despite the tariff dispute, foreign secretary Vikram Misri told Parliament’s external affairs panel. He stressed the “multi-dimensional” relationship, citing U.S. cooperation on security, including extraditing 26/11 accused Tahawwur Rana and designating The Resistance Front as a terror group. Commerce secretary Sunil Barthwal confirmed the sixth round of trade talks is still on. India is also leveraging existing trade pacts and working to finalise deals with the UK and EU. Misri dismissed Pakistani army chief Asim Munir’s Indus River comments as routine sabre-rattling. 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. Red Fort Security Breach Days Before I-Day A “dummy terrorist” from Delhi Police’s Special Cell walked into the high-security Red Fort with mock explosives during a drill — reaching the children’s enclosure, taking selfies, and leaving unnoticed. This marks the third lapse in recent drills ahead of Independence Day. The man scaled a wall near Nishad Raj Road, loitered in the VIP seating zone, and exited before the breach was reported to police HQ and the PM’s Security Unit. No action has been taken yet. Last week, seven policemen were suspended over illegal Bangladeshi nationals and live cartridges found near the fort. Pakistan Army Chief’s Nuclear Threat in US During a black-tie dinner in Tampa, Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir warned, “If we’re going down, we’ll take half the world down with us.” Reviving tensions over the suspended Indus Waters Treaty, he accused India of risking famine for 250 million Pakistanis and vowed to destroy any Indian dam with “10 missiles.” On his second US visit in two months, Munir met top US military leaders. India’s Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi called him a “Failed Marshal” and urged scrapping cricket ties with Pakistan. Trump’s 50% Tariff Hits India Hard India now faces the highest US tariff rate — 50% — more than China’s 30% and Vietnam/Bangladesh’s 20%. Exports in gems, jewellery, textiles, and some foods have stalled. Bloomberg Economics projects a 60% fall in US-bound exports and a 1% GDP hit. The Nifty 50 is down 7% from its peak, with potential for a 10% drop if tariffs persist. Analysts warn Trump’s unpredictability, high market valuations, and foreign investor exits could prolong the pain. The tariffs could also fuel US inflation, risk stagflation, and keep Fed rates high. Experts say the trade war could last until the 2026 US midterms. British F-35’s Second Emergency Landing A British F-35B fighter jet made an emergency landing in Kagoshima, Japan, after a malfunction, briefly shutting the runway. Just two months earlier, another British F-35B made an emergency landing in Kerala due to a hydraulic fault. Two landings in two countries in eight weeks raise questions about the reliability of one of the world’s most advanced — and expensive — fighter jets. Tata’s Battery Arm Gets Chinese-Owned Partner For the first time, Tata Group acknowledged a Chinese-owned company in its flagship battery venture. Japan-based AESC Group, owned by China’s Envision, bought a 12% stake in Agratas Energy Storage Solutions for ₹66 crore in March; Tata Sons holds the rest. AESC’s general counsel, Gordon Louis Chin, joins the board with Tata chairman N. Chandrasekaran and Tata Motors CFO P.B. Balaji. Agratas is building 60GWh of gigafactory capacity in the UK and India to supply Jaguar Land Rover and Tata Motors. AESC, one of the world’s top 10 EV battery makers, could give Agratas access to proven tech and global supply chains — critical as Chinese export curbs hit rare earth magnets Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. 📉  Markets Hold Their Breath “Brace for more uncertainty.” That’s the sentiment driving investor caution as US-India trade tensions flare once again. According to Mint’s quarterly market survey, 77% of investment professionals expect volatility to continue, especially if the pending trade deal throws up new tariffs or penalties. With earnings under pressure and foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) pulling out nearly ₹18,000 crore in July alone, India’s equity rally looks fragile. Sectors like oil & gas, NBFCs, public sector banks, and pharma are expected to anchor Q1 earnings. IPOs may inject temporary optimism, but experts agree: it’ll take more than listings to restore lasting investor confidence. 🌍  India & US Bet on Africa’s Minerals As global demand for critical minerals heats up, India and the US are looking to Africa. The goal? Break China’s 70% dominance in refining key elements like lithium, gallium, and graphite—used in everything from EVs to solar panels. Both nations are discussing joint investments in African projects, leveraging India’s business ties in East Africa. Meanwhile, India is stepping up at home with a ₹16,300 crore National Critical Minerals Mission and 368 new exploration projects. Despite these moves, the IEA warns diversification will be slow, with China likely to remain dominant even by 2035. 💰  Japanese VC Eyes Turn to India India is emerging as a new hotspot for Japanese venture capital. With returns slowing in Japan and Southeast Asia, firms like Incubate Fund Asia, BeyondNext Ventures, and Enrission India Capital are doubling down on Indian startups. In H1 2025, Indian IPOs raised over $6.1 billion—four times the Southeast Asia tally. Incubate Fund is closing in on a $100M India-focused fund. BeyondNext is raising $50M, while Enrission has already allocated its entire $120M corpus to Indian bets in biotech, robotics, and deeptech. Even corporate giants like Suzuki and SMBC are stepping in, backing clean energy, fintech, and semiconductor plays. The result? Japanese VC dollars are flowing in—with patience, and long-term conviction. 🧠  The Man Who Rejected $1.5 Billion Andrew Tulloch, an Australian machine learning whiz and ex-Meta and OpenAI veteran, has become Silicon Valley’s latest legend—for saying no to what could’ve been a $1.5 billion job offer from Meta. Tulloch, now at Mira Murati’s Thinking Machines Lab—a $12 billion AI startup still in stealth—reportedly turned down Mark Zuckerberg’s offer to lead Meta’s new superintelligence unit. Meta has disputed the number, but Tulloch’s viral LinkedIn profile tells the story of a man who’s betting on building the next wave of AI. So far, no one from Thinking Machines has defected. Tulloch’s move signals a shift in Silicon Valley: not just chasing the next paycheck, but redefining what’s worth building. 🇮🇳🤝🇺🇸  India-US Trade Deal Hits Turbulence Despite strong ties, a comprehensive India-US trade deal remains elusive—and Trump’s return to tariff tactics has made the road even bumpier. Experts warn India may lose up to $33 billion in exports. New Delhi, in turn, is considering reimposing digital taxes on Big Tech firms like Meta and Amazon. But the real hurdle? Philosophy. While the US demands access to India’s agri and dairy markets, India resists, citing food security and employment. Throw in geopolitical friction—over Russia, crude imports, and data sovereignty—and the mistrust only deepens. Utsav Verma of Choice Broking says, “It’s not just about tariffs—it’s about different worldviews.” For now, hopes rest on sectors like climate tech, defence and resilient supply chains to keep the engagement alive. 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. 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