Top of the Morning

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

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Putin’s Nuclear Warning At the Valdai forum, Putin warned Russia will resume nuclear tests if “any other nuclear power” does first. He mocked NATO as the real “paper tiger,” threatened escalation if the US sends Tomahawks to Ukraine, and tied confidence to Russia’s new Oreshnik missile complex. With New START treaty set to expire in February, Putin says extension is possible — but only if Washington wants it. Tensions rose further after France detained a Russian-linked tanker, which Putin blasted as “piracy.” The standoff with the West is now being likened to the Cuban Missile Crisis. India–China Flights Return After five years, direct flights resume this month. IndiGo will start Kolkata–Guangzhou on Oct 26, with Delhi routes to follow. China Eastern likely next. The move signals thawing ties after Ladakh clashes froze relations and grounded flights. For Beijing, restoring air links was top priority to boost trade with India. France’s Streets Erupt Again 195,000 protesters marched in 200+ cities, shutting the Eiffel Tower and disrupting trains, schools, and hospitals. Unions demand more public spending and reversal of pension reforms. New PM Lecornu faces pressure even before unveiling the budget. Protests echo last month’s massive half-million march — France’s unrest shows no sign of cooling. Customs Clash in Chennai Wintrack Inc quit India, alleging bribery at Chennai Customs. The department hit back with evidence of undeclared goods, misclassified items, and missing permits, calling the allegations a deflection. A central probe is underway, with the Finance Ministry to decide who’s guilty. Toxic Syrup Scare in Pune After six child deaths from contaminated cough syrup in MP and cases in Rajasthan, Pune’s FDA launched emergency inspections across 10,000+ retailers and 8,000 distributors. No central order triggered it — local regulators acted fast, warning chemists not to stock unverified products. #Putin #Russia #Nuclear #IndiaChina #Aviation #FranceProtests #Macron #ChennaiCustoms #Trade #CoughSyrup #HealthIndia #GlobalNews 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 Gaza Peace Gambit Trump dropped a 20-point peace plan at the White House with Netanyahu by his side. Israel accepted instantly, Hamas is silent. The plan: all Oct 7 hostages freed in 72 hrs, Israel releases 2,000+ prisoners, grim body-for-body swaps, Israeli withdrawal only after Hamas fully disarms. Gaza gets a temporary technocratic govt — no Hamas. Trump wants a global “Board of Peace” led by figures like Tony Blair. Bold but controversial: Israel keeps a security buffer inside Gaza. For Hamas, it’s not a truce, it’s political extinction. India–Bhutan Rail Links ₹4,033 crore for two new lines linking Bhutan’s Gelephu & Samtse with India’s vast network. 90 km track, 125 bridges, completion in four years. Bhutan finally gets rail access to ports, Nepal, Bangladesh. Gelephu is key — it’s becoming an autonomous economic hub. India backs it fully, countering China’s growing Himalayan footprint. Gandhi Statue Vandalized in London Days before his 155th birth anniversary, vandals defaced Gandhi’s memorial in Tavistock Square, a peace garden. India’s High Commission condemned the act as an attack on Gandhi’s legacy. The timing shows this wasn’t random — it was deliberate, and deeply symbolic. Arattai: India’s WhatsApp Challenger Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal joined Zoho’s homegrown messaging app Arattai, calling it “Swadeshi.” With encryption and data staying in India, it signals a push for digital self-reliance. The question: can it dent WhatsApp’s billion-user lead? Will RBI Follow Fed’s Cut? The US Fed cut rates by 25 bps. India’s RBI meets Oct 1. Experts are split: domestic inflation keeps RBI cautious, but Fed cuts may open a small window. For investors: if RBI cuts, banks, autos, and real estate could rally. #Trump #Gaza #MiddleEastPeace #IndiaBhutan #Geopolitics #Gandhi #London #Arattai #DigitalIndia #RBI #FederalReserve #Markets #GlobalFinance 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. Ladakh Erupts in Violence What began as a hunger strike turned into Ladakh’s deadliest unrest in years. Four dead, 60+ injured, and Leh under lockdown after protesters demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule protections clashed with security forces, torching buildings and vehicles. Activist Sonam Wangchuk is accused by the Home Ministry of provoking “Arab Spring-style” protests, though he denies it. Talks with Delhi are set for October 6. Private Sector Enters Stealth Race L&T and BEL are teaming up to bid for India’s stealth fighter project, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft. With ₹15,000 crore sanctioned for prototypes, the IAF plans to induct 120 jets by 2035. This marks a major shift from HAL’s monopoly as private defense firms compete in India’s biggest aerospace contract. India-Australia Organic Pact A new deal recognizes each other’s organic certifications, unlocking smoother trade. India exports just $9M worth of organics to Australia today, but the pact could boost prices for farmers and open markets in cereals, spices, tea, and wine. Australia leads with 53M hectares of organic farmland; India has the most organic producers worldwide. Trump’s “Triple Sabotage” at UN Donald Trump cried foul after his UN speech was marred by an escalator stop, a dead teleprompter, and sound glitches. He called it “sabotage,” but UN officials said the mishaps were linked to his own team and budget cuts triggered by delayed US payments. Big Boost for Medical Seats The cabinet cleared ₹15,034 crore to add 5,023 MBBS and 5,000 PG seats. India has doubled capacity since 2014, yet 20 lakh aspirants still chase limited spots. The rapid expansion faces hurdles: faculty shortages and unaffordable private fees. 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 Turns on India at UN Donald Trump used the UNGA stage to take two direct swipes at India. First, he boasted yet again about “stopping a war” between India and Pakistan — angling for that Nobel Peace Prize. India clarified it halted Operation Sindoor at Pakistan’s request, not Washington’s. Then came the sharper blow: accusing India and China of “funding Putin’s war” by buying Russian oil. Tariffs on Indian imports are already at 50%, with threats of more to come. Modi has stayed silent, while Shashi Tharoor called Trump’s moves “mercurial” — unpredictable today, possibly favorable tomorrow. Kerala Battles Brain-Eating Amoeba Kerala confirmed 80 cases and 21 deaths from amoebic meningoencephalitis, caused by Naegleria fowleri. It spreads when contaminated freshwater enters the nose. Authorities stress seawater, tap water, and chlorinated pools are safe. The state’s focus is aggressive testing and chlorination, which is helping save lives. India’s First Defence Plant in Africa Rajnath Singh inaugurated Tata’s new defence facility in Morocco — India’s first in Africa. The plant will produce WhAP 8x8 armoured vehicles for Morocco’s Royal Army. More than a “Make in India” story, this is about India exporting defence technology and creating a global footprint. H-1B Hurdles Get Higher The US Homeland Security Dept plans to revamp the H-1B system, favoring higher-paid applicants over random selection. Coupled with Trump’s $100,000 visa fee, this creates steep barriers for Indian engineers, especially entry-level talent. Swiggy Cashes Out of Rapido Swiggy sold its entire Rapido stake for ₹2,400 crore to Prosus and WestBridge, booking nearly 2.5x returns. Ironically, Rapido is now launching its own food delivery arm to rival Swiggy and Zomato. The windfall helps Swiggy offset heavy losses despite surging revenues. 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–US: From Punches to Handshakes Tariffs up, visas priced at $100K, and sharp words over Russian oil — yet, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and India’s S Jaishankar met in New York calling each other “critical partners.” It’s not routine diplomacy, it’s damage control. Behind the public sparring, Modi and Trump quietly announced a reset: trade talks are back, with Piyush Goyal already in the US pushing a bilateral deal. Sometimes the loudest fights happen right before breakthroughs. #IndiaUS #TradeTalks #Diplomacy Space: The New Battlefield An Indian satellite found itself shadowed just 1 km away by a foreign craft, sparking fears of space warfare. India is now building “bodyguard satellites” to shield its 100+ fleet from threats, while China boasts over 930. With $3B earmarked for surveillance satellites, New Delhi is gearing up for an orbital arms race. #SpaceSecurity #ISRO #China UK vs US: Talent Tug of War Trump’s $100K H-1B visa bomb could drive Indian talent out of Silicon Valley. Britain smells opportunity — Keir Starmer plans zero visa fees for scientists and engineers. With 70% of H-1B visas historically going to Indians, London could turn into the new magnet for global talent. #GlobalTalent #UKImmigration #H1B Macron’s Bold Move France formally recognized Palestinian statehood at the UN, joining a growing chorus for a two-state solution. Nearly 65,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza since 2022, yet Israel and the US reject recognition. Macron insists it’s not about politics anymore, it’s about lives. #Palestine #France #Peace Trump’s Visa Twist: Doctors Spared After the $100K visa fee shocked tech workers, the White House clarified exemptions for physicians and medical residents. With 76 million Americans in doctor shortage areas, Trump’s move risked crippling healthcare — especially in rural strongholds. Exemptions are a lifeline for hospitals. #H1B #Healthcare #Trump 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. Alliances Redrawn: Pakistan & Saudi’s Security Pact Riyadh and Islamabad just inked a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, pledging to treat an attack on one as an attack on both. Pakistan formalizes decades of unofficial military support, gaining Saudi investment, while Saudi taps Pakistan’s nuclear and military heft. India, already deepening defense ties with Riyadh, is left rethinking strategy. Chabahar Shock: India’s $250M Gamble at Risk The US revoked sanctions relief on Iran’s Chabahar Port, effective Sept 29. For India, Chabahar is a crucial link to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan. Now New Delhi faces a brutal choice: risk US sanctions or abandon years of investment and regional influence. Lavrov Fires Back: Ancient Civilizations Won’t Bow Russia’s Sergey Lavrov mocked Washington’s tariff threats, defending India and China as “ancient civilizations” that won’t bend. With Trump slapping 50% tariffs on India for buying Russian oil, Lavrov warned America’s pressure play may be backfiring. Adani Cleared: Loopholes and Lessons SEBI just gave Gautam Adani a clean slate after Hindenburg’s allegations. Turns out Adani did route funds via intermediaries, but it wasn’t illegal then. Rules only tightened in 2021. The case exposes how corporate giants exploit regulatory gaps—and why timing is everything. Britain’s £150bn Mirage London hailed massive US investment pledges—Microsoft (£22bn), Google (£5bn), Blackstone (£90bn). But job losses outpace promises, and giants like Merck and AstraZeneca are fleeing. Critics say the UK risks becoming a launchpad for US firms, not a growth hub itself. 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. Oracle's TikTok Lifeline Oracle, Andreessen Horowitz plot TikTok takeover to dodge US ban. ByteDance drops to <20% ownership while American investors grab majority. Trump-Xi call Friday decides fate of 170M users. India Gets 2nm Chips ARM opens Bengaluru lab designing world's most advanced 2nm chips for AI servers. Only second company after Renesas to hit this milestone in India. 278 institutions now have chip design tools. Birthday Call Saves Trade Trump's birthday wishes to Modi breaks trade war ice. Personal chemistry restarts India-US talks after weeks of tension over Russian oil purchases and 50% tariffs. Diplomacy through friendship works. France Explodes Thursday 800,000 protesters to flood French streets against Macron's austerity budget. Unions call it "horror show" as roads, rails, schools shut down. Biggest protest since 2023 pension reform chaos. Dad Fights Crash Probe 91-year-old father demands formal investigation into Air India crash killing 241. Accuses authorities of selective leaks tarnishing pilot son's 25-year unblemished career. Wants independent panel with Supreme Court judge. #TikTok #Oracle #ARM #Bengaluru #ModiTrump #FranceStrikes #AirIndia #USChina #IndianTech #Austerity #PlaneCrash #TechNews #GlobalNews #Breaking 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 Supreme Court delivered a crushing victory for the Ambani family, declaring their massive Vantara zoo legally untouchable and slamming the door on future complaints. The 3,500-acre facility housing 2,000 species survived allegations of smuggling and money laundering after a thorough investigation. Meanwhile, India-US trade talks resumed with Washington's chief negotiator flying to New Delhi. After the US slapped brutal 50% tariffs on India over Russian oil purchases, both sides are pushing for a deal by fall 2025. The stakes are high - India's been cozying up to China while these talks stalled. Domestically, railways announced that starting October 1, only Aadhaar-verified users can book tickets during the crucial first 15 minutes online. Out of 130 million IRCTC users, only 12 million are verified - meaning 118 million need to authenticate or wait. Nature struck Uttarakhand as cloudbursts swallowed the ancient Tapkeshwar temple in Dehradun. No lives lost, but it's part of escalating Himalayan disasters that killed 200+ in 2021's Chamoli catastrophe. Globally, Gaza burns under relentless bombing just after US Secretary Rubio's Jerusalem visit backing Israel's assault. At least 16 Palestinians died as America signals no immediate ceasefire 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. No Extension on ITR Filing The Income Tax Department has shut down viral fake news about another deadline extension. September 15 stays the final date to file returns, despite a bogus notice circulating online. Over 6 crore ITRs have already been filed, and officials are urging last-minute filers to act now. #IncomeTax #ITRFiling #FakeNewsAlert #TaxDeadline GST Cuts Spark FMCG Rush India’s consumer goods majors are liquidating stock before GST rates drop on September 22. From shampoo to butter, taxes will fall sharply, pushing HUL, P&G, and L’Oréal to offer steep discounts. The idea: clear old inventory before new lower prices kick in. Consumers could see big festival season savings. #GSTCuts #FMCG #Discounts #FestivalShopping Dallas Murder Fuels Immigration Clash An Indian-origin motel manager was brutally beheaded in Dallas by a Cuban migrant with a long criminal record. The suspect had avoided deportation after Cuba refused to take him back. The killing has ignited a political firestorm, with Trump blaming the Biden administration’s immigration policies. #DallasMurder #ImmigrationCrisis #Trump #USPolitics Far-Right Surge in London Over 100,000 people joined Tommy Robinson’s “Unite the Kingdom” march, one of the largest far-right rallies in UK history. The protest focused on immigration, with clashes breaking out between demonstrators and counter-protesters. Police made multiple arrests as tensions ran high. #LondonProtest #FarRight #ImmigrationDebate #UKPolitics Tata Bets Big with Global JVs Tata International is investing $100 million in two joint ventures — one with Mitsubishi to expand in Africa, and another with Mercuria for commodities trading. The goal is clear: move beyond shoes and auto parts and emerge as a global trading powerhouse. #TataInternational #GlobalTrade #Mitsubishi #Mercuria 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. Infosys is launching its largest-ever buyback, repurchasing shares worth ₹18,000 crore at a 19% premium. The move matches TCS’s record buyback but covers a bigger slice of equity, signalling confidence after a 20% stock slump this year. Analysts say it’s a clear sign the stock is undervalued, even as the IT sector battles slowing growth and cautious investors. PM Mark Carney announced Canada will cap temporary residents, including foreign students, at under 5% of the population by 2027. Already, Indian students are reeling — four out of five faced rejections this quarter, with study permits dropping 66% year-on-year. The cuts reflect anti-immigrant sentiment and pressure on housing and jobs, reshaping Canada’s image as a top study hub. Donald Trump’s pick for US ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, told senators a trade deal with New Delhi could be sealed “within weeks.” He credited Trump’s personal friendship with PM Modi for keeping talks alive despite earlier tensions over Russian oil. The plan: deepen defence ties, push big-ticket arms sales, and double trade to $500 billion by 2030. In the West Bank, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu bluntly declared: “There will never be a Palestinian state.” He signed off on the $1 billion E1 settlement project, a move critics say could kill the two-state solution. The announcement, coming days after Israel’s strike attempt on Hamas leaders in Qatar, risks isolating Israel further as some Western nations weigh recognising Palestine at the UN. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices