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

Rat Bite Horror in Indore

Two newborns bitten by rats inside Indore’s government-run MY Hospital died within 24 hours, sparking outrage. Hospital authorities insist the deaths were due to septicemia and congenital conditions, not the bites. But the Madhya Pradesh Human Rights Commission has demanded answers, opposition leaders call it systemic negligence, and the state government has suspended staff and fined the pest control agency. For grieving families, accountability comes too late.

China’s Power Parade

Marking 80 years since WWII, Xi Jinping unveiled a stunning display of military might in Beijing. From hypersonic Yingji missiles and DF-series ICBMs to stealth fighters, drones, and truck-mounted lasers, the showcase highlighted China’s growing edge in numbers and technology. Analysts, though, caution that parade power doesn’t equal battlefield experience—yet Beijing’s message to rivals is unmistakable: it’s preparing to outproduce and outpace them.

Jaguar Land Rover Cyber Hit

Luxury automaker JLR confirmed a cyberattack that forced global system shutdowns, disrupting production and retail. While no customer data breach is evident, the disruption adds to its troubles—delayed EV launches and trade headwinds. The attack highlights how UK firms remain prime targets for sophisticated hackers, raising fresh alarms on corporate cyber readiness.

Putin Opens Door to Zelensky Talks

In Beijing, Vladimir Putin said he’s ready to meet Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky in Moscow—if talks are well-prepared. But he also warned Russia would continue fighting if diplomacy fails. With Trump pushing for a trilateral summit, both sides trade blame for delays. For now, Putin’s remarks offer only a slim glimmer of dialogue amid the grinding war.

GST Rate Reset Before Diwali

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s GST Council has slashed rates on essentials—footwear and clothes up to ₹2,500 now fall under the 5% slab, doubling the earlier limit. Bigger reforms are coming: most 12% goods will drop to 5%, and many 28% items to 18%. Sin goods stay at 40%. The move ties back to PM Modi’s “Diwali gift” promise—lighter bills for households, heavier worries for states losing tax revenue.

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