Mint Podcast

Real estate news | Taxes | Money | India You work hard, save for years. Buy a multi-crore apartment in India’s top cities. But the moment you step out, reality hits! Choked, flooded underpasses, garbage piles. While property prices in cities such as Gurgaon, Bengaluru, Mumbai are skyrocketing, the basic urban infrastructure — roads, drainage, sewage—is worsening by the year. This is not no more just an inconvenience, it’s a betrayal.That’s because 25% plus of what you pay for that ₹2–5-10 crore home goes straight to the state government, in taxes. What do you get in return? Where are all those taxes going? Watch#realestate #mumbai #gurugram #bengaluru

India’s workforce is no longer just about numbers, it’s about skills, adaptability, and innovation. In this episode of India for the World Podcast, Mint’s Shouvik Das speaks with Arundhati Bhattacharya (President and CEO - Salesforce, South Asia) and Sreyssha George (Managing Director & Partner, BCG) on how India’s talent base is reshaping industries worldwide.

From generational shifts in career mindsets to the rise of AI adoption, reverse brain drain, and ambitious upskilling this conversation dives deep into how India’s young and dynamic talent pool is shaping the future of global innovation.

What's the big fuss over the Vice Presidential elections?The job is basically being a stand-in for the President of India and to rein in 250 screaming, shouting unruly politicians, that is to run the upper house of Parliament- the Rajya Sabha.And why do we care so much when the result is more or less inevitable that the NDA candidate will win?Well, Sunetra Choudhury explains exactly why!#politics #parliament #vicepresident

Welcome to Bond Street Dialogues — Mint’s new video podcast series in association with IndiaBonds.In Episode 1, we break down the basics of bonds: What are bonds, how do they work, what are coupons, yield, maturity and why they matter for investors. Whether you’re new to investing or looking to diversify beyond stocks, this is your quick guide to understanding bonds.What you’ll learn in this episode:What are bonds?How do bond coupons work?Understanding bond yields & returnsWhy bonds should be part of your investment portfolioAnd much more. Stay tuned for more episodes of Bond Street Dialogues where we simplify investing, one conversation at a time.#Bonds #Investing #Mint #IndiaBondsMint Bond Street is powered by  @indiabonds1594 

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.

In an exclusive interview, General VP Malik, former chief of the Indian Army, speaks with Abhishek Singh, Deputy Editor, Livemint and breaks down the game-changing role of the S-400 air defence system and India’s decisive strikes against Pakistan. General Malik also discusses why the United States is courting Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir.#s400 #operationsindoor #indiapakistan #asimmunir #donaldtrump #atmanirbharbharat

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.

The interaction between EAM Jaishankar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi yielded one important outcome - that China is set to resume the much-needed supply of fertilisers, rare earth minerals and tunnel boring machines.This comes as India and China move towards a normalisation of ties - here’s why this is significant!#india #china #america

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.

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.

Analysts call it a “calibrated gesture”—relief for the U.S. but temporary, keeping India’s leverage intact. Ironically, just as New Delhi opened this door, Washington canceled the Aug 25 trade talks. No new date has been set, and Trump is threatening to double tariffs on Indian exports to 50% this month. Cotton may cool tempers—but the tariff war still looms.

India-U.S ties have been strained to say the least, after US President Donald Trump imposed 50% tariffs on nearly all Indian imports - the highest among all, right along with Brazil. Now, former Indian Chief Economic Advisor Kaushik Basu who was also the World Bank Chief Economist and now teaches at Cornell University has said that India should not fall into Trump's tariff trap. In a piece for Mint, Basu says that Trump may be taking India for granted and it's time for India to draw on our legacy of being a strong independent country, balancing relations with multiple nations while avoiding subordination to any major power.

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdgDccyJpys