Mint Podcast

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

Ceasefire Cheers, Markets Rally

Wall Street bounced and gold slumped as President Donald Trump brokered a surprise ceasefire between Israel and Iran—bringing an end to what he called the “12-Day War.” Investors cheered the cooling conflict, triggering a selloff in safe-haven assets. On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold futures dropped sharply by ₹2,606 per 10 grams, while global gold prices echoed the dip. But the peace proved shaky—new explosions were reported in Tehran, adding fresh uncertainty. Analysts now expect continued volatility in bullion, with technical indicators flashing a bearish outlook.

Trump Nominated for Nobel Peace Prize

In a bold political twist, US Congressman Buddy Carter nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for his “extraordinary and historic” efforts in ending the Israel-Iran standoff. Carter praised Trump’s “courage and clarity” in averting a broader war and halting Iran’s nuclear momentum. While the prize remains far from guaranteed, the nomination adds a headline-grabbing chapter to Trump’s presidency—and could influence the global political narrative.

DGCA Flags Grim Safety Lapses

India’s skies are under scrutiny. In the wake of the June 12 Air India crash, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) launched a nationwide audit—and found alarming lapses. From repeated aircraft defects to worn-out tyres and faded runway markings, the audit revealed deep cracks in aviation safety protocols. Ground equipment was unserviceable, simulators didn’t match actual aircraft, and obstruction data hadn’t been updated in three years—despite ongoing construction near airports. The DGCA has ordered urgent fixes within a week and vowed continuous monitoring. With air traffic surging, the need for a full-scale aviation safety overhaul is more urgent than ever.

Wegovy Enters India’s Obesity Fight

Novo Nordisk has officially launched Wegovy in India—a once-a-week injectable weight loss drug targeting adults battling obesity and cardiovascular risks. Priced between ₹17,345 and ₹26,050, Wegovy enters a space already heating up with Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro, launched earlier this year. Unlike diabetes drug Ozempic, Wegovy is FDA-approved specifically for weight loss. The drug mimics appetite-suppressing hormones and boosts insulin sensitivity. Novo Nordisk says it’s focusing on awareness and accessibility rather than immediate sales numbers. As India’s obesity challenge deepens, a pharma face-off is brewing—one pen injection at a time.

Hindalco Buys Into High-Tech Alumina

Hindalco is going deeper into advanced materials. The Aditya Birla Group’s metals major has announced a $125 million acquisition of U.S.-based AluChem Companies Inc., adding 60,000 tonnes of specialty alumina capacity. AluChem’s products power EVs, semiconductors, and precision ceramics—critical segments in a fast-changing global supply chain. This marks Hindalco’s third U.S. metals acquisition after Novelis and Aleris. MD Satish Pai says the deal is part of a long-term plan to double Hindalco’s specialty alumina output to 1 million tonnes by FY30. “As clean-tech demand rises, AluChem’s chemistry will help us lead,” he said.

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

Trump Declares Ceasefire: “12-Day War Ends”

In a dramatic twist, US President Donald Trump announced a “Complete and Total CEASEFIRE” between Israel and Iran via Truth Social, calling time on what he dubbed the “12-Day War.” The phased truce begins with Iran halting fire, followed by Israel 12 hours later, and full peace declared at the 24-hour mark. Trump credited both nations for their “Stamina, Courage, and Intelligence,” while downplaying Iran’s earlier missile strike on a US base in Qatar as a “very weak response.” With no casualties reported, analysts believe Iran’s restraint signals a desire to de-escalate—but the question remains: is this peace or just a pause?

Air India’s CEO Gets ₹27 Cr—Days Before Crash

Two weeks before India’s deadliest air tragedy in decades, Air India handed its CEO Campbell Wilson a 46% pay hike, raising his package to ₹27.75 crore. The board approved the raise on May 27; on June 12, an Air India flight crashed, killing over 240 people. The optics have stirred quiet outrage—even as some defend the hike, citing Air India’s 61% revenue growth and halved losses in FY24. The airline now faces regulatory inspections, shaken passenger trust, and social media backlash. Wilson’s biggest challenge? Not growth—but rebuilding public confidence.

India’s Economy Hits 14-Month High

India’s growth story just added a new chapter. HSBC’s Flash PMI for June surged to 61—the highest in 14 months—signalling strong expansion in both manufacturing and services. Fueled by rising demand, export orders, and tech investments, manufacturing PMI rose to 58.4, while services hit 60.7. “Hiring is up, inflation’s softening, and backlogs are building,” said HSBC’s Pranjul Bhandari. While business confidence dipped slightly, the economy’s overall momentum remains strong. Final numbers drop next month—but for now, it’s full throttle ahead.

Aditya Birla Lifestyle Bets Big on Fashion

Fresh off its market debut, Aditya Birla Lifestyle Brands Ltd (ABLBL) is swinging for the fences—aiming to double revenue and triple profits by FY30. Backed by a ₹300 crore annual investment plan, the company will expand to 4,500 stores and chase billion-dollar valuations for brands like Van Heusen, Allen Solly, and Peter England. More than 70% of stores already follow an asset-light, franchise-led model. But the road ahead is crowded—Reliance Retail and Tata’s Zudio are fierce competitors. Still, with India’s $2 trillion retail market on the horizon, ABLBL is betting big on fashion—and youth.

Flying for ₹694: Electric Jet Makes History

Beta Technologies just redefined short-haul flying. Its all-electric Alia CX300 successfully flew four passengers from East Hampton to JFK—130 km—for just ₹694 ($8). Quiet, clean, and cost-efficient, the 30-minute flight offered a near-silent ride with zero emissions. “Charging this thing cost $8,” said Beta’s CEO Kyle Clark. With a 463 km range and FAA certification expected by year-end, the CX300 is a game-changer. Beta’s also working on a vertical takeoff model for city travel. With competitors like Archer Aviation prepping for the 2028 LA Olympics, the electric air taxi race is officially airborne.

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

Markets Resilient, But Oil’s the Wildcard

Despite the chaos, Indian markets are holding their ground. Since the Israel-Iran conflict flared up, Nifty and Sensex have climbed 1.59%, even as Brent crude rose 2.19% to $76.57/barrel. But the calm may not last.

Alok Agarwal of Alchemy Capital warns of a crude spike beyond $100/barrel — a red flag for India, which imports over 80% of its oil. Aniruddha Sarkar of Quest adds that sectors like paints, aviation, and OMCs could feel the squeeze if oil keeps climbing. However, a non-escalatory response from Iran could trigger a market rally, says IIFL’s Nirmal Jain.

Strait of Hormuz: The Oil Chokepoint

Iran’s top security council may close the Strait of Hormuz — a move that would threaten 20% of the world’s oil flow. Revolutionary Guards commander Esmail Kosari has confirmed it’s “on the agenda.” Since June 13, when Israel struck Iran, Brent has already surged over 10%. Maersk says its ships still sail, but they’re monitoring risk closely.

Flashbacks to the 1980s “Tanker Wars” and fears of a new US naval buildup are surfacing. If Hormuz shuts down, prices could jump to $120–130 — or even $400 in a worst-case scenario.

India’s Oil Strategy Shift

Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri says India has significantly reduced its dependence on Hormuz. In June 2025, India’s Russian oil imports are expected to hit a two-year high of 2–2.2 million barrels/day — more than from Saudi or Iraq. US oil imports are also up nearly 57%.

With reserves in place and alternative shipping routes via the Suez, Cape of Good Hope, and Pacific, India is positioning itself to weather supply shocks. Still, if Iran closes Hormuz, freight costs and volatility could rise fast.

Trump’s Big Strike — and the Fallout

Trump called Iran’s nuclear program “completely obliterated” after US strikes on Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. But Pentagon officials are backpedaling, confirming only “severe damage.” Satellite images show Fordow took direct hits, but not total destruction.

Worse, Israeli intel reveals Iran removed 400 kg of uranium days before the attack. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi confirmed the fuel is now unaccounted for — a worrying development. The world waits for Iran’s next move.

Mayday Over Bengaluru

Just days after a deadly Air India crash, an IndiGo flight from Guwahati to Chennai issued a Mayday call over low fuel. The pilot aborted landing in Chennai and diverted to Bengaluru, where the plane landed safely. No injuries were reported, but the scare — coupled with the earlier Air India tragedy — has sparked renewed scrutiny over aviation safety. IndiGo has grounded both pilots.

Markets Hold Steady as Oil Threat Looms Amid US-Iran Escalation

Nifty’s immediate support lies at 24,850; resistance around 25,250, says SBI’s Sudeep Shah. The India VIX is down 9% since June 13, suggesting subdued volatility — for now. Experts advise staggered investments as markets remain sensitive to geopolitical headlines.

Experts say India is better placed than ever to absorb shocks. “We’re in a stronger position than previous crises,” said Kenneth Andrade of Old Bridge Capital. Asian markets closed strong on Friday, signaling hope — but all eyes remain on Iran’s response.

In this episode of 'Transforming India: the Road to 2047', a podcast presented by Mint in partnership with JSA Advocates & Solicitors, hosted by Anil Padmanabhan, we delve into the global shift of diversifying manufacturing and supply chains away from China, known as the China Plus One strategy. Our experts, Varun Sriram and Vinod Kumar, partners at JSA, discuss why South India, with its industrialised states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, is well-positioned to benefit from this shift.

They also address the challenges such as land acquisition, labour laws, and logistics, while exploring policy strategies, legal reforms, and the potential for a national framework to harmonise incentives and regulations across states. Tune in to understand how South India can seize this opportunity and what legal and policy changes are necessary to support its growth.00:00 Introduction: The Shift Away from China03:20 South India's Strategic Position in Global Manufacturing08:23 Challenges in South India's Manufacturing Push13:28 Family-Owned Businesses and Corporate Governance18:47 Addressing Contract Enforcement and Arbitration Delays25:03 Harmonising Incentives Across Indian States28:57 Aligning Indian Laws with International Standards32:01 Conclusion: Seizing the China Plus One MovementWatch the full episode on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3OkWpEl5NQ

In this episode of Guru Portfolios, we have a guest with a super interesting take on investing - Ashish Shanker, CEO, Motilal Oswal Private Wealth. Ashish has never invested through SIPs, he invests only in equities and in fact, even his parents' portfolio is 100% equity despite their age. Ashish manages the money of rich people - he oversees Rs 1.3 trillion in advisory assets, and gives us an inside look at how super rich people actually invest their money. Watch the whole episode on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5p7Nxb3EvZk#money #investing #finance

1. Khamenei in the Crosshairs

Tensions in the Middle East have hit boiling point. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has declared that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, “can no longer be allowed to exist,” following a missile strike that injured 40 civilians in Beersheba. Katz directly blamed Khamenei for ordering attacks on civilian areas, including hospitals.

Reports suggest the U.S. quietly blocked an Israeli plan to assassinate Khamenei, fearing massive regional fallout. President Donald Trump hasn’t ruled out military involvement, saying a decision would come in two weeks, though diplomatic talks are still on the table.

2. Cluster Bomb Shock

In a dangerous escalation, Israel accused Iran of using cluster munitions—banned by over 100 nations—for the first time in this conflict. A missile reportedly burst mid-air over Tel Aviv, scattering around 20 bomblets across an 8-kilometer radius.

While no casualties were reported, many bomblets did not detonate, posing long-term risks to civilians. “Iran used wide-dispersal weapons to harm civilians,” said Brigadier General Effie Defrin. Neither Israel nor Iran has signed the 2008 global treaty banning such weapons.

Trump has again delayed his decision on U.S. intervention, citing a “substantial chance” for diplomacy. But the use of cluster weapons adds pressure on global leaders to act.

3. Oil on the Boil, India Feels the Heat

As the Israel-Iran conflict drags on, Brent crude has surged over 18%, climbing from $64 to nearly $78 per barrel. This spike has already hit India’s economy, prompting ICRA Ratings to lower India’s FY26 GDP forecast to 6.2%, down from 6.5% last year.

The real threat lies in the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of global oil and gas passes. Any disruption could cripple supplies. For a country like India that imports 85% of its energy, that’s a fiscal nightmare. ICRA estimates that a $10 increase in crude could widen India’s current account deficit by 0.3% of GDP, or about $13–14 billion.

Wholesale inflation is also at risk. A 10% rise in crude may spike wholesale prices by 80–100 basis points. So far, oil firms haven’t passed the cost to consumers—but that may not last.

4. Maran vs Maran: Sun TV Family Feud

India’s largest listed media house, Sun TV, is facing an ugly public feud. Former telecom minister Dayanidhi Maran has accused his brother, billionaire Kalanithi Maran, of fraudulently seizing control of the company after their father’s death in 2003.

In a legal notice, Dayanidhi alleges that Kalanithi—who now owns 75% of Sun TV—manipulated company records to buy shares at just ₹10 apiece. He demands a rollback to the 2003 shareholding structure, which would redistribute power to other family members, including Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin.

Founded in 1985, Sun TV operates 37 channels, 69 radio stations, and owns SunRisers Hyderabad, valued at $2 billion. With a market cap above ₹24,000 crore, the battle for control is high-stakes—and personal.

5. Savers Squeezed as Banks Slash Rates

Savings deposit rates in India have dropped to a 25-year low, now hovering at 2.5–2.75% for top banks like SBI, HDFC, and ICICI. The plunge follows a 100 bps repo rate cut by the RBI, which banks say is forcing them to slash rates to preserve margins.

The result? A looming liquidity crunch. Former RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das had warned that savers might shift to more attractive investment avenues, making it harder for banks to fund loans if credit demand picks up.

Banks are hoping macro uncertainty will keep retail money parked. But analysts warn that without better offerings or digital value props, even loyal depositors might walk. Smaller banks, which had offered 7% earlier, may slash savings rates even more.

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

Fed Hits Pause—Again

For the fourth time this year, the US Federal Reserve kept interest rates steady at 4.25%–4.5%, citing “diminished but elevated” economic uncertainty. Fed Chair Jerome Powell pointed to the lingering effects of Trump-era tariffs, noting that while uncertainty peaked in April, it hasn’t fully cleared.

A potential 0.5% rate cut may be on the cards later this year, but inflation remains sticky—especially goods inflation, which Powell expects to tick up over the summer. Labour market dynamics are shifting too: job demand and supply are softening, partly due to lower immigration. Yet layoffs are few and unemployment is holding at a stable 4.2%, which Powell called a sign of “equilibrium.”

FASTag Freedom: ₹3K Toll Pass from Aug 15

India’s road warriors, rejoice! Starting August 15, a ₹3,000 FASTag-based annual toll pass will be available for private vehicles. It covers 200 trips or a full year—whichever comes first. The aim? Reduce travel costs, cut long waits at toll booths, and simplify payments.

Announced by Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, the pass is part of a bigger push toward seamless highway travel. The pass will be available via the Rajmarg Yatra App and NHAI’s website. It comes amid rising toll charges—up over 3% in FY25 and expected to rise further.

To complement the effort, a GNSS-based tolling system is also on the way, allowing for distance-based tolling without physical toll plazas. The government will absorb any revenue shortfall to keep concessionaires whole.

Trump Thanks Pakistan’s Army Chief for Restraint

In an unusual diplomatic move, US President Donald Trump hosted Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir at the White House, thanking him for “not going into the war” with India. The lunch meeting was notable for its absence of senior civilian officials.

Trump called it “a win” that two nuclear powers—India and Pakistan—chose peace. He also revealed they discussed Iran, adding, “They know Iran very well… and he agreed with me.”

Back home, Pakistan’s leadership is walking a tightrope. PM Shehbaz Sharif has publicly supported Iran amid its escalating conflict with Israel, and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Iran is open to talks—if Israeli strikes stop.

Want a US Student Visa? Hand Over Your Social Media

The US has resumed student visa processing—but there’s a catch. All applicants must now make their social media profiles public for review. Posts that appear hostile to the US, its institutions, or culture could be grounds for rejection.

The State Department warns that refusing to comply may be seen as “an attempt to hide behavior.” Critics say the move chills free speech and brings back Cold War-era ideological vetting. “This turns consular officers into censors,” said Columbia’s Jameel Jaffer.

With academic sessions around the corner, international students are scrambling to comply, while legal experts raise red flags over digital privacy and First Amendment concerns.

 SEBI’s Market Makeover: Esops, PSUs & AIFs Get a Lift

SEBI is on reform overdrive. In just his second meeting as chair, Tuhin Kanta Pandey cleared a raft of changes aimed at boosting market efficiency, startup incentives, and investor participation.

Founders of listed startups can now retain Esops—a game changer that aligns long-term incentives. For public sector undertakings, a new framework for voluntary delisting could fast-track strategic disinvestments.

Alternative Investment Funds got more room to maneuver, with greenlights for co-investment vehicles and broader advisory services. Foreign investors in Indian sovereign debt will also benefit from simplified compliance norms.

Meanwhile, the long-pending NSEL broker case may be resolved through a new settlement scheme. In short, SEBI is opening the doors wider, and smarter.

Foreign citizens inheriting Indian shares face a complex legal maze. From notarised documents and embassy attestations to high courier costs and endless rejections, the process is remote—but far from easy. Experts Aprajita Sharma and Ankit Garg break down the required steps and highlight the challenges NRIs face while claiming shares of deceased relatives in India.

Watch the whole episode on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLYze9--exc#shares #stockmarket #nri #inheritedshares

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.
1. Trump Flexes Muscle in Middle East

The Iran-Israel conflict has entered a dangerous sixth day, and the U.S. is rapidly reinforcing its military posture. President Donald Trump warned Iran that America’s “patience is wearing thin,” claiming full control of the skies over Iran—signaling potential U.S. strikes on Iran’s underground Fordow nuclear site.

B-2 stealth bombers carrying GBU-57 bunker-busters remain on standby, while destroyers and carrier groups are repositioned across the Red Sea, Mediterranean, and Arabian Sea. Fighter jets and refueling tankers are active across the Middle East and Europe.

U.S. forces intercepted multiple Iranian missile strikes targeting Israel, while Israel pounded oil depots near Tehran. Death tolls are rising—224 civilians in Iran and 24 in Israel. Trump has demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender” but stopped short of targeting the Iranian leader “for now.”

After years of tension, PM Modi and newly elected Canadian PM Mark Carney hit the reset button in Kananaskis, Canada, during the G7 Summit.

This was their first meeting since Carney took office and follows the diplomatic fallout over the 2023 killing of separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Both leaders emphasized shared values of democracy and cooperation on AI, energy, and counterterrorism.

They also agreed to restore full diplomatic representation, signaling a thaw in bilateral ties. Modi called Canada an important partner and highlighted growing investments on both sides.

MakeMyTrip is raising up to $3 billion to buy back shares from Chinese backer Trip.com, aiming to slash its voting power from 45.34% to below 20%.

The Indian travel platform will raise funds via equity and convertible senior notes—14 million shares are on offer, possibly rising to 16.1 million.

In a world increasingly wary of Chinese stakes in Indian tech, MMT’s move is both strategic and symbolic—asserting independence while positioning itself as an investor-diversified digital travel leader.

Israeli data analytics startup Coralogix is doubling down on India, deploying most of its $115M Series E funding to scale R&D, cybersecurity, and AI operations in the country.

India now ranks among Coralogix’s top three global markets. The company is expanding its Gurgaon HQ, planning a new Bengaluru office, and staffing aggressively in BFSI, edtech, and fintech sectors.

Its cybersecurity unit, SnowBit, already has its global HQ in India. With a projected $3.3B cybersecurity market in 2025, Coralogix is betting on India as both a tech talent hub and a revenue engine.

Hindustan Zinc Ltd (HZL) is investing ₹12,000 crore to add 250 ktpa of zinc production in the first phase of its plan to double output to 2 million tonnes.

The expansion includes a new smelter in Debari, mine upgrades, and a sharp focus on cutting production costs to below $950/tonne in three years.

Beyond zinc, HZL is eyeing India’s rare earth opportunity, seeking permission to tap monazite reserves. With global supply chains shifting, HZL is positioning itself at the heart of India’s critical mineral strategy.

2. India, Canada Reset Ties at G7
3. MakeMyTrip Cuts Chinese Stake
4. Coralogix Goes All-In on India
5. Hindustan Zinc’s Mega Expansion

G7 Fractures Over Israel-Iran Conflict