Mint Podcast

Is RERA the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act working? This one single act notified in 2016 was meant to give homebuyers the much needed protection against all kinds of frauds which were rampant in India’s real estate industry. It’s been 9 years, since the RERA Act came into force…. and you and I are being told that RERA-registered projects are safe…. go ahead and buy an apartment …law is on your side… but is it really?Watch the full episode on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=greYNqn4HHc&t=213s

To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms.https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc

This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started. 

RBI Allows Minors Aged 10+ to Operate Bank Accounts

In a push for early financial literacy, the Reserve Bank of India has allowed minors aged 10 and above to open and operate savings and term deposit accounts independently. Banks may also offer internet banking, ATM cards, and cheque books to these accounts, based on their risk policies. However, overdrafts are strictly prohibited. For children under 10, accounts must be managed by a parent or legal guardian — including mothers. Banks must update internal policies by July 1, 2025, and perform due diligence at onboarding and beyond.

Modi and Vance Signal Breakthrough on India-US Trade Deal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting US Vice President J.D. Vance said they’ve made “significant progress” on the India-US bilateral trade agreement, aiming to reduce trade barriers and boost economic ties. In Delhi, the two leaders discussed cooperation across defence, tech, energy, and semiconductors. The talks build on Modi’s February visit to Washington and follow brief interactions in Paris. Modi also confirmed plans to host President Trump later this year, expected to deepen what officials call a people-driven strategic partnership amid rising global protectionism.

Maharashtra Cracks Down on Ola Electric Over Missing Permits

The Maharashtra transport department has shut down 75 Ola Electric stores and ordered the closure of 46 more for operating without mandatory trade certificates. Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar confirmed that an additional 270 stores are under scrutiny. Raids in Mumbai and Pune led to the seizure of 192 unregistered vehicles. Ola claims it’s transitioning from distribution centers to a direct-to-consumer model, and is working to bring all stores into compliance. Maharashtra, Ola’s biggest market, accounted for 12% of its FY25 sales. The crackdown comes as Ola trails Bajaj and TVS in monthly retail rankings, and its stock has dropped 38% year-to-date.

Google Pays ₹20 Crore to Settle India Antitrust Case

Google has become the first company to use India’s new settlement framework, paying ₹20.24 crore to resolve an antitrust probe by the Competition Commission of India (CCI). The case centered around Google’s contracts with smart TV makers, which allegedly forced bundling of Play Store and Play Services and blocked rival Android forks. Under the New India Agreement, Google must now unbundle these services for smart TVs sold in India. The settlement, offered with a 15% discount, followed input from 45 stakeholders. The move comes as the EU considers similar action against Big Tech, especially amid tensions with the US over tariffs.

Xiamen Airlines Returns Boeing Jet Amid US-China Trade War

In a sharp blow to Boeing, China’s Xiamen Airlines returned a new 737 MAX to the US, citing high tariffs on American imports. The jet, already painted in Xiamen’s livery, landed at Boeing’s Seattle base after being pulled from the company’s Zhoushan plant in China. The reversal follows a fresh tariff war: 145% US tariffs on Chinese goods, countered by 125% Chinese tariffs on US imports. The price hike made the $55 million aircraft financially unviable. China has asked its airlines to pause Boeing purchases and is exploring support for carriers with leasing agreements. With 20% of Boeing’s projected global demand tied to China, the move adds pressure to an already strained US-China relationship. Boeing has not commented on the return.

In the first episode of India for the World Podcast by Mint and Boston Consulting Group, host Gopika Gopakumar explores how credit bureaus are reshaping access to finance in India. Featuring V. Anantharaman, Chairman of TransUnion CIBIL, and Yashraj Erande, India Lead for Financial Institutions at Boston Consulting Group, the conversation dives into the journey of credit bureaus, their role in democratizing credit, and how tech and data are accelerating financial inclusion. From policy-making insights to future predictions for 2047, this episode decodes how India is building a more inclusive and robust financial ecosystem.

To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms.https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc

This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started. 

1. No GST on UPI, Says Government

The Finance Ministry has shut down rumors of a potential 18% GST on UPI payments over ₹2,000, calling the reports “false and misleading.” It clarified that GST applies only where fees like MDR are involved—which were eliminated in 2020 for UPI Person-to-Merchant transactions. Instead, the government is doubling down on UPI promotion, spending ₹3,631 crore in FY24 alone. With UPI transactions soaring to ₹260.56 lakh crore, India now handles 49% of global real-time digital payments. Bottom line: UPI stays tax-free.

2. MTNL Defaults on ₹8,346 Crore

MTNL has defaulted on massive loans from seven public sector banks, including SBI and PNB, pushing its total debt to ₹33,568 crore. The defaults occurred between August 2024 and February 2025. Despite the financial mess, MTNL stock has delivered 500% returns in five years—though it’s down 15% year-to-date. Investors remain optimistic, but the company’s debt pile raises serious questions about its future.

3. China Extends Olive Branch to India Amid $99 Billion Trade Gap

China’s trade deficit with India hit a record $99.2 billion, prompting Beijing to seek economic cooperation. Ambassador Xu Feihong said China is ready to open its market to premium Indian exports but expects equal treatment for Chinese firms in return. Meanwhile, India has activated an Import Monitoring Committee to track any potential dumping of Chinese goods amid U.S. tariffs. The stakes: whether this becomes a turning point in bilateral trade—or another round of economic tug-of-war.

4. Auto Part Makers Burn Cash in EV Gamble

Once solid in the engine parts business, companies like Greaves Cotton, Tube Investments, and Pinnacle Industries jumped into EV manufacturing to stay relevant. The result? A collective ₹1,600 crore in losses. Greaves’ scooter sales halved in FY24, Pinnacle’s EKA Mobility bled cash despite a solid order book, and Tube’s EV arm remains unprofitable. Analysts say legacy players like Bajaj and TVS now dominate, with better brands, service networks, and distribution. The EV dream for these suppliers? A harsh reality check.

5. Sebi Pushes for More MF Exposure to REITs, InvITs

Sebi wants mutual funds to increase exposure to REITs and InvITs, proposing to double the investment cap to 20% of NAV and 10% per issuer. The move aims to boost real estate and infra sectors, but experts warn of risks around taxation, classification, and compliance. Since these instruments blend features of equity and debt, overshooting limits could mess with a fund’s identity and investor expectations. A bold push—but AMCs will need better risk disclosures and investor education to make it work.

US stock indices dived as investors rushed to government bonds on economic worries over the fallout of President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs on US trading partners.Indian markets followed suit, with fears of a global trade war growing after US President Donald Trump announced tariffs on all countries. The Sensex and Nifty crash was preceded by a market rout on Wall Street and other major Asian markets like Japan, Singapore and China.In this interview, Karan Agarwal, Co-founder, of Elever, a SEBI-registered Portfolio Manager while speaking with Abhishek Singh, Deputy Editor, of Mint made some bold predictions about what's likely to follow after market's crash.

Watch the episode on YouTube-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k85VKCOSq-w&list=PL2A-r6Y8n7prviOoxUrtbPs4XgX8AovG1&index=5&t=6s

Published on April 7, 2025

Ram Singh is a member of RBI's monetary policy committee, and the director of the Delhi School of Economics, and he has just released a report which has some stunning numbers, and consequences.The fact that the wealthiest 5% of Indians reported incomes that were just 4% of their total wealth. The paper, which is based on affidavits filed by election contestants, the Forbes list of billionaires and statistics published by the income tax department says that the wealthier the individual or the family, the lesser the reported income relative to the wealth.

Watch the full episode on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itIH6hUC_f0

To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms.

This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started. 

🔒 Gensol Founder’s Ban Derails IPO Ambitions

Anmol Singh Jaggi, founder of Gensol Engineering, is in regulatory hot water. Sebi has barred him and his brother from board roles and trading in securities over fraud and forgery charges. The fallout? The ₹750 crore Matrix Gas IPO is off, and Blu-Smart’s 2026 listing plans look shaky. Investors are spooked, especially with Gensol having lent over ₹380 crore to both companies. Blu-Smart also faces operational issues in key cities. As one proxy advisory expert put it: “Trust is broken.” Jaggi has vowed to contest the order.

📈 NSE’s Unlisted Frenzy Before IPO

In a sharp turnaround, NSE’s investor base has nearly tripled in three weeks, following the activation of its ISIN code on March 24, which slashed share transfer times from four months to a single day. With unlisted shares now trading freely between ₹700 and ₹2,260, and a market cap of ₹4 trillion, investor appetite is clear. The IPO now hinges on Sebi’s approval, but the market is ready.

💻 Wipro: Profits Up, Growth Still Missing

Wipro posted a 2.7% dip in revenue for FY25—its second straight year of decline—despite a 19% jump in profit thanks to tighter cost controls. CEO Srinivas Pallia remains cautious, forecasting a further revenue dip of up to 3.5% in the current quarter. European markets weighed heavily on performance, and while large deals came in, client hesitancy and global uncertainties continue to cloud the outlook.

🚛 Isuzu Becomes India’s CV Export Leader

Isuzu Motors India clocked a 24% jump in commercial vehicle exports, becoming the top CV exporter in FY25. Its Sri City plant, which recently rolled out its 100,000th vehicle, supplies to markets across Asia and the Middle East. With global-standard manufacturing and a growing portfolio, Isuzu’s ‘Made in India’ bet is paying off.

🇮🇳🤝🇪🇺 India-EU FTA Talks Accelerate

As trade tensions rise globally, India and the EU are racing to finalise a free trade agreement by end-2025. Key negotiation points? Lower duties on Indian textiles (currently at 14% in the EU) in exchange for reduced tariffs on EU alcoholic beverages (currently 150% in India). The Indian textile sector sees this as a potential game-changer, predicting a doubling of exports and up to 700,000 new jobs. The next round of talks kicks off in May in New Delhi.

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Watch the full episode on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztQKcLj-N3M&list=PL2A-r6Y8n7prj6nEWVpqgndsy8ho4hEaq&index=4

As per the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution, "all persons born or naturalised in the US and subject to jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the US and of the state wherein they reside". On 8th December, just over a month before he takes office, The US President Donald Trump, in his first televised interview since the elections, said that "we'll have to end it"He has now basically revived talk of abolishing the guarantee which has been part of the country's constitution for over 150 yearsHe said he's planning on changing this practice using executive action -- and noted that there are other options tooNow the big question here is - Can he really do that?Published on December 12, 2024

Watch the full episode on YouTube-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QK3pOoOM8N8&list=PL2A-r6Y8n7prPdZIRMk2hK9JsXVyp-mUc&index=11

This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started.

1. India’s $4 Billion Tech Design Ambition

India is aiming to move up the electronics value chain with a proposed $4 billion Design-Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme. The goal? To go from “Make in India” to “Design in India.” The scheme will support 30 semiconductor and 30 electronics categories, including Wi-Fi chips, EV components, and smart meters. Incentives will be based on investment and turnover, with a focus on creating patents and IP. This comes as India files only 60,000 patents annually, far behind the U.S. and China, which each cross the one-million mark. As production-linked incentives for mobile phones wind down, this move could mark India’s next leap in tech manufacturing and innovation.

2. Inflation Eases, RBI Shifts Focus to Growth

Retail inflation in March dropped to 3.34%, the lowest since August 2019, thanks to cooling food prices. Food inflation fell sharply to 2.69% from 8.5% a year ago. This dip prompted the Reserve Bank of India to cut the repo rate to 6%, with more cuts expected in June. With 12 states reporting inflation below the national average and cereals inflation at a 33-month low, analysts expect the RBI to focus more on supporting growth.

3. Ericsson’s India Sales Slip as 5G Rollout Slows

Swedish telecom firm Ericsson reported its sixth straight quarterly revenue dip in India, down 28% year-on-year, as major telcos Airtel and Jio near completion of their 5G rollout. However, revenue rose 32% sequentially, thanks to new contracts from Vodafone Idea and Airtel. India remains Ericsson’s second-largest market, though its share of global revenue dropped to 7% from 10%. Globally, Ericsson’s sales rose 3%, and net profit jumped 63%, signaling strength outside India. The company remains confident in its long-term prospects despite the domestic cooldown.

4. IndiGo Becomes World’s Most Valuable Airline

In a landmark moment, IndiGo’s market cap hit $23.45 billion, making it the world’s most valuable airline. That’s higher than Delta, American, or Lufthansa. The airline commands over 60% of India’s domestic market and has proven resilient through multiple industry downturns. Massive aircraft orders placed early have given it an edge amid global supply shortages. The company’s rise is also being seen as a case for privatization—IndiGo has thrived while government-owned airlines have floundered. Still, issues like falling service quality and limited competition loom.

5. Diamond Exports Hit 20-Year Low

India’s diamond and jewellery exports are in a deep slump. Exports of cut and polished diamonds fell 15% in FY25 to ₹1.12 trillion, the lowest in nearly two decades. Overall gems and jewellery exports dropped 10%, marking the third straight year of decline. The sector has been hit by post-pandemic demand shifts, sanctions on Russian diamond supplies, and now, slowing consumer demand in the U.S. and China. Lab-grown diamonds, which cost a fraction of natural ones, are also undercutting demand. The industry is calling for government support through tax breaks, easier credit, and promotion campaigns to revive growth.