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

Geopolitical Flashpoint: Russia Ditches INF Treaty

In a move that could redraw the global nuclear map, Russia has officially abandoned the last remaining limits under the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. The Kremlin confirmed it no longer feels bound by its self-imposed restrictions—opening the door to the redeployment of nuclear-capable missiles across Europe and Asia.

The trigger? A sharp escalation with the U.S., including Trump’s warning to Vladimir Putin to agree to a Ukraine ceasefire by August 8, or face severe consequences. Add to that America’s positioning of nuclear submarines in undisclosed zones, and Russia claims it’s simply responding in kind.

Who’s at risk? NATO countries and U.S. allies in the Asia-Pacific.

What’s next? A likely return to Cold War-style brinkmanship—with no treaty left to keep things in check.

Indian Skies on Red Alert: BCAS Issues Maximum Security Warning

From September 22 to October 2, all Indian airports and aviation hubs will be on maximum security alert. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has issued an urgent directive following intelligence inputs warning of potential terror threats.

Airports, helipads, flying schools, and cargo facilities must ramp up surveillance, conduct thorough ID checks, and maintain constant coordination with CISF, IB, and local police. Passenger queues may lengthen—but so will vigilance. Every parcel, every vehicle, every perimeter—under the scanner.

Trade War Escalates: Trump Threatens India Over Russian Oil

Just a day after slapping a 25% tariff on Indian goods, Donald Trump has threatened to raise it “substantially”—within 24 hours. His reason? India’s growing imports of Russian oil and defense products.

Calling India a “bad trading partner,” Trump claims America buys more than it sells—and blames India for “fueling Russia’s war machine.” India’s response was swift: the MEA slammed the move as “unjustified and unreasonable”, calling out Western hypocrisy for continuing to trade with Russia while targeting others.

With Russia, India, and China drawing closer—and BRICS gaining momentum—the battle lines in global trade are shifting fast.

Tariffs on Pills and Chips: Trump Targets Pharma Next

In a separate trade blow, Trump announced plans to impose a “small” tariff on pharmaceutical imports—but warned it could rise to 250% within 18 months. His goal? Bring drug manufacturing back to U.S. soil.

He also teased upcoming tariffs on semiconductors and chips, likely aimed at reducing America’s reliance on Asian suppliers.

If implemented, the move could reshape global supply chains, raise prices, and escalate trade tensions in tech and healthcare—two sectors critical to global stability.

Moon Reactor by 2030: NASA Joins the Space Race

NASA is going nuclear—literally.

In his first big policy push, interim NASA chief Sean Duffy is launching plans to build the first nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030. The 100-kilowatt reactor would power future lunar bases, rovers, and science missions.

But behind the tech lies strategy: the directive warns that whoever gets there first could claim a ‘keep-out zone’, shutting rivals out. With China and Russia planning a joint lunar base, the space race is now a territorial race.

Meanwhile, NASA also plans to replace the aging International Space Station with commercial successors—before China’s Tiangong becomes the sole station in orbit.

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