Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.Fireball Grounds Flights at Southend Airport

A small aircraft crash sparked chaos at London Southend Airport on Sunday, halting all flight operations. Eyewitnesses captured a dramatic fireball and thick smoke, with unconfirmed reports pointing to a Beech B200 Super King Air.

Authorities are investigating, but details remain scarce. Essex Police confirmed the 12-metre aircraft went down around 4 p.m., prompting evacuations of nearby golf and rugby clubs. Emergency crews, including four ambulances and air rescue teams, remain on high alert. The airport, 35 miles from London, is closed until further notice.

It was a tough Friday for Indian markets. TCS’s weak Q1 results and fresh tariff threats from Donald Trump against Mexico and the EU sent shockwaves through Dalal Street.

The Sensex fell 690 points, and the Nifty slipped 205, both ending at weekly lows.

Ajit Mishra of Religare says, “Volatility is here to stay.”

Still, Bajaj Broking believes the dip may be temporary, expecting a bounce if Nifty holds above 24,900.

Also in the mix: FPIs pulled out over ₹5,000 crore, oil prices surged, and over 50 Q1 earnings are due this week.

That viral WhatsApp forward claiming ₹500 notes will disappear from ATMs by September 2025? Totally false.

The PIB Fact Check team debunked the claim, saying RBI has issued no such order. ₹500 notes remain legal tender.

The misleading message also claimed 90% of ATMs would stop dispensing the denomination by March 2026—again, untrue.

On a real currency note, the RBI will soon release new ₹20 notes signed by new Governor Sanjay Malhotra. Old ₹20 notes remain valid.

Big change at VIP Industries. Promoters Dilip Piramal and family have sold 32% stake to a group led by Multiples PE and investor Mithun Sancheti, handing over control of the ₹6,400-crore company.

The deal—reportedly worth ₹1,764 crore—was struck at a 15% discount to market price and triggers an open offer.

VIP, which commands 44% of India’s organized luggage market, faces rising heat from startups like Mokobara and Nasher Miles.

This could mark a fresh direction for a legacy brand known for Skybags, Carlton, and more.

It’s a dividend-heavy week ahead!

Market leaders like TCS, Bharti Airtel, Kotak Bank, Dabur, and IDBI Bank will trade ex-dividend starting Monday, July 14.

Over 50 companies, including Bajaj Electricals, Blue Star, Cummins, and Happiest Minds, are on the list.

Some are also announcing bonus or rights issues, creating opportunities for dividend-focused investors.

If you’re chasing payouts, timing is key—own the shares before their ex-date to be eligible.

TCS Miss, Trump Tariffs Rattle MarketsFake ₹500 Note Ban Claim BustedVIP Industries Gets a New CrewDividend Week: 50+ Stocks Go Ex-Dividend

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