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

Kim Goes Coastal

From missiles to mini-golf, North Korea’s Kim Jong Un just flipped the script. The Wonsan Kalma resort, seven years in the making, is finally open—with 54 hotels, waterparks, arcades, pubs, and even a ski extension. Ditching his usual military garb for a sharp suit, Kim attended the launch with his wife and daughter, showcasing a softer image. While domestic tourism kicks off July 1, a select group of Russians are set to test the beach vibes on July 7. This isn’t just a tourism play—it’s a carefully curated global image reset.

Trump Teases ‘Very Big’ India Deal

Just after shaking hands with China on a trade pact, US President Donald Trump is turning east again—this time towards India. Hinting at a “very big” trade deal, Trump said, “We’re going to open up India.” While no details were given, momentum is building. US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick recently confirmed that both sides are closing in on a mutually beneficial agreement. If signed, it could redefine trade ties between the world’s two biggest democracies.

Rajnath Singh Says No Deal

India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh made headlines by refusing to sign the SCO joint statement. Why? The document failed to address cross-border terrorism. At the summit in Qingdao, Singh didn’t mince words: “There can be no double standards.” He cited the April Pahalgam terror attack, blamed on Pakistan-backed groups, and India’s military response under Operation Sindoor. The message: India is done tiptoeing around terror.

Acme Solar’s Big Battery Win

Acme Solar is powering up for the future. On June 26, it won NHPC’s battery storage tender in Andhra Pradesh to build a 275 MW / 550 MWh system across Kuppam and Ghani. The project includes significant viability gap funding and adds a clean spark to India’s renewable push. Acme’s stock, while only slightly up, could see brighter days ahead. With a ₹14,954 crore market cap and clean energy tailwinds, Acme is becoming a major storage player.

Apollo HealthCo Eyes DMart Dreams

“I want a valuation like DMart. Why not?” said Shobana Kamineni, chairperson of Apollo HealthCo. With eyes on a ₹30,000 crore business in the next 5–6 years, Apollo is blending its retail pharmacy strength with digital power via Apollo 24|7. After raising ₹2,475 crore last year and merging with Keimed, the company hit ₹9,093 crore in revenue in FY25, with three straight profitable quarters. A digital GMV of ₹3,000 crore and disciplined growth put it on track for Q4 FY26 profitability. Apollo isn’t just growing—it’s redefining healthcare retail.

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