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.

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