Top of the Morning

HT Smartcast
  • 0.0 (0)
  • BUSINESS NEWS
  • UPDATED DAILY

Top of the Morning is a daily podcast hosted by Nelson John, in which we bring you all the action from the global markets and the business world to kick-start your day on a well-informed note. This is a Mint production, brought to you by HT Smartcast

  1. Air India’s ₹4,000-cr Blow | Apple’s Best Launch in India | SC May Decide Vodafone Idea | India–New Zealand FTA | Mutual fund overhaul

    18 HR AGO

    Air India’s ₹4,000-cr Blow | Apple’s Best Launch in India | SC May Decide Vodafone Idea | India–New Zealand FTA | Mutual fund overhaul

    Air India’s flying through turbulence — a ₹4,000-crore hit from Pakistan’s airspace closure, route detours, and a crash have made it Tata’s biggest loss-maker despite rising revenue. Meanwhile, Apple’s hitting new highs in India. The iPhone 17 is smashing records, driving Apple past $10 billion in local revenue as Indians buy premium phones like never before. In telecom, Vodafone Idea finally sees hope after the Supreme Court allowed a reassessment of its ₹9,450-crore dues — a potential lifeline for India’s most indebted carrier. SEBI’s also shaking up the mutual fund industry, slashing brokerage costs and boosting transparency to protect retail investors. Beyond business, Japan’s new prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is ramping up defence spending to 2% of GDP ahead of her meeting with Trump, signalling Tokyo’s growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific. And back home, India’s pushing to seal a free-trade deal with New Zealand, reviving talks stalled for nearly a decade. From aviation shocks to trade talks and tech triumphs — this week’s business headlines had everything. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    22 min
  2. RuPay Outsmarts Visa | Caller ID for All | SEBI’s Mutual Fund Shake-up

    1 DAY AGO

    RuPay Outsmarts Visa | Caller ID for All | SEBI’s Mutual Fund Shake-up

    Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint, I’m your host Nelson John — This is your smart, daily briefing on what matters. From big moves in business to headlines shaping India and the world, we cut through the noise so you start your day informed and ahead.  It's Wednesday, October 29th. Let's get started! crushing global card networks with UPI. SEBI's slashing mutual fund fees by 83%. Your phone's about to show caller names. Blume Ventures is betting big on AI. And shrimp farmers say Trump's tariffs might be the wake-up call India needed. Five stories, one episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    9 min
  3. Trump vs Xi- The Asia Showdown | Delhi’s Gov’s plan to Make It Rain | India’s ₹79,000 Crore Defense Gamble

    6 DAYS AGO

    Trump vs Xi- The Asia Showdown | Delhi’s Gov’s plan to Make It Rain | India’s ₹79,000 Crore Defense Gamble

    Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. California Tragedy Sparks National Debate: Dashcam footage captured the terrifying moment a semi-truck slammed into stopped traffic on California’s I-10 — killing three, injuring four, and igniting a firestorm over how commercial licenses are issued. The driver, 21-year-old Jashanpreet Singh, an undocumented immigrant allegedly high on drugs, had somehow obtained a California CDL. Federal officials are calling it a “systemic failure,” while Washington froze $40 million in funding over weak language standards for truckers. Singh faces manslaughter and DUI charges. Trump’s High-Stakes Asia Trip: President Trump heads to Asia for his first meeting with Xi Jinping since returning to office — and it’s make-or-break. After months of tariff threats and China’s rare-earth export curbs, Trump’s opening line to Xi will be about fentanyl. Washington blames Beijing for chemical flows fueling America’s drug crisis. The outcome could reset U.S.-China trade — or reignite tensions. India’s Big Defense Push: India approved ₹79,000 crore in new defense buys — missiles, warships, and AI-powered air systems — part of a wider push for self-reliance after Operation Sindoor. The move boosts combat readiness across all forces while backing Indian defense tech. Delhi Bets on Artificial Rain: Delhi may finally make it rain — literally. Using IIT Kanpur’s cloud seeding tech, the city plans its first artificial rainfall by October 29 to fight smog. Five trials are planned — science versus pollution. India-Canada Thaw Begins: After a year of diplomatic frost, India and Canada are talking again. Ottawa can now send back diplomats under a “reciprocal” staffing deal — a cautious reset after Trudeau’s explosive 2023 accusation over Hardeep Nijjar’s death. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    9 min
  4. Meta AI Layoffs | Karnataka CM Succession Row | Indian Army Modernization | Trump Sanctions Russia

    23 OCT

    Meta AI Layoffs | Karnataka CM Succession Row | Indian Army Modernization | Trump Sanctions Russia

    Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Modi Skips ASEAN Summit as Trump Heads to Malaysia Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the ASEAN Summit virtually, skipping what’s being billed as the largest gathering of world leaders in ASEAN history. The decision, officially linked to Chhath Puja, comes as US President Donald Trump lands in Kuala Lumpur in person. Over 30 leaders, including China’s Li Qiang and Brazil’s Lula, are attending. With India-US ties strained by Trump’s steep 50% tariffs on Indian goods, Modi’s absence avoids an awkward meet without a trade breakthrough. Talks to reduce tariffs to 15–16% are ongoing, but India is treading carefully amid delicate diplomacy — balancing QUAD and BRICS ties at once. Kuala Lumpur, meanwhile, is under lockdown with 16,000 officers on duty. Siddaramaiah’s Son Upsets Karnataka’s Succession Equation Yathindra Siddaramaiah has thrown a curveball into Karnataka politics by backing minister Satish Jarkiholi as his father’s successor — sidelining Deputy CM DK Shivakumar. With the Congress government hitting its halfway mark, talk of a “November revolution” is gaining traction. For Shivakumar, once seen as next in line, the message is clear: the race is no longer his alone. Indian Army Goes Tech-First India’s Army is arming up for the future — signing a ₹2,770-crore deal with Bharat Forge and Adani’s PLR Systems for 4.25 lakh modern carbines. New drone platoons and elite commando battalions are rolling out, while US-made Javelin missiles are being added. The shift marks a major leap from manpower-heavy to AI-driven combat readiness. Meta Cuts 600 Jobs in AI Reality Check Meta’s AI dream just hit turbulence — 600 layoffs at its AI Superintelligence Labs. Despite a $14 billion spree to hire top AI talent, several big names have already quit. CEO Alexandr Wang says “leaner is faster,” but the move reveals internal tension between expensive new hires and a thinning support base. Trump Slaps Russia with Oil Sanctions, Eyes India Next President Trump has sanctioned Russia’s oil giants Rosneft and Lukoil, warning Putin to end the Ukraine war. The move also turns the heat on India, with Trump insisting Modi promised to cut Russian oil imports — claims New Delhi hasn’t confirmed. The message from Washington: stop buying Russian oil or face crushing tariffs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    10 min
  5. Trump Claims, India Denies | Gujarat’s Power Reset | Trump-Putin Budapest Meeting | India’s Housing Milestone

    17 OCT

    Trump Claims, India Denies | Gujarat’s Power Reset | Trump-Putin Budapest Meeting | India’s Housing Milestone

    Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Politics and diplomacy are both running hot today — from Gandhinagar to Washington, and beyond. In Gujarat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has hit the reset button — all 16 ministers resigned, giving him a clean slate to rebuild his cabinet. BJP insiders call it a strategic reset ahead of the 2027 polls. The new team, to be sworn in at Mahatma Mandir, could nearly double in size. Amit Shah and JP Nadda are flying in, underscoring how high the stakes are for the BJP’s strongest state. Across the world, Donald Trump’s back in the headlines — twice over. First, he claimed PM Modi promised to stop Russian oil imports. India flatly denied it, saying its energy policy serves its own people, not foreign politics. Then, Trump revealed plans to meet Vladimir Putin in Budapest to “end the Ukraine war,” right as Zelensky lands in Washington. It’s diplomacy — Trump-style — loud, unpredictable, and headline-hungry. Back in South Asia, India has clearly chosen sides in the Afghanistan–Pakistan border fight — and it’s not Islamabad. Delhi slammed Pakistan for “sponsoring terrorism,” backing Kabul after deadly cross-border strikes. The timing is sharp — just as a Taliban minister visits India. And finally, a milestone worth celebrating — India’s housing mission just crossed one million approvals under PM Awas Yojana 2.0, with half reserved for women. A quiet, inclusive success amid all the noise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    9 min
  6. TN ‘Hindi Ban’, Stalin Clarifies | Trump: Modi Agreed To Stop Russian Oil | SC’s Green Light for Diwali | India Pitches Missiles

    16 OCT

    TN ‘Hindi Ban’, Stalin Clarifies | Trump: Modi Agreed To Stop Russian Oil | SC’s Green Light for Diwali | India Pitches Missiles

    Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. India’s global playbook just got a shake-up. First, President Trump dropped a bombshell from the Oval Office—Prime Minister Narendra Modi has agreed to stop buying Russian oil. After months of U.S. pressure and hefty 50% tariffs on Indian goods, Modi reportedly told Trump the shift will happen “within a short period.” If India follows through, it could hit Moscow’s war chest hard—India’s been one of Russia’s biggest crude buyers since the Ukraine war began. Trump called Modi “a great man,” even as he hinted next on his list is China. Next, India pitched its homegrown Akash missile system to Brazil. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh met Brazilian leaders in New Delhi, offering co-development deals and training exchanges. The move underlines India’s growing defense confidence—transitioning from an importer to a serious exporter of indigenous tech. Meanwhile, Washington was stunned when Ashley Tellis, a top U.S.-India relations expert, was arrested for allegedly leaking classified defense documents and meeting Chinese officials. Tellis, a key figure behind the landmark U.S.-India nuclear deal, now faces up to 10 years in prison. Back home, Tamil Nadu debunked viral claims of a “Hindi ban.” The government called it “completely false,” reinforcing the DMK’s long-standing pro-Tamil stance amid renewed language politics. And in Delhi, the Supreme Court gave a cautious nod to Diwali celebrations—allowing only green firecrackers from Oct 18–20 under strict monitoring. It’s a delicate balance between tradition and air quality. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    10 min
  7. India’s New Uranium Ally | Google’s $15B Investment is Vizag | Op Sindoor: 100+ Pakistani Soldiers Neutralized

    15 OCT

    India’s New Uranium Ally | Google’s $15B Investment is Vizag | Op Sindoor: 100+ Pakistani Soldiers Neutralized

    Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. First up, China’s rare earth chokehold just tightened. Beijing has slapped export bans on companies linked to foreign militaries — a blow to the US, whose fighter jets and missiles rely on these critical minerals. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says allies like India and Europe are rallying to build alternative supply chains. Washington’s betting on India’s new Strategic Mineral Recovery plan to extract rare earths and lithium from heavy industries. The race to break China’s monopoly has officially begun. In South Asia, India quietly revealed Operation Sindoor’s real score — over 100 Pakistani soldiers killed during May’s LoC clashes, far higher than known. Pakistan inadvertently confirmed it through its own awards list. For India, this marked a new era of “controlled yet decisive” military action that forced a quick ceasefire. Meanwhile, India and Mongolia deepened their bond with 10 new pacts covering uranium, oil refining, and defense. A $1.7 billion Indian-funded refinery will anchor Mongolia’s energy security by 2028, while New Delhi eyes its vast uranium and copper reserves. Back home, Google’s $15 billion bet on India made waves. Its new AI hub in Visakhapatnam will be the largest outside the US, built with Adani and Airtel. A subsea cable and mega data network aim to power India’s digital future. And finally, India’s exporters are on the brink of a windfall — duty-free access to Europe’s $25 trillion market. With the EU free trade deal nearly done, apparel exports could more than double. India’s trade game is shifting from America to Europe, one handshake at a time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    9 min
  8. Fixed Airfares Coming to India? | Tharoor’s Diplomatic Dig | India’s ₹6.4 Trillion Energy Push

    14 OCT

    Fixed Airfares Coming to India? | Tharoor’s Diplomatic Dig | India’s ₹6.4 Trillion Energy Push

    Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. 1. Trump’s “Peace Talk” Moment Gets Awkward At the Gaza Peace Summit in Egypt, Donald Trump had a classic off-script moment. While praising PM Modi, he turned around to ask Pakistan’s Shehbaz Sharif if India and Pakistan will “live very nicely together.” Sharif smiled, and the cameras loved it. Trump has been claiming he stopped a war between India and Pakistan last May by threatening massive tariffs. India denies any US mediation, saying peace came through direct talks. But Sharif played along, even crediting Trump and backing his Nobel Peace Prize nomination. Modi skipped the summit but praised Trump’s “sincere efforts.” What’s clear is Trump’s pushing his global peacemaker image—facts aside. #Trump #Modi #Sharif #IndiaPakistan #GazaPeaceSummit #USPolitics #Diplomacy 2. Tharoor Questions India’s Low-Key Presence at Peace Summit Congress leader Shashi Tharoor took a jab at India’s choice of sending a junior minister, Kirti Vardhan Singh, to a summit that saw 27 heads of state. He asked if it was “strategic restraint or a missed opportunity.” His point: when others send leaders, showing up with lower representation limits influence. The government says it was about maintaining strategic balance. Singh met Egypt’s President and reaffirmed India’s “commitment to peace.” #Tharoor #IndiaDiplomacy #GazaSummit #ForeignPolicy #MEAIndia 3. India–Canada Relations Hit Reset After two frosty years, India and Canada are thawing ties. Canadian FM Anita Anand met PM Modi and EAM Jaishankar, marking the first high-level visit since Trudeau’s 2023 accusation linking India to a Khalistani activist’s killing. Now, both sides unveiled a roadmap for trade, tech, clean energy, and AI. Canada’s move to designate the Bishnoi gang as terrorists helped rebuild trust. Analysts call this a pragmatic reset—choosing progress over politics. #IndiaCanada #AnitaAnand #Modi #Jaishankar #TradeTalks #Diplomacy 4. ‘Fare Se Fursat’: Fixed Airfares Take Off No more fare shocks. Alliance Air’s new scheme offers fixed prices regardless of when you book. Valid till Dec 2025, it’s part of India’s plan to make flying affordable. Minister Rammohan Naidu says it fits the UDAN vision—connecting smaller towns and making travel predictable. #FareSeFursat #AllianceAir #UDAN #AffordableFlying #IndiaAviation 5. India’s ₹6.4 Trillion Hydro Power Push India is going big on clean energy—tapping the Brahmaputra River to generate 76 GW by 2047. With China building dams upstream, this is as much about energy as it is about strategy. Arunachal leads with 52 GW potential. Two phases, massive spend, and a green target in sight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    11 min
See All (757)

About

Top of the Morning is a daily podcast hosted by Nelson John, in which we bring you all the action from the global markets and the business world to kick-start your day on a well-informed note. This is a Mint production, brought to you by HT Smartcast

Information

More From HT Smartcast

You Might Also Like