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

Air India Crash Sparks Urgent Jet Checks

After the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171 that claimed 260 lives, India’s aviation watchdog DGCA has ordered urgent inspections of fuel switch locking systems on all Boeing 737 and 787 aircraft in the country. A preliminary probe revealed that fuel supply to both engines was cut off within a second after takeoff, with cockpit recordings capturing confusion among the pilots. The incident has cast a spotlight on a 2018 FAA advisory that was not acted upon by Air India as it was non-mandatory. Over 150 aircraft are now being inspected, with DGCA setting a July 21 deadline. The crash has reignited debate on long-ignored safety warnings in Indian aviation.

Jaishankar to China: Peace First, Progress Next

In his first visit to China since the 2020 Galwan clash, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar told his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi that resolving border tensions is key to rebuilding trust. “Differences must not become disputes,” he said, urging both nations to maintain momentum in de-escalation and avoid restrictive trade practices—an indirect reference to China’s export curbs on critical minerals. The talks follow the October 2024 Modi-Xi meeting in Kazan and come ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation conclave. Jaishankar underlined that stable India-China ties are vital for global stability, calling for mutual respect and far-sighted diplomacy.

MRP Reform on the Cards: No More Fake Discounts?

Why does a product tagged ₹5,000 regularly sell at ₹2,500? The government wants to know. The Centre is considering a major revamp of the MRP (Maximum Retail Price) system, with plans to link prices to actual production and marketing costs. The aim is to prevent “price illusions” and deceptive discounts. A recent meeting led by the Consumer Affairs Department explored guidelines that could ensure more transparency in retail pricing. While officials insist it’s not about price control, industry players warn that cost-plus pricing may hurt flexibility and product variety. It’s early days yet—but the move could change how India shops.

Trump’s 50-Day Threat to Russia

Donald Trump has issued a 50-day deadline to Russia: broker peace with Ukraine or face 100% tariffs and secondary sanctions on oil buyers. In a high-stakes policy shift, the former president said countries purchasing Russian oil—including China and India—could also face penalties. The announcement was made during his meeting with NATO Secretary General and caused a brief rally in Russian markets, as investors welcomed the grace period. Trump also revealed a new U.S. weapons package for Ukraine, with NATO nations footing the bill. With the ceasefire deadline looming, global eyes are now on Moscow—and its oil partners.

Maglev Mania: China’s 600 kmph Train

In just seven seconds, it rockets to 600 kmph. China’s latest Maglev train is faster than a plane, covering the Beijing-Shanghai 1,200 km route in just 150 minutes. Unveiled at the 17th Modern Railways Expo, the train levitates using magnetic fields to eliminate friction—offering a silent, ultra-fast ride. A vacuum-tube test in Hubei Province clocked the train at 404 mph in under 7 seconds. Built by state-run CRRC, it boasts a futuristic interior and aerodynamic design. The full high-speed track is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. China isn’t just advancing rail tech—it’s reimagining time.

We meet weightlifter Mummy in this episode of What's it like. A 70 year old gym going woman who can deadlift 100kgs, can do planks, leg workout, etc. What motivated her to gym at an age when most people want to retire. What's her story, what's her motivation? #weightloss #weightlifters #weightlifting #gym #exercise #workout #diet #plank #deadlift #india #fitness #abhinavtrivedi #haryana #strengthtraining #strength ‪@Weightliftermummy‬

Chartered Accountant Vijay Kumar breaks down when and how to register for GST, covering key triggers, e-commerce rules, composition scheme, and the return filing process. Essential for freelancers, startups, and small businesses navigating India’s complex GST framework. A must-watch for entrepreneurs looking to stay compliant and avoid penalties. Watch the whole episode on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CuCKAh4gUs#gst #tax #smallbusiness

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

Recently a fake news surfaced online that UAE Govt is offering a Golden Visa or PR for 23 lakhs to residents of India. In this episode of Say What, we go down on the street & ask that if hypothetically this news turned out to be true, will you take the opportunity to move to Dubai in case a golden visa or PR is offered in 23 lakhs.#dubai #india #goldenvisa #uae #middleeast #immigrants #indians #sharjah #travel #toursim

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.Jet-Lagged in Kerala, may finally leave for home

Jet-Lagged in Kerala, may finally leave for home

A $115 million British F-35B stealth jet has been grounded at Thiruvananthapuram airport since June 14 after bad weather forced it to divert from the HMS Prince of Wales. While engineers work on repairs, the jet has turned into a social media sensation. Kerala Tourism joined the fun with a viral post: “Kerala is such an amazing place, I don’t want to leave.” Cartoons have popped up showing the jet enjoying chai and snacks under palm trees. The UK Defence Ministry has dismissed rumors about dismantling and flying it back via cargo. The aircraft is expected to take off again as early as next week.

Nipah Returns: Kerala on Guard

Kerala is back on high alert after two confirmed cases of the deadly Nipah virus—one fatal. An 18-year-old girl from Malappuram died, while a 38-year-old woman from Palakkad is undergoing treatment. Nearly 500 people are on the contact list, with 29 in the highest-risk category. Despite this, no new cases have been reported, and containment zones in Malappuram have been lifted. A central health team is on the ground coordinating efforts. Nipah is a zoonotic virus with no vaccine, but Kerala’s public health system has managed past outbreaks with early detection and isolation.

Vedanta Called a ‘Parasite’ in Explosive Report

In a scathing 87-page report, US-based Viceroy Research accused Vedanta Resources Ltd (VRL) of draining its Indian arm, Vedanta Ltd (VEDL), through aggressive dividend extraction, shady internal loans, and dubious brand fees. The report calls VRL a “parasite” with no meaningful operations of its own, relying on the Mumbai-listed company to survive. It highlights over $8 billion in dividends paid by VEDL despite falling cash flows, unexplained interest costs, and $1 billion in suspect loans. Viceroy also flagged flashy project announcements with little follow-through, a revolving door of senior execs, and 107 legal disclosures since 2022—far more than peers like Tata Steel. The takeaway? A pattern of poor governance and financial engineering.

Tax Relief for Green Investors

The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) just received a big push from the finance ministry. Its bonds are now classified as ‘long-term specified assets’ under Section 54EC of the Income Tax Act. Translation: investors can save capital gains tax by investing up to ₹50 lakh annually in these bonds. The proceeds will be used exclusively for revenue-generating renewable energy projects. IREDA chairman Pradip Kumar Das hailed the move as a “pivotal moment” for green finance. The company posted a strong Q4 profit rise but saw a dip in Q1 earnings. Nonetheless, its stock ended 2.26% higher.

Glenmark’s $700 Million Global Leap

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals has struck gold with the biggest outlicensing deal in Indian pharma history. Its US-based unit, Ichnos Glenmark Innovation (IGI), has licensed a breakthrough blood cancer drug to AbbVie for $700 million upfront, with total potential payouts of $1.93 billion. The drug, ISB 2001, is a trispecific antibody targeting multiple myeloma—an aggressive blood cancer that resists conventional treatments. The therapy is still in early trials but has already received orphan and fast track designations from the FDA. Glenmark will retain rights in India and emerging markets, while AbbVie takes it global. “This puts India on the world map,” said Glenmark MD Glenn Saldanha.

Donald Trump’s sudden love for Africa isn’t about aid or friendship, despite all the smiles and kind words during the recent summit. It’s about minerals, strategy, and beating China at the global supply game.

This explainer dives into why Africa has become the new front in a high-stakes resource war, and what’s really driving U.S. trade deals across the continent.

Watch the whole episode in YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0WbFyMf3Fw#trade #america #africa #china #dominance

A massive nationwide strike on July 9 is likely to impact banking, postal and state transport services, as over 25 crore workers are expected to take part in a Bharat Bandh. As per trade unions, electricity supply in the country could also be hit... since over 27 lakh power workers will join the strike. But what exactly is this Bharat Bandh all about? Why are people protesting, who is likely to participate, and where did this 25 crore figure come from?

Watch the whole episode on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2d_xBvEYxuw#bharatbandh #strike #india #trade #protest