Episodios

  • India–China Skies Reopen | Toxic Syrup Scare | France Erupts Again

    India–China Skies Reopen | Toxic Syrup Scare | France Erupts Again
    Oct 3 2025
    Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Putin’s Nuclear Warning At the Valdai forum, Putin warned Russia will resume nuclear tests if “any other nuclear power” does first. He mocked NATO as the real “paper tiger,” threatened escalation if the US sends Tomahawks to Ukraine, and tied confidence to Russia’s new Oreshnik missile complex. With New START treaty set to expire in February, Putin says extension is possible — but only if Washington wants it. Tensions rose further after France detained a Russian-linked tanker, which Putin blasted as “piracy.” The standoff with the West is now being likened to the Cuban Missile Crisis. India–China Flights Return After five years, direct flights resume this month. IndiGo will start Kolkata–Guangzhou on Oct 26, with Delhi routes to follow. China Eastern likely next. The move signals thawing ties after Ladakh clashes froze relations and grounded flights. For Beijing, restoring air links was top priority to boost trade with India. France’s Streets Erupt Again 195,000 protesters marched in 200+ cities, shutting the Eiffel Tower and disrupting trains, schools, and hospitals. Unions demand more public spending and reversal of pension reforms. New PM Lecornu faces pressure even before unveiling the budget. Protests echo last month’s massive half-million march — France’s unrest shows no sign of cooling. Customs Clash in Chennai Wintrack Inc quit India, alleging bribery at Chennai Customs. The department hit back with evidence of undeclared goods, misclassified items, and missing permits, calling the allegations a deflection. A central probe is underway, with the Finance Ministry to decide who’s guilty. Toxic Syrup Scare in Pune After six child deaths from contaminated cough syrup in MP and cases in Rajasthan, Pune’s FDA launched emergency inspections across 10,000+ retailers and 8,000 distributors. No central order triggered it — local regulators acted fast, warning chemists not to stock unverified products. #Putin #Russia #Nuclear #IndiaChina #Aviation #FranceProtests #Macron #ChennaiCustoms #Trade #CoughSyrup #HealthIndia #GlobalNews Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    7 m
  • Zoho’s Arattai vs WhatsApp | Gandhi Statue Defaced | India Rails Into Bhutan | RBI’s Rate Dilemma

    Zoho’s Arattai vs WhatsApp | Gandhi Statue Defaced | India Rails Into Bhutan | RBI’s Rate Dilemma
    Sep 30 2025
    Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Trump’s Gaza Peace Gambit Trump dropped a 20-point peace plan at the White House with Netanyahu by his side. Israel accepted instantly, Hamas is silent. The plan: all Oct 7 hostages freed in 72 hrs, Israel releases 2,000+ prisoners, grim body-for-body swaps, Israeli withdrawal only after Hamas fully disarms. Gaza gets a temporary technocratic govt — no Hamas. Trump wants a global “Board of Peace” led by figures like Tony Blair. Bold but controversial: Israel keeps a security buffer inside Gaza. For Hamas, it’s not a truce, it’s political extinction. India–Bhutan Rail Links ₹4,033 crore for two new lines linking Bhutan’s Gelephu & Samtse with India’s vast network. 90 km track, 125 bridges, completion in four years. Bhutan finally gets rail access to ports, Nepal, Bangladesh. Gelephu is key — it’s becoming an autonomous economic hub. India backs it fully, countering China’s growing Himalayan footprint. Gandhi Statue Vandalized in London Days before his 155th birth anniversary, vandals defaced Gandhi’s memorial in Tavistock Square, a peace garden. India’s High Commission condemned the act as an attack on Gandhi’s legacy. The timing shows this wasn’t random — it was deliberate, and deeply symbolic. Arattai: India’s WhatsApp Challenger Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal joined Zoho’s homegrown messaging app Arattai, calling it “Swadeshi.” With encryption and data staying in India, it signals a push for digital self-reliance. The question: can it dent WhatsApp’s billion-user lead? Will RBI Follow Fed’s Cut? The US Fed cut rates by 25 bps. India’s RBI meets Oct 1. Experts are split: domestic inflation keeps RBI cautious, but Fed cuts may open a small window. For investors: if RBI cuts, banks, autos, and real estate could rally. #Trump #Gaza #MiddleEastPeace #IndiaBhutan #Geopolitics #Gandhi #London #Arattai #DigitalIndia #RBI #FederalReserve #Markets #GlobalFinance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    9 m
  • Trump’s “Triple Sabotage” at UN | Big Boost for Medical Seats | India-Australia Organic Pact

    Trump’s “Triple Sabotage” at UN | Big Boost for Medical Seats | India-Australia Organic Pact
    Sep 25 2025
    Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Ladakh Erupts in Violence What began as a hunger strike turned into Ladakh’s deadliest unrest in years. Four dead, 60+ injured, and Leh under lockdown after protesters demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule protections clashed with security forces, torching buildings and vehicles. Activist Sonam Wangchuk is accused by the Home Ministry of provoking “Arab Spring-style” protests, though he denies it. Talks with Delhi are set for October 6. Private Sector Enters Stealth Race L&T and BEL are teaming up to bid for India’s stealth fighter project, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft. With ₹15,000 crore sanctioned for prototypes, the IAF plans to induct 120 jets by 2035. This marks a major shift from HAL’s monopoly as private defense firms compete in India’s biggest aerospace contract. India-Australia Organic Pact A new deal recognizes each other’s organic certifications, unlocking smoother trade. India exports just $9M worth of organics to Australia today, but the pact could boost prices for farmers and open markets in cereals, spices, tea, and wine. Australia leads with 53M hectares of organic farmland; India has the most organic producers worldwide. Trump’s “Triple Sabotage” at UN Donald Trump cried foul after his UN speech was marred by an escalator stop, a dead teleprompter, and sound glitches. He called it “sabotage,” but UN officials said the mishaps were linked to his own team and budget cuts triggered by delayed US payments. Big Boost for Medical Seats The cabinet cleared ₹15,034 crore to add 5,023 MBBS and 5,000 PG seats. India has doubled capacity since 2014, yet 20 lakh aspirants still chase limited spots. The rapid expansion faces hurdles: faculty shortages and unaffordable private fees. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    8 m
  • H-1B Lottery Overhaul | Kerala Brain Infection | Swiggy–Rapido Deal | India’s Defense Plant in Africa

    H-1B Lottery Overhaul | Kerala Brain Infection | Swiggy–Rapido Deal | India’s Defense Plant in Africa
    Sep 24 2025
    Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Trump Turns on India at UN Donald Trump used the UNGA stage to take two direct swipes at India. First, he boasted yet again about “stopping a war” between India and Pakistan — angling for that Nobel Peace Prize. India clarified it halted Operation Sindoor at Pakistan’s request, not Washington’s. Then came the sharper blow: accusing India and China of “funding Putin’s war” by buying Russian oil. Tariffs on Indian imports are already at 50%, with threats of more to come. Modi has stayed silent, while Shashi Tharoor called Trump’s moves “mercurial” — unpredictable today, possibly favorable tomorrow. Kerala Battles Brain-Eating Amoeba Kerala confirmed 80 cases and 21 deaths from amoebic meningoencephalitis, caused by Naegleria fowleri. It spreads when contaminated freshwater enters the nose. Authorities stress seawater, tap water, and chlorinated pools are safe. The state’s focus is aggressive testing and chlorination, which is helping save lives. India’s First Defence Plant in Africa Rajnath Singh inaugurated Tata’s new defence facility in Morocco — India’s first in Africa. The plant will produce WhAP 8x8 armoured vehicles for Morocco’s Royal Army. More than a “Make in India” story, this is about India exporting defence technology and creating a global footprint. H-1B Hurdles Get Higher The US Homeland Security Dept plans to revamp the H-1B system, favoring higher-paid applicants over random selection. Coupled with Trump’s $100,000 visa fee, this creates steep barriers for Indian engineers, especially entry-level talent. Swiggy Cashes Out of Rapido Swiggy sold its entire Rapido stake for ₹2,400 crore to Prosus and WestBridge, booking nearly 2.5x returns. Ironically, Rapido is now launching its own food delivery arm to rival Swiggy and Zomato. The windfall helps Swiggy offset heavy losses despite surging revenues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    9 m
  • UK vs US: Talent Tug of War | India Plans Bodyguard Satellites | France Recognizes Palestine at UNGA | Trump Spares Doctors

    UK vs US: Talent Tug of War | India Plans Bodyguard Satellites | France Recognizes Palestine at UNGA | Trump Spares Doctors
    Sep 23 2025
    Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. India–US: From Punches to Handshakes Tariffs up, visas priced at $100K, and sharp words over Russian oil — yet, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and India’s S Jaishankar met in New York calling each other “critical partners.” It’s not routine diplomacy, it’s damage control. Behind the public sparring, Modi and Trump quietly announced a reset: trade talks are back, with Piyush Goyal already in the US pushing a bilateral deal. Sometimes the loudest fights happen right before breakthroughs. #IndiaUS #TradeTalks #Diplomacy Space: The New Battlefield An Indian satellite found itself shadowed just 1 km away by a foreign craft, sparking fears of space warfare. India is now building “bodyguard satellites” to shield its 100+ fleet from threats, while China boasts over 930. With $3B earmarked for surveillance satellites, New Delhi is gearing up for an orbital arms race. #SpaceSecurity #ISRO #China UK vs US: Talent Tug of War Trump’s $100K H-1B visa bomb could drive Indian talent out of Silicon Valley. Britain smells opportunity — Keir Starmer plans zero visa fees for scientists and engineers. With 70% of H-1B visas historically going to Indians, London could turn into the new magnet for global talent. #GlobalTalent #UKImmigration #H1B Macron’s Bold Move France formally recognized Palestinian statehood at the UN, joining a growing chorus for a two-state solution. Nearly 65,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza since 2022, yet Israel and the US reject recognition. Macron insists it’s not about politics anymore, it’s about lives. #Palestine #France #Peace Trump’s Visa Twist: Doctors Spared After the $100K visa fee shocked tech workers, the White House clarified exemptions for physicians and medical residents. With 76 million Americans in doctor shortage areas, Trump’s move risked crippling healthcare — especially in rural strongholds. Exemptions are a lifeline for hospitals. #H1B #Healthcare #Trump Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    9 m
  • Adani Gets Clean Slate | US Sanctions Iran Port - Big Blow For India | UK Lands £150bn US Investment

    Adani Gets Clean Slate | US Sanctions Iran Port - Big Blow For India | UK Lands £150bn US Investment
    Sep 19 2025
    Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Alliances Redrawn: Pakistan & Saudi’s Security Pact Riyadh and Islamabad just inked a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, pledging to treat an attack on one as an attack on both. Pakistan formalizes decades of unofficial military support, gaining Saudi investment, while Saudi taps Pakistan’s nuclear and military heft. India, already deepening defense ties with Riyadh, is left rethinking strategy. Chabahar Shock: India’s $250M Gamble at Risk The US revoked sanctions relief on Iran’s Chabahar Port, effective Sept 29. For India, Chabahar is a crucial link to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan. Now New Delhi faces a brutal choice: risk US sanctions or abandon years of investment and regional influence. Lavrov Fires Back: Ancient Civilizations Won’t Bow Russia’s Sergey Lavrov mocked Washington’s tariff threats, defending India and China as “ancient civilizations” that won’t bend. With Trump slapping 50% tariffs on India for buying Russian oil, Lavrov warned America’s pressure play may be backfiring. Adani Cleared: Loopholes and Lessons SEBI just gave Gautam Adani a clean slate after Hindenburg’s allegations. Turns out Adani did route funds via intermediaries, but it wasn’t illegal then. Rules only tightened in 2021. The case exposes how corporate giants exploit regulatory gaps—and why timing is everything. Britain’s £150bn Mirage London hailed massive US investment pledges—Microsoft (£22bn), Google (£5bn), Blackstone (£90bn). But job losses outpace promises, and giants like Merck and AstraZeneca are fleeing. Critics say the UK risks becoming a launchpad for US firms, not a growth hub itself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    9 m
  • Trump's Birthday Call to Modi | TikTok's Oracle Lifeline | France Faces Massive Strike | Father Fights to Clear Dead Pilot's Name

    Trump's Birthday Call to Modi | TikTok's Oracle Lifeline | France Faces Massive Strike | Father Fights to Clear Dead Pilot's Name
    Sep 17 2025
    Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Oracle's TikTok Lifeline Oracle, Andreessen Horowitz plot TikTok takeover to dodge US ban. ByteDance drops to <20% ownership while American investors grab majority. Trump-Xi call Friday decides fate of 170M users. India Gets 2nm Chips ARM opens Bengaluru lab designing world's most advanced 2nm chips for AI servers. Only second company after Renesas to hit this milestone in India. 278 institutions now have chip design tools. Birthday Call Saves Trade Trump's birthday wishes to Modi breaks trade war ice. Personal chemistry restarts India-US talks after weeks of tension over Russian oil purchases and 50% tariffs. Diplomacy through friendship works. France Explodes Thursday 800,000 protesters to flood French streets against Macron's austerity budget. Unions call it "horror show" as roads, rails, schools shut down. Biggest protest since 2023 pension reform chaos. Dad Fights Crash Probe 91-year-old father demands formal investigation into Air India crash killing 241. Accuses authorities of selective leaks tarnishing pilot son's 25-year unblemished career. Wants independent panel with Supreme Court judge. #TikTok #Oracle #ARM #Bengaluru #ModiTrump #FranceStrikes #AirIndia #USChina #IndianTech #Austerity #PlaneCrash #TechNews #GlobalNews #Breaking Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    10 m
  • IRCTC: No ID, No Seat | Gaza Under Fire | Dehradun Cloudburst | India–US Trade Resume

    IRCTC: No ID, No Seat | Gaza Under Fire | Dehradun Cloudburst | India–US Trade Resume
    Sep 16 2025
    Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. India's Supreme Court delivered a crushing victory for the Ambani family, declaring their massive Vantara zoo legally untouchable and slamming the door on future complaints. The 3,500-acre facility housing 2,000 species survived allegations of smuggling and money laundering after a thorough investigation. Meanwhile, India-US trade talks resumed with Washington's chief negotiator flying to New Delhi. After the US slapped brutal 50% tariffs on India over Russian oil purchases, both sides are pushing for a deal by fall 2025. The stakes are high - India's been cozying up to China while these talks stalled. Domestically, railways announced that starting October 1, only Aadhaar-verified users can book tickets during the crucial first 15 minutes online. Out of 130 million IRCTC users, only 12 million are verified - meaning 118 million need to authenticate or wait. Nature struck Uttarakhand as cloudbursts swallowed the ancient Tapkeshwar temple in Dehradun. No lives lost, but it's part of escalating Himalayan disasters that killed 200+ in 2021's Chamoli catastrophe. Globally, Gaza burns under relentless bombing just after US Secretary Rubio's Jerusalem visit backing Israel's assault. At least 16 Palestinians died as America signals no immediate ceasefire push. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    11 m