Épisodes

  • 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 min
  • 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 min
  • 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 min
  • 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 min
  • 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 min
  • GST Cuts Trigger Stock Clearance | Trump Responds To Brutal Dallas Case | Tax Dept Busts Rumor

    GST Cuts Trigger Stock Clearance | Trump Responds To Brutal Dallas Case | Tax Dept Busts Rumor
    Sep 15 2025
    Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. No Extension on ITR Filing The Income Tax Department has shut down viral fake news about another deadline extension. September 15 stays the final date to file returns, despite a bogus notice circulating online. Over 6 crore ITRs have already been filed, and officials are urging last-minute filers to act now. #IncomeTax #ITRFiling #FakeNewsAlert #TaxDeadline GST Cuts Spark FMCG Rush India’s consumer goods majors are liquidating stock before GST rates drop on September 22. From shampoo to butter, taxes will fall sharply, pushing HUL, P&G, and L’Oréal to offer steep discounts. The idea: clear old inventory before new lower prices kick in. Consumers could see big festival season savings. #GSTCuts #FMCG #Discounts #FestivalShopping Dallas Murder Fuels Immigration Clash An Indian-origin motel manager was brutally beheaded in Dallas by a Cuban migrant with a long criminal record. The suspect had avoided deportation after Cuba refused to take him back. The killing has ignited a political firestorm, with Trump blaming the Biden administration’s immigration policies. #DallasMurder #ImmigrationCrisis #Trump #USPolitics Far-Right Surge in London Over 100,000 people joined Tommy Robinson’s “Unite the Kingdom” march, one of the largest far-right rallies in UK history. The protest focused on immigration, with clashes breaking out between demonstrators and counter-protesters. Police made multiple arrests as tensions ran high. #LondonProtest #FarRight #ImmigrationDebate #UKPolitics Tata Bets Big with Global JVs Tata International is investing $100 million in two joint ventures — one with Mitsubishi to expand in Africa, and another with Mercuria for commodities trading. The goal is clear: move beyond shoes and auto parts and emerge as a global trading powerhouse. #TataInternational #GlobalTrade #Mitsubishi #Mercuria Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    11 min
  • Mahindra E20 Fuel Advisory | No Palestinian State: Netanyahu | Canada Tightens Student Visas

    Mahindra E20 Fuel Advisory | No Palestinian State: Netanyahu | Canada Tightens Student Visas
    Sep 12 2025
    Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Infosys is launching its largest-ever buyback, repurchasing shares worth ₹18,000 crore at a 19% premium. The move matches TCS’s record buyback but covers a bigger slice of equity, signalling confidence after a 20% stock slump this year. Analysts say it’s a clear sign the stock is undervalued, even as the IT sector battles slowing growth and cautious investors. PM Mark Carney announced Canada will cap temporary residents, including foreign students, at under 5% of the population by 2027. Already, Indian students are reeling — four out of five faced rejections this quarter, with study permits dropping 66% year-on-year. The cuts reflect anti-immigrant sentiment and pressure on housing and jobs, reshaping Canada’s image as a top study hub. Donald Trump’s pick for US ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, told senators a trade deal with New Delhi could be sealed “within weeks.” He credited Trump’s personal friendship with PM Modi for keeping talks alive despite earlier tensions over Russian oil. The plan: deepen defence ties, push big-ticket arms sales, and double trade to $500 billion by 2030. In the West Bank, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu bluntly declared: “There will never be a Palestinian state.” He signed off on the $1 billion E1 settlement project, a move critics say could kill the two-state solution. The announcement, coming days after Israel’s strike attempt on Hamas leaders in Qatar, risks isolating Israel further as some Western nations weigh recognising Palestine at the UN. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    11 min
  • Modi Rebukes Israel | UPI Raises Limit | UN Spat with Switzerland | Wangchuk’s 35-Day Fast

    Modi Rebukes Israel | UPI Raises Limit | UN Spat with Switzerland | Wangchuk’s 35-Day Fast
    Sep 11 2025
    Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. Wangchuk’s Hunger Protest in Ladakh Sonam Wangchuk has begun a 35-day fast, demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule protection for Ladakh. With Gandhi Jayanti as a symbolic milestone, Wangchuk says Delhi’s silence has pushed locals to the edge. Patience is running thin since Article 370’s revocation left the region without autonomy. UPI Levels Up Digital payments just got a boost. Starting Sept 15, UPI limits rise to ₹10 lakh for insurance, travel, and capital markets, and ₹6 lakh for credit card and jewellery purchases. With over 10 billion monthly transactions, UPI is now more than small payments — it’s India’s financial backbone. Modi Rebukes Israel Over Qatar Strike Israel’s hit on Hamas leaders inside Doha drew an unusually sharp response from PM Modi, condemning the “violation of Qatar’s sovereignty.” With 8.3 lakh Indians in Qatar and $14 billion trade ties, India’s balancing act between Israel and Qatar just got trickier as ceasefire efforts wobble. Defense Deals Survive Tariff Storm Despite Trump’s tariff offensive, the US and India are moving ahead with talks for six more P-8I surveillance aircraft worth $4B. With China looming in the Indian Ocean, both sides know defense ties outweigh political spats. India’s Diplomatic Punch at UN When Switzerland criticized India on minority rights, diplomat Kshitij Tyagi hit back, citing Swiss racism and xenophobia. With Switzerland chairing the UNHRC, India’s rebuttal was sharp and unapologetic — a sign of growing confidence to push back on global criticism. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    11 min